what kind of objects would one put on it?
2007-03-14 16:35:29 · 12 answers · asked by Lyra Silvertongue 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
With all due respect to the poster that states that a "True Catholic would not have an altar in their home only in the House of God". I beg to differ emphatically.
Every Catholic home should be a microcosm of the Church. Ideally, the Father at the head, the Mother as the cherished spouse (both equal before God in dignity and, always, treating each other equally in charity), and with the children brought up learning how to know, love, and serve God. The true head of the Catholic home is Jesus, just as He is Head of the Church but appointed a Vicar in the Supreme Pontiff, our Holy Father. The constant awareness of Christ's Kingship, with the family's week centered on the Mass, and day centered on prayer, is key.
In contradistinction to the typical home which has a television set as its centerpiece, the focal point of a Catholic home should be the family altar -- a place where the family can gather to offer up their prayers to the Most Holy Trinity and to ask the Saints to pray for them. Morning Offerings, family Rosaries, prayers for special intentions, family novenas, Lectio Divina, etc., can all be made here.
Not alot of us can go out and afford icons. In todays technological world, I think it would be acceptable to create this by doing a search for 'icons' and select a few you like and print them and have them framed nicely.
Family altars, like the rest of the home, can be decorated according to the liturgical season, changing tablecloths, sacred images, and flowers according to that Season's liturgical colors and themes (check here to see a list of flowers by liturgical color). One tip I have is to buy one of those little tiny 6" easels made to display small pictures, and then buy an assortment of Holy Cards to place on it according to liturgical season or Feast. For ex., on the Feast of St. Nicholas, a Holy Card bearing his likeness can be set out; on Good Friday, a card depicting the Crucifixion; on the family's Name Days, depictions of their patrons can be placed on it, etc.
We look forward to your coming home and continue to ask away it is such a pleasure! Many blessings to you.
Edited to add the liturgical part as my family altar has.
2007-03-14 17:37:37 · answer #1 · answered by Michelle_My_Belle 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
While I personally believe a Spirtual Altar in the home is more of the Proper & Personal method to reach God.
A True Catholic would NOT have an altar in their home, as their Only Altar would be in the HOUSE of God. That said you can usually have a Shrine in your home dedicated to One Saint or Holy Figure. So people use the Virgin Mary.
2007-03-14 16:50:37 · answer #2 · answered by Aphrodite 3 · 1⤊ 3⤋
Crucifix
Sacred Scripture (Douay-Rheims)
Missal(s)
icons (statues and/or two-dimensional)
a Holy Water font
a cellar of blessed salt
charcoal incense burner
Rosaries
vigil candles, candles blessed at Candlemas (to burn on All Saints Day and in times of trouble), and Baptismal candles (for use at weddings and during Unction)
2007-03-14 16:38:47 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
White cloth, candles, some sort of relic is o.k. First class are very hard to find as they are controlled pretty closely but? Would this be what kind of an Alter? If it was to a certain Saint perhaps their picture or a statue of them
2007-03-14 16:41:24 · answer #4 · answered by Midge 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Family altars, ideally, should be on the Eastern wall of a home, in the same orientation as church buildings. The altar can be as simple or as elaborate as one desires, but should be beautiful and conducive to contemplation. A few key items to be placed on or around the altar table are:
Crucifix
Sacred Scripture (Douay-Rheims)
Missal(s)
icons (statues and/or two-dimensional)
a Holy Water font
a cellar of blessed salt
charcoal incense burner
Rosaries
vigil candles, candles blessed at Candlemas (to burn on All Saints Day and in times of trouble), and Baptismal candles (for use at weddings and during Unction)
2007-03-14 16:39:21 · answer #5 · answered by ? 6 · 2⤊ 5⤋
Anything that constitutes a Sacramental: Rosaries, scapulars, holy water, religious lapel pins/ necklaces with crosses etc, statuettes, prayer cards, books, a Bible.
Anything you own that reminds you of God can go into your makeshift in-home shrine.
2007-03-16 02:47:36 · answer #6 · answered by Daver 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
A few religious statues, and candles. My wife also has a Bible on hers on a stand.
2007-03-14 16:39:52 · answer #7 · answered by p_doell 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I have statues and candles on mine. Flowers, pictures of family members, holy cards, rosaries, ect could also go on one.
2007-03-14 16:37:45 · answer #8 · answered by Dysthymia 6 · 3⤊ 1⤋
I imagine the Cucifix,Bible,Rosary beads.......maybe a photo taken of Jesus and his friends at the Last Supper. (he he)
2007-03-14 16:51:55 · answer #9 · answered by I am Sunshine 6 · 3⤊ 2⤋
Graven images the more the better,Strange incense,holy water,some plastic beads,a picture of Mary and the pope,a picture of Mary with the pope,a picture of rust.... oops ! I mean blood coming out of a statue,catechism book who needs the Bible when you got that?.That should about do it.
Sorry I guess I forgot.You'll need some chicken bones.
2007-03-14 17:59:41 · answer #10 · answered by don_steele54 6 · 0⤊ 10⤋