We hear time and again that parents are the first catechists of their children…and rightly so.

I try to remember this when I am teaching, reminding myself that I am an ally of parents. Of course some parents are more invested in their children’s religious formation than others. My job is to do all that I can to provide parents with opportunities to embrace their role as the primary catechists of their children.

Having said all that, allow me to take a moment to salute my first catechist - my mom - as we celebrated her 80th birthday last night! Mom (and Dad, who is with the Communion of Saints), you did such a wonderful job of sharing the light of Christ with me…thanks so much! Happy birthday Mom! Love ya.