How to have fun and be joyful as a Catholic Youth?

[MattBalkus]

Anyone who looks at today’s youth and this generation can probably see a lot of secularism, abuse, very non-Christian behavior. I experience this daily, as a teenager. I’m thankful because in my life I have many friends. However, this comes with a price, as only few actually care about their spiritual lives and the rest of them are always partying, having fun, and seeming to be happy. It is my understanding that true happiness comes from living a moral life in Christ. I’ve been denying myself of partaking in these acts, living as morally as possible, receiving the sacraments regularly, and keeping a good prayer life. Unfortunately, I find myself to be constantly bored, gloomy, frustrated that I’m ‘punishing’ myself, feeling as if I’m missing out on my youth. It makes me sad and angry.

I know that the Christian life is not one of comfort, but it is said to be one of joy and peace in knowing Christ and my own experience is quite the opposite. To me, it seems going out and doing all of the things you shouldn’t do is what makes people happy and doing what I’m doing, by rejecting invitations, staying home on Friday nights, and putting myself in these terribly boring situations is what’s leading me into a state of depression.

I look at youth group but I don’t think I could connect with any of those kids because they’re so unlike me. I just want to live a life of joy in Christ so that I won’t have to care when I turn down invitations and watch my friends have all this fun without me. Am I doing something wrong? A moral life should be leading me to joy, not sadness.

Please, any suggestions or experiences will help. And, as always, please pray for me.

-Matt

 

[TheLittleLady]

Joy is found in fellowship.

Believe me, it is part of teen life to feel that you are an outsider and no one else feels they way you do. Take a step out in faith, go to Youth Group or to your State Catholic Youth Conference.

Being a Catholic does not mean we cannot dance and enjoy a party! Simply find parties with like minded people.

 

[fisherman_carl]

Praying for your intention. Perhaps you could start a Friday night youth prayer group where you pray the rosary together and then go out after to hang out and eat with them at a restaurant. Eating together is one of the most common social activities. Not all social activities have to be immoral to be fun. Just hanging out with your friends over a snack can be fun.

 

[drac16]

I’ve been thinking the same thing recently. I feel like I’m missing out. Many people my age [I’m 28] are out drinking, smoking marijuana and having sex with persons that they barely know. I abstain from all three of those things, but I often wonder what it would be like to go out to a club and hook up with a woman.

I don’t have a girlfriend either. I feel like I’m missing out on that. One day I was reading my Bible and the Lord showed me Psalm 37. I suggest you read it because it hits very close to home. In Psalm 37, God says that you shouldn’t envy evil doers because their fun is only temporary and in the end they will meet God’s wrath. God’s words are worth more than any advice I could give, so I highly recommend reading Psalm 37 and praying over it. I’m praying for you. May the Lord guide you.

 

[pollylodges]

Saint Michael, the archangel, defend us in battle, be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the devil, may God rebuke him, we humbly pray. And do you, O’ Prince of the Heavenly host, by the power of God thrust into Hell Satan and all the other evil spirits who prowl about the world for the ruin of souls.

Amen.

†

 

[Katie777]

Hail Mary
Full of grace,
The Lord is with Thee.
Blessed art Thou amongst women,
and blessed is the fruit of Thy womb
Jesus
Holy Mary
Mother of God,
Pray for us sinners,
Now and at the hour of death
Amen

 

[MattBalkus]

I relate to you so much. That’s exactly how I feel. I appreciate the advice and am grateful of your prayers. I’ll be praying for you as well.