What It Means to be Catholic

Faith is a personal journey for everyone. More often than not, Catholic children need help navigating their religion. Attending Mass, observing Holy Days of Obligation and praying the rosary are great starting points. However, without guidance, faith-based activities may just feel like extra homework. Here are a few ways you can help your child find their Catholic identity.

Start with Community

Everyone wants to be part of a community, especially growing children who are finding themselves. Look for Catholic groups that welcome children from all walks of life. This may involve trial and error, and that’s OK. It’s a learning experience for you as much as it is for your child. Show your child how they can be just as involved with Catholic groups as they are in school and neighborhood communities.

Teach the Traditions

The Catholic faith is rooted in tradition and is well-known for its historical roots. If your child doesn’t have a deep understanding of the significance of spiritual events, they may end up just going through the motions. See if you can help your child understand and revere the traditions that make the Catholic faith unique. Show them how important faith-based rituals are in your life and in theirs.

Show How Faith Provides Hope

Help your child see faith in a positive light. Show them how faith can bring them hope in difficult times. Tell them about passages or stories from the Bible that bring you peace. When your child is worried or stressed, remind them that they’re part of something bigger than themselves. Encourage them to pray about it, or pray with them.

Talk About It

The most important way to teach your child about faith is to talk to them about what they’re learning. Ask how they feel about each lesson, and listen to what they say. Answer their questions. If you don’t know, help them research. Be there for your child in a caring and compassionate way. This will help your child find and understand what being Catholic truly means to them.

Our Lake and Marion Catholic Schools foster an atmosphere of care and an environment of high expectations and effective discipline. We allow students to explore their faith at school and encourage them to do the same at home. To learn more about what makes us different, contact us.