Parenting with Faith

A family is holy not because it is perfect but because God's grace is at work in it, helping it to set out anew everyday on the way of love.
- U.S. Catholic Bishops, Follow the Way of Love

The term “Domestic Church” refers to the family, the smallest body of gathered believers in Christ. Though recovered only recently, the term dates all the way back to the first century AD. The Greek word ecclesiola referred to “little church.” Our Early Church Fathers understood that the home was fertile ground for discipleship, sanctification, and holiness.

The Four Levels of Church

In reality, we can speak of four distinct levels of Church. There is the Universal Church led by the bishop of Rome and all bishops in union with him. There is the local diocesan church. Led by its local bishop, it is uniquely positioned to guide us on how best to implement our faith in our own time and culture. There is the local parish church, from which we receive most of our religious instruction and the sacraments. Finally, there is this fourth layer of Church. The Domestic Church plays a key role in our sanctification because it is the primary place where we practice coming to intimately love other persons.

Be Excited

The emphasis that our recent popes and bishops have placed on the family speaks to the profound dignity and importance of the work of all laypeople! Furthermore, taking the time to explore the meaning and the theology of the Domestic Church will only continue to energize you and expand your passion for the unique role that God has in mind for your life and the life of your family members.

 Here are a few tools:

• Building the Domestic Church - KofC
• Building the Domestic Church - USCCB
• Family Fully Alive - Parish Program
• Holy Family Prayer Program

Explore activities, resources, and articles to discover ideas on how you and your family can live as disciples of Jesus. Be My Disciples shares the Christian story in a catechumenal methodology, using reflection on Scripture and doctrine, plus a prayer celebration in every class and during all the major seasons of the Church year.

http://www.bemydisciples.com/parents
 

Stations of the Cross for Kids: 

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