Many parishes celebrated Catechetical Sunday on Sept. 20 with a blessing at Mass. Catechists stood or came forward to receive a blessing now that the school year is off to a start.
When we think of the word catechist, we rightly associate this with the people who teach the faith to others like our Parish School of Religion (PSR) leaders or teachers in schools, but there is a large group of catechists who may not even know they are in this group. We as parents are called to be catechists to our children. In the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) resources for Catechetical Sunday, there is even a special blessing for parents who are called into this special role.
Deeply connected to the promises we make at our children’s baptism, we can look, too, at the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC), and see it very clearly stated that this is our role as parents.
“Through the grace of the sacrament of marriage, parents receive the responsibility and privilege of evangelizing their children. Parents should initiate their children at an early age into the mysteries of the faith of which they are the ‘first heralds’ for their children. They should associate them from their tenderest years with the life of the Church. A wholesome family life can foster interior dispositions that are a genuine preparation for a living faith and remain a support for it throughout one’s life” (CCC 2225).
I don’t know about other parents, but taking children to Mass and teaching them how to pray doesn’t always feel wholesome. It’s hard and it’s messy. But even on the hardest days our children will look to us first as their primary catechists. We help them learn how to play well with others, we teach them how to brush their teeth and so many other things, so it is only natural that we are also their role models and teachers of the faith.
But this idea of being a catechist can feel daunting at times. One might even remark, “Well, I don’t have a theology degree. How can I lead the way in teaching my child about the faith?” As the wife of someone with a theology degree and having education degrees myself, I can say with assurance that none of our degrees matter when it comes to teaching our children about the faith. Being the primary catechist for our children is about more than making sure they know their prayers from memory or teaching them in detail about every piece of Church doctrine; it’s about witnessing to our children the Lord’s love in our home.
The apostle Peter is a wonderful example of what it means to be a catechist. He definitely didn’t have a theology degree or even the resources that we have nowadays, but what he did have was an undeniable love of Christ and had encountered the Lord. My husband and I have picked back up on watching the television series “The Chosen” lately, and it is humorous to see this depiction of Peter being chosen as “the rock” of the Church. It even goes so far as to show some of Peter and the other Apostles’ hesitation and confusion as to this calling.
How often do we feel that way too?
But as we know, God doesn’t call those who are equipped, but He will equip those whom He calls. Just as with Peter, we, too, can be equipped to be the primary catechists of our children, and in our daily actions and words, we can model for our children what it means to live a life of faith. Through our own personal prayer, family activities like reading a children’s Bible together, and engaging in parish life, we show our children what a disciple looks like.
This starts with letting our children see our life of faith. They need to see us praying when things are hard and see us apologize and ask for forgiveness when we have hurt others. They need to know that we love the Lord and watch us serve others with a joyful heart. They need to hear us say, “I don’t know. Let’s figure it out together” when they have a question.
Our children will have many teachers in their lives: school teachers, PSR teachers, coaches and mentors. Our children will learn from many people. But providing a safe space with a firm foundation for them to learn and grow is something we are uniquely called to as parents. Being the primary catechist isn’t about always having the right answer, but it is about being willing to find the answer alongside your child.
Some days this comes easier than others, but remember that God is with you in every moment. Let this prayer for parents from Catechetical Sunday be that reminder today to let God enter this season of life with you.
“God our Father, let your peace settle within the hearts of these mothers, fathers and guardians. Give them strength and wisdom as they care for their children. Show them how to raise their families with patience and tenderness. Give them strength during the times of greatest difficulty and help them recognize the little joys that are part of each day. May they grow in wisdom, understanding and grace. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, who is one with you and the Holy Spirit for ever and ever. Amen.” (USCCB, Catechetical Sunday Resources, Commissioning Service)