1. To give their children the necessary food, clothing and shelter
This obligation rests on both parents, whether living together or separated. They must also keep their children from all danger to life or health.
2. To give them good example
Parents give good example by strictly observing all of their religious duties of attending Mass, not eating meat on Friday and other days of abstinence, by carefully avoiding indecent speech, lying, cursing, criticism of others, immodesty, drunkenness.
Parents should remember that children are great imitators and should be very careful of everything they do and say in the presence of their children. “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it were better for him to have a great millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea” (Matthew 18:16).
3. To provide a truly Catholic home for them
A Catholic Home is one in which God and Religion are of the greatest importance.
In the home there should be a crucifix, pictures of Jesus, the Blessed Virgin and of the Saints. Indecent pictures and calendars, sexy and sensational magazines, books and comic books have no place in the Christian home. There should be good books, Catholic newspapers and magazines.
4. To have them baptized as soon as possible after birth
It is a serious sin to delay the Baptism of infants, and if there is any danger to the life of the newly born baby, the Priest should be called immediately.
Godparents should be carefully chosen. They must be good Catholics, since they have to take care of the religious training of the child in case the parents neglect to do so or die.
5. To see that they receive Holy Communion, go to Confession and receive Confirmation
The children should be taught to go to Holy Communion and Confession regularly and frequently, every week, if possible, especially during vacation time.
6. To teach them to pray Daily prayers should be said by the whole family together.
As the saying goes, “A family that prays together stays together”.
7. To see that they hear Mass every Sunday and on the six Holy Days
Parents should not keep the children home from Mass except for very serious reasons.
8. To see that they do not eat meat on Friday
This applies to other days of abstinence. (See Lesson 40, Question 8).
9. To send them to a Catholic school
This includes high school and college, as well as grammar school. Parents are forbidden by Church Law to send their children to any other kind of school.
Parents, therefore, are called upon to make many sacrifices for their children, since the Catholic schools in the United States do not receive financial support from the Government.
10. To insist that they marry only in the Catholic Church
A Catholic cannot marry except in the presence of a Catholic Priest and two Catholic witnesses.
When a son or daughter begins to think seriously of marrying, the parents should have him (or her) see the Priest and receive the necessary instructions on marriage. They should encourage marriage only with Catholics, or at least with non-Catholics who are willing to take a full course of instructions in the Catholic Religion. Parents commit a mortal sin in forcing or unduly persuading any of their children to marry.
11. To give them the Christian attitude on marriage and having children
Parents should avoid complaining about the hardships of married life and joking about the sacred duties of marriage.
The birth of another child should be a joyful occasion for the whole family so that the other children will consider having children as the greatest blessing of married life.
12. To prepare them for marriage
The children should be taught the serious duties and responsibilities of marriage both by word and example.
They should also be taught the practical side of making a home, such as cleaning, cooking, sewing, repairing, being on time, neatness and orderliness.
13. To teach them the facts on sex
This information should be given carefully and with great emphasis on the beauty and sacredness of sex.
Answers to questions about the facts of life should be correct but always suited to the age and mental development of the child. Parents should encourage the confidence of their children so that the children will go to them for information.
14. To correct their sins and faults
It is a serious sin to neglect this duty.
15. To teach them the virtues of honesty, obedience, truthfulness and purity
These lessons must be given early and constantly.
16. To teach them respect for the rights and property of others
Many parents sin seriously by bad example in this matter.
17. To teach them respect for all lawful authority
Children should be taught early to respect all lawful authority, especially the authority of the Church, the State and the School.
18. To give them wholesome recreation and keep them from evil companions
The Christian Home should be the center of the child’s social life, a place where he feels free to bring his companions.
Parents should consult the Legion of Decency list before allowing their children to attend a motion picture, examine their comic books and govern their use of the radio and television. Children receive many false ideas on life, marriage, crime, drinking, and so on, from these sources of entertainment.
19. Not to interfere with a child’s desire to be a Priest, Brother or a Sister
Having a Priest, Brother or Sister in the family is one of the greatest blessings that God can give a mother and father. Instead of turning a child away from such a desire, parents should encourage the child.