As the United States of America commemorates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 2026, the USCCB joins this celebration by lifting up the contributions of Catholics and the impact of our faith on the history of this country. In a historic moment, the U.S. bishops will consecrate the United States to the Sacred Heart of Jesus on June 11, 2026, and invite all parishes to join in this consecration.

There are three ways to participate:

• Pray the Novena to Consecrate the Country to the Sacred Heart of Jesus (June 3-11)
• Participate in the 250 Hours of Adoration challenge (June 1 - July 4)
• Participate in the 250 Works of Mercy challenge (June 1 - July 4)

Pray the Novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus (June 3-11)
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.

Click here for a guide to praying the Novena.

Participate in the 250 Hours of Adoration Challenge
The USCCB has challenged parishes to spend a combined 250 hours in Adoration dedicated to praying for our nation’s unity, peace, and prosperity between June 1 and July 4, 2026. Every Holy Hour counts. There are no specific prayers you must say, though national prayer resources for America will be available. Simply offer an hour of Adoration to the Lord and record your time on the sign-in sheets in each church. 

Participate in the 250 Works of Mercy Challenge
The USCCB has challenged parishes to complete a combined 250 charitable actions focusing on supporting and uplifting our local communities between June 1 and July 4, 2026. The seven Corporal Works of Mercy come to us directly from the Scriptures in the Gospel of Matthew. Rooted in our lives of faith, the actions that Jesus calls us to in feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, sheltering the homeless, visiting the sick and imprisoned, burying the dead, and giving alms are central elements of our Catholic identity. There is no “right” or “wrong” way to accomplish this—simply perform an act of mercy for a neighbor or local organization. Once completed, you can report your contribution on the cards found at each church and drop them in the collection box so we can track our parish progress.