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IS OUR HOUSEHOLD REALLY A CHURCH?

While we may not think of our homes as churches the idea of families being the “domestic church” or the “church of the home” dates back to the time of the early church.

Every Christian family shares the same mission that Jesus gave the Church.  Households share in the mission of the Church when Gospel values are communicated and lived, when families pray together, when they celebrate their faith with their parish family and with one another, and when they reach out in loving service.  Remember a family is holy not because it is perfect but because God’s grace is at work in it, helping it to set out a new everyday in the way of love. 

Suggestions U. S.  Catholic Bishops make for ways families can live out the mission of the church in ordinary ways. (acrobat pdf file...24kb)

Visit the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops for more on the U.S. Bishops Pastoral Follow the Way of Love

LIVING THE MISSION OF THE CHURCH IN OUR HOME CHURCH

 “There should be found in every Christian family the various aspects of the entire Church.  Furthermore, the family, like the Church, ought to be a place where the gospel is transmitted and from which the gospel radiates.”  Pope Paul V

God is present in the ordinary moments of daily life—mealtimes, workdays, vacations, expressions of love and intimacy, household chores, caring for a sick child or elderly parent, celebrating holidays, disciplining children, time in the mini van, decisions on how to spend money or what TV shows to watch, helping neighbors, recycling, even in times of conflict. God’s love is revealed and communicated in new ways each and every day.

REFLECTING ON THE MEANING OF CHIRSTMAS

It seems that decorations and commercials begin earlier and earlier each year.  I was just putting the pumpkins out at my house and the stores were putting up their Christmas decorations.  For many people, there is little time to reflect on the meaning of the season and little evidence of the presence of Jesus during the holidays.  It is so easy for us to get caught up into the commercialism and the hustle and bustle of the holidays.  Yet we know in our hearts the true meaning of the season and are eager to share that with our children.   As we begin the Advent season take a few minutes to think about the following:

HOW ARE YOU PREPARING YOUR HEART?  It is important for us to take a few minutes at the beginning of the season and also each day.  Spending just 5 minutes daily in silence can bring you closer to God and to the spirit of Jesus.  Visit Advent Amid the Gift Wrap.

What are you doing, yourself, to prepare for Christ to come into your heart on Christmas day?   Can you give 5 minutes?

HOW ARE YOU HELPING YOUR FAMILY LOOK BEYOND THE COMMERCIALISM TO THE DEEPER MEANING OF THE SEASON?

Take time to listen to this pod cast by Sr. Karen Dietz Consumerism and Christmas

Read the article Battling the Christmas “Gimme’s.”

JUST A FEW SUGGESTIONS TO HELP YOUR FAIMLY MAKE YOUR CHRISTMAS PREPARATIONS CHIRST CENTERED

MEMORIES OF ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS

Go to the Celebrating our Faith section of this website where you will find:

• Information about the Advent Wreath and other traditions that are a part of the Advent/Christmas Seasons. 
• A quick list of 25 ways to celebrate Advent & Christmas for Busy Families.
• Special Feast Days.

What traditions or customs were meaningful for you when you were growing up?   What traditions are you or do you want to pass on to your children?