ParentLIFE: Cross-Cultural Missionaries

ParentLIFE is a ministry to parents from the world of Youth Ministry. We work in union with Sally Robb in Family Faith Formation in order to construct an effective ministry educating parents about the world of teenagers. This involves historical, sociological, psychological, and theological insights into youth culture in America today presented in an open format that facilitates communal learning and discussion. I previously instituted this program at my old parish and built it into one of the largest consistent programs offered for adults.

This is not a parenting class! As a newly married man without kids of my own, I would never dream of telling parents how to parent. However, what I am is a connection between adult culture and youth culture. Using the best research available, we can form an alliance of support, encouragement and faith between parents in our parish.

Who can come?

This is primarily geared towards parents with teenage children, but has also been attended by a wide variety of adults who are seeking knowledge and skills to bridge the gap between the two cultures. Many new parents would attend previous ParentLIFE sessions to get a new perspective on raising kids in a healthy way that avoids many of the pitfalls of the teenage years. All adults are invited.

The Goal of ParentLIFE

Our goal is simple: we want to form cross-cultural missionaries. 

Called to be a Cross-Cultural Missionary

Our ParentLIFE classes are currently being formed as a union between Family Faith Formation and Youth Ministry. Sally Robb and Mike Gormley are going to be leading these classes. These dates are not entirely set in stone, so please refer to this site often for current information.

Dates and Class Topics

Sept 24, Class 1 Overview of Youth Culture
Oct 29, Class 2 Pornography and Sexuality Today
Nov 19, Class 3 Media Saturation
Dec 17, Class 4 Marketing's Influence

Jan 28, Class 5 Peer Clusters and Pressures
Feb 25, Canceled
Mar 25, Class 6 Teen Depression, Cutting and Suicide
Apr 22, Class 7 Experience and Development


These classes are offered to help the parent or non-parent adult be a better witness of Christ to the young church by seeing the world from their eyes. It is a community effort. Never forget that we are here for you and your families. It is not just our job, it is our passion.

Meeting Time and Place

ParentLIFE will be held once a month at the church in the evening so that as many adults who wish to attend may do so, typically from 7pm to 8:15pm. The dates and times will be announced shortly. Stay tuned here!