Webinar 3 | In today’s fast-changing world, where social disconnection is on the rise, Catholic educators are seeking ways to deepen faith, strengthen relationships, and foster a sense of belonging among students. The third session of our Keeping the Faith webinar series focused on the vital role of relationship skills in Catholic education and their profound impact on faith retention, student engagement, and moral development.
By Dr. Julie Emory-Johnson, Ed.D.
One of the most striking insights shared in the webinar was the data showing that 85% of Catholics stop practicing within seven years of Confirmation and the new Pew data showing that for every one person who comes into the church, eight (up from 6.5) people are leaving. This alarming trend highlights a critical truth: theology alone does not keep young people in the faith—relationships do.
Dr. David Anders shared research from sociologist Samuel Stroope, emphasizing that the more socially embedded individuals are in their faith community, the more likely they are to embrace and live out Catholic teachings. This resonated deeply with attendees, sparking a powerful discussion on how schools can cultivate meaningful connections among students to reinforce both their faith and character development.
The webinar explored practical strategies for fostering healthy relationships, emotional intelligence, and faith-driven social skills in Catholic school settings. Some key insights included:
Teaching faith through lived experiences: Simply learning theology does not translate into moral action. Instead, students must experience compassion, service, and authentic relationships within their school communities.
The role of self-awareness and self-regulation: Building self-control, empathy, and responsible decision-making allows students to engage in respectful conversations and navigate conflicts with a Christ-centered approach.
The "SORT" Conflict Resolution Strategy: Educators shared success stories using SORT, a structured approach to resolving disagreements by encouraging students to state the problem, own their part, reflect, and tool up with strategies for positive outcomes.
One attendee noted, “Children squabble all the time, but those moments are teachable moments. If we can capture them and consistently use faith-based strategies, we will increase awareness for children and help them follow their faith teachings in everyday life.”
As Catholic educators, our role is not just to teach what students should believe but to show them how to live out their faith. Strong relationships—with peers, teachers, and God—are the foundation of lifelong faith formation.
Many attendees shared how they plan to take these insights back to their schools:
“We need to connect our students to our Catholic faith to keep them engaged in learning.”
“The importance of building and sustaining relationships really resonated so that we can be effective communicators of our faith.”
“I see my former students on Facebook, and they always talk about how I treated them, not what they learned. Relationships are key.”
As we reflect on this powerful conversation, one thing is clear: Catholic schools must continue fostering authentic, faith-filled relationships to help students stay engaged and rooted in their faith.
Friendzy provides a framework for integrating Catholic teachings with character development, ensuring that students not only learn about virtues like patience, kindness, and forgiveness—but also practice them daily.
Let’s continue working together to equip students with the relationship skills and faith foundation they need to navigate the world with confidence and Christ-like love.
Check Out Webinar 1
Keeping the Faith: The Importance of Relationships in Catholic Education
Check Out Webinar 2
Keeping the Faith: The Power of Responsible Decision-Making and Social Awareness in Catholic Education
BIO | DR. JULIE EMORY-JOHNSON, ED.D.
Julie serves as a National Partnership Director at Friendzy, where she leverages her passion for education and leadership to build meaningful partnerships with schools nationwide. With over 20 years of experience in public and private education, Julie has held roles including Catholic school superintendent, teacher, instructional coach, and curriculum director.
As a champion for equitable access to quality education, Julie is deeply committed to ensuring every child learns from joy-filled teachers who nurture their unique gifts. Her research interests in the ethics of care and belonging shape her approach to Catholic education and leadership.
