Our ministry acknowledges the existence and importance of parents in the lives of all teenagers. We often don't see teens with their parents, so it can be easy for us to forget that parents are an important part of the picture. We strive to make a conscious effort to see teens as more than just members of our small group or Confirmation class and to remember that they're also members of a family. We recognize the inviolable link with family that is the primary force shaping their lives.

Acknowledging parents means:

• We don't make decisions on behalf of teens without consulting their parents. We don't give advice counter to advice given by a parent.
• We remain sensitive to the rhythms and realities of family life as we plan our programs and activities.
• We look for ways to strengthen the bond between parent and child.
  

From the baptism of their child, when parents promise to raise their child in the Catholic faith, they begin Catholic education in their home. Parents, as primary educators of their children, also seek opportunities to deepen their own spirituality, as well as their child's spirituality and understanding of the Catholic faith. Integral to a full understanding of the Catholic faith are weekly attendance at Mass, prayer within the home, and an active personal prayer life and relationship with God.

Part of our commitment to families and parents means offering support for parents as the primary educators of the faith. Each week teens are asked to bring home a copy of our Parent Newsletter. This newsletter describes what happened at the Faith Night and offers follow-up information to help parents understand the topic and discussion points to continue at home. It also includes information on upcoming events for both teens and adults and includes tips and advice on parenting teens today.

Click here to download Parent Newsletters.

We also welcome parents and families at our CYO Mass the first three Sundays of each month at 5:00.  These Masses take place at Lourdes High School.  Attending Mass with your teen will help you be aware of the topics we are covering as each week's homily outlines the main teaching for the night's topic.

Click here to read about what's happening this week.

There are also a variety of Volunteer Roles that are need to help support our expanding ministry. We love to have parents present at our events as volunteers. This allows you the opportunity to participate in your teens life in a concrete way and allows your teen to see you as a role model in a venue outside of the home.

Check out our Volunteer Roles for more information on the ways you can participate.

If you have any other suggestions about how we might better connect with parents, please don't hesitate to contact Kristin Bird.