Children at this age are masters at memorization. They are also at an age of great intellectual curiosity. The parent’s task is to engage that curiosity and capitalize on their increased learning capacity to lead them to a better understanding of the faith. One mistake that parents often make at this stage is to assume that their children will receive all religious education in the classroom, either in a Catholic school or in a religious education program. Children at every stage in life look to their families for attitudes toward the faith. If parents leave faith formation and education exclusively up to religious education teachers, children will learn that faith is separate from everyday life. Religious education programs and Catholic schools are only meant to supplement the faith formation that happens in the home. Here’s what you can do.

Promote Curiosity and Learning about the Faith

• Know what aspects of the faith interest each child the most and encourage investigation into these areas – even encourage your child to become an expert on this aspect of the faith and to teach other family members. Your child may show special interest in:
  • a particular saint
  • Marian devotion
  • Eucharistic adoration or a specific devotion
  • the priesthood
  • the Beatitudes or a certain aspect of Christ’s teaching
  • a particular Biblical story
  • some aspect of Church teaching that he or she finds interesting or difficult to understand
• Know what is taught in religious education classes and model genuine interest in the material.
• Help your children study their religious education and use it as an opportunity to brush up on your own faith knowledge
• Promote memorization of concepts of the faith that promote practice of the faith
  • Encourage memorization of prayers and Mass parts
  • Encourage your children to learn about the lives of the saints
  • Use short sayings and lists that your children can memorize to teach about the basics of faith such as the creed, the twelve apostles, etc.
• Be sure to make learning fun – using games and finding out which parts of the faith engage each child’s interest.

Help Your Children Prepare for and Celebrate the Sacraments

• Actively help your children with sacramental preparation homework
• Tell your children why each sacrament is important to you
• Bring your children to the sacraments with you (not inside the confessional, of course, but they can pray in the pews while you go inside)
• Walk your children through the order of the sacrament so they are completely comfortable with it
• Buy books for your children that explain the meaning, order and importance of the sacraments they will be participating in
• The Sacrament of Reconciliation is often done in catechism class or in Catholic School without parental involvement. Be sure to celebrate First Reconciliation with your child, either by being present or by celebrating at home!

Encourage Your Children to Grow Toward Understanding of the Mass

Children at this age especially have a difficult time at Mass. They are mature enough not to be attracted to

• Encourage greater participation in the Mass. By this age engagement should be habitual, but children may still be tempted to coast during Mass.
• Help your child understand the Mass more deeply by talking about one part after Mass is over
• Discuss the readings, Gospel and homily as a family after Mass
• Enforce traditions surrounding the Mass such as the fast before Mass and the prayer of thanksgiving after

Reestablish Your Love for the Eucharist

The Eucharist is the center of the Catholic life. It is the source and summit of our faith. As parents, we especially need to make sure that our love for the Eucharist is kept alive, and that our children see that love.

• Sign up for Eucharistic adoration. If you don’t have adoration in your area, spend some time in front of the tabernacle.
• Take your children to Eucharistic adoration or to pray in front of the tabernacle.
• Read Ecclesia de Eucharista and other writings about the Eucharist to help you better understand this great Mystery of our faith.
• Teach your children that the reason for going to Mass is to receive Christ in the Eucharist. Teach them that this is a special intimacy – a personal relationship with Jesus beyond compare. Don’t assume your children understand just because they have received their First Communion.
• Tie your rituals and prayers at home to the Eucharist (for example, during grace before meals thank God for giving us the Bread of Eternal Life as well as the food before you).