Are Parishes or Parents the Primary Catechists?

When it comes to catechesis, does the Church entrust religious education primarily to parents or parishes?

The answer is a resounding both.

Parents: The First Catechists

The Church makes it clear that parents are the primary catechists of their children. This is not just a modern idea—it’s a deeply rooted teaching affirmed through Church documents and tradition:

"Family catechesis therefore precedes, accompanies and enriches all other forms of catechesis."
— Catechesi Tradendae 67

"Parents have the first responsibility for the education of their children... Parents should initiate their children at an early age into the mysteries of the faith of which they are the 'first heralds' for their children."
— Catechism of the Catholic Church 2223–2225

The seeds of faith are planted first in the home, through the everyday witness, prayer, and instruction that flows naturally in family life. The Church affirms that this parental role is virtually irreplaceable.

The Parish: A Vital Partner in Catechesis

At the same time, the Church upholds the unique role of the parish in religious education:

"It is true that catechesis can be given anywhere, but... the parish community must continue to be the prime mover and pre-eminent place for catechesis."
— Catechesi Tradendae 67

While the family is the first school of faith, the parish is meant to be the primary place of catechesis for all the faithful—children, adults, and families alike.

Parish life provides the liturgy, sacramental preparation, faithful community, and ongoing formation that supports and enhances a child's walk with the Lord.

A Both/And Approach to Faith Formation

Rather than asking whether parents or the parish are the primary catechists, the Church invites us to embrace the both/and.

When parents and parishes work together in harmony, the faith of the whole family flourishes. The parish forms and nourishes parents, who then bring that formation into their homes. The home, in turn, reflects the life of the Church (thus, the domestic church).

Let’s Hear from You!

What does this partnership look like in your life?

How does your parish support your family’s faith formation—and how does that overflow into your home life?

Share your experiences in the comments. We’d love to hear how your parish and family work together to pass on the Faith.

P.S. A Word to Parish Leaders

If you’re part of a parish that shares this beautiful vision of parents as the primary catechists, we’d love to help you live it out.

Explore our ready-to-use resources beloved by parents and parishes—designed to make it easy to equip families and strengthen your community of faith.

Ready to dive deeper? 

Here are 4 ways to fill your nets... 

 1. Memorize Bible verses with your children easily with our FREE guide: Stocking the Storehouses

 2. Make your dreams of family prayer a reality with The Daily Feast framework, making it possible in just a few minutes a day. This free guide shows you how.

 3. Want to steward your own prayer life? Check out this Scripture prayer journal we made just for you.

 4. Looking to level-up in your family faith formation? Join over 10,000 families that use our resources. We make open-and-go, family-style resources to make your role as primary catechist easy AND delightful. Click here to browse!