The Nuptial Blessing bestowed by the priest or deacon upon the married couple asks for specific graces to be given to each spouse and their relationship together. As I mentioned last week, one of those blessings is the ability and encouragement to turn their home into a domestic church where children can be nurtured in the faith. During her infancy, all of the activities of the Church happened within family homes. There were no great basilicas or parishes or even church buildings at all! Families would gather, often at night after work or early on Sunday, to celebrate Mass with their bishop or priest, and then host a community meal. This early picture of the family home as a house of prayer can still continue today. While going to church on Sundays brings us all together as Christ’s Body, it is not meant to be the only time during the week that a family prays together. The family home is a Church in miniature that resembles the Church as a communion of persons who receives and transmits life, educates its members, and calls them to worship and love of neighbor. The home, in which we spend most of our time, can be a place where God is present and where our faith can grow in remarkable ways!

  What is one practical way that families can make their house a domestic church? First, husband and wife can pray together each day. Now each is called to have a living relationship with God on their own (“go to your inner room, close the door, and pray to your Father in secret” Mt. 6:6), but couples have the incredible opportunity to bring God into their relationship everyday through joint prayer. If husband and wife are strong in their relationship with God, the foundation of family faith is sturdy! This can take many forms, much like riding a bike begins with balance bikes and training wheels before moving on to regular riding.

   Each period of prayer should begin in a quiet place. Make the sign of the Cross. Take a moment to be still and rest in God’s love. Turn to each other and hold hands. Choose the level that works for you right now.

Level 1: Pray one Our Father out loud together before bed.

Level 2: Each mentions someone who needs prayer + one Our Father.

Level 3: Each says something you need prayers for + one Our Father.

Level 4: Each says something you need prayers for + other spouse prays one Our Father for them.

Level 5: Each spouse uses this simple script: Father, thank you for N. (name of spouse) and the blessings you have given us, especially _________. Jesus I am sorry for the ways I have not loved you or N., especially by ___________. Holy Spirit, come bless and guide our marriage, particularly by giving us __________ (specific petition you need). Please help us to glorify you through our marriage.

Then both pray aloud: Blessed are you Lord, for in the good and the bad times of our life you have stood by our side. Help us remain faithful in our love, so that we may be true witnesses of your love to our children and the world.

   While this last option might seem intimidating at first, level up slowly and see how this might improve your relationship with God and one another!

   -Fr. Stephen