A Sense of Sacramentality — Ultimately, sacramentality deals with the question of "where is God?" For Catholics, the answer is, as Saint Ignatius of Loyola taught us, "in all things." We recognize God’s presence (and transcendence) in all of creation: all of reality bears God’s presence. Ultimately, sacramentality is a matter of awareness and recognition – a way of seeing.

• Prayer — Prayer is the means by which our awareness of God’s presence is sensitized and deepened. With that in mind, prayer is a non-negotiable at any Catholic gathering. This prayer should be more than a perfunctory Our Father or Hail, Mary but should reflect the way Catholics pray: sacramentally, relying on sign, symbol, and ritual.
  
  
• The Liturgical Calendar — To acknowledge that all time belongs to God, make reference to the liturgical calendar, announcing the feast or season of the Church year. The season of the Church year should be reflected in the colors chosen for a prayer table. Scripture readings and prayers can be from the Mass of the day.
  
  
• A Prayer Table — While Catholic identity is much more than outward appearances, the fact remains that, as Catholics, we DO express ourselves outwardly. To that end, set up a prayer table with the color of the liturgical season, a crucifix or cross, and any other sacred image or object such as an icon, a small statue, a Bible, a candle, etc. Likewise, a bowl of holy water can be placed at the entrance to encourage people to bless themselves as they enter and leave.

A Commitment to Community — Catholicism is Trinitarian, meaning that we believe in the communal nature of God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – one God, three Persons. In light of this, Catholicism is inherently communal – it is not a "me and God" experience, but an experience of finding God in all people.

• Hospitality — Extend hospitality at any gathering. People should not only be welcomed as they enter, but the gathering environment should be welcoming as well. Simple refreshments, comfortable seating, and climate control express a sense of respect for the presence of others.
  
  
• Shared Prayer — During the prayer, invite people to offer petitions for their needs and the needs of others in the community. Invite people to share a sign of Christ’s peace at some point. Invite or include prayers for deceased members of the gathered community.
  
  
• Opportunities — Invite people to share their gifts with the community. Provide opportunities and invitations for involvement in the community. Provide invitations to other events taking place that can deepen commitment to community.

Respect For The Dignity Of Human Life And Commitment To Justice — Catholicism is Incarnational, meaning that we believe in the goodness of humanity since God himself became human in Jesus. Our belief in the life and dignity of the human person is the foundation of our moral vision.

• Prayer for the Poor and Vulnerable — In the prayer, always include mention of the poor and vulnerable in society and pray for their well-being.
  
  
• Stewardship — Make people aware of opportunities to serve the needs of others and invite them to share their time, talent, and treasure with those in need.
  
  
• Concrete Action — Announce ahead of time that donations will be accepted for a cause that serves the poor and vulnerable. Have people grow accustomed to dropping off anything from loose change to canned food and winter coats whenever people in the parish or school gather.

A Reverence for Tradition — God reveals himself to us through the Tradition of the Church which is a living tradition. This Tradition includes Scripture, the lives and writings of the saints, and the teachings of the Church as handed down through Church documents and writings. These sources of truth encourage us to use both faith and reason to explore every aspect of life in order to find the one Truth who is God.

• Catechesis — Never miss an opportunity to do some catechesis at a gathering. For example, offer a few words about the saint of the day or the liturgical season or provide a Catholic perspective on a current event or issue.
  
  
• The Bible — The Bible is central to our Christian Tradition. Be sure that the prayer for the gathering includes a Scripture reading (again, it makes sense to use the reading of the day). Have the Bible enthroned (placed in a prominent and reverent position) on the prayer table.
  
  
• Traditional Prayers — Include traditional Catholic prayers as part of the prayer for the gathering. In addition to praying the Lord’s Prayer or a Hail, Mary, invite people to pray other traditional prayers such as the Memorare, the Prayer of Saint Francis, or Come, Holy Spirit. Provide a prayer aid if people are not familiar with these prayers. Borrow prayers from the Liturgy of the Hours or, if the meeting takes place at 9 am, noon, or 6 pm, pray the Angelus.

A Disposition To Faith And Hope, Not Despair — Catholics are a people of hope. We see the world as good. We have an optimistic worldview, fueled by our belief that God loves us so much, that he gave us his only Son. This worldview calls us to be evangelizers, eagerly proclaiming the good news of Jesus to others in word and deed.

• Music and Singing — Music and singing are a tried and true way of lifting our hearts up to the Lord and expressing faith, hope, and joy. Include a hymn as part of the prayer. If a leader of song or musician is not present, use a CD for accompaniment.
  
  
• Plans for the Future — Announce plans for something the community can be proud of and look forward to. Articulate dreams and hopes of the local community.
  
  
• Giving Thanks — Send people forth from the gathering with words from the dismissal rite of the Mass: "Go in peace to love and serve the Lord," inviting them to respond, "Thanks be to God." As a Eucharistic people, we give thanks "always and everywhere." How appropriate to end any Catholic gathering with the words, "Thanks be to God," knowing that we are sent forth to spread a message of faith and hope.