Passing on the Faith

I have just recently finished helping teach at our church in our First Reconciliation Class. I feel confident that some of the students are ready to make their First Confession. And yes, I said some. Unfortunately, some of the students do not know much at all. They come to class, and although the class may be good, it is only 1 hour each week. If the children have not had proper religious education at home, they will suffer in their faith, and a First Confession class will only confuse them. For example, if they don't know who God is, they can't possibly understand His mercy and why we need forgiveness. Religious education at home is what is essential. The local parish may be able to provide some education, but it should only be supplementary. I can tell the difference between the children whose parents at home have gone over the "homework" (the terms and ideas of Reconciliation), and those kids whose parents bring them but do not teach their children.

Maybe, the parents do not teach their children because they themselves do not know their Faith. You can not give what you do not have. It is our responsibility to study our Faith so as to not only help ourselves but to be able to give it to others. The Bible says in Matthew 28:19-20: "Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you". Please learn you Faith so you can grow closer to Christ and bring others closer to Him. A good sign to know if you know your Faith is to see if you can successfully teach it someone else. Maybe practicing in the bathroom a few times would help....