The Divine Life Group & “The Little Monastery” Movement

What Is The Little Monastery?

The Little Monastery is a national movement inviting every Catholic household to embrace its sacred identity as a “Domestic Church”, transforming ordinary homes into vibrant centers of daily prayer, community, and personal holiness. Rooted in Catholic tradition, this initiative calls families, couples, and individuals to live with intentionality, drawing inspiration from the rhythms, practices, and spiritual focus of classic monastic life.

Core Purpose

  • Spiritual Paradigm Shift: The movement challenges Catholics to see the home not merely as a place to live, but as a sacred space, a “little monastery,” where faith is practiced, traditions are fostered, and every aspect of daily life becomes an offering to God.

  • Holistic Faith Formation: It emphasizes that formation in prayer, virtue, hospitality, and service isn’t confined to churches or monasteries, but begins and flourishes in the Domestic Church, every kitchen, living room, and family gathering.

  • Ancient Wisdom in Modern Homes: Drawing from centuries of monastic tradition, participants are equipped to develop a “rule of life” at home, weaving together routines of prayer, learning, shared work, rest, and outreach into daily family living.

A “monastery” is an enduring symbol of a life intentionally centered on God. Using it as a metaphor for the Catholic home, the Domestic Church powerfully captures the call to transform daily life into a sacred, grace-filled journey, making every household a living wellspring of faith, hope, and love.

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Sacred Centers of Daily Holiness

  • Continuous Faith in Action: Just as monasteries are designed for daily prayer, study, work, and community, the Catholic home is where faith is practiced regularly in an intimate setting, sanctifying the ordinary through prayerful routines, attentiveness, and love.

  • Sanctification of Everyday Life: Both monasteries and homes are laboratories of virtue; the simple acts of daily life (meals, chores, study) mirror the monastic pursuit of glorifying God in everything.

A Rule of Life and Spiritual Rhythm

  • Intentional Structure: Monasteries thrive with a “rule of life” (such as Benedictine daily schedules) to cultivate prayer, work, rest, and hospitality. The Domestic Church also benefits when families establish regular rhythms, morning prayers, shared meals, times for reading and reflection, that anchor faith in daily living.

Hospitality, Community, and Formation

  • Communal Growth: Monasteries welcome guests, serve the poor, and form members in faith. Likewise, Christian homes are called to be places of hospitality, love, forgiveness, and lifelong Christian formation, especially for children.

“Set Apart” Yet Engaged With the World

  • Sanctuaries in the World: Monasteries balance separation from worldly distractions with active prayer for and service to society. The Domestic Church, too, stands as a holy outpost—shaped by spiritual purpose while remaining deeply engaged with neighborhood, parish, and wider community.

Rooted in Catholic Tradition

  • Church’s Vision: The Catechism and Church documents like Familiaris Consortio assert that every family is a “Domestic Church,” the primary place where faith is handed on and lived.

  • Evoking Ancient Wisdom for Modern Times: Calling the home a “little monastery” draws on the rich legacy of Christian spirituality and offers a practical, inspiring model for families to follow today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can join The Little Monastery movement?

Any Catholic household—families, couples, singles, friends living together—willing to commit their home to prayer, learning, and hospitality.

What do I receive when I register?

A digital welcome kit, placement on the national honor roll, early access to special resources, and regular inspiration to help you deepen your household’s spiritual life.

Is there a cost to participate?

No. The heart of The Little Monastery is openness and accessibility, but your registration helps us track, celebrate, and support the national movement.

How the Little Monastery Movement Works

  • Register Your Household

    • Publicly affirm your commitment to live as a Little Monastery.

    • Receive a welcome kit: digital prayer resources, a household “rule of life,” and a place on our national honor roll.

  • Shape Your Sacred Rhythm

    • Access exclusive guides, video series, and workshops to help you establish prayer routines, sacred spaces, and family traditions that reflect the monastic spirit.

  • Share Your Story

    • Join a growing map of Little Monasteries across the country. Share your household’s journey, prayers, and creative expressions of faith—strengthening the wider community.

  • Unlock Community and Recognition

    • Connect with other households.

    • Participate in monthly challenges, webinars, and featured spotlights.

    • Celebrate milestones as we collectively move toward one million Catholic homes living as Little Monasteries.

To make the home a sacred space, consider establishing a dedicated prayer space or small home altar.

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