Dear Parents of our Parish's Middle and High School Teens,
Hello! This is the THIRD EDITION of our "Online Parent Ministry!" Every Tuesday, an email like this will be sent home to you. Here are some things you can expect to be included each week... there will be a theme, links to articles, conversation starters, videos, and much more to help you know more about your teen's world.
One permanent feature of our Online Parent Ministry is the "Family Experiences." Click on the link below and then click on whatever grade your teen is in this school year. You will find a few downloads including a page called "the Development Guide" that details all the physical, spiritual, and social changes your teen will experience at that particular age. It's full of good information! The other pages will help you plan that year's "Family Experience."
I hope the Online Parent Ministry blesses you and your family!
Dear Parents and Guardians,
If there’s one thing that we all know of teenagers, it’s the fact that they are growing up in a world that is VERY different from the world that any of us grew up in. The struggles of life are not only different, but they are also hitting them earlier, faster, from more angles, and with greater intensity. Whether it’s friends, social media, the constant barrage of sensational news from around the world, global catastrophes, mental health crises, the pressure of getting good grades, fitting in, the pressure to perform, dating relationships, or emotional/financial stress at home, there is plenty to navigate, no matter their age.
The stress and anxiety they feel often can lead them to very unhealthy places mentally and emotionally. These struggles play into their spiritual life, and that’s why we, as adults, have to pay attention, lean into what is happening to our teenagers, and respond in ways that are healthy and helpful. This week in St. John Neumann's Online Parent Ministry, I want to help you think about what you can do to be proactive in your teen’s struggle with stressors, fears, and anxious thoughts.
I have included here 10 Ideas To Help Your Teenager Navigate & Cope With Anxiety - it will provide you with some suggestions for how you can engage with your child as they encounter these feelings. This resource will place some practical tools at your fingertips that you can use to lean into conversations with your teen that will help them grow as they learn how to navigate their thoughts, feelings, and emotions.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6-7
Here is this week's "Sunday Alive!" At this Sunday's Mass (Sunday, November 12th), we celebrate the 32nd Sunday of Ordinary Time!
Sunday Alive is another resource that will help you and your family be more present and prepared to receive the message of the Mass! Read the readings before you come to Church, and take a look at the rest of the "Sunday Alive!" handout. It also contains the Saint of the Week, discussion questions for the family on the message of this Sunday's Gospel, and much more! Enjoy!
More than ever, teens are struggling with mental health!
In the world we live in today, almost all teenagers struggle with anxiety in some way. Many of them have learned how to mask it, but some level of it is there. The world they live in, especially with technology and social media dominating their thoughts, is a breeding house for anxiety. They feel pressure to perform in every area of life. They feel like they have to get good grades, they have to perform in sports or the arts, they have to perform on social media, and sadly some of them feel like they have to perform at home to earn their family’s love. What can parents do?
Listen to this great podcast with Katie Prejean McGrady and Roy Petitfils - I pray listening to it with educate you on this difficult subject and inspire you with lots of hope!
Roy Petitfils is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Youngsville, LA. Roy studied ministry and spirituality at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas and holds a Masters in Mental Health Counseling from the University of Louisiana. Click HERE for more information about Roy!
Katie Prejean McGrady is a wife, mom, award-winning author, international speaker, podcaster & daily radio show host. Click HERE for more information about Katie!
Tommy Tighe, a licensed marriage and family therapist, wants to help you take steps toward reaching and maintaining mental and emotional well-being, not only through self-care, healthy coping mechanisms, and professional intervention but also through prayer, scripture, and developing a relationship with the saints.
St. Dymphna’s Playbook combines a therapeutic approach with the deep wells of Catholic faith and spiritual practice, exploring paths toward hope, healing, and wellness.
St. Dymphna’s Playbook combines a therapeutic approach with the deep wells of Catholic faith and spiritual practice, exploring paths toward hope, healing, and wellness.
Please reach out if you ever have any questions, personal needs, or even suggestions for our Online Parent Ministry! I will send our usual weekly email on Thursday, Have a great week!
