The goal is not to produce parents or teens who merely “practice Catholicism.” The goal is to help them encounter, know, love and follow Jesus Christ—and then understand why the Catholic Church gives us such a profoundly biblical, sacramental way to remain close to Him.
A helpful recurring answer to “Why be Catholic?” is: Yes, knowing Jesus is the point. We are Catholic because we believe Jesus gave us particular ways to encounter Him—especially in Scripture, the Eucharist, the sacraments and the Church. Catholicism is not meant to replace relationship with Christ; it should draw us more deeply into one.
A Mass can fail to stir our emotions and still contain an astonishing reality.
Music, preaching style and parish culture may affect our experience of worship. But our experience of worship is not the measure of the reality of worship. Christ can be objectively present in the Eucharist even when the music is uninspiring or the atmosphere subdued.
At the same time, reverence need not mean lifelessness: because
Jesus is there, our hearts can be fully alive.
Know Him: through scripture & stories
Hear Him: through scriptures, prayer, discernment & wisdom of the church
Receive Him: Eucharist, grace & the sacraments
Follow Him: through decisions, marriage, parenting, suffering, repentence & service
Share Him: with our children & the world
The goal is you have questions and then start to look for your own answers using these resources as well as new ones that you find!
I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God,
to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice,
holy and pleasing to God, your spiritual worship.
Do not conform yourselves to this age
but be transformed by the renewal of your mind,
that you may discern what is the will of God,
what is good and pleasing and perfect.
He abides in ME… I will not fear what man can do to ME
→ John 15:4–5; Hebrews 13:6
I am competent… made competent by His Spirit
→ 2 Corinthians 3:5–6
I abide in Christ… and will bear much fruit
→ John 15:5
I have the mind of Christ
→ 1 Corinthians 2:16
He will never leave ME nor forsake ME
→ Hebrews 13:5
MY weaknesses display God’s strength
→ 2 Corinthians 12:9
No weapon formed against ME shall prosper
→ Isaiah 54:17
I am the temple of the living God
→ 1 Corinthians 6:19; 2 Corinthians 6:16
Greater is He who is in ME
→ 1 John 4:4
I walk in obedience and receive His blessings
→ Deuteronomy 28:1–2
I walk by the Spirit, not the flesh
→ Galatians 5:16
I bear the fruit of the Spirit
→ Galatians 5:22–23
The Lord guards MY going out and coming in
→ Psalm 121:8
I rejoice in all circumstances
→ Philippians 4:4; 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18
I have found favor with the Lord
→ Psalm 5:12; Luke 1:30
He rejoices over ME with singing
→ Zephaniah 3:17
I am the apple of His eye
→ Zechariah 2:8; Psalm 17:8
Goodness and mercy follow ME
→ Psalm 23:6
I am made in God’s image
→ Genesis 1:27
I have the Spirit of God and know His will
→ 1 Corinthians 2:12
I am not ashamed of the gospel
→ Romans 1:1
MY steps are ordered by the Lord
→ Psalm 37:23
I am part of the body of Christ
→ 1 Corinthians 12:27; Ephesians 4:12
Faith, hope, and love abides in ME
→ 1 Corinthians 13:13
I am the righteousness of God in Christ
→ 2 Corinthians 5:21
I have victory in Christ
→ 1 Corinthians 15:57
I am meek and will inherit the earth
→ Matthew 5:5
I discipline MYself for godliness
→ 1 Timothy 4:7–8
MY ambition is to please the Lord
→ 2 Corinthians 5:9
I worship in spirit and truth
→ John 4:23–24
I live by the Word of God
→ Matthew 4:4
Rivers of living water flow from ME
→ John 7:38
I am chosen to bear lasting fruit
→ John 15:16
I am a new creation
→ 2 Corinthians 5:17
MY past is forgiven
→ 1 John 1:9; Psalm 103:12
I have every spiritual blessing
→ Ephesians 1:3
I am known, chosen, redeemed, adopted
→ Ephesians 1:4–7; Psalm 139:14
By His wounds I am healed
→ Isaiah 53:5; 1 Peter 2:24
I am a chosen person, royal priesthood
→ 1 Peter 2:9
I have power, love, and a sound mind
→ 2 Timothy 1:7
I am a citizen of God’s Kingdom
→ Ephesians 2:19; Philippians 3:20
I am sealed by the Holy Spirit
→ Ephesians 1:13–14
I am God’s masterpiece
→ Ephesians 2:10
I am free in Christ
→ Galatians 5:1
I am dead to sin
→ Romans 6:11
I was raised with Christ
→ Colossians 3:1
I am the salt and light
→ Matthew 5:13–14
The Lord is MY light and salvation
→ Psalm 27:1
The joy of the Lord is MY strength
→ Nehemiah 8:10