In the Declaration on Christian Education, the Second Vatican Council explained that the primary and principal duty regarding the education of children belongs to parents:
Since parents have given children their life, they are bound by the most serious obligation to educate their offspring and therefore must be recognized as the primary and principal educators. This role in education is so important that only with difficulty can it be supplied where it is lacking. Parents are the ones who must create a family atmosphere animated by love and respect for God and man, in which the well-rounded personal and social education of children is fostered. Hence the family is the first school of the social virtues that every society needs.
Many parents choose to send their children to religious education classes provided by the parish. Others find that teaching religion at home helps their child learn the faith better and strengthens family relationships. In situations where scheduling conflicts may make it difficult or impossible for a child to attend religious education classes, homeschooling also allows a child to keep pace with peers at each grade level.
St. Patrick Religious Education Program is here to assist parents in the education of their children in the faith and encourage all parents to participate in the faith-life of our parish community. As the primary educators of your children and being the role models for their faith, it is important to attend Mass regularly, so that what is taught at home and at religious education classes is reinforced in Church. Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns while homeschooling your child.
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