Family Evangelization

"The family is the heart of the New Evangelization, since it is where the faith is first encountered, passed down, lived, and sustained." (USCCB, Marriage and Family: Home of the New Evangelization)

As stated on the USCCB website, evangelization first takes place in the family. Parents, “by word and example, are the first heralds of the faith with regard to their children” (Lumen Gentium, no. 11). Also called the “domestic church,” the family is a small version of the Church. The family receives its life from the Church and in turn mirrors the life of the larger Church. In the family, children first learn about God, love, and the Church. Mothers and fathers are indispensable in sharing the faith with their children. When parents practice and live their Catholic faith, children receive a sure foundation to assist them in difficult life choices. As parents and families learn and live their faith, they grow in confidence in the Gospel of Jesus Christ and his Church and are nourished by the sacraments and desire to share. The family has an invaluable role in passing on the faith in a joyful and bold manner. Children will learn that they are members of the Body of Christ and have a valuable role in the Church.

The home is the first school of Christian life and “a school for human enrichment.” Here one learns endurance and the joy of work, fraternal love, generous — even repeated — forgiveness, and above all divine worship in prayer and the offering of one’s life." (CCC #1657)

• Pray daily (individually and as a family).
• Read Scripture. Children love to hear the stories of the Bible.
• Regularly celebrate the sacraments, especially in Sunday Mass each week as a family (find your local parish at www.masstimes.org).
• Trust in the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit gives married couples the grace you need to share your faith with your children and others in the community.
• Study the faith through the Catechism of the Catholic Church and faith formation programs. Discuss the faith over dinner.
• Participate in service opportunities as a family.
• Personally invite your family, friends, and neighbors to your home and to Sunday Mass in a welcoming spirit.
• Being willing to listen to other peoples’ stories and questions about the Church without judgment.
• Welcome new members of the parish, offer to help new parents, support the divorced and widowed.
• Remember the words of Peter: “Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope” (1 Pt 3:15).