As Catholics, we believe that the family is the "domestic church". Families are the smallest body of gathered believers in Christ and it is in the family that we first/best learn who God is and to prayerfully seek His will for us. Consequently, our Faith Formation process invites the whole family to participate together.
Our faith has always believed that children need to receive their Faith from their family. When children observe faith practice as an integral part of family life, the chances that faith will become a meaningful part of their lives is greatly increased.
When Faith practice is not part of Family life, it simply becomes a subject to learn. Unfortunately, that is the way it is often treated - like a class with a test at the end, or just another co-curricular activity in which children occassionally participate. That’s not what Faith is.
Faith is a lifestyle. Faith is a life skill. Faith is a lifelong relationship.
“Children need (to witness) symbols, actions and stories...Moments of family prayer and devotion can be more powerful than any catechism class.” (Pope Francis) |
For this reason, our Faith Formation program is designed to incorporate and empower parents, making it possible for them to embrace their role as the primary catechists of their children.