I am a cradle Catholic born in the late 60’s.  My parents sacrificed a lot so we could attend Catholic grade school and high school.  We went to Mass weekly as a family.  Our Bible was on a table in the living room.  We had parties for Baptism, First Communion, Confirmation and Weddings.  I learned to love the rhythm of the school/church year and the traditions I didn’t know were traditions.  The May crownings, Benediction, incense, feast day celebrations in Church.   They were so much a part of our lives at school I never realized others didn’t experience them.

Like many other school children, I let others run my life, even when it came to matters of faith.  I never thought about going to Mass or Reconciliation on my own.  I never considered learning more than was required about God, my faith and the Church.  I even taught at a Catholic grade school but just continued on.  I did try to infiltrate the day to day lessons with simple traditions and Jesus.  But I never really internalized it and brought it completely home.  I taught religious education classes.  I wanted to share Christian music with the kids but I didn’t listen to it.  I again went from the books we were given.  Even with all my experience I didn’t feel like I knew enough to go beyond.

We started homeschooling a couple of years ago.  As the years have gone by, we have gotten more and more involved with the local Catholic Homeschool support group.  At first I felt very intimidated by many of the mom’s.  They know things about the faith I never heard of.  Their families lived the faith and weren’t afraid to show it.   I have pushed aside the feelings of inferiority.  I listen and watch.  I see children happily taking part in prayer and Mass.  I looked into the curriculum and books they used.  I ask and listen to what they do as families.  I have tried to come up with ways to share the Catholic faith with my children.  I’ve looked into more books, movies, activities, and  volunteer opportunities.  Most things I found were good but something was missing.  The term ‘domestic church’ kept popping up.  As I looked into the ideas associated with ‘domestic church’ I realized what I was missing…  A day to day living of and breathing in of the faith.  My kids know their prayers and we attend church but I now know they need more.  We have great memories doing things together as a family – playing, camping, celebrating.  We need more great memories which include our faith and it’s great traditions (little ‘t’ and big ‘T’).

My hope with this simple blog is to share our journey with you.  Not only our leaps in Faith but even our backslides.  Wish us luck and keep us in your prayers.  You will be in ours.