Responding to an urgent "sign of the times"

You may have already seen the data about the high percentage of baptized Catholics who leave the faith, but this break with the Church now occurs at or around age 13. Clearly, despite the great investment in religious education and sacramental prep, these very young Catholics have not developed a living relationship with Jesus.

We can’t solve this massive problem through programs or sophisticated media projects. Kids need to know Jesus; know him as a real person, as someone who understands and cares about them and their problems.

As a way of promoting a vibrant personal relationship with Jesus from the very first years of Catholic life, the Daughters of St. Paul recently released The Stations of the Cross for Young Catholics. This vividly illustrated booklet guides children along the Way of the Cross, engaging children’s imagination and participation as they “witness” the events of our Lord’s final hours on earth. This powerful book, one teaching Sister said, “is written the way that children think.”

Lent is the perfect time to foster in children a prayer life that will support them throughout their growing years, and into adulthood. And this Lent, we’d like to put a copy of The Stations of the Cross for Young Catholics in the hands of every child age nine and up, starting with the Archdiocese of New Orleans.

We need your help! Knowing the importance the Knights of Columbus have given in supporting evangelization and Catholic education, we turn to you in the hopes that the various Councils throughout the Archdiocese will partner with us and with your local parish and school in making The Stations of the Cross for Young Catholics available to as many children as possible, by: 

·       Informing parishes and schools by the end of January about this vital new resource, if possible, providing them with a copy so they can see for themselves how powerfully it draws the young person to Jesus.

·       Purchasing or offering to subsidize all or part of the cost of copies needed by parishes and schools that otherwise would not be able to consider an expense like this. 

I can provide a sample letter for the Councils to adapt for their pastor, parish religious education director, or parochial school principal. Lent starts February 18, so time is of the essence!

If there is anything else we could provide to help you promote this initiative for Lent 2026, please contact me.