83. What attitude should parents have regarding the education of their children in the Faith?

Educating in the Faith is a noble and rewarding task that is at the heart of the mission of Christian spouses. Parents should approach the education of their children in the Faith with at least the same interest, seriousness and enthusiasm that they give to their children's academic and professional education. As collaborators of the Holy Spirit, they should put first the supernatural means of prayer and personal spiritual struggle.

84. What are some of the duties that parents have to their children concerning the Faith?

Some of the duties that parents have to their children concerning the Faith are:

1. To have them baptized shortly after birth.

2. To ensure proper instruction in the faith.

3. To guard them against errors and dangers to their faith.

4. To ensure that they receive First Communion and Confirmation without undue delay.

5. To give good example of Christian living.

6. To continually pray and offer sacrifices for their faithfulness to God and to the Christian way of life.

85. Should parents put off the baptism of their children until they are old enough to decide for themselves whether they would like to be baptized or not?

Parents should not put off the baptism of their children because their children have need of the new birth in baptism to be freed from the guilt and punishment due to original sin. Through baptism their children receive the Holy Spirit and become children of God and this is the greatest gift that parents can give their children.

86. What are some practical ways for parents to create an atmosphere full of faith, which is the guarantee of peace and serenity even in difficult times?

Some practical ways for parents to create an atmosphere full of faith are:

1. Knowing well and guiding their own lives according to the truths of the faith.

2. Fostering piety, which means dealing with God with the simplicity and trust of children and best friends.

3. Teaching reverence and respect for holy things, persons and places.

4. Practising with constancy and teaching their children from an early age the traditional prayers and devotions that are part of Christian living.

5. Putting Mass on Sundays and Holy days of obligation in first place among the activities of the family.

6. Giving the example of going frequently to Confession

7. Having reminders such as crosses and images of the Blessed Virgin discreetly placed around the home to help the family members to keep in mind that they are always in God's presence.

8. Being available to answer questions or give advice about the life of faith, adapting the explanations to the age and circumstances of each child.

9. Praying for the family members every day, and periodically speaking with God more in depth about each one.

10. Being always calm and cheerful, even in the face of difficulties, knowing that one is a child of God and that all things work out for the best.

11. Praying and meditating on the Holy Rosary as a family has been specially recommended as one of the best prayers for preserving family unity.

87. What are some practical ways to teach one's children reverence and respect for holy things?

Some practical ways to teach one's children reverence and respect for holy things are:

1. By making it a custom to dress well for religious ceremonies.

2. By teaching them what is the proper posture to have when dealing with holy things, whether it be to stand, sit, bow, kneel, genuflect, walk, carry something or make the sign of the cross for example.

3. By teaching them not to rush or be careless when dealing with holy things, giving the time and care that is necessary or appropriate.

4. By reminding them to keep silent and not disturb others when they are praying or honouring God.

88. What are some of the traditional daily prayers and devotions that parents can teach their children?

Some of the traditional daily prayers and devotions that parents can teach their children are:

1. The Our Father, the Hail Mary and the Glory Be.

2. The Sign of the Cross.

3. Prayer to the Holy Guardian Angels.

4. The Morning offering.

5. Night prayers and blessing with holy water before going to bed.

6. Blessing before and after meals.

Some other daily prayers are: the Angelus, the Act of Contrition, the Memorare, the Hail Holy Queen, Act of Faith, Act of Hope, Act of Love and examination of conscience. Praying and meditating on the Holy Rosary as a family has been specially recommended as one of the best prayers for preserving the family's unity.