Difficult Teen Wants to Understand Faith Better

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Sheen

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My 17-year-old step-daughter asked me if I would do a Bible study with her. She said she wants to be a better Catholic. I’m wondering if there is a good series on the faith that we could listen to together and discuss.

She is an extremely complicated girl with many issues. She has anxiety issues, is extremely manipulative, is not trustworthy as she has been caught lying many, many times, misses Mass frequently for no good reason, does not honor commitments, throws tantrums, and is presently identifying herself as gay. I say all this because I think it matters when choosing how to best strike while the iron is hot and she is seeking to increase her knowledge of her faith. Yes, she in therapy, but I think she has long road ahead of her.

She seems to be interested in understanding her Catholic faith at a deeper level, and she has been confirmed.

Hoping someone has dealt with same kind of difficulties and has found useful tools.

Thanks!
 
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The only one I can think of off the top of my head is the Theology of the Body for teens, but with a kiddo like you describe, I would want to have maybe three different choices and let her pick.

Also, be very open and honest with her that you’re researching different studies, and maybe even ask her if there’s an area of the Bible she’s particularly interested in, such as the Sermon on the Mount, or Women of the Bible.

And if she abruptly decides she changed her mind and doesn’t want to do it anymore, don’t react, or look disappointed, she’s going through a rough time trying to figure a lot of things out.

:pray:t2::pray:t2::pray:t2: for you and your family.
 
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Ask her what she thinks about things as you study them. Dont discount her thoughts. You will learn a lot about her this way.
 
Youcat is probably a good resource to start with. I would also maybe have her watch the “Catholicism” series by Bishop Brown as that is a great general and positive overview.
 
@Sheen

Give her more love and pray together ,be close to her when she needs you,Pray the Rosary and read the Word of God together and discuss them.Can you or family attend some kind of Catholic Retreat,Eucharist Adoration.Ask her to make a honest Confession .

http://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-wor...entals/penance/examinations-of-conscience.cfm

Before celebrating the Sacrament of Penance, one should prepare oneself with an examination of conscience, which involves reflecting prayerfully on one’s thoughts, words, and deeds in order to identify any sins.

There are various types of examinations of conscience but regardless of which one you use to prepare yourself for the Sacrament it should be rooted in Scripture; particularly, the Ten Commandments and Beatitudes. Below are a few examples of Examinations of Conscience that can help you prepare for the Sacrament.

Examination of Conscience based on the Ten Commandments

Examination of Conscience in Light of Catholic Social Teaching I En Español

Examination of Conscience for Children

Examination of Conscience for Young Adults

Examination of Conscience for Single People

Examination of Conscience for Married Persons

Read or buy a book on the life of saints or check videos of saints
 
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Another good option is FORMED. I haven’t visited the site myself (formed.org) but have heard many good things about it. Your parish may have subscription. If not, you can purchase one.
 
Sheen said:
My 17-year-old step-daughter asked me if I would do a Bible study with her. She said she wants to be a better Catholic. I’m wondering if there is a good series on the faith that we could listen to together and discuss.
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My recommendation would be to start with the basics and pick up 2 copies of…


Read it one chapter at a time and discuss it. Trent just finished an audio version of the book, that you can download, if you would like to listen to a chapter together instead.

If you want to go more in depth on the sexuality issue you might want to continue by reading and having a dialogue on this book…


From here if you want to go deeper there is a ton of information and talks at


As well as

http://www.biblechristiansociety.com/download

Hope these help,

God Bless
 
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