Shama (W/R), Jan. 31, GNA - The Most Reverend John M. Darko, Catholic Bishop of Sekondi-Takoradi Diocese, has held that character formation of children is a primary responsibility of parents.

"A good home is one in which serious attention is given to the training of children irrespective of their age and needs," he added. Rev. Darko said constant parental guidance to children would enable them to "live properly" and contribute towards societal growth by avoiding acts that could tarnish the image and name of the family. He was dedicating a one billion-cedi chapel of "Our Lady of Assumption" Catholic Church at Shama on Sunday.

He said churches would become mere buildings if members failed to patronise and worship God in them, adding, "We must give the necessary respect to God and live appropriately.

Rev. Darko said it was wrong to chew gum, converse and gossip about other members during church service, and that the church is a clinic and a school for the sick and those who wish to know more about God. "We must go to the clinic when we are sick and to the school when we need information about God to transform our lives" he held. Rev. Darko charged Christians to function effectively by serving as role models for their communities, society and group.

The building project for the 700-capacity chapel started in 1978.