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In the past, most Catholics have
taken it for granted that preparing children for First Communion is
the sole responsibility of the Catholic Schools and the Parish
Catechism Programs. What does this assumption tell us about faith?
We are so used to handing our children over to an “expert” for their
education…a teacher, a priest, a coach, etc. And yet, the Catholic
Church teaches very clearly that PARENTS, not the school, not the
parish, but PARENTS are the primary educators of their children.
When it comes to your child, YOU are the EXPERT!
YOU are the primary educators of your children. YOU
teach them not only by what you say, but also by what you DO. And
not only what you do on special occasions, but what you do in
everyday life. Becoming actively involved in your child’s
preparation for First Communion will tell him/her that you are
taking seriously the special event that will be taking place in
their lives. By your commitment, you are communicating your own
faith to your child. What you do after your child’s First Communion
will also communicate something about your faith to your child.
It is very vital that your child SEE the following:
• that you believe and participate in the Eucharist
• that you pray together as a family
• that you help them form their conscience in
situations of everyday life (sharing their
things, helping around the house, getting along with others, taking
responsibility for homework, forgiving friends and siblings, giving
thanks for parents, family and teachers).
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