Ed. group, with a catechist or other member of the Church. In one situation a parent expressed a strong preference for a pre- Vatican II method of catechesis. In all of these situations we encouraged the parents to bring their child to Relig. However following our discussion, if the parents still wanted to follow the program at home with their child they were supported and assisted by the Parish. The importance of bringing their child to celebrate the Eucharist with their faith family was stressed as it is to parents whose children attend Relig.
Regular contact is made with the parents and they are invited to all catechist meetings.
We try to reinforce the connection to their parish community whenever possible. The parents who wish to teach their child at home are taking a very active role in the faith formation of their child. They are spending extra time with their child, learning with their child and growing in faith together. Parents are told by the Church that they are the primary catechist for their child. Many parents do not feel capable or qualified and are quite relieved to have the parish and its catechists teach their children.