Family Foot Washing
We hear John the Baptist today talking about not being “worthy to loosen the thongs of his sandals” when referring to Jesus, yet we know he baptized Jesus. Today’s foot washing activity helps families remember that we too are called to mirror John’s humility and serve one another while pointing them towards Christ.
Invite your family to wash each other’s feet at home. Ensure that everyone gets a turn. You’ll need some towels (one for the floor and others for drying the feet), a chair, a pitcher or large glass of warm water, and a basin or large bowl. Prepare the space with a towel on the floor and a chair on top of that. Have the other items nearby. Begin by reading John 13:1-15. Then invite each family member to have their feet washed. When someone gets their feet washed:
Help Us Prepare
Lord,
You send prophets as your messengers to help point us back to you.
Thank you for John the Baptist, who reminds us to prepare for your coming. Help us to be like him:
proclaiming your goodness and sharing your Word with others, even when it is not an easy or popular thing to do.
Guide our actions and open our eyes so that we may “prepare the way of the Lord” in our home.
We ask this in your all-powerful Name. Amen.
How many times did you hear the Holy Spirit mentioned at Mass today?
Call your local parish and get a list of
a few people who are homebound or in nursing care. Make (and send) homemade
Christmas cards with words of hope and encouragement.
The third Sunday of Advent is traditionally called Gaudete Sunday. Gaudete is the Latin word meaning “rejoice.” Some people mark this Sunday on their Advent wreath with a pink candle instead of a purple candle. This Sunday is a joyful reminder that our salvation is near.
© Copyright 2026 Archdiocese of Detroit. All rights reserved. Excerpts from the Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition © 1970, 1986, 1997, 1998, 2001 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., Washington, D.C. All rights reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.
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