Several key themes have emerged as members of the Archdiocesan Blue Ribbon Commission identify challenges parents face and prepare to submit recommendations to Archbishop Bernard Hebda concerning how this local Church might better inform and inspire parents to understand and fulfill their responsibility as the first teachers of their children in the ways of the faith.
Commission members, mindful that parish and school small groups can be an impactful way to reach parents, have identified the following key themes on which to base their recommendations:
- Parent and family formation
- Marriage preparation and support
- Sacramental preparation
- Reclaiming Sunday for worship and rest
- Homeschooling
- Archdiocesan resources
“What has emerged from the commission impacts the entire local Church,” said Alison Dahlman, a representative from the Office for the Mission of Catholic Education. “We are grateful to commission members for their engagement and faithfulness as the Archdiocese desires to work with parents in a meaningful way.”
Archbishop Hebda’s Pastoral Letter, “You Will Be My Witnesses,” called for the creation of an Archdiocesan Blue Ribbon Commission to focus on “Parents as Primary Educators.” Since November 2023, the Commission has been meeting monthly to explore parents’ top challenges and how authentic Catholic community can support them as their children’s primary educators. The Commission will submit its recommendations to Archbishop Hebda in May. Implementation of the final plan will occur July 2025-June 2026 (Synod Year 3 Priority). The Office for the Mission of Catholic Education and the Office of Synod Evangelization are spearheading this effort.
Please pray for the work of the Commission as well as for fruitful outcomes to help Catholic families grow in holiness.
