Advice on my 16 year old's catholic education

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Joelle_M

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I’m looking for some advice as to where to start with teaching my son religion. I was away from my faith for a long stretch, he’s baptized and has always been in catholic schools- but I find it’s not enough. My catholic upbringing wasn’t enough to carry me through my tough teen years- I want better for him. I want him to live his faith, and I know the only way to do that is to teach him. To encourage him towards God so that the Holy Spirit can fill him.

What do you recommend I do, with my super active, high schooler? He’s willing to do whatever I ask- but I don’t want to put too much on him at first. I have a You Cat book I can encourage him to read, and of course we each have bibles. Just looking for advice from anyone who’s been there (or perhaps anyone with some suggestions even if you don’t have first hand experience).

He’s a great kid. I truly believe God sent me someone extra special- I am certain that he’s here for something truly special. I am realizing that in my haste to run back to my faith and to try to make things right with God for myself- that I have really neglected to encourage him on his own spiritual journey. I don’t want to rob him of his relationship with God.

Thanks guys:)
 
Joelle_M said:
I’m looking for some advice as to where to start with teaching my son religion. I was away from my faith for a long stretch, he’s baptized and has always been in catholic schools- but I find it’s not enough. My catholic upbringing wasn’t enough to carry me through my tough teen years- I want better for him. I want him to live his faith, and I know the only way to do that is to teach him. To encourage him towards God so that the Holy Spirit can fill him.

What do you recommend I do, with my super active, high schooler? He’s willing to do whatever I ask- but I don’t want to put too much on him at first. I have a You Cat book I can encourage him to read, and of course we each have bibles. Just looking for advice from anyone who’s been there (or perhaps anyone with some suggestions even if you don’t have first hand experience).

He’s a great kid. I truly believe God sent me someone extra special- I am certain that he’s here for something truly special. I am realizing that in my haste to run back to my faith and to try to make things right with God for myself- that I have really neglected to encourage him on his own spiritual journey. I don’t want to rob him of his relationship with God.

Thanks guys:)
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Your parish doesn’t offer Religious Ed?
That’s what teens around here are enrolled in. :confused:
 
I think both Steubenville Conferences and Lifeteen are great at helping teens deepen their faith and build a relationship with Jesus Christ. You might want to check those out.

Like you, my Catholic upbringing was not enough to carry me through. If there were two things that I wish I was introduced to back then, they would be the Rosary and Adoration.

Also, there’s a great vocation story by a priest named Fr. Joshua Waltz of the Bismarck diocese, where he shares his funny and interesting testimony of his conversion. In his testimony he tells teens that if they don’t stop attending Sunday Mass and going to Confession that God would always get His way in their lives. I think its a video worth watching.

God bless
 
How wonderful of you to want to teach him the faith! This isn’t a strict “educational” suggestion, but maybe he’d be willing to pray the rosary with you each night or go to adoration with you once a week (if there is a parish near you)? If he doesn’t know what to do at adoration, he could use that time to read a book on the faith or I think it would be appropriate to listen to an audio book while sitting quietly (others may disagree with me on this). Maybe you could find him a book about his namesake saint or the patron saint of a hobby he is interested in if he doesn’t want to read a book with the ins and outs of the Catholic faith.

I also fell away from the faith for a long time after high school and I had the “Catholic education” growing up going to Catholic middle and high schools after religious ed throughout elementary school, but knowing anything about the faith made no difference to me since my home was not a domestic church. Other than church once in awhile (when my mom could make me go) or saying a short blessing for dinner (again, that my parents made me and my sister lead), we did not discuss the faith ever. I saw my best friend’s family live the faith at home with family rosary and I often joined them since this didn’t occur in my house. Seeing my parents live the faith, talk about it with me, and make it a priority in our family would have made a huge difference. :twocents:
 
Also, these CS Lewis videos on youtube are pretty cool! I’m really not sure if a 16 year old would like them, but it’s worth a shot and if he doesn’t well that’s alright! They aren’t specific to the faith since CS Lewis wasn’t Catholic, but they are helpful nonetheless. You might enjoy them since you are exploring the faith yourself 🙂

CS Lewis Doodle
 
Thanks all, i’ll definitely look into all of these. I grew up in the church- as a kid it almost felt like it was a second home. It’s amazing to look back- I really didn’t know much at all. Prayers were always said- God was central in my life, but somehow- I still managed to stray… I don’t want that for him. He is not a typical 16 year old- he’s strong. Doesn’t care about what’s “in”, he is the popular kid who doesn’t want to go to parties- can’t stand drunkenness, and is litterally the defender of the weak- always standing up to bullies picking on people. He never turns down my request to pray with him- even if it’s a rosary. Has never complained in church- even shushes his friends that talk during mass.

I take no credit… there is no way I produced this child. He is special… and i’m so terrified of messing him up! LoL! I think- and call me crazy- I think God put him in my life to keep me sane. I look around at other people struggling with their kids and wonder why I don’t. Michael is my rock- I draw so much strength from him.

I’ll look into all of these suggestions. And while I do, i’ll start him with daily 15 min bible readings. I’ll also throw in videos when I find them- and keep sharing what i’m learning. I don’t want to overburden him, he’s got a lot on his plate with school and sports already- just wanting to give him a nudge in the right direction- to hopefully fan the flames.

I’ll definitely talk to him about youth group too- and I have already told him we’d be doing some volunteering soon… he needs community service hours for school and I need some soul food- plus I want him to see that there are oportunities to help others around every corner.
 
Joelle_M said:
Thanks all, i’ll definitely look into all of these. I grew up in the church- as a kid it almost felt like it was a second home. It’s amazing to look back- I really didn’t know much at all. Prayers were always said- God was central in my life, but somehow- I still managed to stray… I don’t want that for him. He is not a typical 16 year old- he’s strong. Doesn’t care about what’s “in”, he is the popular kid who doesn’t want to go to parties- can’t stand drunkenness, and is litterally the defender of the weak- always standing up to bullies picking on people. He never turns down my request to pray with him- even if it’s a rosary. Has never complained in church- even shushes his friends that talk during mass.
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He sounds like a great kid! And you say you don’t take much credit but you are doing something right 🙂 he’s lucky to have you!
 
Regina7 said:
My parish, and every parish I can think of near me, stops religious ed in 8th grade, which is confirmation year.
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He would be able to attend RCIA, that’s how it is handled in my Parish. Speak to your Parish Priest.
 
tawny said:
He would be able to attend RCIA, that’s how it is handled in my Parish. Speak to your Parish Priest.
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I believe the young man is baptized and currently in Catholic high school. I think the mom is looking for enriching Catholic activities to do in addition to Catholic school and going to Mass.
I think getting involved in something like St. Vincent or some charitable Catholic outreach is the way to go, plus adoration when you can.
 
I second sending your son to a Steubenville conference over the summer; it’s a great way to ignite passion for the faith! Bonus points if you have a great youth group he can join for the trip and afterwards.
 
Regina7 said:
My parish, and every parish I can think of near me, stops religious ed in 8th grade, which is confirmation year.
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That’s a shame. We continue right up to graduation in this Archdiocese.
No wonder teens get mixed up.
 
Joelle_M said:
** I don’t want to overburden him, he’s got a lot on his plate with school and sports already- **

QUOTE]

I commend the rest of your postings, but this one sentence is very concerning.
We have a HOST of children whose parents think that the extracurriculars are more important than faith formation. Not saying YOU do, but really…nip this in the bud in your mind.
NOTHING is more important than his faith formation. Indeed, all of us are called to learn about their faith throughout our lives. Right up to the end. If a student “has a lot on his” plate then the plate needs to be re-evaluated and God put first. We all tend to learn this late in life. Happy the child who learns this from the get-go, for they are equipped for the trials of growing up.
God bless you!
I hope you find a good program for him to meet other Catholic kids. That’s important too.
I highly recommend Catholic Heart Work Camp. Sort of like Habitat for Humanity but all Catholic kids from all around the country. We live out our faith in Community. If you go to their website you will see that every summer there are camps in nearly every state, sometimes 3 or more, and it’s an unforgettable week of service, fun, and faith sharing.
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pianistclare said:
Joelle M;13697452:
** I don’t want to overburden him, he’s got a lot on his plate with school and sports already- **
Click to expand...
QUOTE]

I commend the rest of your postings, but this one sentence is very concerning.
We have a HOST of children whose parents think that the extracurriculars are more important than faith formation. Not saying YOU do, but really…nip this in the bud in your mind.
NOTHING is more important than his faith formation. Indeed, all of us are called to learn about their faith throughout our lives. Right up to the end. If a student “has a lot on his” plate then the plate needs to be re-evaluated and God put first. We all tend to learn this late in life. Happy the child who learns this from the get-go, for they are equipped for the trials of growing up.
God bless you!
I hope you find a good program for him to meet other Catholic kids. That’s important too.
I highly recommend Catholic Heart Work Camp. Sort of like Habitat for Humanity but all Catholic kids from all around the country. We live out our faith in Community. If you go to their website you will see that every summer there are camps in nearly every state, sometimes 3 or more, and it’s an unforgettable week of service, fun, and faith sharing.

I wholeheartedly agree with you. I think the way I said it didn’t properly convey what I meant - in a way… but then again I said it- so maybe that’s partially what I meant too. I’m afraid of putting too much on him- too fast and making him feel like i’m pushing too hard. Does that make sense? As a teen, my parents always strive to put God first in our lives, but at some point- it started to sound preachy to me so after a while, I started to look for any excuse to avoid those conversations. Terrible. I want to fuel his flame without making him feel like that… so i’m careful about how I broach the subject with him. Don’t get me wrong, Mikey is Catholic- he knows how to pray- has prayed the rosary with me (he taught me a method to help me better meditate on the mysteries). It’s not that he hasn’t been taught anything- he is being taught more than some already I think, because I make it a point to teach him every chance I get when dealing with everyday situations. What I want, is for him to know more. I want him to have a personal relationship with God in his teen years- becaue it’s something I feel wasn’t important enough to me as a kid. In school- he’s learning about all kinds of religions- I wish the focus was more on the Catholic faith.

I’be done a bible study couse online on the gospel of St John- it was amazing, and now i’m partaking in a 12 week video course on Our Lady- which I am loving. I guess I just want to find a way to share that with him… because I know how much prayer and discovering the mysteries of the bible has helped me. I’m in no way out of the woods- but i’m hoping i’m doing enough.
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Joelle_M said:
pianistclare;13698007:
I wholeheartedly agree with you. I think the way I said it didn’t properly convey what I meant - in a way… but then again I said it- so maybe that’s partially what I meant too. I’m afraid of putting too much on him- too fast and making him feel like i’m pushing too hard. Does that make sense? As a teen, my parents always strive to put God first in our lives, but at some point- it started to sound preachy to me so after a while, I started to look for any excuse to avoid those conversations. Terrible. I want to fuel his flame without making him feel like that… so i’m careful about how I broach the subject with him. Don’t get me wrong, Mikey is Catholic- he knows how to pray- has prayed the rosary with me (he taught me a method to help me better meditate on the mysteries). It’s not that he hasn’t been taught anything- he is being taught more than some already I think, because I make it a point to teach him every chance I get when dealing with everyday situations. What I want, is for him to know more. I want him to have a personal relationship with God in his teen years- becaue it’s something I feel wasn’t important enough to me as a kid. In school- he’s learning about all kinds of religions- I wish the focus was more on the Catholic faith.

I’be done a bible study couse online on the gospel of St John- it was amazing, and now i’m partaking in a 12 week video course on Our Lady- which I am loving. I guess I just want to find a way to share that with him… because I know how much prayer and discovering the mysteries of the bible has helped me. I’m in no way out of the woods- but i’m hoping i’m doing enough.
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Just talk to him. Keep him close, and let him see you living out your faith and how much it means to you.
Example counts for a lot, but doesn’t totally replace solid instruction. You’re on the right track. Ask the Holy Spirit for help, daily.
God bless.

ETA: You wouldn’t think visits to a Dr. for a check-up is "putting too much pressure. It’s your job as a parent. Remember his Baptism…👍
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Joelle_M said:
I’m looking for some advice as to where to start with teaching my son religion. I was away from my faith for a long stretch, he’s baptized and has always been in catholic schools- but I find it’s not enough. My catholic upbringing wasn’t enough to carry me through my tough teen years- I want better for him. I want him to live his faith, and I know the only way to do that is to teach him. To encourage him towards God so that the Holy Spirit can fill him.

What do you recommend I do, with my super active, high schooler? He’s willing to do whatever I ask- but I don’t want to put too much on him at first. I have a You Cat book I can encourage him to read, and of course we each have bibles. Just looking for advice from anyone who’s been there (or perhaps anyone with some suggestions even if you don’t have first hand experience).

He’s a great kid. I truly believe God sent me someone extra special- I am certain that he’s here for something truly special. I am realizing that in my haste to run back to my faith and to try to make things right with God for myself- that I have really neglected to encourage him on his own spiritual journey. I don’t want to rob him of his relationship with God.

Thanks guys:)
Click to expand...
As a teen, my mother used “A Course in Religion for High School Youth”, by Fr. John Laux. This series contains four books - Chief Truths of the Faith, The Mass and the Sacraments, Catholic Morality, and Catholic Apologetics - as well as two companion books, Introduction to the Bible and Church History. (I was only educated using the first three books.) These books are published by TAN. You can order them online.
 
His_helpmeet said:
As a teen, my mother used “A Course in Religion for High School Youth”, by Fr. John Laux. This series contains four books - Chief Truths of the Faith, The Mass and the Sacraments, Catholic Morality, and Catholic Apologetics - as well as two companion books, Introduction to the Bible and Church History. (I was only educated using the first three books.) These books are published by TAN. You can order them online.
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That’s great! Thank you, i’ll look into these. I have a good Christian bookstore near my home that will order me whatever I ask for.
Thank you!
 
pianistclare said:
Joelle M;13698116:
Just talk to him. Keep him close, and let him see you living out your faith and how much it means to you.
Example counts for a lot, but doesn’t totally replace solid instruction. You’re on the right track. Ask the Holy Spirit for help, daily.
God bless.

ETA: You wouldn’t think visits to a Dr. for a check-up is "putting too much pressure. It’s your job as a parent. Remember his Baptism…👍
Click to expand...
Thank you for your feedback, I really appreciate it!
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I looked into the Steubenville conferences- thank you! I’m in Canada so at first I thought i’d have to travel to Ohio, but they have one in Toronto in July. I’ll start working with him at home, and closer to the date i’ll talk to him about the conference. It looks amazing. Actually- I think i’ll look into an adult one for myself as well!
 
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