Our baby is graduating from college this year. Gulp. I’m not sure how we got here so quickly, but like it or not, it’s happening. Actually, I love it. 

Watching our kids become who they were meant to be has been the greatest honor. They don’t have it all figured out, but neither do we. We continue to pray for them, share wisdom with them, and encourage and support them as they navigate life. I simply cannot imagine how much more difficult this journey would have been without our faith. 

As Catholic parents, we spent a lot of time trying to make sure our kids remained Catholic. We sent them to Catholic school, faith formation classes, sacramental prep, and we made sure they got to Mass. We volunteered as a family and discussed anything and everything they had questions about. Sadly, none of those things come with a guarantee, but we faithfully laid the foundation and prayed – a lot. Now that we’ve entered this new season of life as empty-nesters, I think back on how we parented and prepared them to fly their nest.

10 Things To Teach Your Kids About Being Catholic Before They Leave Home

There are lots of things we wanted to make sure our kids knew before they left our home –  how to do laundry, how to budget, and how or how to meal plan, but these 10 top the list for our kids: 

1. You are a beloved son/daughter of the King. When the world tries to convince you that no one likes you, that God will never forgive your sin, or that you’re unloveable, remember that you are fearfully and wonderfully made in His image. Take every negative thought captive and remind yourself of “whose” you are. Your identity is centered in Jesus Christ. 
2. You are seen, known, and loved (not just by Mom & Dad but by Jesus!) God truly knows you and loves you without condition. Scripture reminds us that we are fully known and deeply loved:  “Lord, You have searched me and You know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; You perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; You are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue You know it completely.” – Psalm 139:1-4 and  “This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” – 1 John 4:10
3. When the noise of the world is too much, Jesus quite literally waits for you in the quiet at any Catholic Church. Remember that red light of Christ you learned about as a child – He’s still there. Go sit with Him, rest in the quiet,and shut out the noise of the world. You’ll be amazed at how even a few minutes will help reset your spirit.
4. When you feel alone in a struggle, connect with a saint. They have lived the same crazy struggles. They walked this earth and went through life – suffering and joy, pain and promises broken, peace and frustration, conflict, wounds, and heartaches. They understand your how you feel. Saints get it. They know what it takes to be one with God even in the craziness of this world. Ask them to intereced for you. Not only are they are role models, they are family. 
5. When you miss us, call Mother Mary and implore her help, protection, and guidance. The Memorare is a great place to begin: “Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thine intercession was left unaided…” Mary is your spiritual mother and she wants to lead you to Jesus. Call her (& me)!
6. When you don’t feel connected in relationship or in your circle, reach outside yourself and plug into local volunteer opportunities. Serving your community will help you feel more connected and see Jesus in others.
7. Don’t forget the power and grace in the sacraments. Confession is not just about seeking forgiveness; it’s a sacrament of healing and it’s a testament to God’s unending mercy. The Eucharist provides the spiritual nourishment needed to strengthen you in your daily life. Remember, the sacraments aren’t rituals – they are encounters with Jesus Himself. 
8. Don’t forget to pray. Everyday. Luke 5:16 shows us that even Jesus took time to pray. Take time out each day to pray. Ask God for what you need, thank Him for what you have and just generally have a conversation with Him. He knows you above all. According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, prayer is “the raising of one’s mind and heart to God or the requesting of good things from God” (CCC 2559). 
9. You have a unique calling from God. Seek God’s guidance in prayer and through wise counsel to discern your calling whether it be marriage, single life or religious life. Jeremiah 29:11 says “For I know the plans I have for you…” In the midst of you making big plans for your life, don’t forget to ask God what His plans are for you.
10. Go to Mass – it’s your spiritual anchor, your community, where you’ll receive those sacramental graces, and where Jesus waits for you.

This is our top 10 but it’s no where near exhaustive.  I have to trust that we’ve given them the foundation they needed and, I plan to lean heavily on Proverbs 22:6, “Train the young in the way they should go; even when old, they will not swerve from it.

Image: Photo by Charles DeLoye on Unsplash