Got Teens

Parent-Teen Conference Could Help Navigate Tumultuous Years

By Gretchen R. Crowe
HERALD Staff Writer
(From the Issue of 1/18/07)

When she was 3 and snuggly, your daughter was so cute. Now she’s 13 and moody and you’re wondering: what happened? If you are a parent struggling with your changing teenager, or a teenager struggling with your “completely out-of-it” parents, an upcoming conference might better help the two of you see eye-to-eye.
On Feb. 10 the diocesan offices of Youth Ministry, Catholic Schools and Family Life will sponsor “Got Teens? A Conference for Catholic Families” at Paul VI Catholic High School in Fairfax from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
According to Kevin Bohli, director of Youth Ministry, the conference, offered in English and Spanish, will have a retreat-type feel, with time for prayer, reflection and one-on-one discussion.
“This day is not just about listening to talks,” he said. “We want people to use this day as an opportunity to grow spiritually and to commit to making Christ the center of their family.”
Professional childcare and activities will be offered for children ages 3 to 12, supervised by the day care program from St. Mary of Sorrows Parish in Fairfax.
Teens and parents will be separated for most of the day with talks tailored for each age group.
David Olshine, director of the youth ministry program at Columbia International University’s Bible College Division, youth pastor and author of several parenting books, will give a talk in English on “Understanding Your Teenager,” part of a national program focused on encouraging parents and building families.
Lilian “Yiyi” Madan, a parishioner from St. Leo the Great Parish in Fairfax, mother of 10 and recipient of last year’s lifetime achievement More Award, will give a presentation in Spanish focusing on “Raising Young Hispanic Catholics in the United States.”
Also presenting will be Susan Mannion, parishioner from St. Mary of Sorrows Parish in Fairfax. Mannion will give an overview of “Building Strong Catholic Families,” a separate conference on parenting being offered this spring.
“It’s not for dysfunctional families, it’s for normal families going through typical struggles,” said Mannion, who is the head of the Building Strong Catholic Families program for the Arlington diocese. “If I can help the parents navigate through that very tumultuous time then that’s what I’d like to do.”
“The goal of all youth ministry programs should be to assist parents in teaching the faith to their teens,” Bohli said. “We hope that this day will help parents and their teens to grow closer together and improve their communication with one another, especially on matters of faith.”
Following the talks, “Over the Top Ministries,” a D.C.-based Catholic comedy team, and Effeta, a young adult group from St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Falls Church, will perform and lead discussion.
Therese Bermpohl, director of Family Life, said that all parents who will come to this conference are looking for help. Sabina Boet, Hispanic coordinator for the Youth Ministry office, added that while the challenges of parenting cross all races and languages, Hispanic parents also must work to prevent their teens from joining gangs, which are prevalent especially in metropolitan areas.
Arlington Bishop Paul S. Loverde will cap off the day by celebrating a Vigil Mass at 4 p.m.
“We are convinced that only great things can come from families committing a day together to pray, learn and share with one another,” Bohli said. “The challenge is getting everybody there to make it happen.”
Paul VI Catholic High School is located at 10675 Fairfax Blvd. in Fairfax. Deadline for registration is Feb. 5. For more information call the Office of Youth Ministry at 703/841-2559 or go to www.arlingtoncatholicyouth.org.

Gretchen R. Crowe can be reached at gcrowe@catholicherald.com.