"Home is where all learning begins. As tiny, new Catholics, each baby is introduced to Christ through his parents. The atmosphere in our homes is more formative than anything else. Parents are “the first preachers of the faith to their children."
This is why the Church calls the home a “Domestic church”. A tiny, or not-so-tiny congregation of believers living out their vocations together. Parents forming their children in the faith; spouses encouraging each other to live lives of holiness." (More about the Domestic Church.)
How is Summer going in your Domestic Church? How are you coming together as a family, making memories, and growing in your faith?
Here are some resources and links to encourage your vocation as a Domestic Church:
1) We talked about family dinners a bit in this post. You know the importance of it. You have a reasonable goal of making it a habit. But sometimes the practicality of getting food on the table can be a challenge! Try this post: Fun Tips To Keep Dinner Exciting.
2) We all need a little more prayer and reflection in our hectic lives. Here are two lay initiatives (not initiatives of the parish, but of families just like yours and mine!) to get your family praying together more: The first is Families of Our Lady Undoer of Knots. These families pray a Novena together once a month for marriages and children. Nightly prayer is streamed via Facebook for eight days with the ninth days families coming together (safely outdoors!) to pray the Rosary and final night of the Novena together.
The second is Walking The Rosary. This is an online community of people who walk (or bike, kayak, hike, etc.) while praying the Rosary. Participants check in with their mileage and prayer intentions via a Facebook group. There are also daily reflections to encourage your prayers. This initiative was started in response to all the unrest in the world and an earnest desire to pray for peace.
3) Don't forget to check out our book reviews for some great read-aloud books that the whole family will enjoy: Books For Catholic Kids. Not only is reading aloud to children good for their language and social development, it is also such a great way to bond as a family! And when the content is strong in virtue it can encourage everyone's faith and provide solid catechesis in the home.
Have a wonderful, faith-filled, and fun summer in your Domestic Church!
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