Welcome to our November newsletter for parents of high school students! Thank you for taking the time to read through this newsletter. We hope these resources and reminders will bless your month ahead and start some conversations of faith at home.
Welcome to our November newsletter for parents of high school students! Thank you for taking the time to read through this newsletter. We hope these resources and reminders will bless your month ahead and start some conversations of faith at home.
There has been an "epidemic surge" in the use of e-cigarettes by adolescents. This is a topic of conversation that regularly comes up in our discussions with the high school students (and unfortunately in middle school as well). Many high school students either use e-cigarettes themselves, know a friend who does, or struggle with the temptation and peer pressure to participate. The question we often hear is, "Well, isn't it safer than smoking "real" cigarettes?" The following information sent to me from Axis: The Culture Translator debunks that myth...
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A new study by the American Physiological Society significantly debunks the myth that e-cigarettes are safer than regular cigarettes.
FDA commissioner Scott Gottlieb says, “E-cigs have become an almost ubiquitous--and dangerous--trend among teens.” Due in large part to the mythic narrative that vaping is safe. This recent research shows that not only vapor harms the lungs, but the added flavor in e-cigs exacerbates the detrimental impact of vaping. It’s a double whammy. Your teens probably believe e-cigs are safe and more significantly they may be drawn to them because vaping just looks cool. Here are some great tips on how to talk with your kids about the dangers of vaping and smoking.
In this season of Thanksgiving, one of the easiest ways to show our gratitude to God is by beginning our day in prayer. That is easier said than done though. Check out the video below for some interesting ways in which you can start the day with Jesus...
Here we are in the Thanksgiving season again! I love the Thanksgiving holiday partially because gratitude is such an important character trait for Christ-followers. Christians have a special reason to adopt the attitude of gratitude, because we know that whatever comes, our times are in God's hands. It was Jesus who said, in effect, "So don't be anxious about tomorrow. God will take care of your tomorrow, too," (see Matt. 6:34).
If you want to help your kids develop an attitude of gratitude in the run-up to Thanksgiving Day, I encourage you to try an experiment that might radically influence your family. It's called "Thank Therapy." Thank Therapy is simply focusing on the many things in your life for which you can be thankful. The first time I tried this, I took out a notebook and wrote at the top, "Twenty Reasons Why I'm Thankful." The first few were easy; but I really struggled to write down twenty reasons why I was thankful. Thank Therapy is simply an act of the will to concentrate on the good and not the bad.
No matter what your family circumstances, you can find reasons to be thankful. As a family, take a few minutes, grab a notebook and pen, and make your list of things for which your family is grateful. When you focus on positive things in your life and give thanks for them, the load seems lighter. Make thankfulness a habit in your family and watch good things happen.
Christians have every reason to be thankful because Jesus Christ was willing to sacrifice his very life in order to set us free from the constraints of sin. Paul explained it this way: "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us," (Rom. 5:8). With this expression of love, we can begin to understand the depth of thankfulness that can transform our hearts. Yes, your family circumstances might be difficult. But because you have a Lord who cares for every aspect of your family life, you can be assured you're not alone in your struggles.
Building this attitude of gratitude into the lives of your kids now will be a source of strength throughout their lives. Don't let this opportunity to build your family pass you by. Begin building a family culture of thankfulness as soon as possible! Practice Thank Therapy!
Thanks to all of you who attended Holy Trinity Parent Night! It was a wonderful evening of community. We are grateful that so many of you were able to gather for dinner and discussion with our guest speaker Adam McLane. The topic of "Raising Digital Natives" was one I hope gave you much to think, reflect and pray about!
Many of you asked about Adam's books on this topic and where you can find them. If you would like to learn more about this subject, or if you were unable to attend, click the following link to his website.
Do you have a child in their freshman year of college? Or do you have a child who has just applied to colleges before that November 1st deadline? It is not too early to plan ahead and consider what their early days of college will be like. The following article (sent to us from a Holy Trinity parent!) explores what you need to know to help your [soon-to-be] college freshman. Whether you have a child who is figuring out their first semester right now or will be doing that this time next year...see below for some helpful insights into freshman life.
Freshman year of college is known for being full of new experiences, but it also presents a variety of challenges. The W-Curve is an emotional pattern that most incoming students find themselves falling into throughout their first year in college.... read more
A gathering for all Year 1 Parents & Candidates on the journey towards the Sacrament of Confirmation. We will connect over a lovely breakfast, thoughtful discussion, and faithful reflection. We will then celebrate Mass together as families and community.
All High School students are welcome to join us every Wednesday evening for Bible Reflection. We meet in the Parish Hall from 7:00pm to 9:00pm - we hang out, play games, and eat snacks, before praying and reflecting on Sunday's Gospel. Feel free to bring a friend.
A potluck dinner for all high school students! Our annual Thanksgiving Dinner is a time for Holy Trinity High School students to gather for fellowship, dinner, and thanksgiving! All are welcome. Contact Andrew if your son/daughter would like to go.
Do you have a Middle School Student? Check out the Middle School Parent Newsletter here.
PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
Father in Heaven, Creator of all and source of all goodness and love, please look kindly upon us and receive our heartfelt gratitude in this time of giving thanks.
Thank you for all the graces and blessings. You have betowed upon us, spiritual and temporal: our faith and religious heritage. Our food and shelter, our health, the loves we have for one another, our family and friends.
Dear Father, in Your infinite generosity, please grant us continued graces and blessing throughout the coming year.
We ask this in the Name of Jesus, Your Son. Amen.