Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph

The Feast of the Holy Family reminds us to look at the love, faith, and trust shared by Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. In all three years, the readings show how the Holy Family lived with care and obedience to God. One Gospel tells how they fled to Egypt to protect Jesus. Another shares the story of Jesus being found in the temple, speaking with the teachers. These moments show how they listened to God and stayed close to each other.

Other readings speak about family life, kindness, and respect. Paul writes about being patient, forgiving, and loving in our homes. We are reminded to honor parents and care for each other. The Feast of the Holy Family calls us to follow their example—by praying together, helping one another, and trusting God in daily life.

Click on the appropriate year below to see resources, themes, homilies, and more. See how to determine the correct year.

Feast of the Holy Family Year A
Feast of the Holy Family Year B
Feast of the Holy Family Year C

Mass Readings for the Feast of the Holy Family Year A

See resources, homilies, and more for the Feast of the Holy Family Year A readings here.

• First Reading – Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14: God values honoring one’s parents. Respecting them brings many blessings, including answered prayers, long life, and comfort for mothers. Care for aging parents kindly and patiently.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 128: Respecting and following the Lord leads to personal blessings, a prosperous family, and a long, fulfilling life observing Jerusalem’s success.
• Second Reading – Colossians 3:12-22: Adopt virtues like compassion and kindness, forgive each other, and let Christ’s peace and message guide you. Act in all things with gratitude in the name of Jesus.
• Gospel – Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23: Joseph, following angelic directions in dreams, fled with Mary and Jesus to Egypt to escape Herod’s threat, returned to Israel after Herod’s death, and settled in Nazareth as foretold by prophets.

Mass Readings for the Feast of the Holy Family Year B

See resources, homilies, and more for the Feast of the Holy Family Year B readings here.

• First Reading – Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14: God honors the authority of parents. Respecting one’s father and mother brings blessings, atonement for sins, and longevity. Caring for aging parents is a lasting act of kindness.
• Alternate First Reading – Genesis 15:1-6; 21:1-3: God promises Abram a great reward, assuring him his own descendants will be numerous as stars. Abram’s faith is counted as righteousness, and Sarah bears him a son, Isaac, as promised.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 128: Those who revere the Lord and follow His ways are blessed. They will prosper in their work, have a fruitful family, and witness Jerusalem’s prosperity throughout their lives.
• Alternate Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 105: Thank the Lord and declare His deeds. Rejoice in seeking Him, remembering He is our God, whose just rule extends worldwide. He forever upholds His covenant with Abraham and Isaac.
• Second Reading – Colossians 3:12-21: As God’s chosen, embrace compassion, kindness, humility, and patience. Forgive as the Lord forgave you and let Christ’s peace rule your heart. In all things, act with thankfulness to God.
• Alternate Second Reading – Hebrews 11:8, 11-12, 17-19: Abraham’s faith led him to unknown lands and enabled him to father descendants despite old age and Sarah’s sterility. His faith was tested when he offered Isaac, trusting in God’s promise.
• Gospel – Luke 2:22-40: Joseph and Mary presented Jesus at the temple, fulfilling the law. Simeon, guided by the Holy Spirit, recognized Jesus as the Messiah, prophesying His impact and Mary’s future sorrow. The prophetess Anna also acknowledged Jesus, praising God and speaking of Him to those awaiting Jerusalem’s redemption. Afterward, they returned to Nazareth, where Jesus grew strong and wise, with God’s favor.

Mass Readings for the Feast of the Holy Family Year C

See resources, homilies, and more for the Feast of the Holy Family Year C readings here.

• First Reading – Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14: Respect and care for parents brings spiritual and personal benefits, including answered prayers and a long life.
• Alternate First Reading – 1 Samuel 1:20-22, 24-28: Hannah gave birth to Samuel after praying for a child. She dedicated him to the LORD at the temple in Shiloh once he was weaned.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 128: Honoring and following the Lord’s ways brings happiness, prosperity in one’s work, a fruitful family, and a blessed life.
• Alternate Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 84: My soul longs for the LORD’s sanctuary, finding joy and strength there. Those who live in God’s house are continually blessed and praise Him.
• Second Reading – Colossians 3:12-21: Embrace virtues like compassion and kindness, forgive each other, and let Christ’s peace rule your hearts. Teach, advise, and sing with gratitude, doing all in Jesus’ name.
• Alternate Second Reading – 1 John 3:1-2, 21-24: We are God’s children, loved deeply by Him. We remain in Him by obeying His command to believe in Jesus and love one another, confirmed by His Spirit within us.
• Gospel – Luke 2:41-52: At twelve, Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem during Passover to discuss scripture with temple teachers, astounding many with his understanding, before returning home obediently.

Lookup Other Liturgical Dates in the Lectionary

The Bible is the complete collection of sacred books. The Lectionary is a book used at Mass that includes selected readings from the Bible. These readings follow the Church calendar and help us focus on important parts of our faith. The Lectionary does not include every verse, but it gives us key passages for each Sunday and holy day. The Feast of the Holy Family has special readings that reflect on family life and the example of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph.

The Lectionary is arranged in cycles. Sundays follow a three-year cycle: Year A, Year B, and Year C. Each year highlights a different Gospel. Weekday readings follow a two-year cycle. The Gospel of John is often used during Lent and Easter. In the United States, the New American Bible is used for all readings at Mass. This ensures that Catholics across the country hear the same Scriptures, including those for the Feast of the Holy Family.

How to Determine the Liturgical Year

The liturgical cycle is a three-year sequence of A, B, and C.

• 2024 is Year B
• 2025 is Year C
• 2026 is Year A
• 2027 is Year B
• 2028 is Year C
• 2029 is Year A
• 2030 is Year B
• 2031 is Year C
• … and so on

The Feast of the Holy Family celebrates Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. It reminds us that family life is holy when it is built on love, patience, and trust in God. In one Gospel, the family flees to Egypt to keep Jesus safe. In another, Jesus is found in the temple, teaching and listening.

In all three years, we see how the Holy Family listens to God and cares for one another. They face fear and change, but they stay together. Their example shows us how to live with faith in daily life.

Other readings talk about kindness, respect, and forgiveness. Paul tells families to be patient, gentle, and thankful. Children are told to honor their parents, and parents to love with care.

The Feast of the Holy Family is a time to look at our own families. We are invited to follow their example by loving, listening, and growing in faith together.

The Feast of the Holy Family invites us to think about how we live with others. Are we showing kindness, patience, and respect in our homes?

Take time to read the Scriptures for this feast. Think about what you can do to bring more peace and love to your family. Share your thoughts in the comment section. Others may be helped by what you share.