HALLECK: Living the Gospel after high school graduation

As a mom trying to raise tiny humans who love God, I can only imagine what it’s like for parents of high school seniors or college students — trying to pass on the faith while also preparing them to survive “adult” life, midterms and figuring out how to do laundry without shrinking everything they own. 

We’ve all seen the statistics — how many young people drift away from their faith during their college years… Jesus calls us to something more, to a deeper connection with Him, no matter where life leads us. 

I’ve been a youth minister in our Archdiocese for nine years. I’m also a mom to two little ones. I always tell my 6- and 3-year-olds that I have two main jobs: to keep them safe and to help them fall in love with Jesus and our Catholic faith. (Though let’s be honest — right now, their greatest devotion is to snacks and Bluey.) 

As graduation season comes to an end, many teens are filled with both excitement and uncertainty. In ministry, we often see two paths unfold: some teens slowly drift from their faith, while others grow more deeply rooted. What makes the difference? More often than not, it’s connections, specifically connections to a community, that help them stay grounded in their faith. 

A good place to start to help your teen look for this is Catholic Campus Ministries and Newman Centers. These ministries provide a spiritual home away from home — a place to ask questions, meet faithful friends, grow in relationship with Christ and receive the Sacraments during one of the most transformative seasons of life. 

As both a parent and a minister, I’ve seen just how important it is to prepare teens not just for college academics or dorm room logistics but for the spiritual challenges they’ll face as young adults. We can’t choose their path, but we can equip them with encouragement, prayer and practical tools for staying rooted in Christ. 

Here are a few simple ways to support your teens’ faith after graduation: 

Start early
Don’t wait until move-in day — tour the local Newman Center or Catholic campus ministry during your first college visit or during move-in weekend. Here's where there are campus ministries in Galveston-Houston.

Encourage connection
Help them get plugged into a Catholic community before classes begin. This might mean taking the time to map out a route to the campus Catholic church or ministries, ensuring they know where to go and what times is key.

Stay spiritually present
Attend Mass on campus with them when you go visit. Check in, ask questions, and, most importantly, pray together.

Model the faith
Show them what a joyful, consistent and authentic relationship with God looks like. (This is big!) A joyful, authentic relationship with God is contagious. My own spiritual director, who has walked with me for years, found her way to Jesus simply by watching someone live out their faith with quiet conviction — day in and day out. No lectures, no pressure — just the witness of a life rooted in Christ. That kind of witness can speak louder than words.

Share relevant resources
Find podcasts, books and social media accounts that speak to their season of life and help faith feel personal.

In the end, our role is to walk with young people as they learn to live the Gospel beyond the comfort of their home and parish youth group. Because no matter where life takes them, Christ is already there, calling them deeper. 

Stephanie Ruiz Halleck is the director of youth ministry at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church.

(CNS photo/Bob Nichols, Catholic Moment)