Spotlight on the Family 4: Christian Decor

A father’s three-year-old son was playing quietly with his trains in his room—too quietly maybe. The father went to check on him. As he looked into the room, he saw the boy get up from the trains, run to the statue of the Sacred Heart, pick it up and kiss it. “Why did you do that?” the father asked. The boy replied, “Because he’s a good guy.” A question posed to students and retreatants is, If you were accused of being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you? Here is a similar one: Would someone visiting your home know that you were Christian? Mentally walk through the rooms of your house. What signs are there of your faith in Jesus Christ? These items are not merely for show, but to remind your family (and others) of God and prompt you to pray. Your home doesn’t need to look like a religious goods store, but shouldn’t something in it reflect your faith?

A prayer table is found in some Catholic homes, notably Byzantine Catholic homes. A stand or a shelf covered by a lovely scarf can serve as a prayer table where your family gathers to pray or for significant moments: the announcing of an engagement or a new job. On it might be the family Bible, a candle, flowers, a crucifix, statues or pictures of Jesus, the Blessed Virgin Mary, or patron saints of the family members. As the Church year unfolds, items can be displayed, such as a replica of the saint of the day, an Advent wreath, a nativity set, and palm branches. Children will enjoy setting up the prayer table and changing it to represent the liturgical seasons.

The centerpiece of the dining room table can also reflect Church celebrations. For example, the Advent wreath or an arrangement of Easter eggs. may be set where you gather to eat.

Here is a list of items found in Christian homes. Which one(s) can be found in your home?

Crucifix

Bible, maybe with a beautiful cover

Religious statues: perhaps you’ve had an enthronement of the Sacred Heart

Framed religious pictures on the wall

Framed Scripture verse or prayer

Blessed palm, plain or braided, slipped behind a picture or mirror

Holy water font at a doorway or holy water bottle

Holy oil, such as St. Anne oil

Catholic calendar with church feasts marked

Religious screen saver on the computer

Epiphany markings over the doorway

Catholic literature: books, magazines, newspapers

CDs with Christian music

Religious statue in your yard: Sacred Heart, Mary, St. Francis

Religious item in or on your car

Rosary

Holy cards

Were any of these in your home when you were a child? What did they mean to you?