Jubilee family prayer resources

The Biblical Jubilee

Preparation: Print the Jubilee colouring page

Take a moment to look at the Jubilee colouring page together. What stands out for you? Is there anything you are curious about?

Then have someone in the family read the following:

"And you shall consecrate the fiftieth year and proclaim liberty throughout the land to all its inhabitants. It shall be a Jubilee for you.” (Leviticus 25:10)

After years of wandering through the wilderness, the people of Israel reached Mount Sinai and God gave their leader, Moses, instructions for how they should live in their new land. One of the things that he spoke about was the Year of the Jubilee which was to take place every fifty years and be a fresh start for the people. Debts were to be cancelled, the people and the land would rest and all the people were to be free.

(You could also watch the CAFOD Jubilee animation together)

As you colour the illustration you may like to discuss the following questions:
Why do you think God told the people of Israel to have a Jubilee Year?
What things can we see that need fixing or a new start?
What can we do together to be part of God’s Jubilee?

You may like to display your coloured in pictures somewhere during the Jubilee Year.

Hope rocks

Preparation: You will need to gather some large stones (ideally fairly flat) and some paints or paint markers. You may also like to seal your rocks with a waterproof sealer or varnish.

The theme of the 2025 Jubilee Year is Pilgrims of Hope. One way that you could share hope is by decorating rocks to leave in different places in your local community for others to find.

Some possible picture inspiration includes symbols of hope such as a rainbow, an anchor, a dove or a flower.

You could add short words or phrases such as: Hope, hope rocks, Pilgrims of Hope, Hope does not disappoint (Rom 5:5), Be joyful in hope (Rom 12:12)

Mini-family pilgrimage

In his letter for the Jubilee Year, Pope Francis reminded us that “pilgrimage is of course a fundamental element of every Jubilee event.”

It may not be possible for you to go on a long journey together, but you could plan a shorter walk to a local Shrine, or a Church dedicated to a Saint who is important to your family. You can find some ideas of places and routes in England and Wales on the Pilgrim Ways website.

Download our family pilgrimage sheet to help inspire and guide your journey

Jubilee party

Preparation: Print some blank Jubilee bunting flags to decorate. You may also like to get some snacks to share at the party.

The Jubilee Year calls for celebration! Why not throw a Jubilee-themed party? Grab our printable bunting and make decorations that celebrate pilgrimage, hope, and justice. Share some yummy snacks and try out fun games from different countries!

You might like to finish the festivities with this short prayer:

God of all,
as we celebrate your love
in the Jubilee Year of hope,
help us to see you at work in the world
and join with you to care for the earth
and for all people.
Amen.