The Three Secrets to Keeping Kids Catholic

Making Baby Jesus out of
bits of foam  is not enough.

Kids are most likely to stay Catholic if they are well-formed in their faith. But just taking your child to religion class at the parish once a week is not enough. What is the quality of your church's youth formation program? Even the best program can't form your child in the faith in an hour a week, September through May.

Make sure your child's formation includes these three key elements:

• Sacramentalizing
• Catechizing
• Evangelizing

Sacramentalizing

The sacraments are outwards signs of the inward action of God's grace. All kids should have the opportunity to receive the three Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Holy Eucharist, and Confirmation) as well as Reconciliation before they graduate from school.

If your kids have not been baptized, go back to basics and contact your parish to arrange for the Sacrament of Baptism as soon as possible. A period of instruction may be required for the parents and, if they are school-aged, possibly the children.

Follow your diocese's rules on the proper ages for Holy Eucharist, Reconciliation, and Confirmation. And make sure they receive the Eucharist and go to Reconciliation often: Eucharist weekly at least, and Reconciliation (ideally) monthly at least.

Catechizing

Your kids must learn their faith. In high school, in college, and in the workplace, they will be exposed to many different faiths and philosophies, from fundamentalist Protestantism to atheism. Will your children be able to answer when they are accused of worshiping the Virgin Mary or denounced for submitting to mind control from the Pope?*

Many a fallen-away Catholic has returned to the Church because of the things they learned in catechism. And since "faith seeks understanding" (CCC 158), good catechesis can keep people from falling away in the first place.

Evangelizing

Nothing is more important than evangelization. Nothing. All the sacraments and catechesis in the world will do nothing for a person who does not know Jesus Christ. Teach your children the meaning of the Fall, the Crucifixion, the Resurrection, the Second Coming. Teach them to know that God is madly in love with them, and he will never stop chasing them. Teach them that He answers all prayers (Matt 7:7), but not always by doing what we ask Him. Teach them to trust God in all things, and they will never need to fear death again.

These are the three legs that will support your children throughout their lives as Catholics. Be mindful of all three, and your kids will have a sturdy foundation to stand on as they endure the assaults of the world, the flesh, and the devil.

*In case you were wondering, Catholics do not worship Mary and are not required to practice blind obedience. Nuanced information on these topics may be found at sites like Catholic Answers.

Image: "Jesus manger" by Scott Wilcoxson. (CC) Some rights reserved.