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Taste and See:
Catechesis as Food for the Journey

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Forming Faith at Home

"In every age and culture Christianity has commended certain prayers, formulas and practices to all members of the faith community, even the youngest" (NCD 176e). The following are prayers, information, activities and resources for the Domestic Church. These should be introduced in a gradual manner by parents, grandparents and godparents/sponsors, adapted to the level and ability of each child and begun early in life in order to be learned and practiced for a lifetime (NCD 176e).

  1. Prayers

Here is a list of common prayers for parents to teach their children and use with them in the home. Beginning in early childhood, parents should introduce these prayers gradually so with repetition, children are familiarized with each.
    1. Sign of the Cross
    2. Lord’s Prayer
    3. Hail Mary
    4. Apostles’ Creed
    5. Gloria Patri (Doxology)
    6. Prayer of Sorrow (Act of Contrition)
    7. Act of Faith
    8. Act of Hope
    9. Act of Love
    10. Prayer before Meals
    11. Prayer after Meals
    12. Jesus Prayer
    13. Prayer Upon Waking
    14. Saint Patrick's Breastplate
    15. Prayer at Bedside
    16. Canticle of Simeon (Nunc Dimittis)
    17. Prayer of Saint Francis
    18. Come, Holy Spirit
    19. The O Antiphons (in preparation for Christmas)
    20. The Rosary
  1. Biblical Information

Here is a list of basic information on the Bible, its central characters and themes. Parents can introduce children and teens to the riches of Scripture and provide a foundation for their continued learning through regular reading of the Bible, especially readings for Sundays and holy days.

  1. Books of the Bible
  2. Biblical themes and personalities
  3. Important Gospel passages
  1.  Liturgy and the Sacraments

    2. This section offers the key information on the sacraments and liturgy that every Catholic can learn at home. It also offers helpful ideas for promoting and practicing faith at home.

    1. The Sacraments
    2. The Liturgical Year
    3. The holy days of obligation
    4. Common liturgical terms
    5. The Parts of the Mass
    6. Outline of the Sacrament of Reconciliation
    7. Household religious inventory
  2. Christian Discipleship

This section lists the essential hallmarks of the life of Christian discipleship. Every Christian should know these and strive to live according to the teaching inherent in these tenets.

    1. Ten Commandments
    2. Beatitudes
    3. Works of Mercy
    4. Precepts of the Church
    5. Theological and cardinal virtues
    6. Gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit
    7. Capital sins and virtues
    8. Marks of the Church
    9. Principles of social justice
    10. An examination of conscience
  1. Resources

Here is a basic bibliography of resources for home use.

  1. Prayer books
  2. Parenting and faith formation
  3. Family newsletters
  4. Internet sites
RESOURCES

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