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Catechism of the Catholic Church

1653. The fruitfulness of conjugal love extends to the fruits of the moral, spiritual, and supernatural life that parents hand on to their children by education. Parents are the principal and first educators of their children. In this sense the fundamental task of marriage and family is to be at the service of life.


1656. In our own time, in a world often alien and even hostile to faith, believing families are of primary importance as centers of living, radiant faith. For this reason the Second Vatican Council, using an ancient expression, calls the family the Ecclesia domestica. It is in the bosom of the family that parents are "by word and example ...the first heralds of the faith with regard to their children."


2221. The fecundity of conjugal love cannot be reduced solely to the procreation of children, but must extend to their moral education and their spiritual formation. "The role of parents in education is of such importance that it is almost impossible to provide an adequate substitute." The right and the duty of parents to educate their children are primordial and inalienable.


2223. Parents have the first responsibility for the education of their children. They bear witness to this responsibility first by creating a home where tenderness, forgiveness, respect, fidelity, and disinterested service are the rule. The home is well suited for education in the virtues.

A Prayer for Families

God and Father of us all,

In Jesus, your Son and our Savior,

You have made us your sons and daughters

In the family of the Church.


May your grace and love help our families

I n every part of the world

Be united to one another

In fidelity to the Gospel.


May the example of the Holy Family,

With the aid of your Holy Spirit.

Guide all families,

Especially those most troubled,

To be homes of communion and prayer

And to always seek your truth and live

in your love.


Through Christ our Lord. Amen,

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph,

Pray for us!

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