What Does a Catholic Home Look Like?

Kelly Guest walks through her house to try to determine what makes it a Catholic home. What items in your home identify it as a place where Catholics live?

From the outside, a Catholic house doesn’t look much different than any other house on the block. The statue of Mary amid the garden may be a giveaway, as well as the Saint Francis birdbath.  But then again, our Protestant brothers and sisters love Saint Francis and the animals, too 

When someone walks in the door of a Catholic home, however, the family's faith should be discernable. 

Inside a Catholic home 

There may be chalk markings above the doorway. On the Epiphany, some Catholic write with blessed chalk above their door as a blessing upon their home. The initials of the three wisemen, Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar, also abbreviate the Latin phrase Christus mansionem benedicat, which means "May Christ bless this house."

The Sacred Heart of Jesus has a prominent place in a Catholic home. A picture of the Sacred Heart, possibly with the Immaculate Heart of Mary, hangs in a conspicuous spot. Jesus promised that wherever His Sacred Heart is honored He would establish peace there. “I will bless every home in which an image of My Heart is exposed and honored,” Jesus told Saint Margaret Mary. 

In the bedroom on the dresser, a statue of Mary or a saint will be standing. These are not idols that are worshipped. They are reminders that Catholics have friends in high places. These heavenly friends pray for us before the Triune God. They are true role models. 

A Bible on the nightstand (or in another prominent place) can be found in all good Christian homes. Catholic Bibles are a bit bigger, containing books like Maccabees, Sirach, and parts of Daniel, that were in Scriptures from its beginning. There is no better way to begin or end a day than reading a passage from God’s Word.   

Beside the Bible lies a Rosary. One of the most distinctive sacramentals of a Catholic, the beads guide us into meditative prayer about important events in the life of Jesus. For many Catholics, it is better than counting blessings to help one fall asleep. 

It may not be noticed going into a bedroom, but coming out, one may spot a holy water font hanging on the wall beside the door. Blessing oneself with holy water is a wonderful reminder of our Baptism and the dignity and strength we have as children of God. 

On the bookshelves, one may see books by authors such as G.K. Chesterton, Scott Hahn, and Thomas Merton, as well as biographies of various saints. Encyclicals written by various popes might even line a shelf. Easier, more contemporary, fun fictional reads by Michael O’Brien, Stephanie Landsem, and Jim Sano may also be found.  

In the dining room or kitchen, where the family gathers to eat, the famous Last Supper picture may be hanging on a wall. It serves to recall the greatest of all meals and the many reasons to be grateful. 

Throughout a Catholic home, crosses and crucifixes can be spied. Even in the kitchen one may find a crucifix. After all, fixing meals and washing pots and pans day in and day out is not always fun. The crucifix is an awesome reminder of the cost of true love. 

The central part of a home 

Most importantly, within a Catholic home, one will find a family. Not a perfect family, but a family striving to love one another. They imitate Jesus, Mary, and Joseph in the hope of becoming a holy family themselves. 

The Catholic family prays together — at mealtime, bedtime, and other times. They worship at Mass together. When mistakes are made, forgiveness is given and received. Neighbors in need find in them a helping hand. Catholic families build up the Kingdom of God, beginning in their homes. 

A few of my favorite things 

Though not specifically Catholic, I love a picture of the Child Jesus and Saint Joseph called “Walking with God,” which hangs in my home. My patron saints watch over me. And a crucifix from Latin America, given to my daughter for her Baptism, still hangs in her bedroom 24 years later. 

Do you have anything in your Catholic home that I didn't list here? What is your favorite thing in your home that identifies you as a Catholic? I would love for you to share! 

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Copyright 2024 Kelly Guest
Images: copyright 2024 Kelly Guest, all rights reserved.