Sending your child to college is a major milestone. While academics and dorm checklists usually take center stage, spiritual preparation matters just as much. In this post, we’ll explore what parents can do before college starts to help their child find and stay connected to their Catholic faith on campus.

Lead by Example

Before anything else, know this: the most powerful thing you can do to help your child stay connected to their faith in college is to live yours.

More than any conversation, resource, or reminder, your example leaves the deepest impression. Show them that your faith is real, not just a Sunday obligation, but something you're actively trying to grow in.

That might look like:

• Attending daily Mass (even occasionally)
• Starting a new prayer habit or devotional routine
• Joining a Bible study or small group
• Being open about your own spiritual questions or struggles

They don’t need to see perfection. They need to see authenticity. Your quiet consistency can give them the courage to stay open to their own journey.

Start the Conversation Early

It’s never too early to start talking to your child about their faith—and if it feels too late, it’s still not. Parents are the primary educators of their children in the faith, and your voice still matters deeply, even as they grow more independent.

If faith hasn’t been a regular part of your family conversations beyond “it’s time to go to Mass,” now is a great time to open that door. You could say:

"I know we haven’t always talked openly about our faith, but it’s something really important to me. I’d love to hear what you think about it and how it might play a part in your life at college."

Some questions to help guide the conversation:

• What does your faith mean to you right now?
• Do you feel like you own your faith, or has it mostly been a family thing?
• Would you be open to exploring a Catholic group on campus?
  
  

If you're trying to reintroduce faith into your home life as your child prepares to leave, even simple things can help: praying together before a trip, watching a Catholic video series, or starting a short Sunday conversation about the homily.

Ideas to bring faith into everyday life, even last-minute:

• Start a weekly Sunday breakfast where you talk about the homily together.
• Watch a Catholic video series together (e.g., The Search on Formed.org).  TRAILER
• Pray together before a big test, travel day, or decision.
• Share something from your own faith journey—even your doubts and growth.

This kind of honest, open conversation—especially when it comes without pressure—can plant seeds for growth later on.

Research Campus Ministries Together

Most colleges have some form of Catholic ministry. Many public universities have Newman Centers—Catholic student centers often located near campus. Others have FOCUS missionaries (Fellowship of Catholic University Students), or Catholic student organizations that operate through local parishes.

Visit the ministry’s website or Instagram together and look for:

• Mass and confession times
• Social or service events
• Retreats or welcome gatherings
• Small group Bible studies
  
  

Pro Tip: Reach out before school starts. Email the campus chaplain or Catholic student leader to say your child is incoming—they’re almost always excited to connect. (Or fill out this form, and we will do it for you!)

Visit the Campus Ministry When You Visit

If you’re on campus for a family weekend or visit, stop by the chapel with your child, attend Mass together, or introduce yourself to the campus minister. These simple actions show that you value their spiritual life—and that you’re interested in what matters to them.

Ask about what’s available for new students:

• Welcome Week events
• Small groups
• Service projects
• Opportunities for freshmen to get involved
  
  

Some campus ministries offer student ambassadors—Catholic students who welcome newcomers, give tours, and share what faith life looks like on campus. If that isn’t already in place, consider reaching out to the campus minister and asking if a student leader might be willing to connect with your child before the semester begins. A simple conversation or tour, even before move-in day, can make a huge difference in helping your student feel welcomed, known, and more confident about stepping into the Catholic community once they arrive.

With this foundation in place before the semester begins, your child will be better equipped to explore Catholic community when they arrive on campus. In the next blog, we’ll talk about how you can support their faith journey once they’ve started college—especially from afar.