If you would like your house blessed, Fr. Elijah will be happy to schedule an appointment after Sunday, 1 February. Please let him know, and he will schedule a day and time. Please keep in mind the following points (gratefully borrowed from the Ascetic Life of Motherhood Blog)… • Have a lit candle and icon ready, either in your family prayer corner or in a prominent place. Typically this is where the house blessing begins. He will typically bring holy water and a way to disperse it. During the blessing, the priest will offer a prayer service in front of the icon corner (or again, in front of the designated icon/candle). • At the appointed time, he will gesture for you to lead him through the house. Usually, the head of the house will lead the priest throughout the home, bringing him to each room. Some might even hold the candle with them as they process. Lead him to each room, and the rest of the family can follow. To prepare, make sure each door is already opened and ready to go with the lights on. Turn off the television or radio and make the atmosphere appropriate for prayer.• Once the house has been blessed, he will bless each person present by sprinkling holy water on you! Some priests will have you prepare a list of family members to pray for as well. • Always check with your priest prior to make sure you have everything needed for your house blessing, as these vary between local customs.