"Bad" Catholic mom question on getting children become catholic

[Anonymous]

Go on the Archdiocese of Washington website which has links to all the parishes in the area. All of this info is on the individual parish's site (ie: when CCD is offered, certain requirements, etc.). We switched parishes when we moved, so I have firsthand knowledge of 2 parishes in Montgomery County. One is more strict/old school than the other (this typically depends on the head priest). At one parish, it is clear that if your child misses more than 3 classes during the year then he/she will have to repeat the year. The head priest here is old school, so it makes sense that the CCD environment would be strict as well. Do your homework and find a parish that will meet your needs. And yes, your child should be confirmed in order to be a full-fledged Catholic. Confirmation is always held in the 8th grade in the churches in the Archdiocese of Washington (which includes suburban MD). FWIW, I know of parishes that offer CCD one evening a week and most of the parents use that time as date night (free "childcare"). And I agree that the best model of faith is a child's parent, so having a positive attitude about CCD, mass, etc. is critical (otherwise, why bother?). Best of luck to you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am the poster that went to church on Sunday for the first time, in a long time. It's been six months since I attended church and when I spoke to the priest last week about rejoining the church, he never said anything about my not going being a mortal sin. He didn't advice me not to take communion.

Remember the parables of the lost sheep and the prodigal son? No good priest is going to lay into you for being away from Mass for a long time. They are so excited to have you back! And it is a simple thing to go to confession, say you've been away for awhile, be absolved, and feel like you are starting over pure and fresh.

Really, the Church is not all about rules and prohibitions. I remember when some parishioners at our church criticized our pastor for saying a funeral mass for a famous Washingtonian who had not attended Mass in a long time. He said that her relationship with God was between her and God, and it wasn't for him to judge her. That's a good priest (and he's known as a staunch traditionalist, BTW).

As an adult convert (by choice, not b/c of marriage), I can say emphatically that spiritual formation is a lifelong process. It doesn't end with first communion or confirmation. Give your kids the gift, and they can decide what to do with it when they are older. But if you don't give it (or some other religious foundation) to them, it will be harder for them to obtain as adults.

[Anonymous]

Long time practicing (not perfect) Catholic here. OP - good for you for looking into things. I hate the way people of faith (any faith) are so judgemental. Your relationship with God and your faith is most important for your children. In my experience being part of many parishes over the years is that most are very accepting, even of lapsed Catholics.

[Anonymous]

I really enjoy this positive thread about Catholicism. So often this area claims to be tolerant to diversity, but there are one or two groups that seem "okay" to ridicule, which should not be the case. Anywhere. Anytime.

I just wanted to say thank yo for keeping it positive and not stupid, ill-educated or ignorant. Please keep the positive information coming.

[Anonymous]

Make sure you teach your kids that gays and being gay are evil.