127 - How to Write a Family Mission Statement (A Catholic Homeschool Guide) Because, If You Don't Build Your Family's Culture, Someone Else Will

127 - How to Write a Family Mission Statement (A Catholic Homeschool Guide) Because, If You Don't Build Your Family's Culture, Someone Else Will

Every family is building a culture—whether intentionally or not. In this episode, Maeve and Mat share the surprising story of how an unexpected weekend in downtown St. Pete became a powerful reminder that every worldview is trying to shape what we love and value. That experience led them back to an important question: What culture are we intentionally creating in our own home? They'll walk you through a simple five-step process for creating a family mission statement that helps guide your homeschool, strengthen your family culture, and keep your priorities rooted in Christ. You'll also hear practical questions to ask your children, examples of mission statements, and encouragement to build a home that points your family toward its ultimate goal: sainthood. Whether you're just beginning your homeschool journey or have been homeschooling for years, this episode will help you define what matters most—and build your family around it. Show Notes, Published July 12, 2026 In this episode, we discuss: *  Why every family has a culture—even if it's never been written down  *  The surprising lesson we learned from an unexpected weekend getaway  *  Why intentional family culture matters more than ever  *  Stephen Covey's wisdom on family mission statements  *  The five simple steps to writing your own family mission statement  *  Questions to help identify your family's core values  *  Examples of Catholic family mission statements  *  How to use your mission statement to guide calendar decisions, activities, and priorities  *  Why your children will remember your family's culture long after they forget their worksheets  *  The connection between intentional family life and raising future saints  Links: 📝 Read the companion article: How to Write a Catholic Family Mission Statement [https://catholichomeschoolplanner.com/blogs/blog] https://maevejemison.com/127 📒 Catholic Homeschool Planner https://catholichomeschoolplanner.com [https://catholichomeschoolplanner.com] 🎤 See Maeve speak live at the TBHC Homeschool Convention (July 18, 2026) Use code MAEVE26 for a discount. 📧 Join our newsletter:  https://maevejemison.com [ https://maevejemison.com] 🎙 Subscribe to Homeschooling for Catholics wherever you listen to podcasts. Resources Mentioned * Stephen Covey — The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Families * Stephen Covey — The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People *  Dr. Kent Keith — The Anyway Poem *  Mother Teresa's adapted "Anyway" quote  *  The four Cardinal Virtues:  *  Prudence  *  Justice  *  Fortitude  *  Temperance  Isn't it hard to find Catholic friends?! I've got a solution. Hop on over to the Homeschooling for Catholic Parents Facebook community. [https://www.facebook.com/groups/561560930032558]Where we share about apologetics, homeschooling, and family life! https://maevejemison.com/ [https://maevejemison.com/] Purchase Home Is Where The Truth Is: https://www.amazon.com/Home-Where-Truth-Should-Homeschool/dp/B0CSWJ2QXC/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1705863918&sr=8-1 [https://www.amazon.com/Home-Where-Truth-Should-Homeschool/dp/B0CSWJ2QXC/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1705863918&sr=8-1#customerReviews]

126 - STOP Spending All Day Homeschooling! How to Raise Life-Long Learners in 2 Hours a Day. **Greatest Hits Replay**

🇺🇸 Happy 250th America! (And Happy Birthday Mat!) The Jemisons have been at the beach celebrating for the week so please enjoy this Greatest Hits replay that originally aired on February 23, 2025.  Do you want to raise self-starters who are eager for knowledge and actively seek out ideal sources to satisfy their curiosity? Let's think of home education as the petri dish for that! In contrast to the traditional education system which places your child on the conveyor belt to college, where students are inundated with irrelevant facts and become accustomed to being spoon-fed information, home education fosters a love for discovery and nurtures intrinsic motivation.  This episode offers tips on how to cultivate life-long learners in a fraction of the time that traditional schools have access to your children. So, let’s throw those disruptive school bells out the window and focus on providing children with a deeply enriching life at home. Isn't it hard to find Catholic friends?! I've got a solution. Hop on over to the Homeschooling for Catholic Parents Facebook community. [https://www.facebook.com/groups/561560930032558]Where we share about apologetics, homeschooling, and family life! https://maevejemison.com/ [https://maevejemison.com/] Purchase Home Is Where The Truth Is: https://www.amazon.com/Home-Where-Truth-Should-Homeschool/dp/B0CSWJ2QXC/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1705863918&sr=8-1 [https://www.amazon.com/Home-Where-Truth-Should-Homeschool/dp/B0CSWJ2QXC/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1705863918&sr=8-1#customerReviews]

125 - The Faith Has to Become Theirs

What keeps children Catholic long after they leave home? After interviewing youth minister Rick Grinstead, Maeve couldn't stop thinking about one powerful statement: "They didn't leave the faith in college. They left a faith that was never theirs." In this episode, Maeve and Mat explore what it really takes to help children move beyond simply attending Mass to developing a personal relationship with Christ. Along the way they share: *  a surprising Catholic trivia challenge,  *  what they learned as godparents in a baptism preparation class,  *  a visit to the Shroud of Turin exhibit and Carlo Acutis Eucharistic Miracles display,  *  highlights from Steubenville Youth Conference,  *  an unforgettable moment in Eucharistic Adoration,  *  and a remarkable phone call that reminded Maeve she was exactly where God wanted her to be.  If you've ever wondered how to help your children build a faith that lasts, this conversation is filled with practical encouragement and hope. Isn't it hard to find Catholic friends?! I've got a solution. Hop on over to the Homeschooling for Catholic Parents Facebook community. [https://www.facebook.com/groups/561560930032558]Where we share about apologetics, homeschooling, and family life! https://maevejemison.com/ [https://maevejemison.com/] Purchase Home Is Where The Truth Is: https://www.amazon.com/Home-Where-Truth-Should-Homeschool/dp/B0CSWJ2QXC/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1705863918&sr=8-1 [https://www.amazon.com/Home-Where-Truth-Should-Homeschool/dp/B0CSWJ2QXC/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1705863918&sr=8-1#customerReviews]

124 - Alex Newman on Faith, Fathers, and the Future of Education

What is the ultimate goal of homeschooling? In this Father's Day episode, Maeve sits down with journalist, author, and homeschool father Alex Newman to discuss faith, discipleship, education, and the responsibility parents have in shaping the next generation. Alex shares his own journey from a nominal Catholic upbringing to becoming one of America's most outspoken advocates for Christian education. Together, Maeve and Alex explore the historical roots of government schooling, the importance of cultivating curiosity in children, and why fathers play a uniquely influential role in the spiritual formation of their families. Most importantly, Alex offers encouragement to weary homeschool parents who may feel behind, reminding us that discipleship—not perfection—is the true mission. Whether you're a veteran homeschooler or just beginning your journey, this conversation will challenge and encourage you to keep the main thing the main thing. Show Notes Published June 21, 2026 Links Mentioned: You'll likely want links for: * Alex Newman [https://libertysentinel.org/alex/] * The Liberty Sentinel [https://libertysentinel.org/] * Public School Exit [https://www.publicschoolexit.com/] * Indoctrinating Our Children to Death [https://libertysentinel.org/savechildren/] * Classical Conversations [https://classicalconversations.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Isn't it hard to find Catholic friends?! I've got a solution. Hop on over to the Homeschooling for Catholic Parents Facebook community. [https://www.facebook.com/groups/561560930032558]Where we share about apologetics, homeschooling, and family life! https://maevejemison.com/ [https://maevejemison.com/] Purchase Home Is Where The Truth Is: https://www.amazon.com/Home-Where-Truth-Should-Homeschool/dp/B0CSWJ2QXC/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1705863918&sr=8-1 [https://www.amazon.com/Home-Where-Truth-Should-Homeschool/dp/B0CSWJ2QXC/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1705863918&sr=8-1#customerReviews]

123 - Helping Your Teen Encounter Jesus for Themselves, with Rick Grinstead

What if one of the biggest mistakes we make with teenagers is trying to teach before we've truly connected? In this encouraging conversation, Maeve sits down with youth ministry veteran Rick Grinstead to discuss what today's teens are really looking for—and how parents can help them develop a faith that is genuinely their own. Drawing from more than thirty years in ministry and his experience as a father of eight, Rick explains why invitation often works better than enforcement, why belonging frequently precedes belief, and why authenticity matters more to this generation than ever before. Together, they explore how parents can create safe spaces for difficult conversations, why trusted adults are essential in a teen's life, how hospitality becomes a powerful form of evangelization, and what it means to raise young people who become missionaries rather than merely survivors of the culture. Rick also shares insights into Alpha Youth and the upcoming Parenting Teens resources designed to equip families to accompany young people through today's unique challenges. Whether you're currently parenting teenagers, preparing for those years ahead, or simply hoping to pass on a vibrant Catholic faith to your children, this conversation offers practical wisdom, hope, and encouragement. Show Notes, Published June 14, 2026 Resources mentioned in this episode: • Alpha Youth • Parenting Children Course • Parenting Teens Course • Rick Grinstead on Instagram Isn't it hard to find Catholic friends?! I've got a solution. Hop on over to the Homeschooling for Catholic Parents Facebook community. [https://www.facebook.com/groups/561560930032558]Where we share about apologetics, homeschooling, and family life! https://maevejemison.com/ [https://maevejemison.com/] Purchase Home Is Where The Truth Is: https://www.amazon.com/Home-Where-Truth-Should-Homeschool/dp/B0CSWJ2QXC/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1705863918&sr=8-1 [https://www.amazon.com/Home-Where-Truth-Should-Homeschool/dp/B0CSWJ2QXC/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1705863918&sr=8-1#customerReviews]