Father Carter Griffin, a seminary rector, has written a parenting manual titled 'Forming Families, Forming Saints'. The book offers advice on fostering children's spiritual development. The manual emphasizes the importance of family activities, such as gathering around the dinner table. Father Griffin is the rector of Saint John Paul II Seminary in Washington.
5 months ago
Father Carter Griffin, rector of Saint John Paul II Seminary, has authored a Catholic parenting manual titled Forming Families, Forming Saints 1. Published by Emmaus Road Publishing, the book aims to provide timely advice for parents seeking to raise their children in the faith and guide them towards sanctity 1. Drawing on Church teachings and his experience with seminarians, Father Griffin offers practical guidance for fostering children's spiritual and human development 1.
The manual emphasizes the importance of cultivating a "spiritual outlook" in children, preparing families for Mass, and instilling virtues like chastity and tidiness 1. A central theme is the significance of the dinner table as the "single most important place" in the home, where families connect and children develop interpersonal skills 1. Practical suggestions for family meals include children helping with preparation and cleanup, abstaining from screens, and engaging in shared conversation 1. The book also encourages parents to work on their own spiritual growth, with each chapter concluding with questions for an examination of conscience 1.
Father Griffin acknowledges that parents are not expected to be saints themselves, but rather to be "a work in progress" continually striving for holiness and promoting it in their children 1. He addresses the reasons young people may drift from the faith, citing poor catechesis, the influence of secular culture, negative past experiences, and a perception of Church teachings as outdated or difficult 1. The book seeks to counteract these trends by offering a comprehensive blueprint for human, spiritual, intellectual, and apostolic formation, equipping children to navigate modern challenges 1.
Drawing from his experience with seminarians, Father Griffin identifies common elements in families that successfully foster vocations 1. These include an atmosphere of trust and sincerity, a commitment to God and the Church rooted in love rather than mere obligation, and an outward focus that encourages service to others 1. Additionally, these families cultivate an environment of excitement regarding God's unique vocation for each child, promoting a sense of discovery and joy as their paths unfold 1.
The book also discusses the balance between gentleness and discipline in parenting, noting that while overly strict approaches of the past were harmful, excessive leniency can hinder children's maturity 1. Father Griffin argues against leaving children "free" to choose their religion later in life, likening it to neglecting their physical health or education 1. He asserts that Catholic parents have a responsibility to actively foster their children's spiritual development through sacraments, faith formation, good example, prayer, and sacrifice, thereby freeing them from self-indulgent individualism and guiding them toward a flourishing life in God 1. The author assures parents of older children that it is "never too late" to adopt a more intentional approach to family formation, encouraging prayerful reflection and setting clear, attainable goals for progress 1.
How does the Church define the role of the family?
The Catholic Church defines the family as the fundamental and primary unit of society, a "sanctuary of life," and the "domestic church" . This understanding is rooted in the belief that the family is a divine institution, established by God as the prototype for all social order .
The family is considered the "original cell of social life" and the "first natural society" . It is formed by the intimate communion of life and love between a man and a woman, based on marriage . This union is characterized by unselfish and generous self-giving and openness to the gift of life . The family possesses its own specific and original social dimension, serving as the principal place for interpersonal relationships .
The family is called the "sanctuary of life" and a "cradle of life and love" . It is within the family that individuals acquire basic teachings, learn to love unconditionally, and develop respect for others . It is also the primary place where children receive their first revelation of God from their parents . The well-being of society and the Church are intimately tied to the good of the family .
The Church refers to the family as the "Ecclesia domestica" or "domestic church" . In this capacity, parents are the "first heralds of the faith" to their children, teaching them moral values, encouraging their vocations, and fostering a spirit of love and reverence for God . The Christian family is seen as a center of living, radiant faith, especially in a world that may be indifferent or hostile to faith .
The family is the "primary place of 'humanization' for the person and society" . It is where children learn moral values, begin to honor God, and learn to use their freedom responsibly . Parents have the right and responsibility to care for their children, including choosing their education . The growth process within the family, in a community of life and love, is crucial for civilization and social cohesion .
The authority, stability, and relationships within the family lay the groundwork for freedom, security, and fraternity in society . Respect for the family should be reflected in every policy and program, and it should be defended and strengthened, not redefined or undermined . The family's role is so fundamental that relegating it to a subordinate position would gravely harm the authentic growth of society as a whole .