Parental Responsibilities
Parenthood – a vocation that has been with us since Adam and Eve brought their first child into the world. It is by far the most influential of the vocations because it encompasses all cultures from around the world. It influences popes and bishops, presidents and prime ministers, royalty and peasants. It often determines who of the children will become saints and who will carry out the most heinous crimes known to man.
Catholic parents would do well to have as their goal in raising their children to guide and instruct them in such a way as to lay the solid foundation for sanctity. In simple terms, raise them to be saints. Far too many parents think this is just not possible. It is always possible.
I believe parents at times underestimate the value of example to their children. When children can see both parents receive the Sacraments each week, it sends a silent message to the children of the importance of receiving the Sacraments. Experience has shown that when children have this good example, they are more likely to receive the Sacraments regularly from the time they receive their First Holy Communion.
Have you ever noticed the difference between children who receive the Sacraments regularly because of this good example and those who don’t because the parents rarely receive the Sacraments?
One must ask the question what is the reason for this indifference? The simple answer is a lack of supernatural faith. Do parents understand the seriousness of good examples? No one is expecting parents to be perfect examples, but they do need to be good examples despite their faults.
Have parents ever considered reading the life of a saint to provide them with a good example of how to conduct themselves in married and family life? Parents, especially men, should not think it is beneath them to have a saintly model as a guide to everyday Catholic living. The world is filled with horrible, sinful people who are looked upon as “models” but are anything but that.
The examples of the Blessed Mother and Saint Joseph are the best possible models for parents regardless of age or circumstance. There are other saintly models from which to choose. The point here is to follow the example of virtue. Supernatural virtue always provides the answer to any questions which a parent may have. Perhaps the essential question in this regard is whether or not a parent is interested in being virtuous or satisfied with the status quo.
Daily prayer is such an important part of the Catholic parent. Do you pray as a parent each day? Do you consider it an essential part of your duties to pray as an individual and then as a family? Praying with your children each day is one of the most important examples that can be given. When a young child sees a parent pray, they are more willing to pray themselves. I wonder how parents tell their children to say their prayers (in their room) and rarely pray with them. Some children may be quite motivated to say their prayers by themselves, but I do not think this is the best method. I have seen too many children who do not say their prayers well.
The parents are responsible for teaching the children their prayers well and to monitor this until the children have established a good habit of praying their prayers well. Please keep in mind the children should be taught to love to pray, not simply to memorize the prayers. This is another case of a good example from the parents. The parents should love to pray, and the children need to see this. Do not expect more from your children than you as a parent are willing to give.
One cannot say enough about the necessity of parents establishing a Catholic environment in your homes. It is most important to understand the United States has always been dominated by Protestantism. Catholics have always been a minority. In the past sixty years, Catholic signs and symbols have gradually disappeared from the viewing public. Modernists have undermined the Faith so effectively that many millions have left the Church and many more are not interested in having Catholic images displayed in their homes. The lack of external displays in the home are a clear indication of a dead or dying faith.
When you include the destruction of Catholic education, the result is two to three generations of Catholics who know little or nothing of the Faith. This is particularly dangerous when it comes to raising children. Too often, it is the blind leading the blind. Some parents have educated themselves, if only by way of the children’s catechism.
The importance of knowing the Faith cannot be overstated. There will be a constant need to explain the Church’s teachings to the children. Experience has shown us that it is difficult enough to keep young adults attending Mass and receiving the Sacraments. Parents need to be able to answer the questions of their children. If they do not know the answers, they should seek the answers from the clergy. Do not make the mistake of leaving the questions unanswered. It may be the difference between the child leaving the Church or remaining in It.
Parents are reminded they are the First Educators. By the fact they are parents, Natural Law provides us with the understanding is they are responsible for raising the children in all facets of family life. It is true that not all parents are capable of educating older children academically, which is why schools were established long ago.
The religious education of Catholic children is an interesting area of responsibility. Serious parents certainly want their children to know the Faith, but are they willing to put in the time and effort to accomplish it. Some parents are able to have clergy or approved teachers to teach the Faith, others do not.
There is an important historical lesson to be considered. There have been an unknown number of Catholic parents through the centuries who were called upon to teach the Faith to their children. It is likely that in most situations it was a simple catechetical series of lessons. It is also likely that many things were learned from the Sunday sermons of the parish priest.
There have been Catholic parents today who have been in a similar situation. They could learn from these parents in the past. You have the benefit of different catechetical and religion books from which to choose. Teach them how to pray and to love to pray. This can go much further than you realize. Taking one lesson at a time is the simple way to approach this all-important goal of educating your children. Parents today have an added benefit of connecting with one of the Franciscan clergy to answer your questions or set up online courses. As your children get older keep in mind you are responsible for setting their Catholic foundation.
Raise your children to be joyful saints, not sad sinners!