Parents are the primary educators of faith for their children, teaching them about God, morality, and Catholic values. Parents should teach their children about the Catholic faith and traditions, using resources such as the Catechism of the Catholic Church, children’s Bibles, and religious education materials. Continuous faith formation is encouraged for all family members especially for parents who are passing on the faith to their children.

Parents should model Christian behavior and decision-making, guiding children through example, and demonstrating virtues like love, patience, humility, and forgiveness in daily interactions.

Families are encouraged to practice and grow in their faith together through family prayers such as the Rosary, grace before meals, and family devotions. Attending Mass regularly, reading scripture, and participating in the sacraments as a family are also vital in growing and strengthening family spirituality.

A family’s sacred space is their home. Families are encouraged to create a designated space for prayer in their home, with items like a crucifix, Bible, candles, and religious icons. Display religious art and symbols around the home and consider installing a holy water font or stoup near the front door of the home to encourage family members to bless themselves before leaving the house, serving as a daily reminder of their baptism and call to discipleship and mission.

Parents should view their marriage as a sacrament that, by the grace received through the sacrament, strengthens the sacred bond between them and reflects the love of Christ for the Church. Children should receive the Sacrament of Baptism to be cleansed from original sin and welcomed into the Church. Through Baptism, we receive new life in Christ and are bestowed with the grace of the Holy Spirit, beginning our lifelong spiritual journey as children of God.

Families should teach and practice forgiveness to foster healing and unity and participate frequently in the Sacrament of Reconciliation as a family for spiritual growth and renewal. Additionally, families can celebrate liturgical seasons – Advent, Christmas, Lent, and Easter – with special prayers, activities, and traditions that enrich family spirituality.

It is essential that parents maintain a loving and respectful marriage to provide a strong foundation for the family. Spend meaningful time together as a family, fostering open communication, trust, and mutual support.

Families should be active members of their parish community, participating in Mass, parish events, and ministries. Connect with other Catholic families for fellowship, faith-sharing, and social activities. Engage in acts of charity and service that teach children the importance of helping others and contributing to the common good.

CatholicHÔM

CatholicHÔM is the first-ever digital platform dedicated to helping Catholic families encounter Christ more meaningfully at home and draw closer to each other by living the Liturgy of Domestic Church Life.

Strong Catholic Family Faith

Find curated content, meaningful experiences, and other resources in English and Spanish for parents looking to pass on the faith to their families. Catholic leaders can also equip themselves with resources and educational content to better support the families they serve.

Peyton Family Institute

Through research, professional trainings, and creative resources, The Peyton Institute is working to build dynamic domestic churches, founded on the bedrock of Christian love and serving as outposts of grace in their communities.

Holy Cross Family Ministries

Dedicated to inspiring, promoting and fostering the prayer life and spiritual well-being of families throughout the world. Families are served through faith-based video series, prayer retreats, world-wide Rosary distribution, and numerous interactive and in-person engaging prayer experiences.

Luis Nieves
Director of Pastoral Ministry
Laity, Family & Life
407-246-4882

Javier Maldonado 
Administrative Assistant
Laity, Family & Life
407-246-4880