As we begin as a diocese and community of faith to plan for a future in hope it is worth remembering that our faith and our core values are passed on primarily in the home. TV advertisements for responsible drinking often end up with the reminder ‘Your children are watching you’. And if a child’s behaviour at school is particularly difficult, who does the school call in to enlist help? The parents, of course! Most parents are not trained teachers but, for better or for worse, they are the prime nurturers in faith of their children.
A major way in which we nurture our children’s faith is by letting them see how ours is lived out in daily life. So it’s always good to reflect on where we can brush up our own faith life and make it more relevant and attractive to our children. As parents, we can’t underestimate or underplay the importance of our role, our influence, our own experience and our responsibility. Some might say that this goes without saying. Religion begins at home. Parents are the first religion teachers and the most important of all teachers of religion. Maybe, this is the best place to start.
This short resource presents a collection of ideas that different families found worked for them. Enjoy – Family Passing on the Faith – Resource