Getting back to Family in our parishes

[pianistclare]

I think those are all very good point.

In my family, I often make sure to have an outside adult expert say the very thing that I have been saying every week. It’s one thing to have mom say that you need to brush your teeth for two minutes twice a day, it’s totally different when a dentist says exactly the same thing.

I feel like you often get more impact from making sure that kids get good (name removed by moderator)ut in stereo.

Yes.
Part of the issue is that many people expect catechists to do all the heavy lifting.
Never talk about strong moral issues? *Oh, let them teach that in Church class…I don’t want to argue with my kids. *

Thanks.
It’s very helpful and more effective when everyone is on the same, Catholic, page.

In stereo. YES.

 

[Xantippe]

I have never been married, but I can’t help but think that if I was a busy working mom, Catechism class would be a very romantic thing to do with a husband

Angie

Yes–without kids. Otherwise, at least one of the adults is going to be running around behind the toddler and really won’t be able to pay attention.

There’s also the problem of over-catechizing. My oldest is an 8th grader and my youngest is 3. If a program of family catechesis were implemented (depending on how it was done), I might easily find myself in catechism classes from 2007 to 2025.

That may sound purely theoretical and out there, but I have heard on CAF stories of strict baptism class requirements where parents of five children wind up having to go through the baptismal class five different times.

 

[pensmama87]

That may sound purely theoretical and out there, but I have heard on CAF stories of strict baptism class requirements where parents of five children wind up having to go through the baptismal class five different times.

Our requirement is every 3 years. So for this baby we were technically due to take it again. Thankfully, the person who teaches the class told us not to worry about it, and I know she’s done similarly for other families that she knows. Is it “fair?” I don’t know. I suppose if someone made a real stink there could be some kind of test-out option.

But we’ve got a lot of “oh hey, maybe we should baptize 2 year old Susie just to get Grandma off our backs” and that’s really who the class is geared for.

 

[pianistclare]

Our requirement is every 3 years. So for this baby we were technically due to take it again. Thankfully, the person who teaches the class told us not to worry about it, and I know she’s done similarly for other families that she knows. Is it “fair?” I don’t know. I suppose if someone made a real stink there could be some kind of test-out option.

But we’ve got a lot of “oh hey, maybe we should baptize 2 year old Susie just to get Grandma off our backs” and that’s really who the class is geared for.

Two? How about 6 or 7?
And then parents are upset because now little Susie has to go through Children’s OCIC or whatever the parish police want to call it today.

Crazy stuff. I often wonder how people simply “forget” to Baptize their children.

Anyway, the basis for the class is mostly for those who are unknown to the clergy, and we have no clue if they actually practice the faith. If you are active in your parish, present at Mass every Sunday, they can waive the class and it’s no one’s business. Those who are asked to take the class well now why they need to. If they are active elsewhere, all we require is a letter form their previous pastor giving them his endorsement and they can opt out as well. It’s not set in stone. It depends on the situation at our parish. Many people have no idea what to expect and don’t kick up a fuss. It’s a one time, single class. Not even 2 hours. Some simply meet with one of the Deacons.
If you have many children, people tend to not ask you. They assume you’re good to go.

 

[UbiCaritas]

Yes–without kids. Otherwise, at least one of the adults is going to be running around behind the toddler and really won’t be able to pay attention.

There’s also the problem of over-catechizing. My oldest is an 8th grader and my youngest is 3. If a program of family catechesis were implemented (depending on how it was done), I might easily find myself in catechism classes from 2007 to 2025.

That may sound purely theoretical and out there, but I have heard on CAF stories of strict baptism class requirements where parents of five children wind up having to go through the baptismal class five different times.

I used to live in a diocese in which, no matter how many times you may have taken the class or how recently you may have taken it, you must take the diocesan baptism class every time you have a kid baptized.

Also, a) children aren’t allowed at the classes, b) childcare isn’t provided at most parishes, and c) you can’t take the class until the baby is born.

No doubt, some diocesan official there is wondering why they’re having a hard time getting parents to have their kids baptized. I could probably clue them into a cause or two…

Here, it’s required that you attend the class every five years, which I find a bit silly still (if the parents haven’t figured out what baptism is yet, you may have a problem!), but at least it’s every five years vs every year, babies in arms are allowed, and we provide childcare.

ETA: I’m not sure how many classes are required in the nightmare diocese I mentioned above, but in our diocese, we require two-class series, and our parish has 2 extra sessions (which, and I say this as someone who teaches them) are pointless and could be easily completed by tagging an extra 15 minutes onto one of the two required sessions.