Rodzina pierwszym seminarium

Abstract

In its pastoral care the Church does not neglect the problem of increasing the number of vocations. It is reflected in research work, which approaches the problem from many different angles so as to analyse and present, of possible, its sources and circum stances. The pedagogy of the family has its contribution here, too. The point of departure for the author’s considerations is the Vatican Council definition of the family as „the first seminary”. This statement, which reflects centuries of the Church’s experience, is confirmed by the empirical sciences. The pedagogical-psychological reflection based on that confirmation points out the primary role of the family for the question of vocations. Through its influence, the family takes a significant part in the development of a child’s personality, thus making some of them capable of undertaking the vocation. Further analysis leads to defining the conditions in which the influence of the family can yield the best results in this area. What ich needed are solutions for shaping the child’s character within the family (the hierarchy of values, motivations, education to self-dependence, the shaping of altruistic attitudes) and for religious education within the family, which is „the domestic Church”.