Family Prayer and Ritual

For families
Someone told me recently of a ritual they used when moving home. The family simply gathered in the house they were leaving. They processed together into each room with a candle. They spoke of the events of that room and their memories of it. One person then said a prayer of thanks before they moved off together to the next room. Whey they got to the new home they went through each room with blessed water. They spoke of what the room would be used for and one person made a petition asking the Lord's blessing on that room and those who would use it. The room was sprinkled with the water before the family moved onto another room.

There are many possibilities for family rituals – times of birth, anniversaries, birthdays, new beginnings (first day as school), important events (loss of first tooth, parents separating), arrivals, departures and death, special times of the year (Mother's day, Advent). What are some of the rituals that have spoke meaningfully in your family life?

Family prayer would seem to be a thing of the past for many, others maintain the tradition, and still others have found new forms of family prayer. One family with young children I know use catholicireland.net for their family night prayer. What are the opportunities and times of family prayer in your home?

For the parish community

Parishes can play a significant role in supporting the prayer and ritual life of families. Many parishes go to great lengths to be attentive to families at the Sunday Eucharist. Some parishes have family Masses. Many parishes have special liturgies for families on particular occasions, for example, engaged couples, expectant parents, for those retiring etc. What are some of the family friendly liturgies you have created for the families in your parish community?

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