Household Life

First off to answer the question of what households are and the best way to describe them is a mix of a sorority/fraternity (there are guys ones) and a bible study. The reason is simply that you have the sisterhood/brotherhood of the sorority life but the main point of them is to use a certain way of life to get closer to God.
I'm in Handmaids of the Lord (the picture to the left is from last year). We believe in living out the life of Mary by studying her virtues and striving to live out a daily fiat, always saying yes and accepting Gods' will. We also focus a lot on growth in personal prayer by praying for at least 15 minutes every day. Now I'll admit that I was extremely wary of Households and wasn't sure if i'd join one, but i'm so beyond happy that I was wrong. These girls hold me responsible and make sure that I am actually trying, and if i'm having a hard time with anything I can go to any of them and they'll help in the best way they can. Going from never having a sister to now having about 40 was definitely a shock to the system, but I wouldn't change it for anything. We go on retreats every semester (where the photo was taken) and while I can't say in details what we did I can say that these are the bravest girls i've ever met! They're able to sacrifice their personal reputation by being completely venerable with each other about there lives, and to me that's the best way to really grow close to people, by being completely open to others opinions and just letting it all out anyway.
I'll admit one of my absolute favorite things about our household is what we call the Mother Song. It's the story of Christ from Mary's point of view and brings me to the brink of tears every time. (these are the lyrics:)

I will hold and I will love Him, until He’s big enough to walk

And even then I’ll pick Him up, and I will teach Him how to talk

To say the words that will save, all the people of every nation

I will feed the flesh, that will bring about salvation

And when He kisses me goodnight, I’ll be living my reward

Be it done as you said, I am the handmaid of the Lord.

I will walk these roads behind Him, and I will follow where He leads

I will be with His good works, and I will love the mouths He feeds

I'll be a mother to my Son, and a mother for the world

If You can set them free through Moses, then You can do it through this girl

And when He brings the dead to life, I’ll be living my reward

Be it done as you said, I am the handmaid of the Lord

And when He walks that lonely road, my heart will go with Him

And when He falls my spirit dies, and when He bleeds I hate this sin

And when He utters those last words, and when He finally hangs His head

I'll be planted in the ground, my whole life my soul is dead

But I will stay here at this cross, where He brought You Your reward

Be it done as you have said I am the handmaid of the Lord

Be it done as you have said I am the handmaid of the Lord.

To all those here at Franciscan University, I ask that you be open to Household. There may not be one that works, but what if there is?

Thanks and God Bless,

Clara