Keeping the Faith: The Importance of Relationships in Catholic Education
Keeping the Faith: The Importance of Relationships in Catholic Education
WEBINAR SERIES | Session 1
By Dr. Julie Emory-Johnson, Ed.D.
In an era where we are more connected than ever through technology, we face an ironic challenge: profound social disconnection. This reality impacts all aspects of life, including our connection to the church. Relationships matter. God designed us to be in a relationship—with Him and with one another. This is particularly critical for students, who crave connection, community, and meaningful friendships.
Research underscores the importance of social embedded-ness—the sense of belonging through consistent, meaningful relationships in a community. Sociologist Samuel Stroope’s work at Baylor University illustrates that individuals with strong social ties within their faith community are far more likely to embrace and live out their faith. Without these relationships, people—even those who intellectually agree with Church teachings—often disengage, contributing to the rise of the "DONES,” those who stop practicing while maintaining their belief. Social embeddedness is essential because it transforms abstract doctrines into a lived experience, reinforcing faith through empathy, mutual support, and shared values.
Character education plays a vital role in fostering meaningful relationships and providing a foundation for faith-based living. Defined as a programmatic approach to teaching, character education equips students with the skills necessary to build healthy relationships, manage stress, improve academic focus, and reduce disruptive behavior—all while helping them connect these skills to their Catholic faith. In a Catholic school setting, this means guiding students to see how virtues like kindness, patience, and forgiveness are deeply rooted in Scripture and integral to their identity as children of God. These tools not only prepare students to live out their faith but also empower them to embody Christ’s love in their daily interactions, becoming, in simple but profound terms, really good friends. Faith-based character education takes this one step further by embedding these teachings in Scripture and aligning them with God’s design for friendship, virtue, and moral growth.
Friendzy inspires a transformative approach to faith-based character education, equipping students with skills for good and skills for life. Every lesson is a purposeful blend of Scripture and character development, guiding students from pre-K through high school to grow in self-awareness, self-management, and relationship-building. Through this Scripture-rich framework, students not only learn about God’s design for relationships but are empowered to live it out daily. Picture a fourth grader finding peace in stressful moments by turning to Philippians 4:6—“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Or envision a high schooler grappling with forgiveness, discovering guidance through Matthew 18:21-22. These lessons reach far beyond theory; they invite students to embody God’s love in their actions, helping them form habits rooted in their Catholic identity. Friendzy doesn’t just teach skills—it shapes lives, preparing students to navigate the world with faith, resilience, and purpose.
Friendzy teaches skills that are both practical and deeply formative. Students learn how to build healthy relationships that foster empathy and kindness, regulate their emotions to handle stress and conflict constructively, and focus on academics without being derailed by disruptive behaviors. The impact extends far beyond the classroom. By instilling these virtues, Friendzy helps create students who live their faith through their actions, truly preparing them to become missionary disciples in their day-to-day lives now and in the future.
Educators also benefit from the program’s unified approach. Friendzy provides a shared language and framework for character education, making it easier for teachers, administrators, and families to work together to reinforce these lessons. It aligns perfectly with the mission of Catholic education: to form students not just academically but spiritually, preparing them to live lives rooted in virtue and community.
Ultimately, this work isn’t just about improving classroom behavior or academic outcomes—it’s about transforming hearts and minds. Character education, especially when viewed through a faith-based lens, helps students encounter Christ in their relationships, navigate life’s challenges with a faith-filled perspective, and prepare for a future where they live out the Gospel in their daily interactions. As Catholic educators, our mission is clear: to help students grow into the people God designed them to be—compassionate, kind, and deeply connected to their faith.
Learn more about how Friendzy supports Catholic schools in cultivating faith-filled relationships and fostering character education.
Together, let’s equip our students with "skills for good, skills for life" as they grow into virtuous leaders in their schools, churches, and communities.
WEBINAR REPLAY | SESSION 1
Interested in Joining Us for Session 2 and Session 3? Sign Up Today!
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.