Home altars aren't usually fancy so any table, bookcase, or space will do. It's really what works for your family. You can use a piano bench as a teaching spot.
Creating a Home Altar Home altars can vary from home to home and can include anything from family photos to holy cards, candles, natural items, etc. Home altars aren't usually fancy so any table, bookcase, or space will do. It's really what works for your family. You can use a piano bench as a teaching spot. In the bench store an altar cloth, a little missal, and other small necessities. If you do not have a piano bench any spot will do. Drape it with a cloth (can be a scarf, scrap of fabric, tablecloth etc.) and a children’s Bible, a cross and a candle. Let it be an interactive space. Something that can be a hands-on area. A place where the children can feel that they can come to and touch things. • • • • • • • • •
You want the children to be inspired. Sometimes looking at something beautiful or hearing beautiful music inspires us to think about God. A learning space. Some books are usually left unnoticed unless you take them out. Perhaps highlighting bible story on the altar or prayer space would encourage a child to ask about it or read it. Add prayers and poems. Add a showcase of family mementos, things from holidays and celebrations, from ancestors, from baptisms, confirmations, weddings, births, etc. Things that illustrate your family and being a family of God. On the altar you may want to allow room to display or make a craft dedicated to our faith- crosses, prayer beads, and coloring prayers/doodles. Drawings, weavings, mandalas, etc. Flexibility. Make it a spot you can change frequently- add items from vacation, found on a hike, playing outside, pictures, etc. Take the idea of creating sacred space with you on trips- create a simple space wherever you are using the items around you. Sing simple songs, share highs and lows of the week, offer prayers and thanksgivings. Look for other ideas on Pinterest and share your ideas to the Diocese of Alabama Christian formation pagewww.pinterest.com/dioaladirectors/boards/
