Ten Traditional Ways to Live the Catholic Faith as a Family

In our little corner of the world, many families are rediscovering the beauty of the Church’s traditional rhythms – living the faith not just on Sundays, but in every small act of daily life. Whether you’re new to tradition or have been growing in it for years, here are 10 traditional ways to live out your Catholic faith as a family, especially with little ones in tow.

  1. Bless Your Meals with the Church’s Own Words

Yes, we all say grace before meals. But did you know the Rituale Romanum includes specific blessings for both lunch and dinner? These prayers aren’t just personal habits—they’re part of the Church’s official treasury of blessings. Consider learning the Latin versions as a family; the chant 

Example (before meals):

“Benedic, Domine, nos et haec tua dona…”

It’s a small way to mark every meal with reverence—and tie your table to the altars of the Church.

  1. Pray the Divine Office (Liturgy of the Hours)

The traditional breviary is not just for priests! It’s a treasure for the entire Church. Families can begin simply—perhaps praying Compline (Night Prayer) together. Over time, you’ll begin to follow the Church’s ancient calendar of saints and feasts.

One helpful resource is DivinumOfficium.com, which offers the full traditional office in Latin and English.

  1. And/or Pray the Rosary—the Layman’s Divine Office

Traditionally called the “breviary of the laity,” the rosary is a mini-Liturgy of the Hours for those not bound to the clerical office. The repetition is meditative, the mysteries rich in Scripture, and the rhythm perfect for young children. Try one decade each night for beginners, or a family rosary after dinner with the family, where each child recites one decade each.  And, for those who desire, try different languages!

  1. Sing the Seasonal Marian Antiphons

The Church assigns a beautiful hymn to Our Lady for each liturgical season. Singing these together—perhaps after dinner or at bedtime—is a wonderful way to teach children about the liturgical year and grow in love for Our Lady.

Even toddlers love singing “Salve Regina” in the car or before bedtime!

  1. Pray Before Traveling

Speaking of prayers in the car…

Before you hit the road, consider reciting the traditional blessing for a journey found in the Rituale Romanum. It’s a simple, profound way to start every trip by placing your family under divine protection.

“In viam pacis et prosperitatis…”  (full rite here)

“Into the way of peace and prosperity…”

The Sub tuum praesidium is also a lovely chant, asking for Our Lady’s mantle of protection during your trip.


(A little holy water doesn’t hurt, either.)

  1. Practice Lectio Divina as a Family

Lectio Divina – “divine reading” – is a traditional way of slowly and prayerfully reading Scripture. Set aside 10 quiet minutes: read a passage from the Gospels, pause, and let everyone share a word or phrase that stood out. It’s not a Bible study – it’s listening to the voice of God.

  1. Walk the Traditional Stations of the Cross

Most churches offer the Stations during Lent – but families can pray them year-round. Children love moving from station to station, especially when the images are vivid. You can use the St. Alphonsus Liguori meditations or other traditional texts, and let kids take turns carrying a crucifix.

  1. Celebrate the “Churching” of Mothers

This beautiful blessing for new mothers – found in the Rituale Romanum – is a forgotten gem. It’s not about purification, but thanksgiving and reintegration. After childbirth, a mother is blessed and escorted back into the community by the Church in a small ceremony after Mass.  

  1. Live by the Traditional Liturgical Calendar

The traditional calendar – with Ember Days, Octaves, Vigils, and more – is rich and alive. It orients us to fast and feast in rhythm with the Church. Mark the calendar visibly in your home: honor saints’ days, bake for feasts, and tell the stories of the martyrs. This is how tradition comes alive!  This is one reason why Una Voce DSM creates its own personalized TLM calendar every year!

  1. Fast on Fridays – and Wednesdays

The traditional custom is no meat on Fridays, year-round. Some families also fast on Wednesdays (as early Christians did). Fasting isn’t just a rule – it’s an act of love. It reminds us that Christ fasted, that we’re not of this world, and that every bodily sacrifice can be offered for souls. Kids can fast from desserts, toys, or screen time, too!

In Closing: Tradition Is a Gift, Not a Guilt Trip

These aren’t “rules” to stress over – but invitations to deepen your family’s traditional expression of their life in Christ. You don’t have to do everything at once. Pick one or two. Let them grow naturally in your home.

Living the faith traditionally doesn’t mean withdrawing; it means anchoring your family in the timeless, beautiful, and holy practices that formed saints for centuries.

Let’s support each other in this journey, and raise up a generation of children who know where they come from – because they know where they’re going.  

Have a traditional Catholic family devotion you’d love to share?  Let us know at info@unavocedsm.org!