Home Altar

  Creating an Altar in the home in a small space allows for prayerful thought and contemplation during our busy day. It allows us the time to pause, acknowledge, and reflect on whom we owe our gratitude and prayerful thanks for our many blessings. 

   You might use a console table, end table, or bookshelf. Line the table with a basic linen or lace table scarf, or nothing at all. Place statues of Jesus, Mary, the Holy Family, a Crucifix, a favorite saint, and /or pictures copied from the internet and placed in frames. A rosary, books of prayers, holy cards, a bible, and holy water are also important.  Flowers and candles, which accent the seasonal changes may help one devote more attention, prayer, and reflection.   

   My family made an altar from an old end table we found at St. Vincent DePaul and placed it in our living room. We have a Crucifix, a picture of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, a statue of Mary, and a rosary. We also have our family bible, blessed medallions, a blessed candle, and several prayer cards. Seasonally we decorate this Altar. For example, during Advent, we have added a purple scarf, our Advent wreath, and special prayers. At Christmas, we dress the table in a white lace scarf and add our homemade Nativity scene.