x Close
World at Prayer blog
Reflections of Family and Faith
"The family that prays together stays together." - Venerable Patrick Peyton
Catholic Mass | catholic family life | family prayer
Catholic Mom contributor Lea McCarthy points out the humorous and the divine in bringing small children to church, reminding mothers of our vital role in the mystical Body of Christ. I’m going to tell you a story. Once upon a time, there was a young lady who came to Mass before the readings began. She picked a pew and didn’t leave it until it was time to receive Holy Communion. She carried a small purse or sometimes just her keys. She didn’t even know where the church bathroom was, for she never had to use it. Mass was a peaceful, quiet experience.
Share
Family Activities | Feast of the Sacred Heart | catholic family life
Sister Margaret Kerry offers ideas for families preparing to celebrate our nation's upcoming Consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. We are witnesses to a remarkable moment in United States history: On June 11, 2026, as part of the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. bishops will consecrate the United States of America to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The founder of my Pauline Religious Family, Blessed James Alberione, recognized that devotion to the heart of Christ was found in the church as early as the first century. To illustrate this, Alberione designed the communion rail at the Temple of St. Paul in Alba, Italy, with two unique gates opening to the sanctuary. The design on one gate is the heart of Paul, and on the other is the heart of Christ. The words, written in Latin, are entwined within an image of the vine and branches: “The heart of Paul is the heart of Christ.” In his letters, Paul reminds us we are called to have a heart that pulses with the heart of Christ (Galatians 2:20).
Share
Brief and contemporary inspiration focused on hope and family prayer will be delivered to your inbox! Articles include live video, written word, and links to resources that will lead you and your family deeper into faith.
Family Rosary | catholic family life | family prayer
Tami Urcia describes the surprising way her children have made a weekly family Rosary a treasured prayer practice. After attending the Catholic Mom Contributors retreat in February of 2025, I was inspired to pray the Rosary more as a family. Due to hectic schedules that sometimes have our family looking more like a revolving door than a cohesive unit, I knew that attempting a daily Rosary would result more in increased frustration than increased holiness. But we could definitely shoot for once a week.
Share
catholic family life | family prayer | liturgical year
What is liturgical living? Sarah Damm explores simple ways to allow the rhythm of the Church calendar to shape our hearts and homes. A simple search for “liturgical living ideas” often showcases perfectly decorated home altars, elaborate crafts for saint days, and decadent recipes for feast days. While beautiful, these images and posts can also feel intimidating for a busy mom. How am I going to do all of this when I barely have time to get dinner on the table? Years ago, as a young mom, I wanted to find ways to incorporate faith into our family life. But I knew I needed ideas that were simple to execute.
Share
Divine Mercy Sunday | catholic family life | family prayer
Silvia Patalano-Ross reflects on how busy moms can practice Divine Mercy at home through patience, forgiveness, and small daily choices. Divine Mercy Sunday has always sounded beautiful to me. I would see the image of Jesus with rays pouring from His Heart. I have loved the simple prayer, “Jesus, I trust in You.” It is a reminder that God’s mercy is endless, something I find myself relying on more and more each day. But most years, Divine Mercy Sunday meets me in a much less peaceful place. There is always someone arguing about whose turn it is to take the dog out. There’s a child who suddenly remembers a project that is due tomorrow. It’s time to eat, but the dinner table is full of papers and half-finished art projects. I can’t tell you the number of socks I’ve dug out of the couch. These are usually the moments when I remember mercy isn’t just something we talk about in church. It’s something we practice in our homes — and for me, it’s about five minutes after I’ve already lost my patience.
Share
The Sacraments | catholic family life | family prayer
Caitlan Rangel describes five different ways she prays with her children on a daily and weekly basis. What's your family's favorite way to pray together? Is there anything better than hearing one of your children singing a song to God, or them showing you a picture they drew of themselves and Jesus, or listening to their sweet and powerful prayer intentions? As moms who care deeply about our children coming to know, love, and serve God, these moments of seeing their interior lives and love of God are such gifts. I have four children, ages 10, 8, 6, and 2, and just as I observe their unique personalities and physical characteristics, I am beginning to see similarities and differences in their spiritual lives. As moms who already have a lot on our plates, how can we attend to the varied spiritual lives of our children while also creating a unified family culture of discipleship? Here are a few ideas, and I would love to hear your insights and experiences in the comments!
Share
