Dear Parents and Guardians of our Parish's Middle and High School Teens,
Hello! This is the sixth 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,
Have you ever found yourself, as a parent, wanting to share some sort of Christian idea or Biblical concept with your teenager, and you weren’t quite sure exactly how to say it, where it is in the Bible, and if it’s even there at all? I know I have. You see, as adults who have been around church and faith for any length of time, you've heard some things. You've heard homilies, been a part of classes or studies, listened to podcasts, and have some level of Biblical knowledge. But if most of us are honest, we probably aren’t where we need to be when it comes to our understanding of and familiarity with the Bible.
Now, there are a few issues with this reality... First, we just aren’t growing in our faith as much as we could be. Sure, attending Mass and listening to the Scriptures and homilies is helpful. Participating in Bible studies gives us some knowledge and wisdom. But we have to ask ourselves, is it enough?
I don’t know what your relationship with the Bible is, but I do know that the best way for you to grow in your faith in God and learn more about Him is to go to Mass every Sunday, be a person of prayer, and spend time reading, studying, and reflecting on the Bible. Now, here’s why this is important in the context of parenting. Do you know the best way for our teenagers to get to know God and grow in their faith? It’s the exact same way it is for you, plus watching your example.
Your teen will discover who God is through the pages of His Word. It’s through knowing the stories of God’s people, seeing their struggles and their obedience. It’s through seeing the life of Jesus and embracing the love He has for us. And the best way for them to do that is through reading, reflection, and prayer.
So, here are a few ideas for you. First, if your teenager doesn’t have one, get them a good Catholic Bible. There are lots of options - here is my favorite Bible for High Schoolers, and here is my favorite Bible for Middle Schoolers!
In the Online Parent Ministry Email link below, I provide a "Holy Scripture Reading and Praying Guide." It was created for our teens, but it is not "kiddish" at all. It is appropriate for adults as well. I hope you find it useful for you and your teen!
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Second, read the Bible with them and use the provided Guide to help you plan how you will do it!
Read the Scriptures for the upcoming Sunday Mass before you go to Mass! Click the "Sunday Alive!" link below to read the readings and other offerings to help you better prepare for Sunday Mass.
Finally, talk about it. Talk about what you are learning. Talk about the nuances of the stories. Talk about the crazy events. Maybe resist the urge to lecture or teach, but just have a conversation that may just be you asking a few simple questions. Ask things like, “What did you find interesting? What did you find challenging? What questions do you have about what you read?”. Just make talking about faith and the Bible a normal and natural part of life at home.
Be patient. Remember that faith has been a journey for you, and it is for your teenager as well. Just make sure that a key part of that faith journey revolves around not just what they hear from others about Christianity but around what they read and learn from God Himself through His Word.
Have a blessed week! I hope you find this week's OPM helpful for you and your teens!
Click HERE to learn all about Advent Candles and Advent Wreaths: The History and Meaning, Colors, Symbolism, Themes, and even the family prayers each week around the Advent Wreath!
Our parish has been given a generous gift of free access to the Hallow app. Click HERE to learn all about it!
Parents! Do you know why the Protestant and Catholic Bibles are different? Check out this video by Fr. Casey of the "Breaking the Habit" YouTube channel.
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!
Parents - check out this great interview with Bishop Robert Barron about "How to Keep our Kids Catholic."
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!
