The Roman Catholic Image of Church as “Family of God” and Adequate Parenting of Children and Youth in The African Family

Abstract

The issue of bringing up morally upright Christian youth is a topical one today since they represent the future family and Church. Their morality should therefore be an issue of concern. This article discusses the role of the image of the Church as “Family of God” in teaching family and Christian values to youth. The study uses the descriptive case study design and was carried out among the members of Karũrĩ Catholic Parish. Twelve Church leaders who served in the Parish and worked with children and youth are selected purposively while a sample of parents and youth is selected using the snowballing technique. Data is collected from the parents and youth using the questionnaire and analyzed thematically. Through Small Christian Communities (SCC), the “Family of God” Church image contributes towards parenting by the way of the lay ministries addressing parenting issues within the community. The “Family of God” image, focusing on the family is key in promoting the momentum for transference of family and Christian values to children and youth.