1. The Family in Church Documents
Catechism of the Catholic Church
General Directory for Catechesis
A Family Perspective in Church and Society
National Directory for Catechesis

2. The Family The family is the original cell of social life.
The family is the community in which, from childhood, one can learn moral values, begin to honor God, and make good use of freedom.
Family life is an initiation into life in society.
Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2207

3. The Christian Family
The Christian family constitutes a specific revelation and realization of ecclesial communion, and for this reason it can and should be called a domestic church.
Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2204

4. Parents
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.
Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2223

5. Parents
Through the grace of the sacrament of marriage, parents receive the responsibility and privilege of evangelizing their children.
Parents should initiate their children at an early age into the mysteries of the faith of which they are the "first heralds.”
Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2225

6. Children
Children in turn contribute to the growth in holiness of their parents.
Everyone should be generous and tireless in forgiving one another for offenses, quarrels, injustices, and neglect.
Mutual affection suggests this. The charity of Christ demands it.
Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2227

7. Childhood Religious Awakening
Children perceive and joyously live the closeness of God and of Jesus made manifest by their parents this first Christian experience frequently leaves decisive traces which last throughout life.
General Directory for Catechesis, 226

8. Family Catechesis
This childhood religious awakening which takes place in the family is irreplaceable.
It is consolidated when, on the occasion of family events and festivities, care is taken to explain the Christian or religious content of these events.
General Directory for Catechesis, 226

9. Family Catechesis
It is deepened . . .when parents comment on the more methodical catechesis which their children later receive in the Christian community.
Family catechesis precedes, accompanies and enriches all forms of catechesis.
General Directory for Catechesis, 226

10. The Parish
The parish is the Eucharistic community and the heart of the liturgical life of Christian families; it is a privileged place for the catechesis of children and parents.
Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2226