Dear Parents..

Dear Parents: An open letter

I’m thinking we can work together.

First, let me say you are doing a great job. Raising children, (especially teenagers) with good values seems to be an impossible task in our world and society today.

But, I admit I need your help. I need your help in making faith experiences a priority for your child. I’m noticing more and more students are giving me reasons they can’t participate in retreats and things because of family vacations, SAT/ACT test preparations, parents won’t give permission, and various other things that seem to randomly come up last minute.

Now, I know these are very important things. I would never want to tell anyone they shouldn’t be doing them. I just hope we could work together a little bit, and try not to schedule them over other religious things the students are committing to.

They are taking your example on what to prioritize and how, and if they hear or see retreats and going to mass come after school work and standardized tests, will they believe me if I try and convince them that what they learn on and gain from a retreat can also help them do better on retreats and tests and as respectful and loving family member?

You have a tremendous responsibility as primary educator of your child, and I know that is a huge burden. I want to help you as much as I can, by providing opportunities for your son to encounter Christ, but also trying not to require too much of them. I also know the importance of giving them the time and help they need to prepare for the tests, to complete the homework, to spend time with family. I was thinking, if we work together, we can find the solution.

Together, hopefully we can find a balance that works.