Since the beginning of Christianity, even of Judaism, the faith has been passed on primarily in the family unit, with the local church community as a pillar of support for the family. We are bringing faith formation back to the heart of the family, where it belongs.

We recognize the calling and responsibility of parents as primary educators and role models to their children. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states that “education in the faith by parents should begin in the child’s earliest years. Family catechesis precedes, accompanies, and enriches other forms of instruction in the faith. Parents have the mission of teaching their children to pray and to discover their vocation as children of God.” (CCC 2226). OLL’s Religious Education department, and the FIRE program in particular, wish to partner with and support parents in this important role by engaging creative ways (something new, effective, and engaging) to address formation, the changes in family realities, and sacramental preparation. Our hope is to enter into a sacred partnership with parents, working together to form these precious little ones so that they can internalize and embrace the truths of our Church within their lives.

Most parishes today operate on a “classroom” model of catechesis. That is, faith formation is treated as a subject to be learned rather than a faith to be lived. Parents leave their students in school classrooms run by teachers using textbooks. Across the US, the needs of our families have outgrown this model, and it has proven to be ineffective in bringing the child and family’s heart to BURN within them for love of Jesus and their faith. Family Faith Formation is a new model based on an old idea (parents as primary catechists to their children). This represents a radical role reversal in typical Catholic religious education, but it’s really just an application of the Church’s mandate to form adults so that families can catechize their young. When this occurs, children are taught the faith as a way of life and not just as a weekly class.   

Check out these quotes from Church teachings:
“ The family, like the Church, ought to be a place where the Gospel is transmitted and from which the Gospel radiates.” Pope Paul VI Evangelii Nuntiandi

…the parents who have given life to their children “are bound by the most serious obligation to educate their offspring and therefore must be recognized as the primary and principal educators.” Pope Paul VI Declaration on Christian Education, Gravissimim Educationis.

“Family catechesis preceeds…accompanies and enriches all forms of catechesis.” (General Directory for Catechesis)

“The parish community must continue to be the prime mover and pre-eminent place for
catechesis…Christian parents must strive to follow and repeat, within the setting of family life, the more methodical teaching received elsewhere.” John Paul II

Our FIRE program is precisely designed to mentor and accompany parents in their role as primary educators of their children in faith. We are committed to helping you grow in the knowledge, skills and community needed to live out this role.