5 Ways Catholic Parents Can Grow in Faith by Peggy Bowes l Being a Catholic Parent l How to Teach Your Children Catholicism l How to Engage Children in their Faith l Teaching Catholicism to Your Kids l Faith and Children l Catholic Faith

Sunday Mass and Confession

The third commandment tells us to keep the Lord’s Day holy. The way Catholics honor this is to attend Mass on Sunday (or Saturday evening) and receive Communion if we are in a state of grace. If you are not currently going to Mass every week, spend time in prayer and reflection and ask the Holy Spirit to give you the strength to do so. Take your family and make Sunday a special day. Go out for breakfast or lunch or pack a picnic to enjoy afterwards. Or ask each family member to take turns choosing a fun activity in which everyone can participate.

It’s also important to go to Confession on a regular basis. This sacrament gives us much-needed graces to help overcome persistent sins. Again, make this a family activity. If your parish’s Confession times are not convenient, make an appointment with the priest.

Learn More About Your Faith

For most Catholics, formal religious instruction ends at Confirmation, usually around the 8th grade. If you haven’t learned anything more about your faith since then, it’s time to go back to school! This doesn’t have to be tedious or boring. There are plenty of dynamic Catholic speakers such as Fr. John Riccardo, Fr. Dave Dwyer, Scott Hahn, and Jeff Cavins. There are also a lot of great Catholic radio stations, books, podcasts, and smartphone apps. Try a few different ones to find what most appeals to you. Share any revelations or favorites with your family. If you have any questions about your faith, refer to The Catechism of the Catholic Church, available in book form or online.