Michael Brooks
Setting up a home altar, also known as a family altar, prayer table, or altar table, is a tradition among Roman Catholic families. This sacred space allows them to pray or be in silence in the presence of God. There are no rules for setting up a home altar, and it can be done easily and affordably. A home altar can be set up on any surface, such as a shelf, mantle, desk, or a section of a china cabinet. It typically includes items such as icons, prayer cards, a crucifix or cross, candles, and a Bible placed on a stand. The altar may also be decorated with religious artwork, statues, or figurines of saints, and fresh flowers. Some families provide kneelers in the area for praying and use linens or tablecloths in liturgical colors, which are switched out throughout the year to match the current liturgical season.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Bedroom, living room, or a separate room in the house |
| Surface | Top of a shelf, a mantle, a desk, a wall-mounted shelf, a section of a china cabinet, or the back of a piano |
| Table | Sturdy table to host icons, prayer cards, crucifix or cross, candles, Bible, etc. |
| Table Dressing | White linen or liturgical colors (green, purple, pink, red, and white) to match the liturgical seasons |
| Bible | Placed at the center of the altar on a stand |
| Rosary | Placed next to the Bible or hung next to the altar |
| Sacred Imagery | Prints, statues, or figurines of Mary, Joseph, Jesus, and saints |
| Crucifix | Reminder of the commitment to serve God |
| Other | Prayer kneelers, chalkboard for scripture, religious crafts, flowers |
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What You'll Learn
Choose a location
Setting up a Catholic home altar, or a "seborium", begins with choosing the right location. This can be anywhere in your home, from your bedroom to your living room, or even a dedicated prayer room. The size and location of your altar will depend on your personal preferences, the amount of space you have available, and the level of privacy you desire.
When selecting a location, consider the purpose of your seborium. It should be a sacred space where you can pray, meditate, and connect with your faith. Choose a quiet and peaceful area that is free from distractions and interruptions. If possible, select a spot near a window to allow natural light to fill the space, creating a calming and uplifting atmosphere.
The amount of space you have will also influence the type of altar you can set up. A simple altar can be created on any surface, such as a shelf, mantle, desk, or a hanging shelf. Alternatively, you can opt for a freestanding altar table or a sturdier piece of furniture to serve as the focal point of your seborium.
If you have limited space, get creative! You can utilise a variety of spaces, such as the top of your china cabinet, the back of your piano, or any wall-mounted surface. The key is to designate an area specifically for your altar, ensuring it is respected as a sacred space within your home.
Once you've chosen your location, you can begin to design and decorate your altar. This includes adding religious symbols, sacred imagery, and items of spiritual significance, creating a personalised space for prayer and reflection.
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Gather necessary items
Setting up a Catholic home altar, also known as a family altar, prayer table, or altar table, is a great way to display your priorities as a Catholic family unit and set the scene for the Domestic Church in your home. It is a sacred space where you can pray, meditate, or simply be in silence in the presence of God.
A Surface
Firstly, you will need a surface to set up your altar on. This could be any surface in your home, such as the top of a shelf, a mantle, a desk, a wall-mounted shelf, a section of your china cabinet, or even the back of your piano.
A Table
If you wish to have a more dedicated space for your altar, you can start with a sturdy table. This table will host your icons, prayer cards, crucifix or cross, candles, Bible, and other sacred items. It is advised that you dress the table with linen to follow the liturgical calendar. The colours you can use include white, pink, green, purple, or red, depending on the liturgical season.
Sacred Items
Now, let's discuss the sacred items you will need for your altar:
- Bible: The Bible is the Word of God and should be placed at the centre of your altar. You will need a Bible stand to elevate it honourly.
- Rosary: As a Catholic family tradition, a rosary must be placed on the altar. You can place it next to the Bible or hang a rosary holder next to the altar.
- Crucifix or Cross: Every Catholic household should have a crucifix to remind them of the commitment required to serve God. If you have space constraints, a simple cross can also be used.
- Icons and Sacred Imagery: Decorate your altar with sacred imagery, such as Byzantine icons or statues of Mary, Joseph, and Jesus, who make up the Holy Family. You can also include statues or figurines of saints that inspire you.
- Candles: Include candles on your altar, as they are a traditional part of Catholic worship and can create a sacred atmosphere.
- Flowers: Adding a vase with fresh flowers brings the beauty of creation to your altar, symbolizing life and the renewal of hope and trust in the Lord.
Optional Items
While the above items are considered essential for a Catholic home altar, there are several optional items that can enhance your sacred space:
- Kneelers: If space allows, a kneeler is an exceptional addition to your altar, providing a comfortable space for personal prayer and meditation.
- Printable Altar Pieces: Consider joining a membership program that offers printable home altar pieces, crafts, and activities. These can include monthly dedication artwork, "Saint Spinners," and more.
- Liturgical Garments: You can switch out liturgical garments throughout the year to match the current liturgical season.
- Chalkboard: A chalkboard can be used to display a new scripture verse each week, keeping your altar dynamic and engaging.
- Children's Crafts: If you have children, you can use the altar as a place to display their latest religious crafts, involving them in your family's faith journey.
Remember, there are no rules when it comes to setting up your Catholic home altar. You can make it as simple or elaborate as you like, depending on your available space and personal preferences.
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Decorate the altar
Decorating a Catholic altar can be a simple task and there are no set rules. The decorations should reflect the liturgical calendar, which indicates the seasons, feasts, and colours to be used. The most significant seasons observed by the Catholic Church are Advent, Christmas, Lent, and Easter. Here are some ideas for decorating your altar:
Flowers and Plants
Flowers and plants can be used to decorate the altar, but moderation is important. Floral arrangements should be chosen to match the liturgical season. During Advent, floral decorations should be kept simple and not express the full joy of the Nativity prematurely. For example, a wreath made of a round evergreen can be placed on the altar during Advent, with five candles: three coloured purple, one pink or rose, and one white candle in the centre to be lit on Christmas Eve. During Lent, it is forbidden to decorate the altar with flowers, although an exception is made for Laetare Sunday (the fourth Sunday of Lent). On great feast days, extra candles may be desired. Two, four, or six candles may be placed near or upon the altar, and seven may be used if the diocesan bishop celebrates Mass.
Colours
The colours used on the altar should also follow the liturgical calendar. During Lent, cover crosses and religious statues with purple, violet, or black cloth after the fifth Sunday of Lent or after the Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord's Supper. Alternatively, remove all religious statues. On Easter Sunday, the colours of the altar linens and priests' vests are white and gold, symbolizing purity and the hope of resurrection.
Nativity Scene
On Christmas Day, elaborate decorations are fitting to celebrate the birth of a king. Use live trees and plants to depict the gift of life that Jesus brings. Place the Nativity scene in a prominent area, making it accessible to the congregation.
Scripture and Religious Crafts
Display a chalkboard with a new scripture verse each week. You can also use the altar as a place to showcase religious crafts made by children.
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Add religious items
Setting up a Catholic home altar, or a "family altar", is a great way to set the scene for the Domestic Church in your home. It is a tradition for Roman Catholic families to designate a place in their home to share their faith—a sacred space to pray or be in silence in the presence of God.
When it comes to adding religious items to your Catholic home altar, there are several options to choose from. Here are some ideas to consider:
- Crucifix or Cross: A crucifix is a must-have for every Catholic family as it reminds them of the commitment required to serve God. It represents Jesus' sacrifice of the cross to save humanity, which is the ultimate example of love. The crucifix is typically placed above the central doorway, indicating that the family home belongs first to Christ and that Jesus is welcome. Alternatively, you can place it on the altar table.
- Bible: The Bible is the Word of God and is typically placed at the centre of the altar. It is recommended to use a Bible stand to elevate it honourably.
- Rosary: Devotion to the Virgin Mary, or Our Lady, is a core aspect of Catholic family prayer life. The rosary is considered a powerful weapon against evil. You can place it next to the Bible or hang a rosary holder next to the altar.
- Sacred Imagery: Decorate your altar with sacred imagery, such as Byzantine icons or statues. Mary, Joseph, and Jesus, who make up the Holy Family, are important figures to include. You can also add statues or figurines of saints that inspire you.
- Candles: Include candles on your altar, as they are a traditional element in Catholic worship and can create a sacred atmosphere.
- Flowers: Adding a vase with fresh flowers brings the beauty of creation to your altar, symbolising life and the renewal of hope and trust in God.
- Kneelers: If space allows, consider adding a kneeler to your altar setup. This piece of furniture invites family members to engage in personal prayer and meditation before the altar at any time. It helps to humble oneself comfortably before the Lord.
- Liturgical Colours: Use linens, placemats, or tablecloths in liturgical colours such as green, purple, pink, red, and white. Change them throughout the year to match the current liturgical season.
- Children's Crafts: If you have children, you can use the altar as a place to display their latest religious crafts, helping them feel involved in the family's faith.
- Chalkboard: Create a pretty chalkboard to display a new scripture verse each week, keeping your altar dynamic and engaging.
Remember, there are no strict rules when it comes to setting up your Catholic home altar. You can choose any surface in your home, such as a shelf, mantle, desk, or a section of a cabinet, and decorate it with the religious items that hold the most meaning for you and your family.
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Include a prayer space
A prayer space, sometimes referred to as an "oratory", is a dedicated space for personal prayer. This can be a quiet corner or area in your home that offers privacy and tranquility. It is recommended to keep the prayer area clean and free from clutter to reduce distractions and create a peaceful environment.
When setting up a prayer space, consider the following:
- Select a quiet and private area in your home, such as a small corner in your bedroom, a nook in your living room, or a less-frequented part of your hallway.
- Ensure the space is clean and free from clutter to create a peaceful and serene environment.
- Include a comfortable chair or a cushion if you prefer to kneel.
- Consider your lighting options. Natural light is ideal, but if that’s not possible, soft artificial lighting can create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
- Decorate your prayer space with items that inspire your faith, such as religious statues, plants, and candles.
- Include spiritual reading materials or other prayer aids, such as prayer books, holy cards, or a rosary.
- If you like to listen to music during prayer, set up your prayer space with a speaker or computer, or keep a pair of wireless earbuds nearby.
Feel free to personalise your prayer space and add or remove items as your spiritual needs change. You can incorporate themes based on your favourite saints or include specific prayers or books, such as Dark Night of the Soul by St. John of the Cross or a Novena to St. Francis of Assisi.
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Frequently asked questions
A Catholic seborium, also known as a home altar, is a sacred space in a Catholic family's home where they can pray or be in silence in the presence of God.
You will need a sturdy table to host icons, prayer cards, a crucifix or cross, candles, and a Bible. You can dress the table in white linen or liturgical colours such as pink, green, purple, or red to match the liturgical seasons.
There is no one particular way to create a home altar, and its size depends on how elaborate you want it to be and what space allows. Some Catholics choose their bedrooms or living rooms, while others assign a specific room in their house for prayer.
