America's 250th Anniversary
On June 11, 2026, as part of the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. bishops will consecrate the United States of America to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Parishes around the country are encouraged to join the bishops in celebrating the consecration of our nation to the Sacred Heart.
U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has encouraged Catholics to participate in initiatives including a collective 250 Hours of Adoration and 250 Works of Mercy.
Visit the USCCB website to learn more:
Cor Jesu Sacratissimum ©2026 Tracie Stroud
250 Hours of Adoration
How to Participate
Parishes can participate in 250 hours of adoration together by offering a Holy Hour on a weekly or monthly basis leading up to the July 4 anniversary. Parishes and communities can decide how best to set up their holy hours, continue current practices, or invite new people to join. While 250 hours seems like a lot, each person present constitutes an hour prayed. Parishes and communities can also consider how to incorporate both the 250 Works of Mercy alongside the 250 Hours of Adoration. Afterwards, report your community’s participation here.
Resources for Holy Hours include:
250 Works of Mercy
How to Participate
Individuals and groups can participate in 250 Works of Mercy by engaging in the existing activities and efforts of their parishes, getting involved in new ways, and by participating with local and national organizations on a weekly or monthly basis leading up to the July 4th anniversary. Our works of mercy draw from the deep well of our faith and prayer, constantly reminding us that in tending to our brothers and sisters, we tend to Christ himself. Afterwards, report your community’s participation here.
These works of mercy could take a variety of shapes, such as:
- Assisting women who face a crisis pregnancy
- Donating to food pantries and clothing closets
- Participating in a community beautification program
- Raising money for an overseas development project
- Sponsoring a refugee family
- Tutoring children
- Volunteering at homeless shelters
This Novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus draws its daily devotions from the Litany of the Sacred Heart. Each day reflects on the wisdom of saints and pontiffs on the Sacred Heart and offers opportunities for prayer and action, framed by Pope Francis’ encyclical Dilexit Nos (He Loved Us) and Pope Leo XIV’s apostolic exhortation Dilexi Te (I Have Loved You).
Join the U.S. Church from June 3-11 in praying this Novena to the Sacred Heart, which will conclude with the consecration of the United States to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Visit the USCCB website to pray along, learn more, and download a printable version of the novena: