Parents are their children's best models of faith

October 26, 8:47 PMRoman Catholic ExaminerPamela Luther

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Faith can be a family walk together

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When Catholics baptize their children, they vow before God and their parish to raise their child (children) to know God, serve Him and love Him. Parents are their children’s main catechist throughout their youth. This position even transcends the formative years because parents continue to be influences, positively or negatively, upon their children throughout their children’s adult years.

In order to be an effective model of faith in our children’s lives, we have to live it sincerely. We need to be aware of our own spiritual journeys—walking the talk and not just talking about it. Sometimes we blow it and display behaviors that don’t glorify Jesus, Our Lord. He loves us and our families and will forgive those times if we ask Him.

Renew International, which publishes the Why Catholic? Series has several suggestions for parent’s self-examination regarding their own faith walk.

In an article from Renewing Family Faith, Renew International suggests we ask ourselves these questions in self-reflection. Fill in the blanks as you ponder these questions.

1. The greatest influence was ______________ because _____________.
2. My most important belief is ______________  because _____________.
3. An action that expresses my faith is ________ because _____________.
4. The most important relationship I have is ____because _____________.
5. My community of faith sharing is ___________because _____________.
@Renew International

Perhaps you read these and decide it is already too late—you blew it. Please do not lose heart. It is imperative to think about St. Peter who denied Our Lord before the crucifixion. He was reconciled with Our Lord and became one of the greatest saints and leaders in the early church. It is never too late to reconcile issues that have separated you from Jesus. He is ever patient, waiting, like the shepherd looking for that lost lamb.

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