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Growing Up Catholic


Session One: At Home This Week
Welcome!
Dear Parents or Guardians,
Thanks for all that you do! Being a parent requires tons of self-sacrifice. Most of what you do for your child is seen by no one, and often not even appreciated by your child! But THANK YOU. On behalf of the faith community to which you belong--the Catholic Church--thank you! Because of you--and only because of you--your child will grow up Catholic.
This site has resources to help you better understand your faith, weave it into your daily life, and share it with your child.
This will be a time of tremendous bonding between you and your child. Think of this as a real chance to grow together. Having faith and growing in your faith brings amazing things to your life: forgiveness, generosity, hospitality, a sense of hope, and most of all, a closeness to God.
Friends, this will last a lifetime! Don't skip this process or cut it short because you're too busy now. All too soon, the time will pass and your children will be beyond your reach.
With Christian love and gratitude
for ALL that you do,
Donna Kinzie
Sacrament Prepration Ministry
Learn Answers to Common Questions
We recommend that parents watch this great video from our friends at BustedHalo.com. It will help you be ready for questions from your child, extended family, or friends.
This video will be difficult for younger grade school children to understand, but appropriate for middle schoolers.
In the video, Fr. Steven Bell, CSP, answers questions about what Catholics believe about the Eucharist and receiving Communion:
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How does the bread and wine become the body and blood of Christ?
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Should you receive Communion if you have sinned?
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Why can’t non-Catholics receive Communion?
Parenting Tip - Teaching Your Child to Apologize
Humility and reconciliation are both important to attending Mass fully prepared to receive the Eucharist. The video below may be a review for you from Year One Sacrament Preparation for First Reconciliation, but it is worth another watch now as your child prepares for First Eucharist.
Home Tip - How to Have Supper as a Family

For many of us, having supper at home is a lost art. We sometimes have a hard time coming together as families or using mealtime as a way to connect with each other. We've gathered some tips for reclaiming this family tradition. Have supper together on as many nights as possible. Sit at the table and turn off the TV and electronic devices.
Learning to Pray
There are many great ways to pray, but memorizing traditional prayers is a great way to start. Again, this may be a review for you and your child from Year One Sacrament Preparation for First Reconciliation.
