Servants of the Holy Family (S.S.F. from Latin: Servi Sanctae Familiae) is a semi-contemplative,
traditional Latin Mass religious community for men begun in the United States.[1] The introduction of the Mass of Paul VI was a catalyst for such foundations in the Church.[2] SHF's website states that it is faithful to the traditional Latin Mass and Catholic doctrine and morals[3] and is endorsed by Catholic Bishops worldwide who support the traditional Latin Mass.[4]
Foundation and Purpose
SHF was founded in 1977 on the feast of the Holy Family and was placed under the patronage of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. The community has been located in Colorado since February 1977. The motherhouse with its chapel is situated on ten acres of land south of the Black Forest near the city of Colorado Springs, Colorado.[5] The church’s adherence to Catholic orthodoxy has drawn many devout Catholics looking for a more traditional service; many congregants moved to Black Forest, in part, to attend, former members said.[6]
Their stated purpose is "to aspire after and achieve by the grace of God the sanctification of its members and the salvation of souls through their prayers, sacrifices and apostolate". It intends to accomplish this chiefly by attachment to the Holy Sacrifice of the traditional Latin Mass and to the Roman Breviary. Other important devotions observed by all the members are Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, the frequent reception of the sacrament of Penance, keeping days of recollection on a regular basis, and praying the Holy Rosary with one of the approved litanies daily. Also, frequent visits to the Blessed Sacrament as well as mental prayer and spiritual reading are considered most important for all of the members, who are to regard holiness of life as their primary objective. According to their website, their apostolate is the salvation of souls through the Mass, the Catholic Liturgy, the dispensing of the Sacraments, traditional Catholic sermons, morality, the spiritual life, and teaching of the Baltimore catechism.[7] They allow the public to attend many of their liturgical ceremonies.[8]
Apostolic Works
According to their website, the liturgical life of Servants of the Holy Family is based on the traditional Latin Mass, which is offered exclusively at the SHF chapel.[9] SHF also offers Masses and Gregorian Masses, using the traditional Latin Mass, for the faithful who request them.[10]