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Religious
formation guidelines for home-schoolers
PRAISED BE JESUS
CHRIST!
(Now and Forever)
Most have heard of parents who home-school their children. Some may be
counted in your extended family. A growing phenomenon throughout the
United States, it is not without its challenges when it comes to
religious formation, especially preparation for the reception of the
sacrament of penance, first Communion and the sacrament of confirmation.
While parents clearly are the primary educators of their children in the
faith, the parish “is the context in which individuals undertake their
journey in faith toward conversion to Christ and discipleship in his
name” (National Directory for Catechesis). Moreover, it is the
bishop’s/pastor’s responsibility to determine textbook use and the role
of the parish in structured religious formation.
In an effort to provide guidelines and to work toward uniformity in
approach throughout our Local Church, “Home-Schooling Guidelines for
Catholic Religious Education” were issued in September. Termed a
draft, the guidelines are seen as a “living document” which, after
the test of time and lived experience, will be fine-tuned and issued as
policy for home-schoolers in our Local Church.
The bottom line is that home-schoolers are expected to participate in
parish sacramental programs. The reason: Home-schooled children need
experiential knowledge of the importance of the parish community to
which they belong and the part they are to play within that community.
Given the reality that the sacraments are celebrations of a faith
community, preparation for first penance, first Communion and
confirmation, in a special way, is part of the process of incorporating
children into a parish community. Separation from parish sacramental
programs is a disservice to children, their family and the parish
community.
The guidelines note that parents play a crucial role in preparation for
first penance by directing the formation of a well-formed conscience
(one consistent with Church teaching) so children develop a healthy
concept of right and wrong. Children need to experience forgiveness,
both given and received. The guidelines urge that home-schooled children
receive first penance with their peer group at a parish celebration
prior to first Eucharist. The National Catechetical Directory
directs that catechesis for the sacrament of penance is to precede first
Communion and must be kept distinct by a clear and unhurried separation.
The entire period beginning at baptism is in fact remote preparation for
the sacrament of penance.
The guidelines direct that it would be most helpful to a child’s
immediate preparation for first Communion to participate in prayer
services and parish rehearsals for the reception of that sacrament. The
child, of course, is expected to attend Sunday Mass faithfully as well
as holy days of obligation with his/her parents. Ever mindful that they
are their child’s primary role models, it is the responsibility of all
parents to teach their children to participate actively and
conscientiously in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.
The parish is the ordinary place for confirmation preparation. It is
judged most important for all students seeking confirmation to be
prepared within the parish setting in accord with parish guidelines.
This preparation includes understanding the sacrament, participation in
a retreat, an interview with the parish priest or his designee, and a
service project. All of this is intended to experientially incorporate
them (the candidates) more firmly in Christ, strengthen their bond with
the Church, associate them more closely with the Church’s mission and
help them to bear witness to the Christian faith and words and deeds (Catechism
of the Catholic Church, 1303).
Specific expectations are listed for home-school parents.
First, they are to make known to their pastor or his designee the fact
they have chosen to home-school their children. The designee normally is
the parish director of religious education (DRE). Second, home-school
parents are expected to participate with their children in the
sacramental life of the Church in the parish in which they are
registered. That means faithful participation in regular weekend
liturgies and observance of the holy days of obligation. Highly
recommended is participation in social events, service projects, and
spiritual renewal programs offered by the parish.
Parishes routinely offer parental preparation programs prior to a
child’s reception of reconciliation and Eucharist. Home-school parents
are urged to deepen their understanding and appreciation of the
relationship between baptism and the sacraments by participating in
these programs as offered to the parish as a whole.
The pastor or his designee is to approve the curriculum for a family
religion program and that program is to follow “The Diocesan Religion
Curriculum Guide.” Textbooks approved by the Bishop’s Office are to be
utilized.
Home-schoolers are to participate in the Assessment of Catholic
Religious Education provided by the parish in grades five, eight, and 11
or 12. Moreover, students are to meet periodically with the pastor or
his designee to determine if formation is at the appropriate level for
the child’s age group and that it is in harmony with the teachings of
the Church.
Anecdotal information suggests that home-schooling produces students
well equipped for college. It also suggests a higher than average
interest in religious vocations.
I truly admire families that invest in the home-schooling of their
children. It cannot be an easy road for busy parents to travel. At the
same time, it is most important that home-schooled children be
integrated into the faith life of the parish where sacraments are
received. It is hoped the recently published guidelines will assure that
integration. |
