This summer, as America celebrates its 250th anniversary, the U.S. bishops will consecrate our nation to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus on June 11. This historic act invites Catholic families to draw closer to Christ in a deeply personal way. As Archbishop Paul Etienne of Seattle writes in a new pastoral letter, devotion to the Sacred Heart is “nothing else than an exercise of love,” leading us into greater communion and intimacy with Jesus — the One who says, “Learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart” (Matthew 11:29).
The ultimate goal of this devotion, the archbishop explains, is that “the heart of Jesus and the human heart become one.” He reminds us, “The Heart of Jesus… is not an image to be contemplated, but a person to be known, a love to be received, and a mystery into which the Church is drawn."
Here are five practical ways your family can grow in this intimate knowledge of Christ’s Sacred Heart.
1. Enthrone an image of the Sacred Heart in your home
Enthroning a beautiful image or statue of the Sacred Heart in a central place in the home makes Christ’s presence visible and invites daily contemplation. Archbishop Etienne shares how both sets of his grandparents kept such images prominently displayed — paintings in the dining room and statues in the bedroom — shaping his own lifelong awareness of Jesus.
Gather your family to bless and enthrone the image. Pray together, asking Jesus to reign in your home. This simple act turns the household into a school of intimacy, where family members frequently lift their eyes to the Lord who knows and loves them personally.
2. Pray the Morning Offering as a family
A cornerstone of Sacred Heart devotion is the Morning Offering, which can unite the whole family’s entire day — prayers, works, joys, and sufferings — to the loving Heart of Jesus. The archbishop recalls his family praying this daily after grace before meals, a practice that taught him to live in ongoing communion with Christ.
Use a traditional version: “O Jesus, through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, I offer You my prayers, works, joys and sufferings of this day…” Make it part of breakfast or dinner. Over time, this prayer cultivates a heart-to-heart relationship, helping children and adults alike experience that Jesus is present in every ordinary moment.
3. Practice the First Friday Devotion together
Jesus revealed to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque his desire for Communion on the First Friday of each month in reparation for sins and indifference. This practice opens families to receive Christ’s merciful love more deeply in the Eucharist.
Attend Mass as a family on First Fridays when possible, receive Holy Communion with devotion, and spend time in adoration. At home, offer prayers of reparation and gratitude. These moments foster intimacy by drawing the family into Christ’s own self-giving love, healing wounds and deepening a relationship with Him.
4. Invoke the Sacred Heart throughout the day
Short, heartfelt invocations such as “Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us” or “Jesus, meek and humble of heart, make our hearts like unto Thine” can be woven into daily life. Archbishop Etienne encourages frequent use of these prayers to “keep your eyes fixed on Jesus” (Hebrews 12:2).
During car rides, chores, or meals, pause to share one way you experienced God’s love that day or one prayer intention to offer to His Heart. These small habits transform routine into relationship, helping every family member know Christ not as a distant figure but as a loving friend.
5. Pray a Family Act of Consecration
Following the bishops’ lead, make a formal act of consecration as a household. The pastoral letter highlights that true devotion leads to transformation — Christ dwelling in our hearts and shaping them according to His own.
Pray a simple family consecration prayer (many are available, or use one from USCCB resources, or from here at Aleteia) on the Feast of the Sacred Heart or monthly. Renew it regularly. This act entrusts your family’s joys, struggles, and future to Jesus, fostering a profound sense of belonging to Him.
As the U.S. bishops consecrate America to the Sacred Heart, families have a beautiful opportunity to respond by seeking deeper intimacy with the Lord who loves us completely. Through these practices, homes become places where hearts truly meet the Heart of Jesus — receiving His mercy, learning His humility, and sharing His ardent love with the world.
Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us. Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us.
