Domestic Church

We meet in the St. Joseph Room every month! Join us!

From the Catechism:
The Christian family is the first place of education in prayer. Based on the sacrament of marriage, the family is the "domestic church" where God's children learn to pray "as the Church" and to persevere in prayer. For young children in particular, daily family prayer is the first witness of the Church's living memory as awakened patiently by the Holy Spirit. (CCC 2685)
The catechesis of children, young people, and adults aims at teaching them to meditate on The Word of God in personal prayer, practicing it in liturgical prayer, and internalizing it at all times in order to bear fruit in a new life. Catechesis is also a time for the discernment and education of popular piety. The memorization of basic prayers offers an essential support to the life of prayer, but it is important to help learners savor their meaning. (CCC 2688)
From the Second Vatican Council:
For this reason the laity, dedicated to Christ and anointed by the Holy Spirit, are marvelously called and wonderfully prepared so that ever more abundant fruits of the Spirit may be produced in them. For all their works, prayers and apostolic endeavors, their ordinary married and family life, their daily occupations, their physical and mental relaxation, if carried out in the Spirit, and even the hardships of life, if patiently borne—all these become "spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ". Together with the offering of the Lord's body, they are most fittingly offered in the celebration of the Eucharist. Thus, as those everywhere who adore in holy activity, the laity consecrate the world itself to God. (Lumen Gentium 32)
How can we bring these wonderful ideas down to earth? Start small!
Research shows that children who regularly talk about their faith and practice it in the home are more likely to practice it in adulthood. Start small and slowly build up good habits (virtues) when it comes to practicing your faith in the home.
Additionally, remember to put on your own “oxygen mask” first. Incorporate prayer into your own daily life and give yourself the time and space you need to pray, meditate, and connect with God.
Consider adding some of these habits to your family life:
1. Attend Saturday night or Sunday Mass
2. Prayer before meals – “Bless us O Lord….”

• Meals are also a good time to discuss our day. I like “highs and lows” and so do my kids.

• Sign of the Cross
• What we are thankful for today (highs from the day)
• God bless: (list of family names)
• Who we want to pray for today (lows from the day)
• Anything else we want to say to God or to each other (maybe an “I’m sorry” is needed)
• Guardian angel prayer, Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be
• Blessing (I always like to trace the cross on my kids foreheads before bed, like I did at their baptism).

• Praying in the car on the way to school
• Praying in the car after school
• Praying on the way to church, or on the way home from church

• Children’s emotional and spiritual lives are rich, deep, and complex
• Prayer in difficult times, when someone is sick, or when a tragedy is happened, helps to comfort, console, and create deeper connections

• Create space and time to pray together
• Family rosary or another form of contemplative prayer
• Weekly scripture readings from the Mass (Celebrating Sunday for Catholic Families)
• Weekly scripture reading of Matthew 6:24-34 (Do not worry)
• Let them see you pray! And invite them to pray with you.

• All of us might go through a “dark night” of doubt and questioning
• Normalize that questioning and wondering is part of the life of faith
• Encourage them to pray and ask God for what they need (“God has no grandchildren”)
• Ask them to pray for you!

• September is Season of Creation (see Calendar), October is Respect Life Month, November has All Saints and All Souls, and December starts Advent

Start small! Family life can be chaotic and busy, and starting habits can be hard. But soon they just become part of the routine, and eventually even “traditions”.
What habits would you recommend?