A February 27th article in the American Magazine pointed to four tested ways to raise your children Catholic. Written by a mother of four, these ways resonate with my (Isaac's) upbringing.
Below are two of the the four ways (another post later in the week will cover the other two). The entire article can be read here, but only if you have a subscription to the American Magazine.
Involvement
Consider your own participation in the life of the community. Your children will mirror your modeling of the faith, for better or for worse. Try to involve them in however you volunteer at the parish. Are you a catechist? Ask them for help on a lesson plan. Are you a Eucharistic Minister? Pray with your family before Mass for you to be the EM God wants you to be. Are you a lector? Practice reading with your child. When they get old enough (5th grade for St. Mark) they can become an altar server. And when they get even older (middle school) they can become a lector. Eventually, they'll see the good that you do and want to follow in your footsteps. My mom played flute in the choir, and now I share my musical gifts with our community.
Intellectual Engagement
Do you have an 8th grade understanding of literature? Or math? Or science? Our religious education shouldn't end with 8th grade either. As an adult, continue your own intellectual development of our faith. Visiting the RE blog or other faith-filled websites is a start. So is reading a good book or two about our faith. Encourage your children to think about our faith off the St. Mark property. Prepare for Mass before going to Mass. Talk about Mass afterward, asking if anything stood out, a particular prayer or phrase. Quiz them on the Gospel. Ask them good question after their RE classes. Read the Bible together once a week or more. Whatever works for your family, do it.
Check back later this week for the other two ways.
What do you do to engage our faith intellectually? How are you involved? Or how would you like to be involved?
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