Building a Domestic Church
Tools For Building A Domestic Church
Council Program Suggestions
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Begin praying as a family and reading from Scripture daily, certainly before meals, but also first thing in the morning or before bed. Find a time that works for your family. Use the liturgy of the Church as a model for prayer, and try to include heartfelt unstructured prayer as well.
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Pray a Family Rosary (each member leads a decade and everyone shares intentions).
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Have a crucifix in a prominent place in the home and in every bedroom.
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Make the Sacraments a regular celebration – take the whole family to Confession and Mass!
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Begin family traditions based on the seasons celebrated in the liturgical calendar.
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Make your vacation a holy pilgrimage by visiting the shrines and saints of our land and the world.
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Make worshiping God a priority. Never miss Mass, even while traveling – go to MassTimes.org to find a church near you!
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Teach stewardship and charity to your children, through word and example.
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Demonstrate love for your spouse, your children, your neighbors, and the world. Remind your children that they are loved by God and have been given gifts to serve others.
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Talk freely about the presence of God in the joys and sorrows of your life.
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Welcome into your home and support priests, brothers, sisters, deacons, and lay ministers in the Church.
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Participate in the lay ministries and activities of your parish community.
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Allow your children to witness you in private prayer. Encourage your children to pray daily on their own, to listen for God’s call, and if heard, to respond.
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For more ideas on how to build your home as a Domestic Church, go to: