Is faith formation (CCD) required for catholic children?

[jps23430]

This question came up in a discussion with a friend of mine. She understood that if her children did not attend a Catholic School than they were required to attend formal faith formation (CCD) classes.

I disagreed with her and said I did not think that was accurate. I thought that she could teach them herself at home.

I am not in any way arguing against the importance or necessity of catechesis, only on the requirements. My children attend CCD which in our parish is Tuesday afternoons. However if some other activity came up that conflicted with that, I would not feel any moral issue with them not attending CCD and doing the lessons at home. As it stands they recieve much more at home than they do in CCD, as our faith plays the biggest role in our daily life, as it should be.

Am I wrong?

 

[Fr.Charles_Grondin]

Since parents have given children their life, they are bound by the most serious obligation to educate their offspring and therefore must be recognized as the primary and principal educators.

-Declaration on Christian Education

You are correct. Parents always have the right to religiously instruct their own children.

Can. 843 §1. Sacred ministers cannot deny the sacraments to those who seek them at appropriate times, are properly disposed, and are not prohibited by law from receiving them.

Note that “attended parish classes” is not listed as a requirement.

That being said, parents should always work as closely as possible with the parish’s religious education program to ensure the parish is satisfied with what the child is learning. It still belongs to the pastor to evaluate whether someone is ready to receive a sacrament.

For further reading: Homeschooling Catholic