United States Catholic Catechism for Adults

380 • Part III. Christian Morality: The Faith Lived

FROM THE CATECHISM

1. What is a family? A man and a woman united in marriage, together with their children, form a family. This institution is prior to any recognition by public authority, which has an obligation to recognize it. It should be considered the normal refer ence point by which the different forms of family relation ship are to be evaluated. (CCC, no. 2202) 2. What are the basic elements of filial love? Children owe their parents respect, gratitude, just obedi ence, and assistance. Filial respect fosters harmony in all of family life. (CCC, no. 2251) 3. What is expected of parental love? Parents have the first responsibility for the education of their children in the faith, prayer, and all the virtues. They have the duty to provide as far as possible for the physical and spiritual needs of their children. (CCC, no. 2252)

communities. Jesus spoke of the difference between serving God and the state when he said, “Then repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God” (Mt 22:21). Catholics have the duty to vote, to participate in the political arena, and to help shape society in light of Catholic teaching. THE CHARTER OF FAMILY RIGHTS In his apostolic exhortation On the Role of the Christian Family in the Modern World ( Familiaris Consortio ), St. John Paul II cites a list of rights of the family. Among those rights, we note the following: