In order to pass on the faith to their kids, the Duffys maintain a Catholic culture in their home. They have an altar in the family living room where they change the linens according to the liturgical season; the kids are encouraged to draw religious pictures; family prayer is a regular nightly ritual; they even pray before going to school "even if it's just in the car." All these activities have confirmed Campos-Duffy's belief that children—not just hers, but all children—have "incredible spiritual potential."
Running a household with six children can get chaotic and even overwhelming at times, so Campos-Duffy once lamented to a priest during Confession that her prayer life was dismal. The priest then told her that her "very life as a mother is a prayer," which completely changed her perspective: "He said that everything I did at home—whether it was changing a diaper or wiping a nose—whatever it was that I was doing was a prayer to God."
Campos-Duffy concluded, "For a busy mom, I think it's understanding that prayer can be very short and immediate. Even (when) . . . we're running out the door, we just stop for a second. There's a holy water font right by the door and we bless ourselves and say 'Jesus, I trust in you.' And then, out the door. That can make all the difference. And I've got to sometimes stop in the middle of the day, in the middle of being upset at a child and regroup myself and think about what little treasures they are and how I would probably give my left arm when I'm 60 to have this moment back. It is about finding those moments throughout the day."
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