LinkExchange Member Here is given another example of homeschool sacramental guidelines with our commentary which is based on the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Canon Law and other offical Church documents. Please take special note of the words "policies" and "procedures," as well as the references to Canon Law. It cannot be emphasized enough that parents should obtain such Church documents and read all the sections - in their entirety - in order to understand fully the intent of Canon Law. 1701.1 Policy It shall be the responsibility of the pastor, in accord with the norms established by the diocesan bishop, to provide for the catechesis of all the faithful. The various catechetical roles shall be exercised under the supervision of legitimate ecclesiastical authority. (Canons 773, 774, 776, 777)   1701.2. Policy The pastor shall promote and foster the role of parents in catechesis. (Canon 776)   Procedures The Church community fulfills its responsibility to parents in their catechetical role by providing programs, resources and support.   1701.3 Policy Parents shall have the primary responsibility to ensure the Christian education of their children in accordance with the teachings of the Church. (Canon 226)   Procedures a) Parents ensure their children's deepening catechesis "aimed at inserting him or her organically into the life of the Church" by enrolling them in a Parish Religious Education or parochial school program. (Catechesi Tradendae #37) These programs are under the authority of the pastor and in accord with diocesan catechetical policies. (See Book III The Teaching Office of the Church, Policies and Procedures for Religious Education)   (Keeping It Catholic Note: This appears to be an example of proof-texting for nowhere does Church law state that any child must be enrolled in the parish religious education or parochial school program.)   b) Home Catechesis: In extraordinary cases, parents may choose to provide formal systematic catechesis for their children at home, apart from parish programs. This home catechesis is to be in accord with all applicable Archdiocesan policies for catechesis. (See Book III The Teaching Office of the Church, Policies and Procedures for Religious Education) Parents establish the process of home catechesis with their local parish community in the following manner: 1) Parents, their pastor and/or his designated catechetical leader enter into a dialogue regarding mutual responsibilities and expectations for catechesis. The dialogue culminates in a written covenant between the pastor, parents and the child. (Keeping It Catholic Note: Homeschooling is a parental right, no matter whether the circumstances are"extraordinary" or not. Parents may refer to their pastor, requesting an interview between parent, child and pastor. Further, there are no Church laws that require parents or pastors to enter into a written "covenant" or agreement. To do so seems to imply a lack of trust in parents and their rights.) 2) The pastor and/or his designated catechetical leader provides parameters and guidance in the selection of texts and other materials to ensure their conformity with the Church's catechetical documents (Keeping It Catholic Note: Homeschooling parents may accept suggested materials at their discretion but they are not obliged to do so. This appears to be an example of presenting a guideline as though it is Church law when it is not. While parents realize the Church has certain legitimate rights to ensure authentic teaching is provided, the use of the word "parameters" seems to suggest that limits will be enforced on the parental right to choose any catechetical texts which contain Church doctrine. Again, parents have the right to choose as long as their materials do contain authentic Church doctrine.) 3) Parents, pastor and catechetical leader witness to and provide for the communal dimension of catechesis. This will include: i) Participation in parent sessions ii) Parents are invited to attend catechist formation sessions and are informed regarding offerings for formation in the Archdiocese. iii) Participation in sacramental programs, retreats, liturgical celebrations, etc. iv) Interaction with peers and the parish community in worship and such events as are determined in dialogue. (Keeping It Catholic Note: None of the above guidelines are Church mandates. Especially note the words "Parents are invited..." The rest are simply man-made policies (participation in programs, retreats, etc.). This means parents and their children need not comply. Further, attending Mass with others - the community - is considered participation at a liturgical celebration. No other forms of participation are mandatory.) 4) The pastor, his designated catechetical leader and parish catechetical staff will provide resources and support for parental catechetical efforts, including materials and opportunities for the parents' faith development. (Keeping It Catholic Note: Again, parents are not obligated to use such resources but they may use them if they wish. The question is also raised as to why materials for parental faith development is brought into the discussion when it is their children who are being prepared for the sacraments.)   There is more to the Chicago guidelines, but these few excerpts of policy and procedures should be enough for parents to see the different between such policies and Church law. One need not have a canon law degree to understand the law of subsidiarity, the primacy of parents in all forms of education, the pastor's role (not the designated appointee, as some policies suggest) and how the Church affirms and protects both.   For a look at other known guidelines, Keeping It Catholic suggests at this time to refer to the Seton and Our Lady of the Rosary home pages.     Return to Keeping It Catholic Home Page