That ministry reaches nearly 360,000 children in elementary parish religious education programs and 84,000 high school students in advanced programs. The entire parish serves as a catechizing community. Catechesis occurs primarily at the liturgy but also in seminars, workshops and small faith-sharing groups. Catechesis also occurs whenever and wherever the faithful gather. In the family, however, faith grows and is nourished on a daily basis.
Parents are the primary educators of their children in faith.
Parish religious education programs support them in that role. That support begins with the catechesis on matrimony and the responsibilities of Catholic parents. It grows in the context of preparation for the mysteries or Sacrament of Initiation. It includes strong parental catechesis before and after the Baptism of their children. It continues in preparation for the children s reception of first Penance, first Eucharist, and Confirmation.