Parents are the most influential agents of catechesis for their children. They have a unique responsibility for the education of their children; they are their first educators, or catechists. (National Directory of Catechesis 234)


Adult catechesis designed especially for parents helps them to nourish their own faith and well as that of their children. Parishes need give special attention to supporting the faith formation of parents and families as a whole. A variety of models for religious education exist, yet the best ones are those that incorporate family catechesis within the regular catechetical process.

Whether a parish uses intergenerational, family faith formation gatherings as the norm for systematic, comprehensive catechesis or provides events that supplement their age-specific programming, it is clear that helping families to develop a strong domestic church will strengthen each parish community of faith.

What strategies will help plan for or expand family catechesis at your parish? Try these:

1. Make family faith formation a goal for parish life – if you don’t plan it, it won’ t happen.
2. Use parish programs to teach and model family faith practices/
3. Build on practices that families are already engaged in.
4. Involve the whole family in parish life and leadership.
5. Offer family learning programs.
6. Develop age-appropriate family service projects.
7. Provide at-home resources.
8. Use the internet for resource and connect families.
(From: Lifelong Faith: The Theory and Practice of Lifelong Faith Formation, Fall/Winter 2007 issue.)

Please contact Chris Hanley in the Department of Lifelong Faith Formation for more information about effective strategies for family faith formation (716) 847-5505 or by e-mail chanley@buffalodiocese.org