PREDICTORS OF SUCCESSFUL CATHOLIC FAITH TRANSMISSION
FOR PARENTS
1. Parents living their Catholic Faith in ways children see their Catholic Faith is very important to them.
For example, children seeing and hearing parents ask for God’s help, children seeing and hearing parents thank God for blessings and favors received – especially blessings and favors God has given to your children, children seeing and hearing their parents pray daily, children watching their parents be good neighbors because Jesus sets that as daily standard.
2. Parents sharing religious conversations with their children. And as children grow, it is helpful for parents to speak to the questions your children have to listen as well as talk.
For example, instead of how was your day, perhaps ask your child “How did God surprise you?” Instead of what do you want to do, perhaps ask your child, ‘What does God want you to do?” Instead of instructing a child to figure out a situation, perhaps first taking a moment with your child asking God to help.
3. Parents tirelessly striving to provide care and structure for their children that marvelously fortifies attachment and trust.
For example, commit and recommit to developing good, positive, trusting relationships with your children. Learn best practices from other committed parents. Establish strong relationships with other committed Catholic parents.
WHAT KIDS DO ALSO MATTERS
1. Kids must be active in their practice of the Catholic Faith.
Data validates the supreme importance for children to develop habit of daily prayer and participating in Sunday Mass. Additional ways for practicing the faith further grow the faith such as service and learning about the saints.
2. Many supportive Catholic adults in their lives improves likelihood of their remaining Catholic
Data validates the power of positive mentoring and children knowing their parents are friends with other Catholic parents who they interact with on Sunday and are connected outside of Mass.
I have adapted conclusions from Religious Transmission: A Solution to the Church’s Biggest Problem by Michael Rota and Stephen Bullivant [Catholic Life Journal, The University of Notre Dame, August 12, 2025].
