Sarah Mitchell
A Catholic home altar is a sacred space for prayer and reflection. It is a place to gather with family and connect with God, incorporating elements from the Church that inspire devotion. There is no one way to create a home altar, and it can be as simple or elaborate as desired. It can be set up in a prominent, central location or a quiet, secluded place, depending on personal preference. The altar should include meaningful religious items such as a crucifix, sacred images, statues of saints, and candles. It is also common to have holy water and liturgical linens. The altar can be customised with decor that changes according to the liturgical seasons.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | A Catholic altar can be set up in a prominent, centrally-located place in the home, or in a more secluded and quiet place. |
| Purpose | A place for family prayer, to gather and watch mass, pray the rosary, and keep in touch with parishes via live stream. |
| Decor | Statues or figurines of saints, icons, framed Catholic art, candles, a crucifix, holy water, a Bible, and other religious items. |
| Linens | White linen is traditional, but linens can also be used to match the liturgical seasons: pink, green, purple, or red for Advent, Lent, Sacred Paschal Triduum, Easter, and Ordinary Time. |
| Relics | Some altars include a first-class relic, such as a Byzantine antimension, to offer the Holy Sacrifice of Mass. |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing a location: central or quiet
When choosing a location for your Catholic home altar, you have two main options: a central location or a quiet, secluded spot. Each option has its own advantages and can cater to different needs and lifestyles.
A central location for your altar can be a great encouragement to pray throughout the day. Placing your altar in a prominent, well-used area of your home, such as the living room or bedroom, ensures that you and your family members will see it often. This can serve as a visual reminder to pause and connect with God, even amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life. A centrally located altar can also be a beautiful display of your faith to visiting guests.
On the other hand, setting up your altar in a quiet, secluded space can offer a different kind of benefit. In a peaceful and private location, your altar can become a sanctuary—a place to escape to for moments of silent prayer and reflection. This option may be especially appealing if you have older children or teenagers who may appreciate a sacred space of their own to connect with God.
The beauty of creating a home altar is that it can be tailored to your unique needs and circumstances. You can choose a location that best supports your prayer routine and spiritual goals. If you're unsure which location to choose, you can even set up altars in both central and quiet areas of your home, allowing for a diverse and flexible prayer experience.
Ultimately, the most important aspect of your home altar is that it fulfils its purpose of connecting you with God and nurturing your faith. Whether it's in a central or quiet location, your altar can become a sacred space that enriches your spiritual life and the lives of your loved ones.
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Selecting a table
When selecting a table for your Catholic altar, it is important to choose a sturdy and suitable surface that can host your icons, prayer cards, crucifix or cross, candles, Bible, and other religious items. The size of your table will depend on the space you have available and how elaborate you want your altar to be. You can choose to use a simple table from a store or build one from scratch.
If you are using a pre-made table, consider the size and weight of the items you plan to display. Ensure that the table is sturdy enough to support the weight and large enough to accommodate all your chosen items. You can find suitable tables at furniture stores or even use a simple bookshelf as a base for your altar.
When selecting a table, consider the material and colour. A wooden table, such as one made from walnut, can provide a natural and elegant base for your altar. You can also opt for a glass-top table to create a sleek and modern look. As for colour, you can choose a neutral shade like brown or black, or go with a bolder colour that holds religious significance for you.
If you are building a custom table, you have the freedom to design it according to your specific needs and preferences. Consider the height of the table to ensure it is comfortable for prayer and meditation. You can also incorporate meaningful symbols or designs into the table's structure to make it unique to your faith journey.
Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to selecting a table for your Catholic altar. Choose a table that resonates with you and allows you to express your devotion and unique connection to your faith.
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Altar decorations: candles, statues, icons, etc
There is no one particular way to decorate a Catholic altar, and there is no formula or list of "must-haves". However, there are some traditional items that people often include when building their own altars at home.
A central item on many Catholic altars is a crucifix. Some people also include a statue or figurine of Jesus, Mary, Joseph, or another saint that holds particular significance for them. Icons and other sacred images are also common, as are candles. Some people opt for beeswax candles, while others use blessed candles.
Many Catholics also choose to decorate their altars with items that hold personal meaning for them, such as their favourite saint, prayer, or colour. In some cultures, images of deceased family members are included on home altars as a reminder to pray for their souls daily.
Altar decorations may also change with the liturgical seasons. For example, you might dress your altar in white linen or, if you want to match the liturgical seasons, pink, green, purple, or red for Advent, Lent, Sacred Paschal Triduum, Easter, and Ordinary Time.
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Linens and liturgical colours
Linens are an important part of a Catholic altar, and you will need a few layers of them to dress your altar. You can start with a sturdy table, and then dress it in white linen. If you want to match the liturgical seasons, you can use different colours such as pink, green, purple, or red for Advent, Lent, Sacred Paschal Triduum, and Easter.
The liturgical colours of the Catholic Church are a key part of the Church's tradition and theology. Each colour symbolises a different aspect of the Christian faith and the Church's calendar. The colours are also used to honour various saints and significant events in the life of Jesus and the Virgin Mary.
White is used to symbolise purity, truth, and innocence. It is used during the Christmas and Easter seasons, as well as during the feasts of saints who were not martyrs.
Red symbolises fire and the blood of martyrs. It is used on Palm Sunday, which commemorates Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, as well as on feast days of martyrs and apostles.
Purple is a colour of penance and preparation and is used during Advent and Lent, as well as during Masses for the Dead.
Green symbolises hope and life and is used during Ordinary Time, the season after Epiphany, and the season after Pentecost.
Gold or silver represents celebration and is used during Christmas and Easter, as well as during feasts of Jesus, Mary, and the saints.
Black is a colour of mourning and is used during Masses for the Dead.
Blue symbolises the Virgin Mary and heaven and is used during the Advent season in some traditions.
In addition to the linens, you can decorate your altar with sacred imagery, such as statues or icons of Mary, Joseph, Jesus, and the saints. You can also include candles, a crucifix, and a Bible.
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Holy water and relics
Holy water is traditionally kept around Catholic homes. You can keep a bottle of holy water at your altar to bless yourself and your family throughout the day. You can also have a holy water font near your altar or bedroom.
When it comes to relics, the altar should ideally have a first-class relic in it or at least placed on it for the offering of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. Priests who travel often carry a Byzantine antimension with them. The prayer said by the priest in the traditional Roman rite when he reaches the altar to kiss it before saying the introit mentions relics in and near the altar. A traditional priest should be able to help you source relics.
If you are building a custom altar, it is considered improper to use it for any other purpose, especially once Mass has been offered on it.
Other items you can include on your altar are a crucifix, candles, altar cards, a missal, and three layers of linens to dress the altar. You can also add a small bell and cruets for water and wine.
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Frequently asked questions
A Catholic home altar is a sacred space for prayer and a place to be in silence in the presence of God. It is also a place to gather together with family and friends to pray.
You can set up your home altar in a prominent, centrally-located place in your home, or in a more secluded and quiet place.
There is no rule book for building a Catholic home altar. You can start with a sturdy table and decorate it with meaningful religious items such as icons, statues, or figurines of saints, a crucifix, candles, and a Bible. You can also dress the table in white linen or colours that match the liturgical seasons.
You can add holy water, a rosary flip book, and a first-class relic. You can also include items that represent each member of your family, such as their favourite saint, prayer, or colour.
You can establish a prayer routine with your family, such as praying at specific times of the day or using an app to pray the Psalmody. You can also change your altar decor with the liturgical seasons.
