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Learning
about the Catholic faith cannot be accomplished solely by a
series of lesson plans taught in a classroom. Faith must be
lived and also reinforced by strong modeling practices. These
can best be found within the family setting, our domestic
church. Parents are the first and primary teachers of their
children, and their desire to participate fully in the life of
the church community will provide an enriching faith experience
for the entire family.
The Parish School of Religion requires the support of the
Family to be successful. Family life influences the
effectiveness of the school’s mission through a more informal
teaching process. The family’s understanding, and, then,
reinforcement, of the lessons learned in the Parish School of
Religion form a foundation for living that goes beyond the
classroom. Setting religion and religious education as first
priorities within the family framework helps to create an
attitude of learning which will lead to a deepening of faith and
a strengthening of community affiliation. Taking an active part
in the liturgies and ministries of the parish provides a model
for the family and others.
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Suggested activities for the
domestic church are:
-morning and evening prayers
-prayers before meals
-attending Mass together as a family
-discussing readings and homilies before and after
Mass
-celebrating holydays in a special manner
-keeping Sunday as a family day
-treating the reception of a sacrament as a family
celebration
-being responsible to religious education class
requirements
-subscribing to the Catholic Free Press and other
church literature
-developing a family ministry to help the less
fortunate |
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