How to Keep Kids Catholic
If you want your kids to remain Catholic, you must first understand that you cannot force them to keep their faith. Instead, you must create an environment that leads them to understand and appreciate their faith so that they want to remain Catholic. For that purpose, you will have to first acquire a deep understanding of your faith, and carry good habits, both in and out of the church. In addition to that, you must also have a deep understanding of your children and their personalities, which will greatly help your cause in the end.
Instructions
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1
You should always try to pray for yourself, along with your children, as this is no doubt a great way to strengthen one’s faith.
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2
Read the catechism, speak with your priest, and use other means to deepen your own understanding of the Catholic faith. Also, you should try to attend Mass on regular basis, and take your children with you.
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3
Set an example for your children outside of Church. Donate to a charity and do some volunteer work, maybe at a hospital or at a crisis pregnancy centre. Show them that while going to Mass and participating in the sacraments is important, faith is not left at the Church door. Depending on the age of your child, ask them to volunteer with you.
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4
Treat them according to their age. Most people question their faith at some point or another, and while simple answers may be appropriate for five year olds, they will seem simplistic for teenagers and adults. You should have a deep understanding of your faith so that you can explain how the faith applies to daily life rather than simply telling them "Don't do that". "Just don't!" is the single phrase that is most likely to turn children against their faith.
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5
Priests are there to serve their parishioners. You can get their help if you do not understand anything. If your children are open to it, have them speak with the priest. At every step, your goal should be to have your children and yourself deepen your understanding and appreciation for the faith. Telling your children that they have to or cannot do something, without providing a logical reason, hurts your credibility severely, and is likely to turn the children away from religion.
