Joshua Bennett
The Catholic Church is facing a spiritual epidemic, with only 15% of children raised in Catholic homes growing up to become faithful Catholic adults. While conventional wisdom suggests that parents should rely on their children attending Mass, Catholic school, and youth ministry, research suggests that the most important factor is the family dynamic. Children who experience their faith as the source of warmth in their homes and who see their family praying about shared problems are more likely to grow up to be faithful Catholic adults. In addition to regular family prayer, parents can also cultivate habits such as regular Mass attendance, Catholic education, youth ministry, and parish involvement. For converts, it is also important to start small and simple, finding other Catholic families for support.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Regular family prayer | Morning, mealtime, and/or bedtime prayers |
| Family dynamic | Children experience their faith as the source of warmth in their homes |
| Regular Mass attendance | Every Sunday and on holy days of obligation |
| Catholic education | The Children's Illustrated Bible, The Ignatius Bible, Navarre Study Bible |
| Youth ministry | Parish involvement |
| Affectionate family | Hugs |
| Family time | Family meals, family days, and other important family rituals |
| Parish involvement | Being involved in their parish |
| Reading | Religious publications |
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What You'll Learn
Family prayer and rituals
Firstly, it is important to establish a habit of regular prayer. This can take many forms, such as saying grace before meals, praying the Rosary together, or participating in the Divine Mercy Chaplet, a powerful prayer for the conversion of sinners. You could also pray for the intercession of saints, such as St. Joseph, whose protection is invoked for the conversion of family and friends.
In addition to prayer, Catholic families often observe rituals and traditions that reinforce their faith. One example is pilgrimage, which can be a meaningful act of devotion and sacrifice. You could consider undertaking a Marian pilgrimage, which has a rich history of conversion stories.
Attending Mass and receiving the Eucharist are also essential aspects of Catholic family life. Encouraging your children to be attentive during Mass and fostering a love for the Eucharist will help them develop a deeper connection to their faith.
Finally, incorporating rituals that honour Mary and the saints can be beneficial. Devotion to Mary, the mother of Jesus, is a cornerstone of Catholic tradition, and teaching your children about her role as an intercessor can be meaningful.
Remember, family prayer and rituals are not just about teaching your children about Catholicism; they are also about fostering a sense of holiness and common sense that will guide them throughout their lives.
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Reading the Bible and Catholic literature
As a Catholic parent, you are responsible for giving your children the knowledge and skills they need to embark on their lifelong faith journey. Teaching them to read and understand the Bible is a crucial part of this.
The Bible is not just one book, but a collection of books and letters, and it is important that children understand this. Each child should have their own Bible and be encouraged to use it regularly. They should be taught how to navigate it, and how to locate specific books and passages. This skill will take time to master, but it is a vital one for lifelong Bible reading.
When reading the Bible, context is key. Children should be taught to consider the historical and cultural context of a passage, as well as the literary genre. This will help them to interpret the text correctly and understand the true meaning of the words and actions.
There are many Catholic Children's Bibles available, which are designed to be easily navigable for young readers. These Bibles often feature colour-coded books, larger text, and illustrations, which help to bring the stories to life. The Catholic Children's Bible, Revised Edition, for example, includes Reading Plans with colourful stickers to guide children through themes like Great Stories of Faith and the Miracles of Jesus. The Great Adventure Kids Catholic Bible Chronicles (for ages 8-12) is another example, with illustrations that help young readers to imagine what it would have been like to be present during biblical times.
In addition to the Bible, there are other Catholic books that can help children to develop virtues and understand Catholic principles. For example, "How to Raise Good Catholic Children" by Mrs Newland teaches children about the habit of regular prayer, love of the Rosary, attentiveness at Mass, and dozens of other skills and virtues.
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Parish involvement and Catholic education
One important aspect is introducing children to God and fostering virtues such as a habit of regular prayer, a genuine love for the Rosary, and devotion to Mary and the saints. Newland's book "The Saints and Our Children" also offers valuable lessons by providing accounts of the lives of popular saints. Through these examples, parents can inspire their children's love for the Catholic Faith.
Involving children in parish activities and liturgy can foster a sense of belonging to the Catholic community. Encourage your children to participate in Mass, prayers, and other parish events. Many parishes offer religious education classes or Sunday schools that can provide a solid foundation in Catholic teachings. These classes often cover topics such as the Eucharist, Confession, and the lives of saints, helping children develop a deeper understanding of their faith.
Catholic schools can also play a vital role in your child's Catholic education. They provide a holistic approach to education, combining academic excellence with spiritual formation. Catholic schools typically offer daily prayers, religious instruction, and opportunities for sacraments like Confession and Eucharist. The school community, including teachers and peers, can positively influence your child's spiritual growth and help them develop a Catholic worldview.
Additionally, consider enrolling your children in Catholic youth groups or organizations. These groups often organize social activities, service projects, and spiritual retreats, allowing your children to form strong bonds with other Catholic youth. They provide a supportive environment for your children to explore their faith, ask questions, and develop their own personal relationship with God. By actively involving your children in parish life and seeking out educational resources, you can provide them with a strong foundation in the Catholic Faith.
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Affection and communication
The secret to raising children who remain Catholic into adulthood is family prayer, helping others, and affection. Generous affection, to be precise. Families who successfully raise their children in the Catholic faith are those who are intentional about scheduling regular family time. This means not letting extracurricular activities squeeze out time for things like family meals, a family day, or other important family rituals throughout the week.
It is also important to make the Bible a part of your family's everyday life. Familiarity with God's word is important. Your children should know the heroes of the Old Testament and the lessons of the New Testament. Bible stories can be shared at home or in the car. There are also many Bibles for children that are great for kids in middle school who have a lot of questions. These Bibles include descriptive asides about clothing, weapons, customs, geography, and food.
In addition to Bible stories, children should be taught Catholic theology, especially with regard to sex. Parents should be open and honest about topics like masturbation and pornography and be prepared to answer questions like "why should I believe in God?". It is also beneficial to share your own struggles with faith and sin in an age-appropriate way.
Finally, it is important to find other Catholic families. Being on this journey with friends can make all the difference.
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Leading by example
Live Your Faith Daily
Firstly, integrate your Catholic faith into your daily life. This means incorporating Catholic practices and values into your everyday routines and interactions. For instance, make family prayer a regular part of your day, whether it's morning, mealtime, or bedtime prayers. Praying together as a family will not only demonstrate the importance of prayer in your child's life but also create a sense of unity and spiritual connection. Additionally, seek out opportunities to serve others and engage in charitable acts. By living out the Catholic values of compassion and service, you teach your children to follow in the footsteps of Jesus.
Prioritize Mass Attendance
Attending Mass as a family is of utmost importance. Even if it means bringing young children or babies, make it a priority to be present at Mass every Sunday and on holy days of obligation. By doing so, you demonstrate the centrality of Mass in the life of a Catholic. If attending Mass as a family proves challenging, consider splitting up with your spouse and taking turns attending Mass with the children when necessary. However, always ensure that you make it to Mass at least on those crucial days.
Make the Bible Accessible
Introduce your children to the Bible in a way that is engaging and accessible for their age group. For younger children, consider using resources such as "The Children's Illustrated Bible," which provides vivid descriptions of various biblical aspects, making the stories come alive. For older children, invest in a good translation of a Catholic Bible, such as the Ignatius Bible. You can also explore study Bibles, like the Navarre Study Bible, which offers in-depth explanations and footnotes to enhance their understanding. Making the Bible accessible to your children at an early age will foster a deeper connection to their faith and a better understanding of Catholic teachings.
Create a Warm and Loving Home
While rituals and practices are essential, what truly matters is creating a warm and loving family environment where faith is the source of unity and comfort. Be generously affectionate with your children, and let them know that your faith is a source of joy and strength for the family. Encourage open conversations about faith and spiritual struggles, creating a safe space for them to ask questions and share their thoughts. This will help them view their faith as something that goes beyond mere rituals and instead, becomes a source of guidance and solace in their lives.
Find Community
Seek out other Catholic families to accompany you on this journey. Being part of a community of like-minded individuals will provide support and encouragement. It will also offer your children opportunities to form friendships with other Catholic children, reinforcing their faith and creating a sense of belonging within the Church.
Remember, leading by example is about demonstrating your commitment to your Catholic faith through your actions and choices. By living out your faith authentically, you will inspire your children to embrace the teachings of the Church and develop a strong spiritual foundation that will guide them throughout their lives.
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Frequently asked questions
Some habits and virtues that every good Catholic child needs include the habit of regular prayer, a genuine love of the Rosary, a sense of the dignity of work, devotion to Mary and the saints, attentiveness at Mass, and love for the Eucharist.
It is important to schedule regular family time and not let extracurricular activities get in the way of family meals, family days, or other important family rituals. Families should also be generously affectionate with each other. It is also important to attend Mass as a family, even if it means bringing very young children.
The Children's Illustrated Bible is great for kids in middle school who have a lot of questions about the Bible. For older kids, The Ignatius Bible is a good translation of the Catholic Bible.
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