Devotions for a newly Catholic family?

[Steadfast_love]

Hi,

My wife and I are cradle culture of death Christians, but we’ve left that behind. Now we’re becoming Catholic. We’re already praying the Rosary, studying the CCC, watching EWTN, switching to NFP, going to mass and waiting for RCIA classes to start.

My question is, is there anything else that’s especialy profitable for my newly Catholic family? We don’t have a shrine, a crucifix or anything else Catholic in our house except for a statue of Mary and infant that was lobbed over our fence a few months ago.

Thanks in advance!

 

[puzzleannie]

the next order of business is to meet other Catholics, especially families with kids. if you have already started to attend Mass at a parish you like, see what family programs they have. enroll your kids in CCD (most likely RCIA for them will be part of CCD/PSR, that is, the parish religious education program for children). that is where you will meet other parents and get ideas and examples. For instance, Advent begins at the end of November, and the seasons and feasts of the Church year are properly prepared for and celebrated in the home.

If there is a good Catholic school nearby make every effort and sacrifice necessary to enroll your children, who will be accepted even before they formally enter the Church. this will immerse them in Catholic culture and be a big part in helping you become part of the wider community.

go to catholicity.com and click on best Catholic links, and scroll down to websites for family, children and youth, you will find all kinds of good stuff.

also Faith and Family magazine, published by Catholics United for the Faith at cuf.org is great and will give exactly what you are asking for.

you don’t need to wait on your own religious instruction, EWTN has a new series with Fr. Trigilio called Crash Course in Catholicism. It is on 3 times a week, or you can record it, and it will be a great intro and supplement for RCIA.

 

[FightingFat]

You need a big shrine right away! Preferably with flashing lights!

 

[Steadfast_love]

puzzleannie,

Thanks, I should have mentioned that my only child is 3 months old. But it’s good that I’ll be able to get things figured out by the time she’s old enough for school.

You need a big shrine right away! Preferably with flashing lights!

Sure, you laugh, but after living for years under the doctrine of beautiful things = idolatry it’s exhilarating to think of displaying a piece of genuinely beautiful religious art.

Flashing lights? [SIGN]Booring![/SIGN]

 

[LilyM]

You haven’t mentioned whether or not you have any children - obviously what you do may depend on whether you have any and how old they are.

Perhaps it’s best to start relatively simply. I would suggest that you do get a Crucifix at least to add to your statue. Lovely to hear that you pray the Rosary together and go to Mass together already - possibly you may wish to add the practice of reading a Bible passage together from time to time, or take up the Chaplet of Divine Mercy.

Another lovely devotion for families is the old practice of honouring the Sacred Heart of Jesus. To start with, read up on the devotion to the Sacred Heart to get a true glimpse of its meaning - this site is a good one.

You don’t necessarily need to do the formal Enthronement - at least not for now. But certainly it is a lovely thing to display an image of Our Lord’s Sacred Heart in a prominent place in the home and as a family pray in front of it.

What Sacred Heart prayers you choose to say are up to you (which is a great part of this and many Catholic devotions) but I personally like to say the Act of Reparation and Act of Consecration, and (time permitting) add the Litany of the Sacred Heart, and any other prayers which may take your fancy.

Doesn’t have to be every day, First Fridays of the month (and every Friday to a lesser degree) and the entire month of June are times that are especially dedicated to the Sacred Heart.

 

[ora_pro_nobis]

Steadfast -
first of all, congratulations on the start of your wonderful journey! I became a catholic 7 years ago, and it has been the most wonderful time.
A picture of the Sacred Heart is a great thing to have in your house as Lily says. I have just a small one but it reminds me of the love and compassion that Our Lord has for us all.
God bless you and your family,
Pat

 

[jmm08]

Take time to dwell on and love all that you discover. And realize that there is so much to learn about. I think it is OK to take it slowly.

Get a Holy Water font and put it by your front door. That way you can bless yourself coming and going, and feel closer to the Saints. My Holy Water font has Mary standing.

Get an NAB Bible or read one online. If you already know the stories in the Protestant Bible, read up on the others (Tobit).

Find out if there is a good Catholic place to visit. Go on a pilgrimage together or alone. I like going alone because I tend to stick around places longer without being rushed. Is there a Basilica near you? Is there a place with an Our Lady of Lourdes grotto?

Prayer is a big deal. Read about and learn about the Saints. Get a subscription to Magnificat (a monthly) and find out what sections you like best. I like reading the short bios of Saints. Sometimes I come across good meditations.

Eventually you will find some hardships or trials. Learn how these things do not hurt you, but rather they can provide opportunities to grow and opportunities to help others.

Make sure there is enough time for the things related to your station in life. For example, spending time with your family doing usual family activities (helping children with homework, fixing things around the house, cleaning, cooking). Making sure that you fulfill the obligations you have towards your employer. Honor your parents or siblings – sometimes write or talk with them to see how they are doing.

Don’t forget to somehow find a way to help others. RCIA may have you busy. But think about how you can help others. Perhaps by sometimes making a donation in the poor box. Perhaps by giving to a Catholic Charity or foreign mission.

Feed your faith and starve your sins. Watch how you spend your time.

One of Mary’s devotions was to visit and walk where Jesus walked. Sometimes when you visit a Catholic Church, walk slowly along the “Stations of the Cross” and pray an Our Father and Hail Mary at each station. Reflect on what Jesus did and that He did it for you and for your family. And don’t forget that He rose again. We who are alive and in the Church are now His arms and legs in this world. So it is that He will find a way to use you if you are willing. Each of us has a place where we can serve others. If you find it correctly, it will not be a burden that is difficult. But it will be something that you find joy in doing for Jesus.