The pandemic changed everything. For a time, folks were unable to come to church on Sundays, let alone share in fellowship. The loss was more than missing the homily or the music; it was the loss of a whole environment that helps us experience our faith. So while Zoom filled in some of the pieces, most folks just didn't feel like they were a part of the larger church while sitting in their living room or watching Mass at the kitching table. 

Home Rituals grew out of that need to bring church to the home. They were created to offer ideas for way that families might shape their environment to bring home some of that church feel, some sense of being with the saints, and some of the rituals and actions that symbolized our praying together. These suggestions extended beyond the Sunday liturgy to the songs that a child might experience at Bible Camp or part of Religious Education. The monthly posts offered ideas and activities meant to engage both body and imagination. They sometimes mentioned saints and their stories, with links to books or videos so we can all share in that communnion of saints that many churches had on display in windows, statues, and religious art. 

Our hope was not to dictate what one should read or how you might shape this "church at home," but rather to offer ideas, resources, and places you might explore. And while a link may have told the story of one saint, it was hoped that you migth be curious enough and literate enough in computer skills to seek out other saints and other stories on the various websites. 

We hope this series continues to help you develop the experience of "church at home" with your families.