Those young adults who could most accurately describe their parents' religious beliefs were most likely to agree with them. Parents who want their kids to grow up Catholic (or Baptist or Jewish) shouldn't just leave it to chance, or to the weekly official sermon. As one young woman described her father's active role: "He would tell me the things he believed, why he believes them, and what the opposite belief is, and why he didn't believe that." "When he would go help someone in our church," reported another, "he would take me along." Actions may speak louder than words, but actions and words together speak louder than either alone.
Me? I read Bible stories to my 5-year-old every night. and when he tells me he's going to marry a classmate at St. Theresa's, I say, approvingly: "A nice Catholic girl!" (Call me narrow-minded if you like, but if my grandkids aren't Catholic, it's not going to be my fault). This Christmas, like every other Christmas, we'll go to Mass to hear of the strange, miraculous, joyful mystery that God has consented to come and be one of us. Maybe this year, ala Chuck Stetson, I'll even take the time to read Luke for my two kids before carving up the turkey. Then I'll thank God for the blessings of two dear sons and pray that somehow it all takes.