A Destination Christmas Gift


CMN Member Non-profit Ministry Energizes Family Prayer: Holy Cross Family Ministries
By Cathy Gilmore

Modern culture assaults families with a constant barrage of images and messages that undermine spiritual development. It is increasingly difficult for parents to infuse a rich and authentic Catholic faith in their children and teens. Often Christmas holiday experiences in films, advertising, gifts, and celebrations are now completely disconnected from the birthday of Jesus. Families need a way to immerse their sons and daughters in fun and faith-affirming family experiences that strengthen their souls. Holy Cross Family Ministries, the apostolate dedicated to promoting family prayer, and to promoting devotion to the Holy Rosary, has created a delightful spiritual oasis for families called the Museum of Family Prayer.

This first-of-its-kind museum welcomes families to a unique, interactive, digital experience of prayer to experience together. The museum provides:

  • Inspiration: A spiritual experience of prayer – touch, listen and watch, reflect and pray.
  • Exploration: Learn more about the history and power of prayer.
  • Connection: Time to reconnect with your family and your faith.

Families also learn about the remarkable story of sainthood candidate, Father Patrick Peyton, C.S.C., who inspired the world with his timeless message, "The family that prays together stays together." Real-life artifacts tell the story of the amazing life, ministry and priesthood of this modern spiritual champion... who mobilized the prayers of hundreds of thousands of people, from glamorous movie stars, to folks living in remote mission territories, and from moms and dads to tiny happy children.

The Museum grand opening was September 15, 2019. The museum is open Wednesdays through Sundays, from 10 am to 4 pm. Admission is free, and all ages are welcome! Children can prepare for a Museum of Prayer trip by gathering prayer intentions from friends, neighbors, and grandparents, to bring with them to dedicate to Jesus through Mary in a special way during their visit. Perhaps on a walk on the Rosary path would be the perfect opportunity. Settled in nature and tucked away from the sounds of town and traffic, the HCFM Rosary path is open to all who seek a quiet space for their prayers. All ages, abilities, and faiths are welcome to explore this prayerful experience.

Plan a trip to the Museum of Family Prayer over the Christmas holidays, or perhaps as a surprise destination holiday gift to be enjoyed sometime in 2020. The Museum of Family Prayer is only 30 minutes from Providence, RI, 40 minutes from Boston, MA, and approximately 45 minutes from the beach. Easton, MA is home to the Easton Children’s Museum along with lovely historic sites. Plan a trip to lovely Massachusetts to experience American history, including America’s rich Catholic spiritual history at the Holy Cross Family Ministries Museum of Family Prayer.