Advice from a Master Catechist: Beginning Family-Based Catechesis in a Parish
Question: “I’m trying to help our parish move to family-based catechesis, yet I have no experience with this kind of model. What are the...
Involving FAMILIES in Sacramental Preparation
Examining an integrated approach
Bob Alexander
Parent formation is an important component of a good religious education program, yet sometimes it is missing. Integrating the...
FOUR WAYS FAMILIES CAN HAND ON THE FAITH; Part 4: Cementing Your Child’s Faith...
MARC CARDARONELLA
Liturgy is essential for faith formation.
You can talk and look at pictures all day, but liturgy is like a giant object lesson.
There are...
FOUR WAYS FAMILIES CAN HAND ON THE FAITH; Part 3: Teaching Your Kids to...
MARC CARDARONELLA
In the end the Catholic faith is not set of doctrines. It’s a story.
Yes, doctrine is important. However, the true heart of Catholicism...
FOUR WAYS FAMILIES CAN HAND ON THE FAITH; Part 2: Teaching Kids to Pray
MARC CARDARONELLA
Prayer is the entryway into the spiritual life.
It’s a practice simple enough for a child and deep enough for a saint. Praying is...
FOUR WAYS FAMILIES CAN HAND ON THE FAITH; Part 1: The Benefits of Discussing...
MARC CARDARONELLA
You, dear parents, are indispensable.
When it comes to forming the faith of your children, there is no substitute for your involvement, example, and...
Effective Teaching: Encouraging the Three Pillars of Lent at Home
With inspiration from St. Augustine
JARED DEES
St. Augustine once described Lent in a sermon as “the epitome of our whole life.” It allows Christians to make...
Car Talk: Great questions for parents to share with children before and after Mass
An excerpt from Our Catholic Family
Before-Mass Car Talk
Use the time in the car before Mass to “prime the pump” so that the family will...
“Potato-Draining Wisdom” – a short story from God Plays a Purple Banjo
Note from the Editor: This little vignette illustrates so much ... the domestic church and how it shapes the evangelization and nurturing of children,...
Evangelizing Parents: First Things First
As a parent myself, I know that parenting responsibilities are all-reaching and overwhelming. Parenting experts stress that if a child is to be healthy, then wholesome food must be served at home and exercise must be a part of family life. If a child is to become academically successful, the home is responsible for fostering a love of learning. Parents are called to lead by example.