The Domestic Church: Room by Room: A Study Guide for Mothers

by Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle

Book Overview

Formerly published by Circle Press as ISBN 978-1-933271-20-0. Pope John Paul II wrote that the "little domestic church, like the greater Church, needs to be constantly and intensely evangelized: hence... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1933271205
• ISBN13: 9781933271200
• Release Date: October 2008
• Publisher: Circle Press
• Length: 254 Pages
• Weight: 0.84 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 6.3" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

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 o

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!

More encouragement for moms

Though an individual would benefit from reading, this book is arranged as a study guide for a group, with discussion questions at the end of each section. (And, pssst ... don't worry, busy moms -- the answers are there, too! So don't worry about passing class.) The Domestic Church, like all of Donna-Marie's books, backs up its exhortation with solid sources such as quotes from Scripture, encyclicals and saints. I love the realism, too, such as this beautiful quote from Blessed Teresa of Calcutta: "A living love hurts. Jesus, to prove His love for us, died on the Cross. The mother, to give birth to her child, has to suffer. If you really love one another properly, there must be sacrifice." The Domestic Church honestly addresses "temptations to abandon the heart of the home," noting that mothers can get discouraged, or feel unrecognized and unappreciated. Donna-Marie writes: "A mother who is fighting this interior battle may feel, or even state that she is 'just' a mother. I have heard this so often, and I will tell the mom that she is 'not just a mother!'" This is the heart of Donna's message, and this is her mission: to help other moms realize that their work is a vital, vibrant, holy vocation. I highly recommend Donna-Marie's books to newly married women and new mothers, and to moms of any age who seek encouragement and affirmation in their vocation.

Empowers Families to Be a Source of Light and Leaven to the World

In this inspiring book, Donna instructs, guides, and encourages women to embrace the gift of motherhood and assists them in developing their vocations to the fullest by providing a personal /group retreat, enabling them to grow in holiness and share this holiness with their families. In her warm, personal writing style, with gentle, loving care, Donna effectively draws women into a deeper understanding of their roles by taking the reader on a tour of the domestic church - the Catholic home - where each room unveils a beautiful new aspect of the mother's vocation. In each room, she explores the truths of the Church as revealed through Scriptures, papal encyclicals, Church doctrine, and the teachings and words of Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, reflecting on the implications of each as they affect the daily lives of mothers and their families. The Domestic Church: Room by Room acts not only as a tool for spiritual growth, but also serves as a tool for growing in practical knowledge/wisdom, by providing insightful, commonsense solutions to some of the day to day problems women face as wives and mothers. Donna addresses the multiple roles, responsibilities, and challenges that women and mothers face today and the ever changing relationship that couples experience in their marriages. In addition, she provides suggestions for the problems that husbands and wives face in their relationships with one another, as well as with their children. The personal anecdotes she uses to illustrate this makes the reader feel as if they are discussing these issues over coffee with a close friend /spiritual mentor. The organization of the book makes it easy to use in a group setting, sharing faith and insights with other Catholic mothers or studied individually. At the end of each chapter, Donna provides a helpful summary of the main ideas presented, followed by four or five questions which assist readers in applying the theological and doctrinal teachings to their own lives. It also comes fully equipped with a leader's guide and an answer key. Catholic adults will enjoy this inspiring book a great deal. It has the potential to transform lives and bring marriages and families closer together, empowering them to be a source of light and leaven to the world.

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.