Courage!

[Robster]

I posted this in the popular media section, but I think it may have been put in the wrong section. So I’m going to ask again in this section!

I’m preparing a talk on “becoming a man of courage” for male teenagers in highschool. This talk is supposed to inspire young catholics/christians and help them have a better understanding of what it truly means to be a man. I can think of alot of things to base this talk off of, but I’m looking for something that might relate more to the high school crowd. I thought some of you might be able to recommend some good books or ideas for this. Thanks!

 

[Catholic_Dude]

Some things Id say to them:

-dont do something just because others are doing it, Im not talking about dont give in to peer pressure for drugs and stuff, Im talking about the passive things, like dont get ear rings because their freinds have them, dont go buy everything you see that someone else has

-dont strive to have the newest and best clothes and goods, dont give your friends the opportunity to feel jealous

-dont talk bad about your family around your friends even if you family problems

-dress normal and with class, no flip flops, no chains, no long pony tail hair, wear your size ie no bagggggy pants/shirts

-dont bash or discredit the Catholic faith, that doesnt mean openly defend it but at least dont play along or change the subject

-go to mass every Sunday on your own initiative not dragged by your parents

-dont listen to degrading music like rap and punk and even some mainstream pop

-dont go home and watch a tv showyou know is bad just because others tell you about it

the list goes on and on

 

[JMJ_Theresa]

Here’s some saints/saintly people that I think would speak to Courage:

Bl. Pier Giorgio Frassati–Italian young man who was the model of Christianity. Very involved in his community. Developed a strong prayer and sacramental life despite his families’ objections. Supported dozens of families in secret.

Bl. Miguel Pro–Mexican priest who was martyred

Pope John Paul II–focusing esp. on his young adulthood.

Pope St. Leo–met Attila the Hun to negotiate to save Rome

Bl Damien of Molokai–ministered to the lepers

I’m sure there is more. I think people in general internalize stories rather than discussion of concepts.

Curtis Martin has a Boys to Men study which I think focuses on Fortitude–as a woman I haven’t read it. May God Bless you in your work.

 

[Annunciata]

I’m not really sure of what you are looking for… This man is certainly a man of tremendous courage: Fr. Benedict Groeschel and this book gives a good account it.

There Are No Accidents

 

[AlanFromWichita]

One thing I like to tell young people is that most of them will be around for longer than most of us “old” people, and they are to bring in the future.

Therefore, it is crucial that they learn to get along with each other.

With my own children, I expect them to respect me and honor me as it says in the Bible. I tell them their relationships with each other are even more important.

Alan

 

[blessedstar]

You may chose to ask them to talk about courage in their own lives or someone they know or a public figure they admire. Young people sharing experiences and their ideals of courage have alot of impact on each other, peer pressure used in a positive light speaks volumes to young people much more than delivering a lecture to them as young people tend to listen and absorb when they feel listened to by others. If there is no time to ask students to prepare ths prior you may just chose to get them into groups and let them talk about their experiences of courage ‘off the cuff’ You may chose to interject with examples of your own and develop their discussion.

In any case I hope that this talk is profitable and a fun day for you as well as for the students

 

[tossolul]

The 7th and 8th graders in my CCD class just watched the movie Saint Ralph this past week in class. It really moved some of them. Maybe you would want to check that out?