The Catholic Church emphasizes that passing on the faith is a primary and essential responsibility of parents and the entire community of believers. The family is considered the "domestic church" (Latin: ecclesia domestica), the primary place where children first encounter God and learn to live a life of faith. 

Key Teachings and Principles

• Parents as Primary Educators: Church documents, such as the General Directory for Catechesis, explicitly state that parents are the "primary educators in the faith". This responsibility is seen as nearly irreplaceable; while parishes and schools support this mission through formal instruction (catechism classes, etc.), the daily living of faith at home has the most lasting impact.

• Witness by Example: The Church teaches that faith is passed on more effectively through lived experience and example than through mere words or instruction. Parents model faith through:

  • Praying together as a family.

  • Attending Mass and participating in the Sacraments as a priority.

  • Showing love, forgiveness, fidelity, and service within the home, reflecting an image of the Trinity.

  • Having open and natural conversations about faith and its application to everyday life.

• Scriptural Basis: The Church's teaching is rooted in the same biblical passages as those previously mentioned, especially Deuteronomy 6:6-7 and Psalm 78:4-7, which mandate the diligent teaching of God's ways to the next generation.

• Role of the Community: While parents are central, the wider Church community (parish, godparents, mentors) is crucial in supporting families and reinforcing the faith. Parishes are encouraged to empower parents and provide resources, rather than simply taking over the entire responsibility of faith formation.

• A Lifelong Process: The transmission of faith is not a one-time event (like formal religious education classes) but an ongoing process that begins in a child's earliest years and continues into adulthood. 

In essence, the Catholic Church stresses that parents have a profound privilege and duty to create a home environment where children encounter Jesus and develop a personal, living relationship with Him that endures throughout their lives.