The result is that these former students are now adults who are hungering for a better understanding of the faith. Since that time, Catholic schools have strengthened their Catholic identity and religious instruction. Better resources now exist in the form of texts, videos and other materials. With the emphasis on evangelization, Mrs. Schrempf said, parishes are recognizing that catechetical efforts shouldn't be focused solely on children. When children come to parish religious education programs or Catholic schools, they often arrive without any knowledge of the Faith.
Parents expect that it is the role of the parish to instruct.
However, the parish or school can only nurture what has already been introduced in the home, she noted. Children need to come into these programs already having heard Bible stories and knowing prayers. Faith formation, she said, is like being on a team. The family, parish, religious educators and the individual all play a role. He said it is good to reinforce devotion to the Eucharist and the saints, so the doors of St. Catherine of Siena are open during the day to allow visits to the Blessed Sacrament.