The Christian family is the first place of education in prayer. Based on the sacrament of marriage, the family is the "domestic church" where God's children learn to pray "as the Church" and to persevere in prayer. For young children in particular, daily family prayer is the first witness of the Church's living memory as awakened patiently by the Holy Spirit.

- Catechism of the Catholic Church, Section 2685

Be sure to teach the families to pray all together - father, mother and children. For the family that prays together stays together, and if they stay together they will love one another as Jesus loves each one of them...I will be praying that the Lord will bring peace into the world through the love of fathers for their families...

- Mother Teresa

The Catholic and Christian Family is called to become a kind of "domestic church". Each family is called to be holy as the Holy Family-Jesus, Mary and Joseph-is holy. We are all called to promote and defend the dignity of each person. Just as the Holy Family strived for personal and family holiness, so each of us must strive to form a "church-like environment" (however small and human) thru our moral, spiritual and lifestyle choices. This is how we can honour our Heavenly Father.

The family is called to be like a "religious greenhouse" wherein adults and children alike formulate and breathe the spiritual air of the sacraments, thru the soil of the Holy Word-the Bible and spiritual reading, thru the fruits of serving others, thru sacrifices and thru prayer and devotions. Every family needs the supernatural "input and inspiration" of Catholic Faith-liturgy, blessings, icons, sacramentals, prayers to foster solidarity and sacrifice to help overcome selfishness and lukewarmness.

We've all had funny, and sad, fun and dramatically hard times with our families. All of these experiences can hopefully make us holy and help us to Heaven. Like the saints, everything adds up and is important- depending upon our reaction to them- on the way to Heaven and deeper holiness. We may want to count the blessings of our families and thank God for them. In some instances, we may want to forgive past hurts and harms done.

Today, more than ever, we need HEROIC FAMILIES.

- Gathering:
Begin by gathering in a comfortable, quiet spot, perhaps with a candle lit to signify the start of prayer.

- Opening Prayer:
A short opening prayer, such as, “Dear Lord, thank you for bringing us together. Please open our hearts to listen to you and each other.”

- Bible Reading:
Read a short Bible passage or story that resonates with everyone. For younger kids, Bible storybooks with illustrations can be helpful.

- Reflection and Sharing:
Encourage each family member to share thoughts on the passage and how it might relate to their day.

- Prayer Requests:
Each family member shares one thing they’re thankful for or a prayer request.

- Closing Prayer:
End with a closing prayer, blessing each family member.

- Themes:
Each day has a different focus, such as Thanksgiving on Mondays, Forgiveness on Wednesdays, and Gratitude on Fridays.

- Activity:
After discussing the theme, spend a few minutes in silent or guided prayer related to it.

- Special Prayer:
Create a simple prayer related to the theme, like, “Lord, today we ask for help in showing forgiveness, just as you forgive us.”

- Thankfulness Jar:
Family members write down things they are grateful for on slips of paper and place them in a jar. Read them together during prayer time.

- Prayer Tree:
Draw or craft a tree and add “leaves” with prayer requests or praises throughout the week.

- Praise Through Song:
Sing a hymn or favourite worship song as part of your prayer time, especially with young children.

- Quiet Reflection:
Take a few minutes of silence for everyone to reflect on their day, focusing on moments they felt close to God.

- Guided Reflection Questions:
Pose questions like, “What is one thing that made you smile today?” or “Did you see God’s love in someone today?”