 A family is a collection of individuals, but it is also a living and developing system whose members are essentially interconnected. Any event or circumstance, such as a birth, a death, or sudden unemployment affects the whole family. Parents, by word and example teach the faith to their children. Families pass on Gospel values when they show affection, discipline with dignity, share household chores together. Reconciling after a disagreement or sitting down together for a meal are holy, grace-filled activities.
Dr. Kathleen Chesto says, “Every parent who loves a child is called to teach and model the God who is love. Every time we pick up a crying baby we teach the first, the most important lesson on prayer: when you cry out, someone answers. Until you believe this, you cannot pray.”
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