5 Things Every Catholic Home Should Have

Bishop Thomas J. Tobin
Posted

I recently came across a random online posting that lists “5 things nobody has in their home anymore.” The list includes DVDs, CDs, a file cabinet, a wall calendar and take out menus. Obviously the list is compiled by a Millennial or some other post-modern sort. I have to confess that I have all five of the things that “nobody” has in their home anymore. I’m not sure what that means except that I’m pretty old.
But, the list got me thinking about five things every Catholic should have in their homes. Here goes . . .
First, every Catholic home should have a Bible. The big, old, leather-bound, dust-covered family Bible that’s stored in the top of a closet or the bottom of your grandmother’s cedar chest doesn’t count. I’m thinking of a Bible that’s kept in a prominent, respectful place in the home and that’s opened and used regularly. The Word of God should be the source of inspiration and consolation for every family.
Every Catholic family should have a crucifix prominently displayed. The Cross of Christ clearly identifies a family as Catholic. It keeps Jesus at the center of our homes and helps us to focus our eyes on Jesus who suffered, died and rose from the dead for us. Without the Cross, without Jesus, our lives are incomplete.
Catholics should have an image of the Last Supper in their homes, preferably in the dining room. It was at the Last Supper that Jesus called his disciples his friends, and gave us two precious gifts that sustain our faith – the Holy Priesthood and the Holy Eucharist. The Last Supper reminds us of the importance of family meals – without the distraction of smart phones and tablets – where our lives are shared and our love is nourished.
In every Catholic home there should be a statue or image of our Blessed Mother, the Virgin Mary. Mary is our mother; she loves us and protects us. Catholic families turn to Mary in time of need with confidence that she always hears our prayers and takes them to her son, Jesus. And from Mary we learn many virtues that serve us well: faith, trust, humility, obedience, and purity.
And, finally, every Catholic family should have readily available the Sunday bulletin from their local parish. Although it sounds rather pedestrian, the bulletin indicates that a family belongs to the Church, is attending Sunday Mass, and is involved in the life of their parish.
Something to think about: That’s my list of “Catholic things.” Anything else you would add?