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Family Catechesis
The Mission of the Family
“The Christian family is grafted into the mystery of the Church to such a degree as to become a sharer, in its own way, in the saving mission proper to the Church . . . Christian married couples and parents . . . not only receive the love of Christ and become a saved community, but they are also called upon to communicate Christ’s love to their brethren, thus becoming a saving community.” (St. John Paul II, Familiaris Consortio, 49)
The Role of the Christian Family in Religious Education
The premise of religious education for a child is to know that he/she is loved by God and is part of the family. This central premise is based on the act of the will from parents and guardians who seek to care for the soul of their child. Any child should have the opportunity to explore God and be open to His grace. The home reflects what St. John Paul II called the “church of the home.” This means that a child intimately experiences his faith at home by witness of a parent’s Trinitarian love.
For the process to bear fruit the parent/guardian must first and foremost actively live as a disciple in Christ by daily and weekly reception of the sacraments and affirm the teachings of the Catholic Church. Parents/guardians serve as the primary motive of credibility and the first example of authentic love a child will see and experience. This first instance of instruction reflects a two-fold process of proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ and second provide sound instruction on how to live Christ’s message faithfully.
Abbreviated Structure of Family Catechesis
What does the term “Catechesis” mean?
“Catechesis means to reecho what Christ has taught. Catechesis, therefore, is the handing on of Jesus’ teaching which was given to the apostles (the Deposit of Faith) and transmitted through Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition. The Catechism of the Catholic Church outlines this teaching in an authentic manner and is therefore a “sure norm for teaching the faith” (Pope John Paul II, Fidei Depositum 3).
My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments; for length of days and years of life and abundant welfare will they give you. Let not loyalty and faithfulness forsake you; bind them about your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good repute in the sight of God and man. Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.
Proverbs 3:1-10
Contacts:
Laura Nelson
Director of Faith Formation
817-945-9351
Julie Kiehlbauch, MS
Executive Assistant
817-945-9358
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