The Heart of the Family video series is a seven-part journey created to help your family reclaim its identity as a domestic church. By walking alongside the Holy Family of Nazareth — the Blessed Virgin Mary, Saint Joseph, and Jesus Christ — and rooting ourselves deeper into the life of the Church, we will discover that healing, renewal, and holiness can be found in our own living rooms. Let’s begin our journey, together as a family, towards God, the heart of the family.
Family sitting in the grass
 

What is a domestic church?

The Church’s vision for the family is profoundly beautiful because it is rooted in the very being of God: our family is a domestic church where in daily life and through the relationships between parents, children, and grandparents, we get to experience the tremendous love and forgiveness of our Triune God. This video series provides the tools to turn your home into a sanctuary of faith with God at the center of your family.


What you will find in this program

Under the Sessions tab, you will find the following seven self-guided family sessions with Scriptural reflections exploring what it means to be a faithful Catholic family–a domestic church. Each session includes a handout with reflection questions and family activities you can do at home.

  1. Waiting for the Lord to Bless Us
  2. When Everything Changes, the Lord Remains
  3. Becoming the Strong and Tender Family of Jesus
  4. What Scripture Teaches Us About Human Relationships
  5. Woven Together: What the Church Teaches us About Family Relationships
  6. Family of Families: The Parish Community and the Communion of Saints
  7. What Your Hands have Learned and Done: A Guided Family Meditation
Family reading a book

How it works

If you're watching at home with your famiily:

  • Choose a day and time to gather that works best for everyone. (Daily? Weekly? Up to you!)
  • Watch Together: Watch the first two videos of every session.
  • Reflect and Act: Discuss the reflection questions and take part in the activities listed in the handout of every session.
  • Pray: Close this family time by watching and praying with the final video.
Family looking at tablet

If you are a parish or a Catholic school leader, or a family who would love to invite other families to join you at home, download the Leader’s Guide to find suggested formats for cohorts or large-group gatherings.

Leader's Guide