The Domestic Church

From the CCC: 

VI. THE DOMESTIC CHURCH

1655 Christ chose to be born and grow up in the bosom of the holy family of Joseph and Mary. The Church is nothing other than “the family of God.” From the beginning, the core of the Church was often constituted by those who had become believers “together with all [their] household.” ¹⁶⁶ When they were converted, they desired that “their whole household” should also be saved. ¹⁶⁷ These families who became believers were islands of Christian life in an unbelieving world.

1656 In our own time, in a world often alien and even hostile to faith, believing families are of primary importance as centers of living, radiant faith. For this reason the Second Vatican Council, using an ancient expression, calls the family the Ecclesia domestica. ¹⁶⁸ It is in the bosom of the family that parents are “by word and example . . . the first heralds of the faith with regard to their children. They should encourage them in the vocation which is proper to each child, fostering with special care any religious vocation.” ¹⁶⁹

1657 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.” ¹⁷⁰ Thus the home is the first school of Christian life and “a school for human enrichment.” ¹⁷¹ 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.

These paragraphs give me a lot of things to think about. All too often I find myself falling woefully short in modelling love, charity and forgiveness! However, even in my own failings there is grace - life is messy, loving not easy, forgiveness a struggle at times, yet that's what the "school of human enrichment" is all about. If all were perfect, we'd be tempted to stagnate rather than always striving to grow closer to the Father. So don't get discouraged - know that our dear Papa in Heaven is always willing to pick us up and dust us off when we stumble and fall. Let's pray for one another!

In the peace of the Good Shepherd,

Beate

Preparing for the Ascension

Ascension Thursday is May 29, 2014

Even though in our diocese the feast day is celebrated the following Sunday, our family will remember the day this coming Thursday. When I was growing up, 'Christi Himmelfahrt' was a state holiday and celebrated with a procession by most of the village.

Catholic Cuisine suggests a hillside picnic with some Ascension inspired food choices here and a "Heavenly lunch" complete with table decorating idea here. I'll probably incorporate some of these ideas into our dinner and dessert plans. Cream puffs - yum! I'm pretty sure I can make the pastry ahead of time, and then have the kids fill them Thursday afternoon.

We've never done the Ascension Glowing Cloud Craft, but I'm gathering supplies because I know my crew will love this. I also found an Ascension Word Find and an Ascension Coloring Page which I've printed out and left laying near the printer just waiting to be found. 

http://webspace.webring.com/people/vc/catholicinspired/ascension.pdf is another 3 d Ascension craft that doesn't require as many materials :-)

I love this prayer from St Augustine, which we will use for our mealtime prayer:

"Today our Lord Jesus Christ ascended into heaven; let our hearts ascend with him. Listen to the words of the Apostle: If you have risen with Christ, set your hearts on the things that are above where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God; seek the things that are above, not the things that are on earth. For just as he remained with us even after his ascension, so we too are already in heaven with him, even though what is promised us has not yet been fulfilled in our bodies."

Have a blessed day ~
Beate

Entering into the Mystery of Easter

In School Year - Church Year, Peter Mazar writes: " The season lasts 50 days, from Easter Sunday until Pentecost. Why 50? Seven is a sign of fullness - there are seven days in a week. Seven weeks signify "fully full." And when one more day is added - to make 50 - we have  a sign of fullest fullness.... " He goes on to say that this, our most ancient season, encompases 1/7th of the year and was termed the "Great Sunday" by St. Athanasius. "As the Lord's Day is to the week, the Easter season is to the year."

How do we celebrate this beautiful season in our Domestic Church? In our home this year, the big girls are off on an adventure and my garden is sadly neglected. However, we've opened the windows relishing the moderate temps and the songs of the birds. The little kids happily pick flowers to fill assorted cups and vases. The glory of God surrounds us, reminding us to live the Resurrection. It's an important season that deserves more time than I've given it this year. I'm looking for inspiration :-) We picked up some Lighthouse cds for in the car and are hearing God's call to prayer and sanctity. We laugh together, enjoying the gift of one another. We're making plans for the Ascension and Pentecost...How about you?

In the peace of the Good Shepherd,
Beate