Most loving Father, the example of parenthood,

You have entrusted our children to us to bring them up for You and prepare

them for everlasting life.

Assist us with Your Grace, that we may fulfill this sacred duty with competence and love.

Teach us what to give and what to withhold.

Show us when to reprove, when to praise, and when to be silent.

Make us gentle and considerate, yet firm and watchful.

Keep us from the weakness of indulgence an the excess of severity.

Give us the courage to be disliked sometimes by our children

when we must do necessary things

which are displeasing in their eyes.

Give us the imagination to enter their world

in order to understand and guide them.

Grant us the virtues we need to lead them by word and example

in the ways of wisdom and piety.

One day, with them, may we enter into the joys

of our true and lasting home with You in heaven.

Amen.