8 Catholic phrases you’ll hear at church and at home!

Catholicism comes with its own glorious vocabulary — rich, sacred, and sometimes surprisingly familiar to anyone who’s tried to get children dressed and out the door for Sunday Mass in one piece. In fact, you may be surprised how often words from the Church echo down your hallway at home.

Here are just a few gems that float seamlessly between altar and armchair:

From the Vatican: You might now be familiar with these dramatic words “Extra omnes!,” that are declared at the start of a papal conclave, when all non-cardinals are ushered out so the doors can be sealed.
From your hallway: Bellowed by a parent when the bathroom has mysteriously turned into a sibling convention. Or when all your kids come to your bedroom in one go asking for something. “EVERYBODY OUT!" (Unless you're bringing in a cup of tea.)

In church life: Often heard when the priest is in prayer, preparing for Mass, or (let’s be honest) finally having his own cup of tea.
At home: Said by mom when dad is hiding away somewhere in the house or garage with a book, his phone, or just a drink to have time to reflect and get some peace!

Scriptural roots: Straight from Jesus in Gethsemane (Matthew 26:41), a reminder of our human frailty.
Home reality: Whispered by a parent staring at the dishes after bedtime. “I want to clean. I do. But my feet say ‘Thou shalt sit down with ice cream instead.’”

Catholic classic: Timeless advice from nuns, grandmothers, and that one super-devout aunt. Suffering? Turn it into prayer!
Domestic version: Used on kids complaining about broccoli, itchy socks, or the unfairness of homework, or plain existence. Bonus points if you can say it with the same serene smile your grandmother had.

Mass moment: Part of the Penitential Rite, when we recognize our faults and ask God’s grace.
Kitchen table edition: A true classic whispered prayerfully when your child spills cereal and milk into your shoe, or when you discover the toddler has “decorated” the dog with peanut butter. Again.

Liturgical meaning: The final words of the Mass, sending us forth to carry Christ’s love into the world.
Home version: Uttered as you shove kids out the door on a school morning, still brushing hair with one hand and buttering toast with the other. “GO IN PEACE! And remember to be nice to your teacher and not lose your lunchbox again.”

Church context: The beautiful invitation to lift our hearts and minds to God, led by the priest at key moments of the liturgy.
Home context: Used by exasperated parents everywhere when the toddler drops dinner for the third time or the teenager announces a science project is due tomorrow. “Let us pray I don’t lose my mind before bedtime.”

Liturgical meaning: A sacred word meaning “so be it” or “truly” — it's a faithful agreement with prayers and blessings, spoken at the end of countless Catholic devotions.
Home version: “Amen” has many roles in the domestic church. It’s whispered in relief when the baby finally falls asleep. It’s said with the solemnity of a bishop when the last sock is matched. It’s also the sarcastic mic-drop of a teenager finally proving their point: “So I did put my shoes away. Amen.” And let's not forget the dramatic parental version: “You want cake for breakfast? Absolutely not. Amen.”

If you have any favorite church expressions that you use at home, please feel free to share them in the comments below!