February 4, 2018 - "Practicing Our Faith at Home - 4th, 5th & 6th Grades"

Last week I gave some advice to parents of children who are in the primary or early elementary level (grades 1-3) about activities that they could do at home to strengthen their understanding and acceptance of the teaching of our Catholic faith in the areas of the knowledge of the faith, liturgy and sacraments, morality, prayer, education for living in the Christian community, and evangelization and apostolic life.  This week I want to give similar advice to the parents of children who are intermediate elementary school level.  This would include students in the fourth, fifth, and sixth grades. 
 
Our parish presents a comprehensive program of faith formation following Forming Disciples for the New Evangelization.  You can read more about our parish religious education program by checking out the following on our parish website:  https://sfadw.org/children-grades-pre-k-8.  There are several key elements to the archdiocesan curriculum.  I’ll suggest some at-home activities for each one of them.
 
Key Element I:  Knowledge of the Faith.  The willingness of parents to grow in their understanding of faith issues models for their children the belief that growth in faith is a lifelong process.  Parents seek opportunities to share their faith with other adults as well as with their children.  Parents take the time necessary to answer informal questions as they arise or research unknown answers with the child, using Scripture or the Catechism of the Catholic Church when appropriate.  Families actively participate in the life of the parish.
 
Key Element II:  Liturgy and Sacraments.  Parents help to deepen their children’s understanding of sacraments by regular and active participation in sacramental celebrations followed by conversation about the experience.  Participation in communal celebrations of the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation and other opportunities for reconciliation and weekly Sunday liturgy are particularly important for the intermediate child and his or her family.
 
Key Element III: Morality.  Parents help their children learn to make right choices through dialogue about routine decisions.  Respect and appreciation for ourselves and others are communicated when parents show respect and appreciation for their children.  Participation in the responsibilities of family life teaches intermediate students the value of Christian service and a wholesome moral life.  It cannot be emphasized enough, that good moral and apostolic actions by the parents teach children how to act.
 
Key Element IV:  Prayer. Parents speak most clearly about the importance of prayer when their children see them pray.  Parental example speaks volumes that words cannot match.  The prayer life of children is enriched by praying at home and at regular parish celebrations of liturgy and sacraments.
 
Key Element V:  Education for Living in the Christian Community. Children are now capable of taking on more responsibility and ownership of their faith life while still needing clear guidance from their parents.  Allowing children to participate more fully in parish life and highlighting the ways they live a virtuous life in them helps them to realize that they are blessed by God with gifts and talents to share with the large parish community.
 
Key Element VI:  Evangelization and Apostolic Life. Children are learning to articulate their faith better.  Parents could ask their children good questions to help stimulate their thoughts.  Parents could ask them in simple ways to begin to integrate the faith life with their everyday life and examples of situations they may encounter with their family or friends.  These questions help children see how faith impacts their life and equips them to share their faith in a normal and realistic manner.
 
Until next week,
Fr. John