VIDEO 7: Parents As Primary Catechists

Outsourcing is arguably the greatest convenience ever conceived by modern society. Most parents depend on outsourcing by leaving their children’s academic subjects, social interactions, and physical activities to certified professionals. Many parents also turn to the media to further outsource their children’s education through books, television shows, online programs, and other print and digital sources. Although outsourcing is not inherently harmful, the practice of parents handing full responsibility for teaching the Catholic Faith to their children can potentially leave a lasting, negative impact. For this reason, the Catholic Church encourages parents to be the primary catechists, or educators, to the Faith. How can parents serve as effective catechists, and what is the Catholic Church’s supporting role in Christian parenting?