Building a Firm Foundation

Parents are the primary educators of their children, as stated in the Catechism of the Catholic Church Para. 1653. Moreover, the Second Vatican Council document Lumen Gentium identifies parents as the "e;first heralds of the faith"e; to their children. Unfortunately, many parents today are ill equipped to take on this role because they haven't been fully evangelized in the Christian Faith. Building a Firm Foundation is an eight-week evangelization and formation program for parents and guardians whose children are preparing for their first sacraments. This foundational program starts at the very beginning with the kerygma, the initial Gospel proclamation that introduces each of us to Christ. Rather than focusing on Catholic doctrine, the program's goal is to stoke a desire to grow together in faith in an intentional way as a family by awakening parents to the importance of a relationship with Jesus and his Church. Once evangelized, only then will parents be more receptive to the catechesis that will nourish and deepen the faith of their entire family. Building a Firm Foundation will awaken in parents the capacity for an active, relational faith and equip them as they - in partnership with their children's catechists - help their children prepare for their sacraments.