Commission on Evangelization

Doing Good: Going the Extra Mile

Stories From the First Year, by Kathy O'Brien

Jill called Immaculate Conception Church with desperation in her voice. She had discovered from someone at the county's Help Center that we were offering Active Parenting at our church. Was there no session before spring for parents of teens? She needed help now! I agreed to start a program if we could find a co-teacher and someone else interested. We were able to do the sessions.

She and her husband attended every one. They shared their struggles and were very open about the problems they were having with their son. They were getting counseling for him, but felt they needed better skills themselves. They hoped to learn ways of easing some of the tensions in their family. This couple was similar to many other middle-class parents struggling with their teenager.  

Their gratitude for our time and concern in arranging the program showed itself in many ways. They expressed gratitude for the Christian care and concern without being pushed to come to church.

In our area, many churches try to help people but include a push to "be saved" or to join their church along with the help. Word has gotten around that people can come here and be accepted as they are. While some people hang up the phone when they hear "Immaculate Conception Catholic Church" before they hear "Active Parenting," there are now referrals from the county's Department of Children's Services, a counseling service, and Head Start program.

Word has gotten around that the Catholic Church in Giles County is trying to help parents and families.

Isn't that what they said of Jesus? "He went about doing good."

To return to 'Reaching Out to Famlies in Crisis With Active Parenting'

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