Parishes refusing to allow parents to teach Confirmation

[FAB]

Why are they not participating in the instruction in the parish? Well, in my case, and in many others, we have seen what said instruction consists of and it is woefully inadequate and sometimes even contains heterodoxy. Does the pastor have the right to determine if the child has been properly formed? Sure. Most parishes have interviews with candidates precisely to determine this. How many kids pass the interview is beyond me, speaking strictly from my personal observation at my parish. Nevertheless, yes, the mechanism can and should be in place, and if the parents have properly trained their children, this will be evident at this interview. My daughter and our friends’ child whom I taught at home were practically the only ones to offer anything other than one-word or phrase answers in their interview.
Why not be a teacher? Tried that, and a big part of the class was spent just trying to keep order. Besides that, the materials that the parish was using were, as I said before, “woefully inadequate.”

What school of theolgy did you attend, or what Catichist certification do you have to determine that the instruction was inadiquate? If you did teach, you could have supplimented the material with your knowlege.
I will agree that much what is taught is inadiquate, but confirmation is not suppose to be the end of a persons formation and I will dare say that even what you taught your own children was not completely adiquate.
What I find most disheartening, is that you do sound like you know your faith and you are not sharing it with the formation structure of the parish. What about teaching adults? They are much easier to keep in order, and many havenot explored thier faith since being confirmed.
Peace,
FAB

 

[CDNowak]

Parents that wish to do so, why are they so distrustful of the qualifations of the catichist in their parish and of the reasoned thought behind the program?

Usually parents who are distrustful (which is not the only reason for wishing to homeschool) may have had bad experiences with the catechist or with the program. As you state, there is a huge problem with adult catechesis and that seems to include certain schools and publishers of catechetical materials.

Why are they not participating in the instruction in the parish? Certainly part of the issue is unqualifed catichist, then anwer the call to ministry fullfill your baptismal promise to spread the faith and the Gospel.

Just because the catechist is unqualified does not mean that each parent who recognizes the fact is required to directly fix it.

Anorther question is why do you dislike the faith community that you belong to the point that you don’t want your children to associate with the members?
For those who want to promote this idea, does the pastor at least have the right to determine if the child has been properly and comletely formed? He does afterall have to attest to as much in front of the bishop or should he just trust the parent’s word?

Again, you are imputing motives that do not exist. No one is arguing that the pastor should not determine if the formation is complete (btw, you still haven’t answered what that means).

What preparation for confirmation means is an interesting question in itself, in the early Church and in the Eastern Church today Confirmation happened at Baptism. The proper order of the sacraments is that Confirmation come before reception of the Eucharist. So what is proper formation for the sacrament?

 

[FAB]

Usually parents who are distrustful (which is not the only reason for wishing to homeschool) may have had bad experiences with the catechist or with the program. As you state, there is a huge problem with adult catechesis and that seems to include certain schools and publishers of catechetical materials.

 

[CDNowak]

I’m sorry, FAB, I put the name to what you said. The reason why these adults (including catechists, parents, and even some priests) don’t know their faith is a systemic problem in catechesis. These are people who went through either Catholic school, CCD, or RCIA.
I know there were problems with at least one major series I was exposed to, fortunately we were using Faith & Life and the Baltimore Catechism at home.

It is not always possible for a parent to take on the role of catechist for the parish. Not everyone has the talents to get a classroom of children to behave, often at the end of another schoolday. If a parent recognizes a problem with the materials or catechists their children have and these problems are not addressed because of a parent’s concern, then usually said parent will not be given the opportunity to work from within the system.

As far as formation, any intellectual formation can be equally achieved by homeschooling (actually give the academic stats, I would argue better achieved in the home). It can also be tested conveniently by the pastor, either in the form of a written test (worthless, IMHO) or in an interview. But whether that is an absolute requirement is challenged by the fact that this Sacrament is regularly bestowed on infants and those who may never achieve the use of reason. The current structure of Confirmation actually runs counter to the intention of Canon Law, which states that the normal age for the Sacrament is that of discretion (ie: around 7, designated by the same term that was used in moving First Confession and First Communion to the same age). See FrDavid’s post concerning this issue in particular.

 

[FrDavid96]

With all due respect,
Can. 16 §1. The legislator authentically interprets laws as does the one to whom the same legislator has entrusted the power of authentically interpreting.

§2. An authentic interpretation put forth in the form of law has the same force as the law itself and must be promulgated. If it only declares the words of the law which are certain in themselves, it is retroactive; if it restricts or extends the law, or if it explains a doubtful law, it is not retroactive

Can. 31 §1. Those who possess executive power are able to issue, within the limits of their competence, general executory decrees, namely, those which more precisely determine the methods to be observed in applying the law or which urge the observance of laws

This sounds like a pastoral componate. The ordinary is considered to have the power to inerpret and thier interpetation is binding.

Peace,
FAB

FAB,
The canons you quoted apply to the Cardinal Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship–the one who is appointed by the pope to interpret the laws to the local bishop.

Yes, the bishop has the power to interpret, but if his interpretations go against the canon laws, then the matter is referred to the Holy See for a more authoritative interpretation. That’s what happened in the situation I cited. The Holy See reminded the local bishop that he (bishop) does not have the authority to impose any requirements for the Sacraments beyond what the Church requires–he can suggest, and he can implement policies for religious formation, but he cannot deny someone who is properly prepared a Sacrament for lack of meeting an additional requirement–in this case, an older age, but the same principle applies to an additional requirement that the candidate take part in a parish education program as opposed to one conducted by the parents (the primary educators of their children).

 

[FrDavid96]

This seems to be heard of more and more, and now I am experiencing the samething in our parish. Does anyone know of where I can find the UCCB guidelines of parents rights to teach sacraments? Thank you-

If you haven’t already, please read the letter from the Holy See
adoremus.org/CDW_Confirmation_age.html

It addresses a situation very similar to your own.

 

[FAB]

FAB,
The canons you quoted apply to the Cardinal Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship–the one who is appointed by the pope to interpret the laws to the local bishop.

Yes, the bishop has the power to interpret, but if his interpretations go against the canon laws, then the matter is referred to the Holy See for a more authoritative interpretation. That’s what happened in the situation I cited. The Holy See reminded the local bishop that he (bishop) does not have the authority to impose any requirements for the Sacraments beyond what the Church requires–he can suggest, and he can implement policies for religious formation, but he cannot deny someone who is properly prepared a Sacrament for lack of meeting an additional requirement–in this case, an older age, but the same principle applies to an additional requirement that the candidate take part in a parish education program as opposed to one conducted by the parents (the primary educators of their children).

The question comes with what is proper preparation. My ordinary has decided that 2 years of prepartion with 2 retreats during that time is necessary. Considering the number of students that we do not see between first Eucharist and the time Confirmation, this does not seem to be an unreasonable policy.
What is troubleing with those who want to home school, is that they are so ready to go against the primary teacher of the faith in the diocese, thier bishop, becuase somehow they feel they know better. A pastor is to obey his ordinary, so when a parent is rufusing to place a child in the formation program, required by his superior, it puts him in a particular bad postion.
Canon law can only address issues in a universal format, it is the reason that the ordianry needs the power and flexabilty to set policy in his diocses. We as the faithful are called upon by Canon law to recognize and obey that authorty. A parent who insist on home schooling is teaching that the authority of the ordinary can be ignored. We hace enough Catholics that do that already.

Peace,
FAB

 

[FrDavid96]

The question comes with what is proper prepartion. My ordinary has decided that 2 years of prepartion with 2 retreats during that time is necessary. Considering the number of students that we do not see between first Eucharist and the time Confirmation, this does not seem to be an unreasonable policy.
What is troubleing with those who want to home school, is that they are so ready to go against the primary teacher of the faith in the diocese, thier bishop, becuase somehow they feel they know better. A pastor is to obey his ordinary, so when a parent is rufusing to place a child in the formation program, required by his superior, it puts him in a particular bad postion.
Canon law can only address issues in a universal format, it is the reason that the ordianry needs the power and flexabilty to set policy in his diocses. We as the faithful are called upon by Canon law to recognize and obey that authorty. A parent who insist on home schooling is teaching that the authority of the ordinary can be ignored. We hace enough Catholics that do that already.

Peace,
FAB

I’m not saying that it’s an unreasonable “policy”; only that the bishop cannot outright prevent someone from being Confirmed merely because such a one has not participated in 2 retreats. There is no canonical requirement for confirmands to take part in a retreat as there is such a requirement for Ordination (c 1039). If an individual person is qualified to be confirmed, based on what the Church requires for Confirmation, then such a person has the right to the Sacraments (not my words here, but those of the Church).

The primary teacher in the diocese is the bishop—no question about it. But the primary catechists for children is their own parents. After the parents, pastors are the catechists for children.

The ordinary of the diocese is bound to follow canon law. Yes, he can dispense from it under certain circumstances, but that’s the opposite of what we’re discussing here. The bishop has no “flexibility” to outright go against canon law–that’s why we have universal canons in the first place. All the policies of any diocese must still be within the parameters of canon law.

Again, Cardinal Medina phrased it best when he wrote the following:

Consequently, when a member of the faithful wishes to receive this Sacrament, even though not satisfying one or more elements of the local legislation …, those elements must give way to the fundamental right of the faithful to receive the Sacraments.

Note that those are not my words, they are the words of the Cardinal Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship.

 

[Bluegoat]

I’m not saying that it’s an unreasonable “policy”; only that the bishop cannot outright prevent someone from being Confirmed merely because such a one has not participated in 2 retreats. There is no canonical requirement for confirmands to take part in a retreat as there is such a requirement for Ordination (c 1039). If an individual person is qualified to be confirmed, based on what the Church requires for Confirmation, then such a person has the right to the Sacraments (not my words here, but those of the Church).

The primary teacher in the diocese is the bishop—no question about it. But the primary catechists for children is their own parents. After the parents, pastors are the catechists for children.

The ordinary of the diocese is bound to follow canon law. Yes, he can dispense from it under certain circumstances, but that’s the opposite of what we’re discussing here. The bishop has no “flexibility” to outright go against canon law–that’s why we have universal canons in the first place. All the policies of any diocese must still be within the parameters of canon law.

Again, Cardinal Medina phrased it best when he wrote the following:

Consequently, when a member of the faithful wishes to receive this Sacrament, even though not satisfying one or more elements of the local legislation …, those elements must give way to the fundamental right of the faithful to receive the Sacraments.

Note that those are not my words, they are the words of the Cardinal Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship.

But what I wonder is if FAB is getting at something similar from the opposite point of view. The Bishop may not be able to insist on not giving the Sacrament in such a situation.

But, is it right for the parent insist on not following what the Bishop thinks is appropriate without a really good reason?

Now, my children are fairly young, and I have recently changed parishes partly because of religious education issues. I also teach them at home, not formally yet but I intend to in the future. I can well imagine a situation where what I could do at home would be better preparation than they might get through a church program.

But, if the Bishop, or even the priest, insisted, I would enroll in the Church program. I would continue to teach at home and go over what was done at the program if I thought it necessary. I would certainly bring my concerns about the program to the proper person, and maybe volunteer if it was at all feasible.

The reasons are a) I would consider that an important exercise in, and demonstration of, obedience, especially to my kids. b) They might well get something out of being in the group learning with others close to their age c) They might well contribute something themselves to the group that could be worthwhile for the other kids, and d) I think it emphasizes the communal nature of Christianity as opposed to the individualism we often see in secular society.

If there was something so terrible going on I really couldn’t let my kids go, I would be looking for a different church.

 

[FAB]

Again, Cardinal Medina phrased it best when he wrote the following:

Consequently, when a member of the faithful wishes to receive this Sacrament, even though not satisfying one or more elements of the local legislation …, those elements must give way to the fundamental right of the faithful to receive the Sacraments.

Note that those are not my words, they are the words of the Cardinal Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship.

If I remember the complete letter, he was addressing a specific case in which it had been proven that the girl in question had been properly prepared to recieve the sacramement. In those sentances, he also recognized the neccesity of proper formation.

In a perfect world, parents would be the primary teachers of the faith, but that is far from the case. In a perfect world, children could be confirmed, as they were in past around 11 of 12 and then continue in formation programs, but that is no longer the case either.
There are complaints on this forum on how badly adults have been catechized and the main reason is not from CCE teachers, schools priest or deacons, but that thier parents did not properly raise them and educate them in the faith. The requirements by the ordinary arr, in some small way, to get some teaching of the faith in, for the sake of the faith.
The question of this thread is do parishes have the right not to allow parents to home school for sacraments. My response is yes, unless the parent is a certified catichist as set forth by thier diocese, or an equal amount of education in the faith, thier qualifications would be determined by the pastor. They should be required to meet the same instruction lenght as well as including service and retreats if those are the rules of the ordinary. The progress should also be monitored by the pastor or someone he desinates. In such a way, it can be seen that no one is getting special exception or privilage.

Peace,
FAB

 

[BornCatholic7]

I have no argument that parents are the primary teacher, however, just because they are in a valid sacramental marriage does not mean that they are qualified to teach sacraments.

MY REPLY: I hope you are not a DRE, lol. Do you understand what you just posted? Actually, any parent is qualified to teach, even if they were a Catholic who is in a separation of marriage, or annulment.
Parents who teach the sacraments are “Catehcists” too. Because parents ARE parents thatmakes them “qualified” to teach the sacraments. Parents are “qualified” by God Himself to teach their own children. That is in the Catechism, and Popes have wrotes encyclicals on this in this. The beautiful aspect of teaching my children, and I’m thinking back to Holy Communion as well, is that it enhanced my own faith and spirituality, and I even learned more from teaching it to my children, than I did in a religion class when I was 8yrs. old.

YOU WROTE:

Parents that wish to do so, why are they so distrustful of the qualifations of the catichist in their parish and of the reasoned thought behind the program?

MY REPLY: I cannot speak for others, but I think they would agree with me when I say our initial reasoning for teaching our children is not because of distrust. Although that could be an additional issue to the reasoning of teaching their children. Parents who teach have decided to fulfill their vocation, their apostolate, their responsibilities and duties handed to them by God Himself. Stastics have also proven that children learn better from their own parents. However, Let’s remember the issue at hand: Parents are not the ones denying other candidates their Sacrament of Confirmation because they went through a parish program. If that is a parents choices, for whatever the reason, God Bless them! That is their decision and they are entitled to ask for “assistance” from the parish to teach the sacraments. The key word is assistance. The question really should be asked: "Why are the catechists, and Parish programs so distrustful of the parents teaching the sacraments? Thus denying candidates from being confirmed before they have even been interviewed by the priest! All of that is against Canon Law.

YOU WROTE:

Why are they not participating in the instruction in the parish? Certainly part of the issue is unqualifed catichist, then anwer the call to ministry fullfill your baptismal promise to spread the faith and the Gospel.

MY REPLY: Again, I can’t speak for others, but teaching more classes would not fit into my class instruction time. We need days off. too

Anorther question is why do you dislike the faith community that you belong to the point that you don’t want your children to associate with the members?

MY REPLY:Those words NEVER cam out of my mouth. Why would you even think that? Have you forgotten, that attending Mass IS associating with members of the Church?

YOU WROTE:

For those who want to promote this idea, does the pastor at least have the right to determine if the child has been properly and comletely formed?

MY REPLY: Yes, a simple interview at the end of preparation is all that is needed, just as it was done for First Holy Communion and First Confession.

YOU WROTE:

He does afterall have to attest to as much in front of the bishop or should he just trust the parent’s word?

MY REPLY: After he does the interview the priest can put his doubts or concerns to rest.
It should be remembered that parents who teach the sacraments are “Catechists” too. If a catchist does not wish to verify a candidate who has been taught by the parents, then let the parents stand before the Bishop in honor and affirm the readiness of their own child. Just like how every other Catechist from different parishes will be doing. for their students.

There are simple solutions, yet I think DRE’s, and some priests, get caught up in the numbers game, and trying to make elaborate parish programs. Instead of stepping back and realizing that what we are talking about are souls who want to receive their sacrament of Confirmation. Therefore, why or why, must DRE’s and priests of parish programs
make such a big ordeal over who is teaching the sacrament???
This is to be joyous time for families and especially for candidates, and I have to say, our parish priest already tainted this celebration when he got angry in front of my child and said “NO” Even my child knows that the priest can’t say “No” without having an interview. And as a side note, an interview must always be done in front of parents to ensure there are theological questions not asked outside the instruction of the sacrament

At any rate, I’m getting more conflict and debate about this than steps on what I and other parents should actually do. Do we write letters to our priests? Do we write the committees of parish programs explaining our positions? Do we write the bishop first??
Is there an organization that we go to for help or we out there all alone defending our candidates rights to receive the sacraments?

 

[FrDavid96]

But what I wonder is if FAB is getting at something similar from the opposite point of view. The Bishop may not be able to insist on not giving the Sacrament in such a situation.

But, is it right for the parent insist on not following what the Bishop thinks is appropriate without a really good reason?

Now, my children are fairly young, and I have recently changed parishes partly because of religious education issues. I also teach them at home, not formally yet but I intend to in the future. I can well imagine a situation where what I could do at home would be better preparation than they might get through a church program.

But, if the Bishop, or even the priest, insisted, I would enroll in the Church program. I would continue to teach at home and go over what was done at the program if I thought it necessary. I would certainly bring my concerns about the program to the proper person, and maybe volunteer if it was at all feasible.

The reasons are a) I would consider that an important exercise in, and demonstration of, obedience, especially to my kids. b) They might well get something out of being in the group learning with others close to their age c) They might well contribute something themselves to the group that could be worthwhile for the other kids, and d) I think it emphasizes the communal nature of Christianity as opposed to the individualism we often see in secular society.

If there was something so terrible going on I really couldn’t let my kids go, I would be looking for a different church.

I see your point–I truly do. But it’s not a matter of the parents reasoning for doing what they are doing. It’s a matter of whether or not the parents are properly preparing their children to receive the Sacraments. As long as the child is properly prepared such a person has a right to be confirmed, the pastor has an obligation to present him to the bishop, and the bishop has an obligation to confer Confirmation.

Yes, I fully agree that some parents will do homeschool CCD for all the wrong reasons (note: some parents). I also fully agree that it is usually beneficial to the children to have them participate in the parish and/or diocese preparation programs–and it’s well within the bishop’s authority to define these programs. In the end though, it all comes down to a question of whether or not the child is properly prepared.

I think that parents should have their children participate in diocesan preparation programs, and that the bishop is the best judge for his diocese as to what those programs should contain. The reality though is that in some parishes, the preparation program can sometimes have negative effects on the children. Even if the parents’ motivation is indeed flawed, if they’re catechising their children properly, they have a right to Confirmation.

 

[FAB]

Now, my children are fairly young, and I have recently changed parishes partly because of religious education issues. I also teach them at home, not formally yet but I intend to in the future. I can well imagine a situation where what I could do at home would be better preparation than they might get through a church program.

But, if the Bishop, or even the priest, insisted, I would enroll in the Church program. I would continue to teach at home and go over what was done at the program if I thought it necessary. I would certainly bring my concerns about the program to the proper person, and maybe volunteer if it was at all feasible.

The reasons are a) I would consider that an important exercise in, and demonstration of, obedience, especially to my kids. b) They might well get something out of being in the group learning with others close to their age c) They might well contribute something themselves to the group that could be worthwhile for the other kids, and d) I think it emphasizes the communal nature of Christianity as opposed to the individualism we often see in secular society.

If there was something so terrible going on I really couldn’t let my kids go, I would be looking for a different church.

It is good that your kids would go if they had to, they could very pissibly be an asset to the class they are in, and in such fulling they baptismal call of priest, prophet and servant king, but what I am stuck by is the unwillingness to be part of the this aspect of the parish community. It seems in your eyes that the parish is a failure from the start and no one can do anything right except for you.
I am a catichist, I have been since my children first started in my parishe’s formation program.(my oldest is now 27). I formed my children at home but also in the formation program in my parish. I never have assumed that I knew it all and still don’t. I also never assumed thast I could properly form my children outside of the church.

Peace,
FAB

 

[joandarc2008]

Joan of Arc, I still disagree with sex education in a Confirmation program. That should be done in a separate class in the parish for teens if parents choose not to teach that themselves. If DRE’s want to give an opportunity for such discussion a special night should be schedualed at the church to watch videos from say Jason Evert. It should not be added into Confirmation program. Nor should anything like that or retreats be mandatory to attend in order to be confirmed.

Let me clarify - I am more speaking of a confirmation age class where you would have a CCD group which ends the year with confirmation. Yes, in that year this might be covered as you cover Church dogma, your faith, etc. Now, if you have a seperate confirmation class than I would completely agree wiht you. Also, just another point of reference it would also depend upon the age of the candidate. In some regions of the US, like New England, it is toward their senior year of high school. In some Southern regions it is Junior High age. I wouldn’t advocate discussing these things in a Junior Age but with Seniors who most of whom are 18 and adults, yes if the subject is brought up - by all means but keeping it in light with the Cathechism and Church Dogma. I think I see where are disagreement is here though. It is strictly situational.

 

[Bluegoat]

Now, my children are fairly young, and I have recently changed parishes partly because of religious education issues. I also teach them at home, not formally yet but I intend to in the future. I can well imagine a situation where what I could do at home would be better preparation than they might get through a church program.

It is good that your kids would go if they had to, they could very pissibly be an asset to the class they are in, and in such fulling they baptismal call of priest, prophet and servant king, but what I am stuck by is the unwillingness to be part of the this aspect of the parish community. It seems in your eyes that the parish is a failure from the start and no one can do anything right except for you.
I am a catichist, I have been since my children first started in my parishe’s formation program.(my oldest is now 27). I formed my children at home but also in the formation program in my parish. I never have assumed that I knew it all and still don’t. I also never assumed thast I could properly form my children outside of the church.

Peace,
FAB

No, I think you are misunderstanding me. I would want my kids to be in a good church program as well as whatever we did at home. I just don’t think most church programs are enough alone, nor are they meant to be. But the community program is also important.

What I meant was that even if I thought the church based program had real problems - say it was giving inaccurate teachings - I would still send them for the reasons I mentioned. I would make an effort to correct the deficiencies myself.

Only if there was a serious problem - my child was coming back with black eyes - would I not send her at all.

 

[FAB]

BornCatholic7:
Most parishes and pastors are dealing with parents who formation in the faith consist of at the age of 7 for communion and then at the age of 15 or 16 for confimation. Even if they attend mass regularly, they still don’t know the faith well enough to fully prepare a child for the sacraments.
You may be qualified, but the vast majority of parents are not.
Peace,
FAB

 

[FAB]

No, I think you are misunderstanding me. I would want my kids to be in a good church program as well as whatever we did at home. I just don’t think most church programs are enough alone, nor are they meant to be. But the community program is also important.

What I meant was that even if I thought the church based program had real problems - say it was giving inaccurate teachings - I would still send them for the reasons I mentioned. I would make an effort to correct the deficiencies myself.

Only if there was a serious problem - my child was coming back with black eyes - would I not send her at all.

If all parents took then same interest and the seriousness that you have in teaching the faith, we perhaps could eliminate many of the challeges that the Church faces today.
Peace,
FAB
P.S. but until that day, the faithfull like you have an obligation to share that wisdom beyond that of your own family.

 

[Brendan]

But what I wonder is if FAB is getting at something similar from the opposite point of view. The Bishop may not be able to insist on not giving the Sacrament in such a situation.

But, is it right for the parent insist on not following what the Bishop thinks is appropriate without a really good reason?.

That was pretty much addressed by the CDWDS letter that Fr. provided

The Congregation considers it useful to point out that it is the role of the parents as the primary educators of their children and then of the Sacred Pastors to see that candidates for the reception of the Sacrament of Confirmation are properly instructed to receive the Sacrament and come to it at the opportune time (cf. can. 890).

The role of the parent is as the primary educator, the role of the pastor (which includes the bishop) is to see that the instruction has been carried out.

If a homeschooled canidate meets the same objective criteria ( knowledge of the sacrament, it’s role in the Church etc…) then the canidate is to be presented for the Sacrament at the opportune time.

Other criteria that are placed on top of what the Church as a whole requires, (age past the age of reason, attendance at retreats, etc…) are not to stand in the way of approval of the candidate’s reception of the Sacrament.

 

[Brendan]

Most parishes and pastors are dealing with parents who formation in the faith consist of at the age of 7 for communion and then at the age of 15 or 16 for confimation. Even if they attend mass regularly, they still don’t know the faith well enough to fully prepare a child for the sacraments.
You may be qualified, but the vast majority of parents are not.
Peace,
FAB

But the fact that uncatechised parents exist is not a blocker to parents who are teaching their kids.

Certainly a diocese should offer classes for children who’s parents are not able (due to time or knowledge) to instruct their children, but the Vatican has made it clear that such classes are not to be the only means of such instruction.

 

[joandarc2008]

CDNowak;5793114:

Correction: I did not say that there was a hugh problem with Catechesis, there is a huge problem with adults, parents, not knowing the faith.
The material that is published for formation is approved by USCCB taht is not a problem.

That’s just saying “it’s not my problem” and excuse not to get involved. I would think that love for one’s faith would compell them to get involved if there is truely a problem.

There is much more to formation than knowing the prayers and the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Proper formation included the church’s veiw on Social Justice and the faithful’s proper response. proper development of conscience, the call to ministry, what it means to be called from baptism as priest, prophet and servant king. The Church’s teaching on moral issues beyond just abortion. These are just a few.
Peace,
FAB

And yes, this is where abortion, contraception (the fact that it is wrong and that NFP is right and absitinence outside marriage is correct), discussion of vocational sacraments, etc comes up especially for older candidates and why it might be hard for these candidates to discuss their views on the “why” in front of their parents. Do you think that maybe parental involvement and a lack of questioning might be one of the reasons that some of the cradle Catholics today are so poorly cathechized as to have to ask what proper formation means. One should at least know about the faith in which they are imparting their loyalty do.