TH E CATH O L I C SE N SE S BY K AT IE S C IBA
The domestic church is a family’s experience of being Catholic at home, but setting our attention on the things beyond this world can be a challenge when our to-dos are right in front of us. To focus your heart on faith, we recommend going through your basic senses. Humans are body and soul, so it makes sense that soulful self-care works beautifully with exterior experiences. Our churches are filled to the brim with sights, smells and sounds to stir us; bring that home with these few ideas.
SIG HT
Mary" and "Holy God We Praise Thy Name." Listen to
Deck your halls with Catholic images and art to draw your
Catholic podcasts and meditations. We suggest praying out
eyes heavenward. Put a crucifix in every room to recall that
loud by yourself and with your family; just hearing your
love calls for sacrifice; place images or statues of Mary and
own voice speaking to God underscores the participation.
the saints in your kitchen to remember that feeding the
Mass often begins with bells - ring some of your own at
hungry and giving drink to the thirsty are holy works.
home to begin a meal or prayer.
Decorative wisdom from scripture in frames or on chalkboards also helps us to think of the life beyond this
SMELL
one. Some of my favorite decorative pieces are a pair of
Flowers, incense, candles and oil are fantastic go-tos to
anchor bookends, which remind me of the verse “We have
send the aroma of our faith wafting through the house.
this hope as an anchor for the soul” (Hebrews 6:19).
T OUC H
heaven, and Mary herself is often represented with roses.
The sense of touch is typically used with purpose; when we
Burning incense during individual or family prayer time
touch another person or an object, we choose to pay
reminds us that our intentions and thoughts rise to the
attention to it. In prayer, take hold of your rosary beads as
throne of God. Using scented candles and oils like
you consider the Lord’s life and mercy, cradle a statue or
frankincense make us more cognizant of our relationships
holy image in your hands while praying to God or asking a
with Jesus, especially if they’re used during particular
saint’s intercession. Pull the crucifix off the wall to hold it
times of celebration or prayer.
close. Etsy has countless options for Catholic plush and toys for little ones. Older children and adults can wear
TASTE
devotional medals and jewelry. Additionally, it’s important
Now this is a fun one! When we think of upping our faith
to extend touch to others. As spouses and parents,
experiences, tasting isn’t usually the first idea to come to
intentionally touching our family members reminds us that
mind, but it certainly shouldn’t fall to the wayside. Make
these are the people God intentionally placed with us and
desserts for Sundays and feast days - make it simple or go
for us. Hugs and kisses go a long way with this recognition
with a theme. Bake bread for the feast of St. Benedict or
in mind.
crown-shaped sugar cookies for the Queenship of Mary.
SOUND
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Many flowers carry Christian or Marian significance; for instance, gladiolus signify the ascension of Jesus into
Normal meals can be elevated to holy ones with Pinterest and a little creativity. Above everything else, it’s paramount
When it comes to filling the house with sacred sound, music
to our identity and life as Catholics to “taste and see” God’s
is immediately effective. Stream Christian radio to hear
goodness through the Eucharist. Holding the Sacred Host in
intimate experiences of forgiveness and love from Christ.
our mouths, allowing it to dissolve slowly, keeps our
Play Gregorian chant or instrumental hymns for a calmer
attention on the miracle of the Son of God uniting Himself
tone. Teach your family traditional songs like "Immaculate
to us.
