Advice on how to keep the faith

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catholic03

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I have put this in traditional Catholicism as I am looking for particularly orthodox advice on this matter. I made a prayer thread, asking for prayers that as I enter a new stage in my life, I will always stand steadfast to the faith.

I turn 16 in a few days. It feels a bit weird because for the first time in my life, I won’t exactly be a ‘child’ anymore. I’ll be able to think about getting my first car, I’ll have a lot more responsibilities.

I’d like to ask what advice any members here would have for me. How do I ensure, that in the next 60,70, or 80 years that I live, that I will stand steadfast to the faith? How do I engage with people who aren’t Catholic? I live in a pretty secular society, moreso than the US, so I have to live with, work with and become friends with those who don’t share the faith.

So, what advice would you have to a teenager about how to stay close to Christ and His Church?

Thank you
 
Excellent question! I wish all 16 year olds would ask it. Find out when your local parish offers adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Talk about staying close to Christ! Some of the greatest Saints of recent times have spent a holy hour daily. However, even 15 minutes will be the best 15 of your week.

Just sit. Gaze upon Him. Read scripture. Tell Him of your struggles. Be as patient with Him s He has been with you. When you receive your consolation, you will be changed - affirmed in your faith.
 
I wish I could go to adoration. The only time my parish offers it is for I think 1 hour after 9.30 am Mass on Friday, when I’m at school. It’s a pity that I can’t gaze upon Our Lord in adoration, but I get by.
po18guy said:
Just sit. Gaze upon Him. Read scripture. Tell Him of your struggles. Be as patient with Him s He has been with you
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I like sitting in front of my wall crucifix and just speaking to the Lord. It’s not as good as adoration, but it’s better than nothing.
 
Then, go any time the building is open. You can sit in a pew before the Tabernacle. As long as the candle is lit, signifying that our Lord is present - it is the same thing! and you will probably be the only one there.
 
That’s certainly something to consider. I just wish there were others my age who shared my beliefs. It is hard living in a secular society, as a teen. We are the future of the Church, and there are so few of us, or at least it seems.
 
Stay away from the sin.
Pray 3 times a day. You will be led by Holy Spirit what to do after.
Most important is to pray when you least want it. Because discipline and will will keep your faith.
 
The thing that’s helped me solidify my faith is finding my vocation. Whether it be priesthood, religious life, or starting a family (or something else entirely?) it will keep you grounded in your faith.
I will just recommend you find a good spiritual advisor (priest) who can help you out with finding your path.
Going to spiritual retreats (I recommend an Ignatian retreat if you can find one) is also a good way of seeking God intensively for a period of time.
God bless on your journey!
 
Thank you for the advice.

We do have some retreats in the Archdiocese. I’d probably be the only person under 70 there, but I guess that’s just the way things are.
 
When I went to an Ignatian retreat last summer it was split down the middle, over and under 50. That was SSPX, lots of young Catholic men there.
But an Ignatian retreat is inherently between you and our Lord. And it’s supposed to be silent, so it shouldn’t really matter who else is there.
It can matter who preaches the retreat, of course.
 
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Have good friends with similar values to your own.

And with all this advise to pray, make sure you have fun, too. ;). [edited to add: It is easier to stay faithful to God when you are not making it harder than it needs to be. Have clean fun with good friends - it is truly insulation against a whole host of temptations that often creep in during times of isolation, loneliness, etc.]
 
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Jen7 said:
Have good friends with similar values to your own.
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Unfortunately, very hard to find. Which is sad, but true. There doesn’t seem to be one person at Mass on Sunday my age who would be there if they weren’t made to go by their parents.

I try though. My best friend is a conservative Evangelical.

I am good friends with St John Paul II 😉 . He’s done a lot for me , by his intercession.
 
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catholic03 said:
I am good friends with St John Paul II 😉 . He’s done a lot for me , by his intercession.
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Nope, not what I’m referring to. Find some real humans. Does a nearby parish offer anything for youth? If typical youth groups aren’t your style can you start a Chesterton club or join a group based on a shared hobby?
 
catholic03 said:
There doesn’t seem to be one person at Mass on Sunday my age who would be there if they weren’t made to go by their parents.
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Once you get your drivers license maybe you can visit some neighboring parishes. Or volunteer places where you might meet like minded teens. I know it’s hard - but I really do think it’s essential.
 
catholic03 said:
Unfortunately, very hard to find. Which is sad, but true. There doesn’t seem to be one person at Mass on Sunday my age who would be there if they weren’t made to go by their parents.
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I don’t know your geographical situation, but go to a traditional Latin Mass. The young people are there.
 
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There are no Church approved Latin Masses in my Archdiocese. The closest one is 3 hours away.

I don’t have a quarrel with the Ordinary Form. But if I had the opportunity to attend the Latin Mass, then I would strongly consider it.
 
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catholic03 said:
There are no Church approved Latin Masses in my Archdiocese. The closest one is 3 hours away.
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Is there public transportation there? If so, just ask your parents if you can go by yourself one day (if they won’t take you or lend you a car). They’ll probably understand if you say it’s to broaden your Catholic faith and meet other young people.
Not to imply it’s always easy, or that I’m somehow cool for doing it, but I’ve travelled 3 hours each way for the right Mass and the right people many times. It’ll be worth it.
 
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