Most of us are aware that it can be daunting in our current culture to raise children with a strong faith. Because of the trappings of our society – materialism, self-absorption, excelling in all manner of sports, academics, music, and the like –many families feel torn between finding time for their children’s activities and finding time to share their faith. We are also up against some pretty bleak odds that our children will practice their faith beyond their high school years. Why is this a concern? What is happening in the family setting that causes a lapse in teaching our children about faith?
It may be rooted in a somewhat narrow understanding of what it looks like to pass on our faith. It does not require reciting standard Catholic prayers on every single car trip. (However, this may be a good idea for some car trips.) There are many ways to share our faith with our children in the everyday routine of life (as crazy as it might be at times). Acting on our faith is the best example we can offer our children of what it means to be a person of faith. How we deal with conflict, hurt, sorrow, and the joyful times in life – this is what our children will take with them into their own lives. Ask your child about his/her day and bring God into the picture. Ask them how they lived out the two great commandments – how did they love God with their whole being that day and how did they show love to their neighbor? And be prepared to answer the same questions about your day!