By Fr. Michael Kapperman, Chaplain of O’Gorman Junior High
Our Campus Ministry reaches nearly 75% of the student body. Our retreats and lock-ins are consistently transforming lives. And yet, as the O’Gorman Junior High chaplain, I have to be honest with you: I am not the most important person in your child's faith formation. You are.
“Children must see the faith as something which mattered intensely to mom or dad — which animated the love and care that went into their parenting.” — Bartkus & Smith, A Report on American Catholic Religious Parenting, University of Notre Dame, pg. 47
Research confirms what we see every day at O’Gorman: no matter how gifted our teachers, how rich our curriculum, or how vibrant our campus ministry, you are the primary educators of your children and they listen to you first. The faith you carry in your own life is the faith they will most likely carry into theirs.
Two Ways to Embrace Your Role
Imitation: Do your children see you pray? Hear you speak of your love for Jesus? Watch you serve others? Children imitate what they treasure. Let them imitate your faith.
Conversation: Share your testimony. Tell your child why you follow Jesus. Ask questions that open a door to God, not just to career and future.
Try Reframing These Conversations
Instead of asking: What do you want to be when you grow up?
Try asking: What do you think God wants you to do with your life?
Instead of asking: Did you have a good day at school?
Try asking: Did anything happen today that made you think of God?
When no questions are asked:
Try asking: Can I tell you why I chose to follow Jesus?
Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools exists to walk alongside you in raising your child in the Catholic faith. Our teachers, staff, and we as priests are partners in that mission. But the most powerful witness your child will ever receive is the one offered quietly and daily: at the dinner table, on the drive to school, and in the way you live your life.
My invitation as their chaplain is to say to them, “Let me tell you about Jesus, and why I gave my life to Him.” Your invitation, as their parent, is the same. And yours carries the greater weight.