Catechetical Month 03 28 September 2017

Children,and especially teenagers, need to to. be listened each other. findWe difficult it to listen to andothereach therefore we difficultfind it to dialogue – to – communicate with One the ourof illnesses time of often, is that, isa thereof familydialogue.lack Wherehave we listeningdifficulty in to another, onealso will have we difficulty of entering to a in dialogue. Familyeating a together. meal Pictureeveryone’s oneyes the glued television. Familyeating a together. meal Pictureeach playingone their with phones.cell OR Imaginescenario: this FAMILYCOMMUNICATIONWITHIN THE 5.canthe How Parish family local in engage formation?faith 4.Whatcorearefamily the practices?faith families3.do How practice their home?at faith 2.Whatisimpact of thefaithparentschildrenof teenagers? the on and family? 1.doesHow family involvement benefit religious teens, adults,the and children, and strengthen Answerthesequestions. five          THE ROLE OF THE FAMILY IN PASSING ON THE FAITH TO THEIR THE ON OFIN TO CHILDRENTHE FAMILY PASSINGROLEFAITH WEEK ONE Inter-faithmarriage divorceand and re-marriagehasput strain a onfamilylife Parentsoften feelpoorly equippedthe for task of sharingtheir theirFaith with children. the Community. Christian Therehasbeen a indecline familyreligious thepractice in activehomeparticipationand life the in of demands,busy viewing, cellschedules, TV aphonesand risein individualactivities. Familyandtime familyactivities,shared the such meal,as daily sufferedhave becauseof work whatisexpected of familylife. Familiesare stretched stressedand new in and challengingways, puttingmany demandsmore on familyforms structuresthatand exist. Familyhasundergone life tremendouschangesin fortypastthe years, and present-daythe diversity in However, we also awareare that: spiritualitytheir within homes. faith development, that and parents help need to fosteringassumetheir in roles faith aand deeper It isa the that fact familyneeds vitalto be a part of process the of lifelong atformationstages allfaith of and religious life. It isa parents that fact are the childrenand teenagers. It isa the that fact familyisthe : 22 : nd BEST PRACTICES PRACTICES FAMILYFAITHIN FORMATIONBEST SUNDAY B YEAR first educatorsfirst children of their first communityfirst of faith 03 03 – 28 SEPTEMBER 2017 CATECHETICAL MONTH and mostthe powerfulinfluence onthe offaith , , providingthe foundationspiritualfor a

ADVICE ADVICE PARENTS TO f) from Reading livesoftheSaints the e) a Reading passagefrom Scripture  2.Bedtime Routine    1.Establish Family Rituals FAITHHOME FORMATION SUGGESTIONS THE IN – The The exampleof adults replaces Nothing theFaith Formation in especiallyhome, for positiveandits environment.receptive This This aperfect is the biblefor time story, a thanking prayer for God day.the Makeuse of special occasions: birthdays, anniversaries, special to celebrate.events Makingandtime creating toopportunities step ofoutrush the lifeof daily befully and present to other.each weHow andnotice each greet in other morning.the              d) Prayingtogethera decadeof the Rosary the Whenputting children bed, blessto them,using ofwords thethe Baptismalblessing. the of Make sign Blessings a ofway connectingare one with another and namingGod’spresence in lives. our 3.Blessings of Mary, Motherthe of God, well as as livesofthe the saints. stories Childrenenjoystories – introduce them to personthe Jesus, of to beauty the ofWord the toof God, Throughyour witness, you encourage your children to upon call Fatheras God their andwho loves Parents,by incorporating prayer intoeveryday experiences,family you teach their example. childrenby the Church. praying them atwith SundayMass, youare who ones the introduce your children intoprayerthe life of Parents,by prayingfrequently with your children at special moments dayduringtheand especially by prayersand fundamentalthe attitudeof prayer. You what know children areyour capable of understanding canand easily teach children your basic Parents,you are also mostthe effective teachers forof prayer your children. mattersyou want your children to understand and appreciate. Parents,you should naturallyspeak simplyand about God yourasand faith, you doabout other Parents,your in role formationthe valuesof Christian your in childrenisirreplaceable. Parents,you are teachers precisely because you are parents. influencethe ofdevelopment your faith.child’s Parents,your faith, attitude your towardhumanother beings, yourand trusta in loving stronglyGod them with share in a God’stherefore,own life; isyourit toduty nourishthat faith. Parents,you have the shared gift of life human your with children and, throughBaptism,have enriched etc. c) A familyprayer the prayersfor – for mothers fathers,and grandparents, and aunties uncles b) everyone for Blessingbefore leaving housethe the in morning a) your Blessingat bedtimechild ExploreCatholic prayers and devotions such as: Familyprayerbeautiful isa to increasetheway family’s relationship Jesus and with another.one with 4.Prayers Devotions and marked with ofcross Christforever.the Amen” Spirit and cross onforeheadthe and, child’susingthe continuename,“ provide explicitfirstthe experience and practice of faith. the you have beenyouhave sealed by Holythe

Poet:FrancesMcKinnon Morton ofPrayer The Meaning Spirit. And Yourangelssend himto protect In (her).Name the Andof Father, the Son,the ofAnd the Holy Heavenly Bless andFather, (name) him keep Yourlove.(her) in Granthim good (her) resta tonight, Prayer childat of blessing for your bedtime: ofevery unborn child; pray We to Lord.the Grandparents,For Uncles Aunts and deepening each love prayday;We toLord. the Mothers For Fathers and prayWe toLord. the they assumethe might responsibilitygreat which hasGodgiven to them; FathersFor prayWe toLord. the lovedones warmand friends, that and beunderstoodmay they blessed;and allFor Mothers PRAYERSFAMILY Jesus. the so with dying, that with Mary and you,heaven may family find our the unbroken in HeartSacred of Askof special Jesus that grace He which grantedto you,to watch over our home at pillowofthesickand the BlessedJoseph,Saint holy guardian of Jesus and byassistMary, us your prayers the all in ofnecessities life. world. family. lovingMary, MotherO of Jesus, ourand Mother,pray to Jesusfamily, for the all our for offamilies the peace,purity, love, labour faith.and beg I You, dear Jesus,to protect bless and our immediate extendedand acknowledge presencethe of the dwells Spirit, Holy theirwho within hearts. And soul neverneeda behelpless whenGod'slinked with infinitepower. There'snever a year seasonnor a that prayer blessnotmay every hour, theyFor remember that goodnessGod's gofarsinging intonight.the A breath inof prayer joyrejoicing gives addedand delight, A breath inof prayer our assuresdoubtingus Lordthe best; knows A breath inof prayer our sorrows meanscomfort peaceand and rest; A breath whenof prayer lonely meanswe're someone to understand; A breath inof prayer our meanstheweakness a clasp mighty of hand; a breath inof prayer eveningthe meansa night secure;of rest A breath inof prayer morningthe meansa day of offonto children. youropinions views, and in anger frontof your children.Negative attitudescaneasily rub isbeing unreasonable towards your child, goand tospeak them privately instead of airing Ifisnothingthere good about someone,to say rather quiet. keep If yousomeonefeel that responsibility. Always wellspeak of your Catechists, Pastors, Teachers, anyone who holdsa position of children. Parents,show respecttowards adults,other especially those involved who are your with Respectfulbehaviour adultstowards other especiallythosepositionsofauthority. in 

Amen. protectsthem;to look to Jesus,their Saviourand who brother, leadsthem to the and Father to : : especially arethose very who throughyoung, that intercession the of Joseph,Saint : especially for: those preparingwho are to welcome thatnew belife, may they bysupported

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be a place be a of ourMay home family. to our special graces Yourgrant toYou implore humbly I dearJesus, O FAMILY THE FOR A PRAYER

beproperly designated and accept responsibilities;the (3) meet requirementsage recognized in diocese the so important, godparent a in Catholicthe Church must Catholic (1) inbe a communion full Church;the with (2) “ SpecialRequirements role models. Thegodchild canthen understand better his herasor status a of God.child Being No isanexampleone unlesssheheor isseen those by to whom shehe witnesses.or godchild. As partexample of this isrecommendedit of faith, godparents that beactively involved livesthe their in of themselvesprovideand an exampleof prayer. Thegreatest help godparents provideis godparentsmust providea primary in role spiritual the growthof godchild. the Ifbaptizedthe or is an whoseinfant child are parents not to the faithful the if Church, or baptizedisanadult, the teachers primary offaith the Educationis(Gravissimum 3). [GE] Ifbaptizedthe or is an whoseinfant child are parents faithful Catholics,godparents assist parents,the who are baptism, tofaithfully and fulfill obligationsthe connected with 872).it” (canon Godparentspromise to provideanexample of faith the to “help baptized to leada harmonyChristian in life with hasnointention Catholicof the growing faith.in Likewise, one may non-Catholic a act “witness” as at a Catholic anon-Catholic Baptism, in asnot but a Catholicgodparent. cannotA as a serve godparentsomeone for who recognizesimportancethe of familyrelationships closeand friendships, a Catholicserve may “witness”as for a BecauseBaptism thatsacramentis the all unites (cf. Christians Catechism,1271),no. and becauseChurchthe Godparentsand Witnesses Communion.Holy reconciletheyUntil themselves the with Church,may they godparents.act not as life harmony with in teachingsthe and practice ofChurch, thethey are eligiblenot to receive Sacrament the of Ofparticular concern, today Catholics married are the outside Church.Because such persons are a living not Theymust bealso eligible must to receive sacramentsthe cannotand be boundby any ecclesiasticalpenalty. harmonywith faiththe 3; cf. (GE canon 874). Theymust receivedhave CommuniontheHoly and Sacrament and of Confirmation, beliving lifemust a in is, That godparentsCatholics mustfor themselves be goodCatholics in standing with Church.the in communionwith full Catholicthe Church themselves. communityofand faith encourage godchildren their in to communionremain with full Church,thethey be must Becausegodparents to assist formationpromise the in ofnewly the baptized,and toagree represent the Godparentscannot provide an exampleofif faith dosharetheynot the faith. section 1). whereBaptismthe andtakesplace; (4)benotthe mother father or baptizedof one the 3; canon(GE 874 In far In as as apossible, beingperson baptizedisto beassigned sponsor” (Canona Because872).this role is actively actively the in involved of a life godchild anexampleof faith the baptizedthemust in live theharmony of with God. Family adopted As sons of God members and of Church,theGod’s family, new spiritualtheir life. ofThe godparentsrole isto assist growththeof the baptized in support,guidance, lovingand challenge of another person. Often usGod’s desires are for made knownthrough the wise we that communion walkin others. with journeyof FaithThis isnot to meant bea journey solitary one but ROLE SPONSORS GODPARENTS ANDOF THE 2: WEEK fosters strong a relationship enablesand godparents to serve as

23 . . Godparent asked are tovirtuesthe foster within rd SUNDAY B YEAR

technical termremains "sponsor." Traditionally, identify we ofsponsorthe a child baptismas godparentfor the — godmothergodfather,or thebut wheninfant baptismwas norm,the truly these weresponsors called RITE CHRISTIANCONCERNING THE INITIATION ADULTS OF OF §2: and thefulfills faithfully obligationsinherentthis in sacrament. the istocaresponsor take that confirmedtheperson behaves as a of Christtrue witness Canon892: SACRAMENT CONCERNING THE CONFIRMATION OF godmother,one or of each. one of (canonsex”each Therefore,873). have Catholics can only godfather,one one aFinally, Catholicfor baptismalcandidate, “onesponsor, male femaleor issufficient; but betwo,may there Godparents must benotparents ofbaptized. the toensure godparents that takes responsibilitiesthe seriously and able are to them.fulfill Thegodparents must also meet anyrequirements forth the set bishop.by local These arerequirements meant Asnoted above,isnecessary it that godparentsthe bechosen for purpose that and the accept responsibilities. relationshipsto befostered and faithtothe bewitnessed to non-Catholics. Baptism, only buta acting if Catholic is also as godparent the for baptized.[2]These norms pastoral family allow catechumensthe in ofElect.Book the 123) (RCIA testimony on behalf of catechumensthe the before community;alsomay theywritetheir namesalong the with Theyare called by nameat beginning the toof comeRite the forward the with Catechumens;they give InRitethe ofthe Election godparents ministryexercise publicly their for time. firstthe community( consentof the Priest, Before Rite the of godparentsElection are chosen by catechumens;the choicetheshould bemade Before ofElectionRite the connected (No. with statement This it" 872). reflectsclearlyhistorical the roots ofrole the of sponsor. help will baptizedtheto lead Christian in a life baptism,harmony with to and fulfil obligationsthe faithfully assistinanadult Christian or, initiation, togetherwith parents,the to present an infant at baptism,andthe who Accordingto the

It isdesirable to sponsorchoose as one theundertook who samethe function in baptism.

seenumbers 11and boxthe 12 in below Insofar asthere possible, isto bea for sponsor person the to be confirmed; Codeof Canon Law and personthe chosen farshould, as as beapprovedpossible, their role for the by local , "As far"As , as one possible, to be baptizedisto begivena sponsor isto who the faith, the parentstheespecially if failedin this About the duty. 800 year child's the acceptname and responsibilitythe instructing of childthe in infants, For these wouldsponsors also make Professionthe of Faithin and sacraments aliving Christianin life. to assist as himduringthe catechumenatein preparing these for person, oftentimes seeking an adult, admission intothe wellChurch as Therole time. of sponsor the was then theto attest to integrityof the Eucharist, Holy Confirmation and administered were — atsame the Also, until Middle the Ages, of InitiationSacraments Baptism,— infiltrationand persecution. and Empire tohad becautious in its conducting prevent affairs paganto until year the 313, Church under was persecutionthe of the Roman catechumenate,the in which originated in Church. early the that Recall ofgodparentThe therole baptismisrooted for in of therole the sponsor ). patrinus ,"or "godfather." with with the

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THE ROLE OF THE PARISH COMMUNITY CATECHESIS THE IN PARISH COMMUNITY THE OF ROLE 24 WEEK THREE: PROCESS. PARENTS THE PARISHESHAVE TO IN OPPORTUNITY A HUGE INCLUDE BUTON FAITHTHE FORMATION FOCUSED IS JUST CHILDREN, OFTEN faith how to pray toand discuss their togetherfaith Tohelp th SUNDAYYEARB parents understand theiras role the Catechesis mission goalCommunity and of Parish The estimated.beunder learnedfaith the Communityin Parish cannever us theforms acts and in the world, practicesof basic way most which in Lordthe gathers us, familyisthethe While community first the and . . primaryteachers learn learn families To help To of the

    TheChristian reaches Community toout lighten loadthe others, toof strengthen those weak,who to giveare lovingand acceptingasothers Jesus does. One the important of most in ways the which Community Christian presenceembodies on Christ’s isby earth OURPARISH COMMUNITIES:AS FAITH COMMUNITIES Ithereisfromthat learn we to share what God hasgivenus, whether begoodsit spiritualor gifts. TheChristian isalso Community where we strip learn to self-interestaway our order in to serve others. 4. 3. TheChristian gives Community us a of guidingway other each more ever in offully ways Christ. the commitments. Accountability aboutis not checking scolding.upor It instead is, encouragement and help in growth and our toeach other. TheChristian isa Community place where we learn teachand from each and other holdourselves accountable 2. TheChristian surrounds Community humantheir fellow beings compassion with encouragement.and hopeand courage whoto those are struggling. Itsgoalisthat, individually and wetogether, maturebecome Christians. TheParishChristian or community placeistheof our continuing conversion. Regardothers highlymore than yourself Forgive other each example: For Love other each Building community God. Thebiblical ideal of community, challengesus commit ourselvesinstead to togetherto life the as people of superficialsocial contacts. Christian community is sharinga Christ. movescommon in life usIt beyond our private livesand beyond the toaus Community.as and witnessing Mostofimportant all, Parishtheneeds Community to bemade aware of their role of Whatspecifically is theofthe in on Community role passing Parish Faith in Christ! In other words: We need to grow so theCommunityas up of Faith Serve one another APlaceServe To the one Lord and another. Fromcelebrationthe asof Eucharist the Community asand individuals we “sent forth” are to serve world. praying ourselvesand for for for others, needsthe of those andclosest theto us for needs of the areWe called to aof prayerlife worship,and not spectators, as bybutbut being actively involved in ofEucharist.the TheChristian isthe Community placewhere gather we around the andTable of Word the Tablethe APlace where Us Calls God Together AccountabilityASource Guidance of and 1. A Way to AWayIn Christ to See Others eachBe friends with other and Teach each correct other to children,teenagers, adults to bepreparing received intoChurchthe what the Faith means Submitto one anotherofout reverence Christ. for Bekind,compassionate, and generous in hospitality Beareach other’sburdens Prayeach for other Encourageothereach is process is a

To integrate To familyintoparishthe community establish To ongoingCatholic faith practices within familylifethe strengthen To the between relationship familyand the Churchthe bring togetherfamiliesTo to shareand theirdeepen Catholic faith that isrevealed the in “each other” language of Testament:Newthe givinggood example

Thegood news isthat isa giftcommunity that offersGodto pourout love onus His all. canWe togetheraslive wantsGod us ato in varietygreat of ways. Each has community own its ofmissionGod’s bringingKingdom intoan indifferent world. ofpoor,the involvedin ministry ofa prayer healing,and focussing onpassing onthe catechists, Faith as etc. Theworkof the isquietly community done a of ways:in variety spending and time meeting energy needsthe compassionhealingand intoa broken world. Theycarry the of reconciliation”“ministry (2 to5:18)Corinthians those around them,bringing God’s Our Communities gofurther should They onlystill. not demonstrateGod’slove; also theyit. mediate 6. that A community iscapable oflove showing and acceptance, compassion kindness.and People whoeach tell truth,the other rather thanout lying of convenience. putting each down(Galatiansother 3:28). People of different social culturaland groups, professions etc,honouring ratherother each than People should be ableto seewhat hope they for: people serving rather than usingeach other. Toooften,unfortunately, fall we short. reflectingbrightnessthe [the of God glory] ( Thedisciples of Jesus are to be lightthe of( world the the They areworld. models of what wants God for children. his all maturity.Such their communities,characterby theirand action, the witness to power presenceand ofin God Thevalueof Christian community evenreaches thanfurther bringing ofBody Christtothe strength and 5. Christ. Communityeachmeanscaring for other’sgood, knowing asserve, that we all us are of growingin stronger serveother,each seek advicefrom other?each This challenge can be a well as as a journeyof conversion: how do community helpmembers other, each goodto learn what submission and mean. service Itisalso herefromthat learn we to beserved, we thoughsometimes are reluctant, and others. to serve It is APlaceto frombewhere Ambassadorsout we go of God's Love APlaceto fromwhere out we go 23:18Cor. WitnessWorldtothe Mt. Mt. 5:13-16 ). ), shining like brightshininglike), ( stars Phil. 2:15 Phil. ),