“While all members of the family are called to live out the foundational Christian virtues, fathers and mothers have a special responsibility for fostering these virtues within their children. They are the first to proclaim the faith to their children. They are responsible for nurturing the vocation of each child, showing by example how to live the married life, and taking special care if a child might be called to the priesthood or consecrated life.”
– USCCB, Marriage: Love and Life in the Divine Plan, 2009
USCCB Resources:
- Watch the short video "Made for Life" for a reflection on the importance of fathers and mothers for their children and for all of society. Find out more in the "Made for Life" Viewer's Guide and Resource Booklet.
- Information for parents about child and youth protection in schools and parishes
- Resources for parents whose child is discerning a religious vocation
- Rite for the Blessing of a Child in the Womb
- Order for the Blessing of Parents Before Childbirth
- Solace and Strength in the Sorrow of Miscarriage (from the Respect Life Program)
- Why Children Need Married Parents
- Rights and Duties of Parents (From the NFP Program)
- "Responsible Parents Are Open to Life" (by Bishop Peter Sartain, from the NFP Program)
- "Loving Parents After Miscarriage" (by Mary McClusky, from the Life Issues Forum run by the Secretariat for Pro-life Activities)
- "The Fountain of Love: How Parents Form Children for Prayerful Participation in the Eucharist" (by Dr. J. David Franks and Dr. Angela Franks, from Catechetical Sunday 2011)
- Family Retreat: "Parents, Grandparents, and Siblings as Evangelizers" (by David D. Spesia, from Catechetical Sunday 2012)
- Intercessory Prayers for Parents (from the Secretariat for Pro-Life Activities)
Select articles:
- Balancing Family and Work
- Caring for Children While You Care for Aging Parents
- Help for Empty Nesters
- How to Take Young Children to Mass
- Surviving the First Year of Parenthood
- Marriage and a Special Needs Child
- A Lesson in Love From Our Dying Son
- The Blessing of "Unanswered Prayers": An Adoption Story
- Grandparents: Models, Mentors, and Memory-Makers