A "Home Altar" (or prayer corner/shrine) is simply a physical space in your house dedicated to God. It acts as a visual anchor. When you walk past it, you are reminded to pray.
You don't need a spare room. A shelf on a bookcase, a mantle, or a small end table works perfectly.
The Essentials
1. The Crucifix
Central to our faith. It should be the focal point. (San Damiano, Benedictine, or a simple wooden cross).
2. Images of Mary and the Saints
- A statue of Our Lady.
- Icons or framed prints of your Patron Saints.
- Photos of deceased family members (to remind you to pray for their souls).
3. Light (Candles)
Candles symbolize the presence of Christ, the Light of the World.
- Beeswax is traditional (and smells great).
- Electric candles are fine if you have toddlers or cats!
4. Holy Water
Keep a small font or bottle of Holy Water there. Bless yourself when you start your prayer time.
5. The Bible & Prayer Books
Keep your Bible, Breviary, and Rosary beads there so you don't have to hunt for them.
Changing With the Seasons
Your altar should breathe with the Liturgical Year.
- Advent: Add an Advent Wreath and purple cloth.
- Lent: Remove flowers, use a burlap cloth or a crown of thorns.
- Easter: Fresh white flowers and gold cloth.
- May: A crown of flowers for Mary.
- November: Pictures of deceased ancestors.
Create a space for silence in a noisy world. Need inspiration? Check out the "Domestic Church" gallery on our Pinterest board.