Synopses & Reviews
For centuries, Catholicism has offered its members a wealth of splendid traditions extending beyond church walls into daily life, but in recent decades, many of these faith activities have fallen by the wayside. Now, Meredith Gould rekindles the joy of these home-based rituals in THE CATHOLIC HOME. With insight, reverence, and irrepressible enthusiasm, she shows Catholics how to use these older practices—and new ones—to enrich faith identity and instill a sense of tradition and heritage that may be passed from one generation to the next.
Organizing her guide according to the liturgical calendar, Gold—a convert to Catholicism—suggests ways to bring the particular meaning of each liturgical season into the home. From Advent wreaths to May crowns, from special meals to Bible readings, Gould presents a wide variety of activities. Focusing on much more than Christmas and Easter, Gould covers the entire Church year, from Epiphany to Pentecost; from Mary’s month (May) to select saints’ days. She also includes sections on how to prepare at home for the Sacraments such as Baptism, Confirmation, First Eucharist, and Matrimony.
Throughout THE CATHOLIC HOME, Gould’s down-to-earth practicality and sense of humor give the activities she describes modern relevance no matter how ancient their origin. To emphasize the meaning behind each ritual, Gould gives its concise history, including the non-Christian origins of the most popular traditions, such as mistletoe and Easter eggs. Sidebars throughout this guide highlight variations on practices in different parts of the United States and in other countries, underscoring the universal spirit of the traditions she describes.
Valuable appendixes explain the liturgical calendar, provide essential Catholic prayers, teach readers how to pray the rosary, and much more. THE CATHOLIC HOME is an inspiring resource for all Catholics who want to enrich their daily lives with a stronger religious identity and revive neglected traditions that will deepen their faith.
Synopsis
A "must" for every Catholic homemaker, and the perfect gift for Catholic brides, a guide to creating and celebrating Catholic traditions and holidays at home.
Synopsis
A practical, inspiring guide to Catholic observances and celebrations for the home.For centuries, the Catholic Church has offered an abundance of splendid traditions that extend religious and spiritual practice into daily life. Now, Meredith Gould reintroduces these customs and rituals to modern Roman Catholics.
Using the liturgical calendar, The Catholic Home provides familiar and new ways to celebrate each season and its special days. Gould reviews major holy days, select saints’ days, familiar prayers, and suggests meaningful ways to prepare as a family for such sacraments as Baptism, Confirmation, First Eucharist, and Matrimony.
This book includes a concise history of each ritual and clarifies the meaning behind it by highlighting celebrations of Catholic holidays from different parts of the globe. Your family will learn to make Advent wreaths, Jesse trees, St. Lucy’s crowns, King’s cakes, All Souls altars, traditional foods, and participate in family devotions.
Throughout The Catholic Home, Gould’s down-to-earth practicality and sense of humor give the activities she describes modern relevance no matter how ancient their origins. Excerpts from the official Catechism of the Catholic Church are included to illuminate Church doctrine on matters of faith and ritual. This indispensable guide will appeal to Catholics young and old and inspire beloved family traditions to be handed down from one generation to the next.
About the Author
Meredith Gould, Ph.D., is the author of four books, including Deliberate Acts of Kindness: Service as a Spiritual Practice. A convert to Catholicism, she brings a fresh appreciation of age-old customs and provides a framework for understanding the symbols and celebrations of her chosen faith. Dr. Gould lives in Princeton, New Jersey, and welcomes reader comments on her website, www.meredithgould.com.