Product Description

Don t cry over spilled milk. Transcend it. Pope John Paul II wrote that the little domestic Church, like the greater Church, needs to be constantly and intensely evangelized: hence its duty regarding permanent education in the faith. That s a tall order for busy Catholic mothers. You might even say it s as big as a house. You wouldn t want to clean the whole thing in one fell swoop, but if you take it one room at a time you ll get the job done. In a systematic course that s equally useful for groups as for individuals, this talented author shows how to remodel a home and form a family after the spiritual design of Holy Mother Church.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #51554 in Books
• Published on: 2008-10-20
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 256 pages

Review
Donna Marie s latest work is like sharing a spiritual cup of tea with a dear friend. Donna s warm words invite you into the home and guide you step by step through the teachings on the domestic church. The pages are filled with direction and guidance from her own years of experience as a Mom as well as from the wisdom of the Popes, the saints, and great catechists including Father John Hardon. Reading this book, pondering the reflections, and applying the thoughtful questions to your own life will be time well spent, and when you re done you will feel refreshed, fulfilled, comforted, as well as affirmed in your efforts to build a holier family. --Teresa Tomeo, author, speaker, and syndicated Catholic talk show host

About the Author
Widely published and deeply experienced in both family life and religious life, Donna-Marie Cooper O Boyle counted Blessed Teresa of Calcutta among her personal friends. She maintains numerous Web sites and has founded several Catholic apostolates and ministries. For a daily dose of inspiration, visit Donna's blog.

Customer Reviews

Explore and Enjoy Your Domestic Church
A few years ago, I participated in a Catholic mother's study and was left feeling...unsatisfied somehow. Since I know many women who have benefited greatly from this particular study, I questioned my general ambivalence, tending almost to negativity. Was I just at a bad place; did I just have a bad attitude?

After a different small group study, based on a different series, I realized what I missed in the first one - though I am a Catholic mom and it was for Catholic moms, it didn't include Church teachings and documents in a way that stimulated me to grow.

When Donna-Marie shared her book The Domestic Church: Room by Room with me, I recognized a study that answers that desire I had - and continue to have - to grow in faith with other Catholic women. It's a great introduction to some of John Paul II's writings on family, packaged in a clever design, where you explore your domestic church one room at a time, starting in the foyer and traveling through the garage, nursery, bedroom, living room, kitchen, dining room, and basement, ending with the porch and patio.

You could use this guide in a small weekly group, or you could go through it alone. (I'm more likely to actually answer questions when I'm in a group setting.) Having your Bible handy will give you a chance to reference the Scripture passages Donna-Marie uses throughout.

The Domestic Church: Room by Room is a study that sits you down, heart to heart, with some of the greatest Catholic minds of our time. It will make you walk through your own home with a new appreciation for your vocation within it.

Holiness Within Our Grasp
One of the hardest tasks in the world is to stay home alone all day with small children, doing all the minuscule yet vital tasks which keep a family physically and spiritually healthy, but which the world no longer values. Work is measured in terms of how much money it makes. It is forgotten that children have only one childhood and the love they don't get from their parents they will never get at any other time. What greater success in life is there than the raising of happy, faith-filled children? To do that properly requires one's entire being.

There is a wisdom about life and people which can only be learned by being a mother. "The Domestic Church: Room by Room" by Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle is redolent with such wisdom. We have forgotten the secret to sanctity that past generations possessed. Holiness is to be found in the present moment, in the humblest tasks which, when performed with love, are of greater merit in the eyes of God than works that are magnificent but loveless. Donna-Marie discusses the nature of a mother's sacrificial love, as follows:

"The list of sacrifices and sufferings is endless, as is a mother's love. If we really love our children properly, there must be sacrifice; otherwise, there is no real love. A mother's connectedness to her child, which continues even after the umbilical cord has been severed, allows her to truly experience a sacrificial love- a love that puts her own interests and needs on hold, a love that continues to give even when it hurts." (pp. 156-157)

Donna-Marie explores many issues which at times beset mothers of families, saying:

"Mothers, as we know, have a difficult job in the home coupled with the fact with the fact that society oftentimes demeans the role of a mother by 'measuring' her worth by the size of her paycheck. There are areas that a mother may try to 'escape' to in order to feel more accomplished while inadvertently neglecting her family....

Diapers, demands, laundry, and dishes are not the only activities filling a mother's time. However, a mother may begin to feel frustrated and dwell on what she feels is her lack of accomplishments. She may also fail to see Our Lord's hand in her housekeeping because of the mixed messages from our society aimed at mothers and also because she may be exhausted and in need of encouragement. Mothers should strive to help one another with Christian camaraderie and encouragement for the journey." (pp. 113-114)

The book integrates the basics of Christian spirituality with the practical side of running a home. Although the means of giving apostolic witness may seem limited for housewives, we are reminded about the power of the little things which are at our disposal. To quote:

"While remembering that our example speaks louder than our words, we can feel confident that even out at the grocery store, the post office, the bank, and other places where we do our errands, God is sure to put people in our path. A simple smile, a door held open, a listening ear to someone we meet who has an immediate need, giving a hand to a mother with many children in tow- all kinds of situations arise in which we can lend a hand....Through little acts of kindness, miracles do happen. A simple smile and a kind word may have been just the little act of love that a lonely person absolutely needed so as not to fall into despair that particular day...." (p.213)

Donna-Marie is an excellent teacher; after reading "The Domestic Church" it came as no surprise to discover that the author is a lay Missionary of Charity, following the path of Blessed Teresa of Calcutta. I am especially impressed by the order and clarity with which this book is written, complete with study guide that would make it perfect for a parish discussion group or a wonderful companion on a retreat. Quotes from Popes John Paul II and Benedict XVI about the condition of marriage and family life in the modern world make the book particularly relevant to the present time. I am looking forward to next reading Donna-Marie's newest book, "Grace Café."

Need a mini "mom" retreat? This book is just perfect!
It is truly a privilege to write a review for The Domestic Church: Room by Room, by Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle.

The title of the book intrigued me. As the mother of a large homeschooling family, it's not too difficult for me to see our home as the Domestic Church, our faith is rooted in everything we do and our home reflects our rich, Catholic heritage.

I was immediately taken by the warm, friendly and inviting tone set by the author as she seeks to lead us "room by room" on a spiritual journey of self-discovery,one that ultimately leads us to a deeper appreciation of our role as ¿the heart of the home." I'm quite sure the sweet metaphor of each "room' will charm you, so I'll not give much away!

The Domestic Church - Room by Room is well written, with thought-provoking questions at the end of each chapter. This book is well suited to large group study, and yet, was a delight for this busy mom to curl up with, all alone at the end of the day. As a wife and mother with more than a quarter century of experience, I can honestly say I found great encouragement in the words of Donna-Marie, the beautiful scriptural passages, quotes from papal encyclicals and from Bl. Theresa of Calcutta.

If you find yourself in need of a "mini-retreat," this is the book you're looking for. Set aside a bit of time each day and allow Donna-Marie to lead you gently through your Domestic Church, you'll enjoy the journey!