MFP 392: Faith at Home: No Degree Required

Parents need to awaken in children their sacramental imagination within the home. This takes time. - Steven Serafin Summary In this episode, we talk with Steven Serafin of Faith and Family Life Catholic Ministries about how parents can reclaim their role as the primary teachers of the faith. Drawing from the catechumenal model, he explains that faith is passed on through relationship and daily life, not just programs. In a culture that no longer supports belief, families must intentionally live the faith at home through habits of prayer, discipline, and meaningful conversation. Steven shares simple ways to start, like blessing your children and creating small rituals that build a child's sacramental imagination. He also highlights the importance of rest, living with heaven as the goal, and finding a supportive community. Strong parishes, he says, grow when families accompany and evangelize one another.  Listen in and learn how you are already passing on the faith to your children within your daily life!  Key Takeaways Parents are the primary teachers of the faith, and it's passed on through daily life, not just programs or classes. The catechumenal model shows that faith grows through accompaniment, walking with others in relationship. Simple habits at home like prayer, blessing your children, and meaningful conversations build a lasting faith. Families need to slow down, embrace rest, and keep their focus on heaven rather than constant busyness or success. You're not meant to do this alone. Small communities of families supporting each other are essential for raising children in the faith.   Couple Discussion Questions What's one simple habit your family could start this week to live the faith more intentionally at home? Where do you feel most stretched or distracted as a parent, and how might slowing down or embracing "rest" change that? Who are the people or families you could walk with in faith so you're not trying to do this alone?   Resources https://www.fflcm.org/ Faith and Family Life Catholic Ministries