What is that? And what does it have to do with my child?

A new and important part of our Confirmation preparation process is StrengthsSpotlight, in which our young people will explore their God-given talents in light of their faith and their commitment to live as disciples.

The StrengthsFinder inventory, which is connected to the book Living Your Strengths, is a research-based talent identification process that will benefit all in our parish community in the coming year and years to come. StrengthsSpotlight is a more “youth friendly” version of this inventory, which our 8^th graders will be using in their preparation for Confirmation.

Based on an individual’s responses, the StrengthsSpotlight inventory gives the student a personalized list and description of their Top 5 Themes.  These themes identify where our God-given talents lie and affirm the unique value of each individual.  While it is easy to say that we are “unique,” strengths research actually points to the dramatic reality of how unique each person is: you have a 1 in 278,000 chance of meeting someone during your lifetime with the same Top 5, and a 1 in 33 million chance of meeting someone during your lifetime with the same Top 5 in the same order! Why is all of this important? In better understanding our talents, we better understand ourselves.  And in better understanding ourselves, we are better able to act as disciples of Christ in all aspects of our life.

In light of all of this, and because we know that you are the primary catechist for your child, we want to invite YOU into the process as well! The best way to talk with your child about his or her strengths is to identify and develop your own God-given strengths through the Living Your Strengths process. Through the StrengthsFinder, you will be given insight into the unique talents you have been given by God. Identifying and learning about your strengths gives you a way to develop those gifts which God has blessed you with – and the research says that doing so will assure that we are most productive and happiest. Developing your talents, rather than trying to fix your weaknesses will be a blessing for you and all with whom you interact, especially your family. And having a shared understanding of talents will open the door to a new and wonderful conversation in your family!

As we learn about and develop our strengths, we are able to live more deeply as Christ’s people, called to be witnesses to God’s love. What better gift could we give our young people than to help them develop their God-given talents as young disciples, knowing that they will live their strengths throughout their lives? As parents and pastoral leaders in partnership with one another, this is a real gift, to our youth and to our parish community and our world.

However, as always, there is a cost. While we are steadfast in our belief that this is an important aspect to include in our Confirmation preparation process, we are concerned that we need to do everything possible to use the parishes resources wisely and responsibly. We have found a way to cut the cost of the process by purchasing student codes in bulk. Purchased in this manner, each student StrengthsSpotlight code costs $12. We ask for any donation you can make toward this portion of the preparation process for our students.

Parents and/or sponsors who wish to participate can pay $18 for the StrengthsFinder code and Living Your Strengths book (this is at a discount from $25 at bookstores).  We will offer follow-up to any adults who participate.  Please return your check and the form below to Marci at the Parish Office.

______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ cut here ____________ ______ ______ ______ ______

NAME _____________________________ ___ School ___ PRP Teacher _______________

Parent Name _____________________________________________ Phone_______________

________ Enclosed is my donation of $____ for the students’ StrengthsSpotlight codes.

________ I am purchasing a Living Your Strengths book and code for myself. Enclosed is $18.

________ I am interested in being in a follow-up discussion group with other parents or parishioners.