The St. Joseph’s Way

Presented by

Wanda Jaraczewski, Steven Jones, and Keith Kiser

Chat Question:

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Why did you sign up for this session?

Parent Engagement Meeting

A Change of Epoch

• The introduction of the smartphone and the proliferation of social media has revolutionized the way students communicate with one another, view the world, and see themselves

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• Changing societal norms and aggressive marketing campaigns have students questioning their sexuality and gender identity at unprecedented rates

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• The ever-changing political, social, and economic climates, have divided people into differing ideological camps.

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Parent Engagement Meeting

A Change of Epoch

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• The sex abuse scandal in the Catholic Church has helped contribute to record high levels of mistrust in the Church and in institutions in general

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• Today’s young people are coming of age in a culture that is increasingly secular, with nearly 50% doubting or denying belief in God or a higher power

Parent Engagement Meeting

2021 Springtide Study

What do young Catholics believe?

12% -- I don’t believe in a higher power.

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18% -- I don’t know whether there is a higher power, and I don’t believe there’s anyway to find out.

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15% -- I doubt a higher power’s existence more than I believe

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28% -- I believe in a higher power’s existence more than I doubt

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22% -- I believe a higher power exists, and I have no doubts about it

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5% -- I don’t know

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Parent Engagement Meeting

2021 Springtide Study

Takeaways & Insights

1. Young People Are Uncertain

…3 of 10 said that they were experiencing a distressing event in that moment

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1. They Aren’t Turning to Religion

…in times of uncertainty

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1. But They Are Religious

…but not in the traditional sense of accepting the whole bundle

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1. Those Who Are Religious Are Flourishing…in every area of their lives

Parent Engagement Meeting

Some Signs of Hope

• The Springtide study found that 78% of people ages 13-25 consider themselves at least slightly spiritual including 60% of unaffiliated young people (atheists, agnostics and nones)

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• The study also showed that while teens are not turning to religious leaders, they do turn to their parents and/or a trusted adult (teachers, coaches, mentors, and friends) in times of crisis

a Gospel Strategy,

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not Surrender

to Culture

Parent Engagement Meeting

Losing Strategies

1. Seeking Power to Overcome Weakness

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1. Placing Ideology before Reality

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1. Prioritizing Politics over Religion

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1. Opposition instead of Encounter

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1. Exclusion versus Belonging

Parent Engagement Meeting

Winning Strategies

• Welcome “Restless Questioning” of students

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• Seek understanding through dialogue and a culture of encounter

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• Ensure that the core message remains central in all aspects and at all times.

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• Go to the margins to Meet Christ

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• Be relational, take the longview and leave the outcome and judgement to God

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Breakout Group Question #1

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• Which of these winning and losing strategies seem to be at play in your classroom and in your school?

Underlying Assumptions:

• We don’t assume our students come to us as believers

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• The teenage years are a privileged time in life when the big questions emerge

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• Pre-Evangelization is the work of every teacher, coach, and staff member in the school

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• Building good relationships is essential for effective ministry with students

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• Spiritual growth is God’s work and the journey of a lifetime

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Breakout Group Question #2

• What aspects of The St. Joseph’s Way most resonate with your experience as a Catholic School teacher?