Duties of Family Members
From the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Simplified
Honor Coming from Gratitude (2214-2215)
Children (whether minors or adults) must honor their parents because of God's fatherhood. This respect must be nourished by a natural affection born from their common bond.
This filial piety derives from gratitude toward those who have enabled the children to grow up in wisdom and grace. "With all your heart, honor your father and do not forget the birth pangs of your mother" (Sir 7:27).
Respect by Obedience (2216)
This respect is shown by obedience. "My son, keep your father's commandment, and forsake not your mother's teaching" (Prov 6:20). "A wise son hears his father's instruction, but a scoffer does not listen to rebuke" (Prov 13:1). A child should obey his parents in all that they ask. Pupils should obey the directions of their teachers and others entrusted with their care. A child should not obey a particular order which he is convinced in conscience is morally wrong.
Role of Grown Children (2217-2218)
Grown children must give parents whatever material and moral support they need in their old age and illness. "Whoever honors his father atones for his sins, and whoever glorifies his mother lays up treasure. Whoever honors his father, will be gladdened by his own children, and when he prays, he will be heard" (Sir 3:3-5).
Other Family Members (2219-2220)
Respect promotes total family harmony between siblings and toward the elderly. "Grandchildren are the crown of the aged" (Prov 17:6).
Christians owe special thanks to those (parents, grandparents, pastors, teachers) who have given them the life of faith. "I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice" (2 Tim 1:5).
The Primordial Parental Responsibility (2221-2222)
The procreation of children brings about the duty of their moral and spiritual formation. Therefore, the parents' right and duty to educate children is primordial and inalienable. Parents must see their children as children of God and educate them in God's law.
How They Fulfill (2223-2224)
Parents fulfill this duty by creating a home filled with tenderness, respect, and fidelity, in which the virtues of self-denial and sound judgment are taught. Parents (primarily by their own good example) must teach their children to subordinate material desires to spiritual ones. "He who loves his son will not spare the rod" (Sir 30:1). "Fathers, bring your children up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord" (Eph 6:4).
In the home, parents must teach communal responsibilities, turning their children away from degrading influences that ruin society.
Grace from the Sacrament (2225-2226)
By the sacrament of marriage, parents receive the grace to evangelize their children. They must initiate them into the mysteries of faith and associate them with the life of the Church. A good family supports the children's faith throughout their life.
Parents must begin this education in faith in the earliest years. Family catechesis must precede and accompany other forms of instruction. The parish is the privileged place for the family's liturgical life and catechesis (for children and parents).
Contribution by the Children (2227-2228)
Children contribute to their parents' growth and holiness. All must love one another and forgive one another.
At first, parents take care of the physical and spiritual needs of young children. Later, the parents must educate them to the right use of reason and freedom.
Rights of Parents (2229)
Parents have a fundamental right to choose their children's school according to their convictions. They should choose those schools that help them as Christian educators. Public authorities must guarantee this parental right.
Rights of Grown Children (2230-2231)
As adults, children have a right to choose their profession in life. In this choice, they should trust their parents and seek their advice. Parents must not pressure their children into a choice of a profession or of a spouse. They should, however, give judicious advice in these questions.
Those who forgo marriage to help parents or to follow their profession contribute greatly to the human family.
A Person's First Responsibility (2231-2233)
Although important, family ties are not absolute. God calls each person to a vocation and parents must respect this call. "He who loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me" (Mt 10:37).
Being Jesus' disciple means belonging to God's family and doing God's will. "For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother" (Mt 12:49). Parents should welcome their child's call to the priesthood or to virginity for the sake of the kingdom.
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