Building domestic church this summer

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Summertime is finally upon us. My kindergartner is done next Friday. My teacher husband is done on the 28th. We are ALL looking forward to more family time during the lazy (yeah, right) days of June and July. With more together time, there comes a chance to explore what it means to have a domestic church. has a comprehensive guide over on osvnews.com. I’m trying to embrace this from the catechism.

“It is here that the father of the family, the mother, children, and all members of the family exercise the priesthood of the baptized in a privileged way ‘by the reception of the sacraments, prayer and thanksgiving, the witness of a holy life, and self-denial and active charity.’ Thus the home is the first school of Christian life and ‘a school for human enrichment.’ Here one learns endurance and the joy of work, fraternal love, generous — even repeated — forgiveness, and above all divine worship in prayer and the offering of one’s life” (No. 1657).

Another piece of advice I’m trying to take comes from this article by Tim Glemkowski. He so perfectly puts into words how we can lead our kids to a personal relationship with Jesus. Are the traditions of the Catholic Church vital to passing on the faith? Absolutely. But keeping kids engaged in their faith as they grow starts with a true relationship with the Lord.

Need more family advice? Check out Mike and Alicia Hernon’s podcast over at The Messy Family Project. The Hernon’s draw on their experience raising their 10 kids to give you insight into how they make it all work. They will entertain AND give you valuable advice for living the faith with your kids. And here is a little introduction to why they do what they do.

Looking for something to do with your kids this summer? Check out all the options offered here. I was a little overwhelmed looking at the list but remember, you don’t have to do them all! Pick a few and if you complete them, pick a few more.

Happy Friday!