Dear St. George Families, 

Children enjoy playing the game Telephone. Do you remember that game? The first person whispers a phrase into the ear of the person next to them in a circle or a line. They in turn "pass-it- on" until everyone in the group gets it passed to them. Sometimes the game can be played where an individual can request that the whisperer repeat the phrase. This is thought-provoking when compared to passing on our Faith. I have learned, working with thousands of children over the course of my lifetime, that there is a better chance of passing on what is righteous if you repeat it often. We shouldn't leave it up to the next person to share it, and we shouldn't stop saying and doing what is right until we know they can repeat it and demonstrate it themselves. Here are some tried and true ways that we can all pass on the Faith to the children: 

    ●  Pray with your child in your home - at mealtimes, at bedtimes.  

    ●  Attend Mass with your child and receive the Sacraments regularly.  

    ●  Model honesty and fairness for your child.  

    ●  Use every day experiences to teach your child moral and ethical values.  

    ●  Always treat others the way you would want your child to treat them.  

Remember that whatever you say and do, your child is likely listening and watching - and learning from you. Never underestimate the influence you have on your child and their Faith development - not to mention their overall emotional development. Your child's greatest and most lasting learning takes place right in your own home. You are truly the first and most important teacher your child will ever have. God made you as a gift to your child - not just periodically throughout the year like a Christmas gift or a Birthday gift - but repeatedly throughout. So go ahead, pass-it- on.  

Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. - Matthew 28:19-20 

God's peace,  

Jack Nelson