Senior year in high school is a long series of farewells. The last dance, last pep rally, last study hall, last life night, and the list goes on. As a youth minister it can be a sad time. Some teens you have known for years and others for just a short time, but they all have made a difference in your life.
When they head off to college in a few months, they will face dangers to their faith and their morals. It is important for them to know that there is someone at home praying for them and supporting them on their journey with the Lord.
Here are some ways to support your newly graduated:
- Care packages: These are a great way to let them know you are thinking about them while sending some nice treats too! If possible, include the Mass schedule and campus ministry information for their college campus.
- Social Media Groups: Create a facebook page or group that has relevant information and updates about what is going on and invite them to share as well.
- Letters: You might think letters are old fashion, but college students love getting mail!
- Prayer: The most important thing we can do is pray for our teens, offer a rosary for smooth transition, make small sacrifices and offer it up for those who just graduated. You might not see them or the effect of your prayers, but God knows.
- Moving Forward: Life Teen just came out with a new book called Moving Forward. This is a great gift to send them off to college with.
College is a turning point, a time of decision, where the direction of adult life is undertaken. St. John Vianney reminds us, “You cannot please both God and the world at the same time.”
Don’t let this be your last time you say goodbye, the last time you text, or the last ultimate Frisbee game you participate in with your teens. Remember, it’s not goodbye, it’s see you soon. Give your youth the gift of faith and the ability to communicate that effectively with others.
