The Family Altar

JMJ

Our homes are supposed to be the domestic church, and as such Catholics have traditionally reserved a central place in the home to place a family altar. The true head of the Catholic home is Jesus, the husband is (as I like to put it) only there on loan and the altar can serve to remind the whole household who is really in charge.

Just as we are to pray the Holy Mass with the Priest, at our homes we should at least be praying together these few prayers that everyone should know:

The Holy RosaryThe Nicene Creed Blessing before Meals Blessing after Meals Prayer to Guardian Angel Act of Contrition Hail, Holy Queen The Eternal Rest Prayer

The focus of so many modern homes is the television set; well my dear friends if the TV is your central focus have you not made the TV your god? Just something to think about.

The focal point of a Catholic home should be the family altar and it need not be an elaborate affair however you should use the altar as a place of prayer and devotion, not just art to be looked at. The above photo is the Family Altar at our home, very simple however it serves to remind me as husband who the real boss it.

On your altars you will want to place statues, holy cards, holy water, candles, incense, a crucifix, rosary, etc. anything to help you focus your attention to prayer and devotion. It's no reason why the family Rosary has declined in this day and age. Why would children want to say the Rosary when sponge bob is on? The family altar is a place where the entire family comes together and offers adoration, praise, and devotion.

If you don't have a family altar, I ask you to remedy that TODAY......