Ahh… August.  The heat, the humidity, the humming of school buses going back and forth in our neighborhoods!  Yes, it will soon be time to reset the kids’ alarm clocks and ease back into school routines.
 
While transitioning ourselves and our kids from summer vacation to school mode, we shouldn’t overlook that for Catholic children, this also means getting back, or maybe starting those activities that nurture their faith and their relationship with Jesus.
 
Here are some back to school basics to help nurture your children’s faith and the faith of the grown-ups too!   Here are your ABCs for a successful school year for yourself and your Catholic kids! 

A - Adoration
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament is not just for adults. While adults may have a different level of connection or awareness of our Lord in the Eucharist, children need quiet time with God too. “Let the little children come to me,” said Jesus. Listen to Him! When visiting Jesus during Adoration, teach children about the reverence that is required to see Him. Silence is key. Teach children about mental prayer and journaling.  The Adoration Chapel is not the place for praying out-loud.  Help children pray by using prayer books or children’s bibles. The amount of time spent in Adoration depends on the age of your youngest child.  If your children are just starting out, consider starting with 10-15 minutes of prayerful quiet time with Jesus. This is “special” gadget free time.  Children have a lot of energy and have a hard time being still. Remember, they are prayer warriors in training. Don’t expect perfection. Reward little successes with something special or something sweet, once outside the church building of course.  If your brood includes an infant, consider going during their nap. 

B - Blessings
Blessings are a time-honored tradition.  Blessings can be short and informal or slightly longer more traditional ones. There are books full of blessings for almost every occasion, such as the Catholic Household Blessings and Prayers book. Another beautiful blessing is the Irish blessing. Because they are short, it's easy to incorporate daily blessings with Holy Water in the morning after breakfast or by the door as you and them (or just them) head out to begin their day.  Have a special blessing for them on days they have tests, and when they have special events such as concerts, performances, or athletic events.  Shower blessings on your children!  This reminds them God is with them everywhere they go. Sadly, in our culture today, children, even young children, are constantly barraged with curses and foul language. This is terrible for their souls and children need the reassurance they are beloved. Blessings do that!

C- Church 
Gathering together as God’s people for worship is essential for Catholic kids and their families. Out of all the activities the Church encourages Catholics to do, this one is the most important. Why? Because not going to Church violates not only one, but usually three of the BIG TEN (Commandments) The first three of the BIG TEN involve people’s relationship with God, the final seven involve people’s relationship with God and other people.

The First Commandment is:  I am the Lord your God...  You shall have no other gods before me. Are we placing God first in our lives or have we replaced God with sports, hobbies, or people? The Second Commandment is: You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain. The Third Commandment is: Observe the sabbath day, to keep it holy, as the Lord your God commanded you. For Christians like us, this means Sunday. (Deut 6:7-12 Ignatius, RSV) Going to Church is a big deal and not optional for Catholics. With the exception of serious illness, injury, or the need to care for someone who is sick or injured, none of us get a pass on the obligation to worship God that is part of the Third Commandment. There are some basic things we do as believers, this is one.
 
Regular Mass attendance, reception of the Eucharist, Confession, religious education (at home and at the parish), and youth group are all part of the ABC’s of a child’s faith life.  Get connected to your Catholic Church. Help your children live their faith to its fullest!

Permission to reprint granted with credit to the author and Stella Maris Center.