Parent Resources
Parents and families have a special role in helping children and young people grow in faith. These resources are here to support you as we journey together with your child toward a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ.
Faith Begins at Home
Parents are the first teachers of faith. Catechetical classes support the faith that begins and grows within the family. Pray together, participate in Sunday Mass, talk about the Gospel, and help your child discover that faith is not only something we learn — it is something we live.
Helping Your Child Grow in Faith
Small, faithful practices at home can make a lasting difference in your child's relationship with God.
Simple Ways to Live the Faith as a Family
Family Prayer
Pray before meals, before bedtime, before important decisions, and whenever your family needs God's help.
Sunday Mass
Make Sunday worship part of your family's regular rhythm and help your child understand why the Eucharist is central to Catholic life.
Practice Gratitude
Invite each family member to name something for which they are thankful and offer that gratitude to God.
Pray the Rosary
Begin with one decade if a full Rosary is difficult. Help children become comfortable praying with Mary.
Read the Gospel
Read Sunday's Gospel together and ask: “What is Jesus saying to our family this week?”
Serve Together
Help someone in need, volunteer, visit someone who is lonely, or perform a simple act of kindness as a family.
Supporting Your Child's Formation
Catechesis is strongest when the parish, catechists, parents, and students work together.
Regular Attendance
Help your child attend class consistently and arrive on time. Regular participation helps students build relationships, understand the lessons, and grow with their faith community.
Sunday Worship
Catechetical formation does not replace Sunday Mass. Families are encouraged to worship together every Sunday and make the Eucharist the center of their Catholic life.
Stay Involved
Attend required parent meetings, retreats, rehearsals, sacramental celebrations, and other important gatherings connected with your child's program.
Practice at Home
Help your child learn required Catholic prayers, review class material, and complete assignments or faith activities provided by the catechist.
Sacrament Preparation
Parents have an important role in helping children and teens prepare spiritually for the sacraments.
First Holy Communion
Walk with your child as they prepare to encounter Jesus in Reconciliation and the Holy Eucharist.
- Pray the required Catholic prayers together
- Attend Sunday Mass as a family
- Help your child prepare for First Reconciliation
- Attend required parent meetings
- Participate in the First Communion retreat
- Attend rehearsal and sacramental celebrations
- Review important dates throughout the year
Confirmation
Accompany your teen as they deepen their relationship with Christ and prepare to receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
- Participate in Sunday Mass together
- Encourage regular class attendance
- Help your teen choose an appropriate sponsor
- Support completion of service requirements
- Encourage completion of the Saint Report
- Participate in required retreats and Youth Day
- Attend parent meetings and sacramental celebrations
Prayers & Faith Essentials
Help your child learn the prayers and Catholic teachings required for First Holy Communion and Confirmation.
First Holy Communion
- Our Father
- Hail Mary
- Glory Be
- Act of Contrition
- Ten Commandments
- Steps for Going to Confession
Confirmation
- Come, Holy Spirit
- Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit
- Seven Sacraments
- Six Precepts of the Church
- Apostles' Creed
- Nicene Creed
Your Presence Matters
Children notice when faith is important to their parents. Your example — praying, attending Mass, receiving the sacraments, serving others, and speaking about God — teaches lessons that go far beyond the classroom.
Parent Quick Links
Find the information and resources you need throughout the year.
Catechetical Ministry Office
Questions about your child's faith formation? We are here to help.
505 N. Palm Ave., Ontario, CA 91762
(909) 460-1578 • [email protected]
Office Hours: Monday – Thursday • 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM