There have been a few issues in the news lately that seem to call into question the beliefs of practicing Catholics, in particular. Understandably, some of us may feel a bit uncertain about how to discuss these issues with kids.

As Catholics, we recognize that good and faith-filled people can disagree, and often do. But we also know that what is legal according to the laws of our society is not always right according to the law of God. As much as we may try to avoid such conflicts, at times there are issues which obligate us to speak out, or call us to act publicly according to the conscience we have worked so hard to form.

Faith is meant to be lived, not just within the walls of our parishes, but in our world. Throughout history there have been times in which Christian discipleship has been generally supported, and times in which it has been challenged—even prohibited. Still, we know that following Jesus requires more of us than just an hour on Sunday mornings. Our faith is at the core of who we are.

Day by day we live our Catholic Christian faith in the real world as it is. Learning more about what we believe and being aware of current events takes effort. But we are the best citizens we can be when we are both formed by our faith and informed about the world around us.

But we should never look to the future with fear; there is nothing in store for us that is outside God’s plan for us. We belong to the God who gives hope. That is what makes our faith worth holding onto, worth standing up for, and even more, worth passing on to our kids.