Our schedule of events for September 24’s Backyard Carnival & Picnic is from 11 am until 4 pm, and from 3-4 pm we have the well-known and well-respected Dr. Kevin Dowd. Kevin has spoken here before to Confirmation candidates before and to our parish last October. He will join us on Saturday, 9/24 for brief conversation and Q&A on the topic of “Family & Faith.”

Recent studies, one in particular from the University of Notre Dame, notes that the greatest influence on children practicing their faith—particularly into young adulthood—are their parents. That’s right, parents! Not friends or cool teachers, not youth ministers or priests or faith formation directors, parents. Not even popular cultural personalities. PARENTS!

When a mom regularly attends Mass and takes her children with her—the child’s participation rate in religion goes up by some 36%. When a father regularly attends Mass and takes his children with him—the participation rate skyrockets to the high 60 percent range.

So what’s important to our parents? I am making the assumption that over all the other things in life— getting into a great college, building a successful family and a career—having a happy and good life—what truly matters is the salvation of their immortal and invaluable soul and their entrance into Eternal Life. To share eternity with you and with God. That’s just my thoughts.

So isn’t it worth a day of fun, good food (for the body) and some really good food for the soul? Come join us on the 24th of September. Take a day, enjoy the sun (putting my reputation on the line) and see how you can be one of the greatest P-O-I’s* not just in the world, but in Eternal Life! *Public Opinion Influencer