When parents have chosen Baptism in the Catholic Church for their children, they have made a commitment to raise their children Catholic. Faith Formation begins in the home. We are here to help and to support you in your role as your child’s first catechist. As we have conducted our Faith Formation classes through the years, we have observed areas that the children often need assistance in their learning that we cannot provide. Here are some ideas that may be helpful to you in encouraging your child's growth in knowledge and participation in the life of the church.

Here are some simple ideas of things to do at Home:

• Have a prayer space / little altar in your house
• Say daily meal time and bed time prayers
• Have faith filled conversation around the dinner table: ask questions like "How did you see God working today?"; "What are you grateful for today?"; "Who represented Jesus for you today?".
• Read the Bible together
• Reflect on the Gospels: see the "Mass Meditation" age appropriate questions for each week
• Celebrate the liturgical seasons
• Honor and respect bodies because we are all temples for the Holy Spirit

Youngsters in the early grades often struggle to learn their prayers. There isn't time to spend on memorization in the parish classes, and we know that you, too, are pressed for time. Please be sure your child knows the Our Father, Hail Mary, and Act of Contrition before they make their First Reconciliation and receive the Holy Eucharist for the first time.