Parents are the first teachers of the Catholic faith. This is taught in the Second Vatican Council. Pope Francis has added grandparents among these first teachers. I add another faith group, the religious education teachers/catechists in parish programs.
As parents, my husband and I wanted our children to experience that the Catholic faith was central to our lives. We continue to emphasize that Sunday Mass is our most important family event. Other forms of prayer, the Sign of the Cross, the Lord’s Prayer, meal prayers, and night prayer were daily occurrences.
Every Catholic family is called to be a “domestic church.” We provided in our home a prayerful environment with religious symbols, especially the crucifix. The sacramental, Holy Water, was and still is used for blessing our children and grandchildren before travels and special events. Parents are the primary ministers of prayer for their children. Parents, through teaching prayer and living the Gospel, nourish the faith within their families.
As a grandmother, I often have the opportunity to take my grandchildren to school. When they get in the car, we start the drive with a simple spontaneous prayer. I bless each before they leave me.
As a catechist to young children, third and fourth graders, I ensure each child has his or her own Bible. We explore the Bible, learn how to find Scripture verses and most importantly read and study the Gospel for that Sunday. We connect the doctrine with the Gospel! Children get excited when we link the Sunday Gospel stories with You-Tube videos. They share them at home. The students also enjoy learning about the Saints and researching their own patron saint. They learn about those who have followed the Gospel and are examples for us. My experience with children who love to learn is a joy.
When children grow into adolescence, it is time to engage them to be of service to those in need and to their community of faith. To this end, we have encouraged our own children to tithe 10% of their allowances. Likewise, during the adolescent stage, we, as parents, grandparents, and teachers, must urge our pastors and liturgical leaders to include them in all the regular ministries of the Sunday Mass, aside from being “servers.” If our children are baptized and confirmed, they can also serve as greeters, lectors, and ministers of communion.
Our final goal, whether we are parents, grandparents, or religious education teachers is to help our children become rooted in their baptism and share their lives as members of the Body of Christ. We are to be the model for our children. To pass on our faith, all we can do is plant seeds and entrust the rest to the Holy Spirit.
