Although the parish is where we receive the sacraments, the family is where saints are made. That is why the family is called the domestic church. The most important action of the family, as the domestic church, is praying together.
Through prayer, parents teach their children about relationship with God, and the family draws closer together. As Venerable Patrick Peyton taught, "The family that prays together stays together."
The family should have a set times to pray. It is important that prayer time take preeminence over other activities. The family should always begin the day in prayer, and end the day in prayer.
The man of the household, as the head of the domestic church, should lead family prayer. No one should be multitasking during prayer (e.g. doing chores, playing, lounging).
This guide is a starting point for your family. You can add prayers and prayer time as best works for your family.
Always begin with the Sign of the Cross.
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Pray together a morning offering. In this prayer, each person thanks God for creating and preserving them, offers their day to Him, and asks Him to keep them from evil.
O Jesus, through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, I offer Thee my prayers, works, joys, and sufferings of this day, for all the intentions of Thy Sacred Heart, in union with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass said throughout the world, in reparation for my sins, for the intentions of all our associates, and in particular for ...
Let everyone list their intentions out loud from oldest to youngest. It is important that the family pray for every member's intentions, and the intentions of those they know.
Then together pray the Our Father, the Angelus, and the Guardian Angel Prayer.
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
*during the Easter season, pray the Regina Caeli instead
℣. The Angel of the LORD declared unto Mary,
℟. And she conceived of the Holy Spirit.
Hail Mary, full of grace; the LORD is with thee: blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the Fruit of thy womb, Jesus.* Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death.
℣. Behold the handmaid of the LORD.
℟. Be it done unto me according to thy word.
Hail Mary, ...
℣. And the Word was made flesh.
℟. And dwelt among us.
Hail Mary, ...
℣. Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God.
℟. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us pray,
Pour forth, we beseech Thee, O LORD, Thy grace into our hearts; that, we, to whom the Incarnation of Christ, Thy Son, was made known by the message of an angel, may by His Passion and Cross be brought to the glory of His Resurrection. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.
Angel of God, my guardian dear, To whom God's love commits me here, Ever this day, be at my side, To light and guard, Rule and guide. Amen.
Always end with the Sign of the Cross.
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Before you begin to eat, be sure to pray. If you are eating with others, pray together.
Bless us O Lord, and these Thy gifts, which we are about to receive from Thy bounty, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Always begin with the Sign of the Cross.
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Thank God.
Thank you God for having carried us through this day.
Perform a silent examination of conscience. An examination of conscience is where you review what you have done wrong and what you could have done better. Mentally walk through your day and consider what you did right, where you sinned, and where you could have been more Christlike.
After the examination of conscience, say an act of contrition.
My God, I am sorry for my sins with all my heart. In choosing to do wrong and failing to do good, I have sinned against you whom I should love above all things. I firmly intend, with your help, to do penance, to sin no more, and to avoid whatever leads me to sin. Our Savior Jesus Christ suffered and died for us. In his name, my God, have mercy.
Entrust your family and the world to God.
O my God, I entrust the country, the Church, my friends and family to your divine providence.
Then together pray the Our Father, the Angelus, and the Guardian Angel Prayer.
Our Father ...
Hail Mary ...
Angel of God, ...
Always end with the Sign of the Cross.
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.