The St. Joseph’s Way
Presented by Wanda Jaraczewski, Steven Jones, and Keith Kiser
Chat Question:
Why did you sign up for this session?
Presented by Wanda Jaraczewski, Steven Jones, and Keith Kiser
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
● Changing societal norms and aggressive marketing campaigns have students questioning their sexuality and gender identity at unprecedented rates
● The ever-changing political, social, and economic climates, have divided people into differing ideological camps.
Parent Engagement Meeting
A Change of Epoch
● 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
● 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.
18% -- I don’t know whether there is a higher power, and I don’t believe there’s anyway to find out.
15% -- I doubt a higher power’s existence more than I believe
28% -- I believe in a higher power’s existence more than I doubt
22% -- I believe a higher power exists, and I have no doubts about it
5% -- I don’t know
Parent Engagement Meeting
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2021 Springtide Study
Takeaways & Insights
1. Young People Are Uncertain
…3 of 10 said that they were experiencing a distressing event in that moment
2. They Aren’t Turning to Religion
…in times of uncertainty
3. But They Are Religious
…but not in the traditional sense of accepting the whole bundle
4. 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)
● 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
Parent Engagement Meeting
a Gospel Strategy, not Surrender to Culture
Losing Strategies
1. Seeking Power to Overcome Weakness
2. Placing Ideology before Reality
3. Prioritizing Politics over Religion
4. Opposition instead of Encounter
5. Exclusion versus Belonging
Parent Engagement Meeting
Winning Strategies
● Welcome “Restless Questioning” of students
● Seek understanding through dialogue and a culture of encounter
● Ensure that the core message remains central in all aspects and at all times.
● Go to the margins to Meet Christ
● Be relational, take the longview and leave the outcome and judgement to God
Parent Engagement Meeting
Breakout Group Question #1
• 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
• The teenage years are a privileged time in life when the big questions emerge
• Pre-Evangelization is the work of every teacher, coach, and staff member in the school
• Building good relationships is essential for effective ministry with students
• Spiritual growth is God’s work and the journey of a lifetime
Breakout Group Question #2
• What aspects of The St. Joseph’s Way most resonate with your experience as a Catholic School teacher?