Beginning this fall, parishes will offer home-based catechesis options for families seeking an alternative to the traditional classroom-based religious education model.
During July, the diocesan catechetical ministry team met with pastors and parish catechetical leaders to discuss four different models of home catechesis. Unlike the traditional model of classroom-based instruction, home-based catechesis prioritizes resourcing and supporting families so that parents feel confident and competent in passing on the faith to their children. The catechist’s role is also reimagined from that of a teacher to that of accompanying and supporting a family in their faith journey.
Though most of the models presented rely on digital curricula and video conferencing, the model that generated the most enthusiasm was that of Family Catechesis.
“It honors parents as the primary catechists of their children,” says Dr. Amanda Alexander Director of the Department of Ministry Formation Institute of the diocese, which oversees diocesan catechetical ministry.
Parishes that adopt this model commit to giving families resources such as activity books and boxes that encourage the families to learn about and share their faith. Home-based catechetical options like Family Catechesis encourage the parish to focus on building relationships among families, who are invited to regular gatherings at the parish for a day of fun, family-centered faith activities.
The need to offer alternative models of faith formation for families impacted by immigration enforcement actions served as the impetus to pursue home-based catechetical options. However, Family Catechesis is increasingly being adopted by parishes across the country. In the Diocese of San Bernardino, St. Thomas the Apostle parish in Riverside has used Family Catechesis as its primary model of catechetical formation for English-speaking families for the last five years. Over 100 families register yearly, with many more on the waiting list. Family Mass is packed with children, parents, grandparents, and other extended family members, who stay after to eat lunch and participate in activities that help the entire gathered community to deepen their faith.
“We’ve had an overwhelming positive response,” says Dana Robles, Director of Catechetical Ministry at St. Thomas. “It brings an opportunity into the home for families to talk about the faith.”