Fourth Synod Compiled Acts, Declarations and Statutes

63. The Lay Christian Faithful have a right to expect that their clergy will:

a) treat them with justice, kindness, and charity as members of the Mystical Body of Christ;

b) teach them the Catholic faith, especially through well-prepared and effectively delivered homilies;

c) faithfully administer the Sacraments to them when properly prepared and disposed, and give them due opportunity of assisting at divine services;

d) give them ample opportunity to confess their sins at regularly scheduled and publicized times as well as at other times when needed;

e) give them prompt spiritual care when sick, and ecclesiastical burial with all Christian privileges, unless when prohibited by canon law;

f) appoint suitable and qualified lay persons to serve on the parish pastoral council, parish finance council, parish stewardship committee (if applicable) and school board (if applicable) for terms defined by the council’s, committee’s or board’s constitution and bylaws.

PART III. THE TEACHING OFFICE OF THE CHURCH

A RTICLE 1. C ATECHESIS

64. Formation for discipleship and stewardship as a way of life shall be the primary focus of the catechetical programs in our Catholic parochial schools, high schools and parish schools of religion, as well as our faith formation programs for youth, adults and those with special needs, with sacramental preparation seen as a step in this process, but not the end of the process. Being a practicing Catholic must be taught as a way of life. Thus, religious education is a personal obligation that does not end with the reception of the sacraments, but continues into adulthood.

A RTICLE 2. S CHOOLS

65. As the primary educators of their children, parents and those who lawfully take their place should highly value Catholic education, sending their children to Catholic schools, when such are available, or providing education and formation in the Catholic faith through parish schools of religion or in a home school

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