The other day, I was down at the church potluck, and young one comes running up to me with this concerned look on her face.
“Papa Bojangles,” she says, “I saw a commercial for a toy that talks back! And it’s not very nice words!”
I just chuckled and said, “Well, honey, some folks think that’s okay. But we’re in the business of building saints, not robots.” And you know what? That’s the truth of it.
In this day and age, raising kids who love God isn’t like it was back when I was a boy. Back then, if you wanted to teach your child about virtue, you could just point them toward the parish priest or the neighbor’s old farm dog that knew the meaning of loyalty. Now? You’re battling a culture of death with TikTok videos and video games where winning is everything.
It feels like an uphill battle, doesn’t it? Like trying to push a shopping cart full of bricks up a hill in July. But here’s the good news: God didn’t give us this mission without giving us the grace to do it. He gave us a roadmap, a playbook written in Holy Scripture and handed down through the Church.
So, let’s talk about how we can raise children who are strong in their faith, full of virtue, and unafraid to live as Catholics in a world that’s forgotten what that even means.
First, Know Your Enemy (And It Ain’t Just the Devil)
I always tell folks, “If you don’t know where you’re going, any road will get you there.” And if we don’t understand the culture our kids are swimming in, how can we protect them?
This culture of death I’m talking about? It’s subtle. It’s not a guy with a pointy beard and a pitchfork. Nope! It’s that feeling that you have to be perfect on Instagram. It’s the idea that your worth is based on what you own or who likes you. It’s the message, loud and clear, that life is just about you, your pleasure, and your success.
St. John Paul II, a man who knew a thing or two about fighting evil, called this the “Culture of Death.” He meant a society where people are seen as problems to be solved instead of gifts from God. Abortion, euthanasia, and selfishness – it’s all part of it. And our kids? They’re soaking in it every single day.
So, step one is awareness. Look at what they watch. Listen to what their friends talk about. Know the battlefield before you start drawing up a battle plan.
Second, Fortify Your Home: The First Parish
Your home isn’t just your castle; it’s your child’s first parish. It’s where the faith is lived out, day in and day out. And if the parish is empty on Sunday, you’re going to have a mighty tough time filling it up.
So how do we make our homes little fortresses of grace?
Prayer at the Meal Table: This ain’t just about saying grace before supper. It’s about making prayer a natural part of life, as natural as passing the salt and pepper. “In the name of the Father…” every single time you eat together.
The Bible in the Living Room: Don’t let your kids think the Bible is some dusty book for adults only. Get them a good children’s Bible. Read a story from it before bed, just like you read Dr. Seuss. Let them see that God’s Word is an adventure!
* Saints as Friends, Not Statues: I’ve got a little statue of St. Joseph in my garage, and another of St. Jude on my desk. Why? Because they’re intercessors! They’re friends who are pulling for us. Tell your kids stories about real saints – St. Therese the Little Flower with her “Little Way,” St. Joan of Arc leading an army, or St. Francis talking to the birds (and Muslim leaders!).
Third, Lead by Example: Your Kids Are Watching
I remember my old hardware store. Folks would come in and say, “Bojangles, your son is just like you – so patient.” I’d just smile and say, “Well, practice makes perfect!”
Your children are watching everything you do. If you tell them to be kind but then you honk your horn at the guy who cuts you off on the way to church, they see a hypocrite. They need to see authenticity.
This means living a life of integrity. Go to Mass every Sunday, even when you’re tired. Say “I’m sorry” when you mess up (and let them hear you say it!). Give generously to the poor box at the front door and tell them why – to show God’s love in action. As St. Francis de Sales said, “Be who you are and be that well.”
Practical Tips for a Catholic Parent
Here’s where we get down to brass tacks.
1. The Media Filter: Don’t just say “no.” Say “yes” to the good stuff! Have a movie night with a G-rated classic. Listen to Christian music in the car instead of the top-40 station. Make your home a place where wholesome things thrive.
2. The ‘Why’ Game: When they ask “why?” don’t just give them a flat answer. Use it as an opportunity. If they ask why we have to go to church, say, “Because Jesus is there waiting for us! He wants to give us His grace so we can be strong and happy.” Make the faith an exciting adventure!
3. Service with a Smile: Take them to help at the soup kitchen or to bring groceries to an elderly neighbor. Let them see that loving God means loving your neighbor, especially those who are hurting.
4. Confession as a Superpower: Don’t make confession scary! Frame it as the ultimate reset button. “You know how you feel bad when you do something wrong? Confession is like getting all that junk washed away so you can start fresh with Jesus!”
A Final Word of Encouragement
Listen, raising kids in this world ain’t for the faint of heart. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. There will be days you feel like you’re failing. Days you see them pick up a bad habit from school or friends and your heart just sinks.
But don’t you give up! Remember St. Joseph, the foster father of Jesus. He was given an impossible task: to raise God’s own son in a dangerous world. And how did he do it? With faith, with obedience, and with love.
You’re not alone. You have the grace of the sacraments, the wisdom of the Church, and the prayers of all the saints cheering you on. So take a deep breath. Say a little prayer to St. Joseph. And keep on building those saints one day at a time.
Because in the end, that’s what it’s all about. Not just having well-behaved kids, but having holy ones who know their worth comes from God alone.