2021 - The Year of the Domestic Church

This year has brought about much unexpected change to our daily routines. Due to the COVID - 19 pandemic, many have been challenged by working remotely, navigating online learning or engaging in other virtual activities that typically happen in-person.

These changes have allowed many to stay at home for extended periods of time. Whether you have spent more time at home alone or with your family, this year has provided a unique opportunity to encounter the Lord in those around you.

The document Lumen Gentium says this about the family: “The family is, so to speak, the domestic church. In it parents should, by their word and example, be the first preachers of the faith to their children; they should encourage them in the vocation which is proper to each of them, fostering with special care vocation to a sacred state.”

Because of this vital role of families in passing on and nurturing the faith, Bishop Joe Vásquez has inaugurated the “Year of the Domestic Church” beginning on December 27, 2020, the Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph.

Throughout the next year, we will focus on twelve different monthly themes with accompanying resources. These will aid our parish family and your individual families in observance of the Year of the Domestic Church. No matter what your household dynamic is, whether it is a home of one person or a family of many, we are all called to bear witness to and share the Gospel with our families and within our households.

Let us all hold each other in prayer throughout the next year as we experience the merciful love of God as we grow in faith in our personal and parish family.

Learn more in the ~

Letter from
Bishop Vásquez