The domestic Church

At Home

Our homes are called the domestic Church. Carve out a small sanctuary there to reflect the love and light of God. We are temples of the Holy Spirit.

Home Altar (The Domestic Church)

A crucifix. Holy water. A blessed candle. Make a corner of the house that belongs to God first.

Crucifix, holy water, a blessed candle The simple beginning of a home sanctuary.
Sacred art Instead of whatever the world hangs on the walls.
Sacramentals Holy water, Epiphany water, holy salt, a St. Benedict medal, the Brown Scapular, the Miraculous Medal.

Mary Garden

A Mary Garden is a small patch of earth, or even a single pot on a porch, given to Our Lady. Place a statue or image of the Blessed Virgin. Plant flowers long named for her: roses, lilies, marigold (Mary’s gold). Pray there. The rosary belongs as much under the open sky as at the home altar.

Theology of Home IV: Arranging the Seasons Emily Malloy. The garden as part of a Catholic home, flowers for Our Lady, and beauty as an offering back to God.
Around the Catholic Table Emily Stimpson Chapman. 100+ simple recipes for family and friends.