The Church has a responsibility to assist parents in their role as primary educators of their children by catechizing parents in the basic tenets of the Catholic faith and instructing them on how to pass on those teachings to their children. “The home must continue to be the place where we learn to appreciate the meaning and beauty of the faith, to pray and to serve our neighbor.” (Amoris Laetitia 287). Parents are charged with the responsibility of guiding their children to the truth even into adulthood.
At a session in March 2022 with members of the 20 Family Life Units (FLUs) across the Archdiocese, the Archdiocesan Family Life Commission (AFLC) presented on Remote Marriage Preparation focusing on parenting using the book Parenting Your Kids with Grace by Dr Greg and Lisa Popcak.
AFLC’s Episcopal Delegate, Tricia Syms asked the participants to share some of the challenges they experience as parents. Andy said, “I’m challenged with energy, needing to make space in all the different ways that they need me and then make space for me to rest, relax, read …”
Nicole stated, “… giving into the will of God in the lives of my children … hoping that I don’t impose my will and what society expects of them but the true will of God for their lives.”
Exploring the point that parenting is meant to stretch parents and challenge them to love more everyday, Syms explained how parenting takes us to “a different kind of place, to open up our hearts.” In response, Lisa said, “one of the things that I’m enjoying doing but it’s a bit challenging is knowing when not to say anything but I’m really trying to trust God and have the grace not to comment on everything.”
Syms acknowledged that family life can be messy at times “but God’s grace is sufficient for us in the middle of the mess.” Also, emphasizng the importance of parents being patient with themselves, remembering that God is with them in their joys and sorrows. “There’s a big difference in letting God stretch us and doing what He wants us to do with our children and we wanting to prove to everybody else that we could do it on our own” she advised.
The AFLC is continuing its virtual parenting support sessions on Monday, August 14 and 21, from 6 to 7.30 p.m. The topic is: Being a Catholic parent: What’s the difference? based on the book Parenting Your Kids with Grace. Contribution: $50.
Interested, register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83706240990?pwd=LzNQV3JOOGJTcm9PUWwzNXdtcGtYdz09
Contact the AFLC at WhatsApp 299-1047 or familylife@catholictt.org for more information.
