Welcome to My Catholic Homestead and the My Catholic Homestead Podcast.
This Episode of the My Catholic Homestead Podcast reviewed considerations when developing a Catholic Homestead. These considerations may vary in importance from one person and family to another, or there might be different priorities in the establishment of the Catholic Homestead altogether. These four notes though may provide at least some inspiration and starting point for many people.
1.) Community
2.) All Things Food
3.) Family Rule
4.) Liturgical Life and Prayer
As we explore these topics it is important to call to mind the foundational principles associated with the development of a Catholic Homestead. Namely, that the Catholic Homestead differs from homesteading in and of itself by its establishment. The Catholic Homestead is established with Catholic principles, is inspired by the Catholic Faith and is oriented towards fostering an environment that supports the pursuit of Heaven.
To briefly then explore each of the topics above. Here are a few key thoughts – let us know your thoughts as you listen through the Episode!
Community
Community is an integral component of the Catholic lifestyle, generally. It could be recognized from a fundamental perspective that community in Catholicism can be understood as that amongst humans, between humans and God, between the individual God, between God and His Church and in many other capacities. Catholic Homesteading is not about isolationism, in any fashion, as even the most isolated person from other people ought to be pursuing a deeper relationship with God. Community amongst other humans can be incredibly supportive for the homesteading journey – it is wise, however, to be mindful of the community that is being developed amongst others as Catholic community ought to be oriented, as all things, towards love of God.
All Things Food
Food becomes a critical component of the Catholic Homesteading lifestyle. Not simply because many homesteading pursuits include a more intentional and often laborious exercise in the production, utilization and storage of food, but because food becomes more culturally and nutritionally intentional. Food is often a marker of cultural identity and there are plenty of examples of food that support Catholic expression. The considerations of intentionality here become increasingly important as the daily activities involved in homesteading often are in some way connected to food – whether its scheduling for meal times, preparation for meals, planning of garden space and seasonal menus, etc.
Family Rule
The Family Rule involves the organization of the family lifestyle, including responsibilities, duties, scheduling and more. This often includes particular expressions of the Catholic Faith that are of particular importance to the family (or individual’s) Catholic identity. For example, our family has a particular devotion to St. Therese of Lisieux and Our Lady of Sorrows, amongst others. Consider your family’s charisms, are there stronger personality expressions and personal interests that can be used to glorify God? The Family Rule can develop and take time to arrive at but is a good start to developing not just a solid Catholic homestead lifestyle, but one that is uniquely characterized by the family’s commitment to living out the family’s specific charisms, within the Catholic Faith.
Liturgical Life and Prayer
A Catholic Homestead should be characterized by an atmosphere of prayer. As with all things in the spiritual life, there is a place for further deepening and development; however, as systems on the homestead increase in effectiveness and dedication, so too, with greater priority, should prayer and the liturgical life within the homestead. Consider exploring and introducing devotions of particular interest – a Rosary at scheduled intervals, recitation of the Psalms, the Angelus, scheduled prayer times (individually and communally). This is an opportunity to clearly establish not only a place for prayer, but a place for the instruction of prayer. Many people are not raised in a manner, or have not had experience, in regular prayer – this is why intentionality is a characteristic of the Catholic Homestead.
– Mathew