Religion and Faith at Boys Town

When Father Flanagan founded Boys Town in 1917, he did so with a deep and abiding faith in God and a passionate concern for America’s hurting, troubled children. Those rock-solid underpinnings of spirituality and humanity have been inseparably linked throughout Boys Town’s history, and continue to serve as the foundation of the life-changing treatment boys and girls receive and the faith environment in which they learn and grow.

A visit to the Village of Boys Town reflects the importance of religion in our mission. We have two churches — Dowd Chapel for our Catholic youth, and Chambers Chapel for our Protestant residents. Children who profess other faiths are taken to their places of worship. In encouraging boys and girls to seek the strength that comes from leading a life of faith, we respect their religious beliefs while nurturing their spiritual growth.

The Catholic and Protestant chapels stand an equal distance from the world-renowned Two Brothers statue, which symbolizes Boys Town’s mission to care for America’s youth. The Gothic form was chosen for both chapels because of its unparalleled use of space, light, color and artistic workmanship to lift the human spirit to God. Their beauty is a silent teacher.

On their way to or from Dowd Chapel and Chambers Chapel, Boys Town families can pass through the spectacular Garden of the Bible that connects the two churches. Brick walkways dotted with benches meander through the three-acre garden, which contains 150 plant species mentioned in the Bible.

Boys Town has always tried to instill in its children the central position God and their religion must hold in their lives if they are to recover from their emotional wounds and find peace. When they take that message to heart, they grow in their faith and maintain a strong spiritual life long after they leave.

“Faith is the foundation that gives us hope.”

Father Flanagan’s dream of helping children of all faiths was unique in 1917 and is a testimony to his love for his God and fellow human beings. That spirit has flourished as those who carry on Boys Town’s work lift troubled children out of the darkness and into the light.

Today, Executive Director Father Steven E. Boes echoes the powerful spiritual messages of his predecessors to our children. “Faith is the foundation that gives us hope. It replenishes the spirit and gives rise to new beginnings. With the help of God’s love, you can find a new direction for your life. Listen carefully to God in prayer and to those around you who love you.”