The recent research on passing on our faith is clear: Parents matter . . . a lot!
Consider this statement from Dr. Christian Smith, principal researcher for the National Study of Youth and Religion:
"The best social predictor, although not a guarantee, of what the religious and spiritual lives of youth will look like is what the religious and spiritual lives of their parents do look like. (from Soul Searching: The Religious and Spiritual Lives of American Teenagers, p. 261)
Dr. Smith also makes the following observation about the Catholic Church:
"It appears that the relative religious laxity of most U.S. Catholic teenagers significantly reflects the relative religious laxity of their parents. (from Soul Searching, p. 216-7)
Our call to action is clear: If we want to more effectively engage our young people in faith, we MUST focus our energies on engaging their parents.
Strong Catholic Families: Strong Catholic Youth embraces a new paradigm:
Toward ultimately placing families at the center of the church's life and mission!
Additional background information: (2 great articles!)
- A Family Perspective in Church and Society 
(1 page) A Must Read!!!
- Forming Young Disciples: Are We Asking the Right Questions? (7 pages more in depth)
"That is why I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand." Matthew 13:13
To this end, the Diocese of Buffalo is pleased to sponsor the Strong Catholic Families: Strong Catholic Youth initiative, developed by the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry.
Need more details about the content of this program?
Engaging all church leaders in this approach to ministry is crucial to its support and success, especially:
- Priests, especially Pastors
- Deacons
- Catechetical Leaders
- Youth Ministry Leaders
- Pastoral Associates
- Elementary School Leaders
- High School Leaders
Strong Catholic Families: Strong Catholic Youth is sponsored by four diocesan departments. (To find out more about the initiative, please contact the individuals listed from co-sponsoring diocesan offices):