LifeTeen founder defies suspension

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rien said:
No LifeTeen ia an answer to the almost total lack of ministry to teens in the Catholic church. Just another reason to question Catholcisim. it is not feeding souls - why the flood of folks leaving the church. I say bravo to the founder for standing up to his superiors and bishop and church. it is what the early fathers would have done IMO.
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Rien, Are you anti-Catholic? I don’t think you get the picture. And it is probably because you don’t know the whole story. The fact that Fushek is the founder of Life Teen has nothing to do with his disobedience. The new church he started has nothing to do with Life Teen. The teens are not the ones following Fushek. In Fushek’s non-denominational service, most of the 600 people in attendance are middle-aged. The teens who attend St. Timothy’s have not defected. St. Tim’s has lost some members since Father Jack Spaulding became pastor, and that is largely because Father Jack tells people what they NEED to hear, unlike Father Dale, who told people what they WANTED to hear. For example, Father Dale never talked about the necessity of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, whereas, Father Jack often reminds the congregation that frequent confession is necessary.

St. Timothy’s may have decreased in quantity, but it has increased in quality. I certainly notice the change, as I am a frequent parishioner at St. Tim’s.
 
It seems to me that all this has little to do with Life Teen. I’m a Core Member at my parish. I’ve been with the program since the beginning at our parish 2 years ago, and whatever Fr. what’s his name who founded it years ago believes, teaches, and does, is irrelevant to Life Teen.

Life Teen serves to minister to the needs of teens and the adult leaders according to Church teaching. In the end, the program is in the hand of the people who lead it at the parish level. Life Teen designs it’s programs such that a person would have to intend to teach something different on their own in order to get off into questionable territory.

A good priest, if not directly involved with the Life Nights, he will at least do his part to be sure the lessons and activities are done properly.
 
Reformed_Rob said:
It seems to me that all this has little to do with Life Teen. I’m a Core Member at my parish. I’ve been with the program since the beginning at our parish 2 years ago, and whatever Fr. what’s his name who founded it years ago believes, teaches, and does, is irrelevant to Life Teen.

Life Teen serves to minister to the needs of teens and the adult leaders according to Church teaching. In the end, the program is in the hand of the people who lead it at the parish level. Life Teen designs it’s programs such that a person would have to intend to teach something different on their own in order to get off into questionable territory.

A good priest, if not directly involved with the Life Nights, he will at least do his part to be sure the lessons and activities are done properly.
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This has nothing to do with Life Teen, just because Father Fushek was the founder of Life Teen. LT has taken on a life of its own, and exists at other parishes where Father Fushek has no influence. I have heard some rather vile comments that Father Fushek only founded Life Teen so he could have easy access to teenage boys. But I don’t believe that for a second.
 
“And considering most Catholic parents aren’t doing this, Lifeteen is trying to fill a void that most Catholic parents are too lazy to fill themselves.” by NReily

dear NReily,
your ‘Holier than thou’ morality insinuating that most Catholic parents are too lazy or aren’t providing spiritual development for there children is perverted. Making such broad judgments about catholics is highly insulting to me and is exactly why lifeteen is morally corrupt and has damaged a few of its followers (including family very near and dear to me).

I know I sin everyday but i strive to live in a manner that is above approach. Well meaning lifeteen goody two shoes can’t come and question me about the way I raise my children.
As for Dale Fushek, and his special friend Mark Dippre are I hope these two cult leader get excommunicated.
thank you

truth

STATEMENT OF THE DIOCESE OF PHOENIX
Re: The Praise and Worship Center

January 3, 2008

The Praise and Worship Services being led by Dale Fushek, a priest of the Diocese of Phoenix on administrative leave, and Mark Dippre, a priest who left public ministry to enter into a civil marriage and a priest not in good standing, are not endorsed by the Catholic Church. Both of these men have been ordained Catholic priests and ministered in the Diocese of Phoenix. Their actions are not in union with the Catholic Church and may potentially mislead well intentioned Catholics and other members of the Christian faithful. It is important for the faithful to know that both priests are acting contrary to the teachings of the Catholic Church and remain disobedient to directives of the Bishop of Phoenix to whom they pledged obedience and respect when they were ordained to the priesthood.

The Diocese of Phoenix wishes to express its grave concern for Catholics who may be misled or confused by the actions of Dale Fushek and Mark Dippre. Therefore, the Diocese of Phoenix does not endorse the actions of these priests and we encourage Catholics to refrain from attending or supporting the Praise and Worship Center. We remind Catholics that the ultimate form of praise and worship is and always will be the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, and we urge them to keep the Mass as the center of their lives. There is no substitution for the graces received at Mass and no prayer more edifying.
 
cookiedog said:
Dale Fushek’s lifeteen program has to go. The Vatican has to speak up. This fish, as they say, rots from the head.
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I agree. You know, it’s no big surprise that Msgr. Fushek now leads a “non-denominational” prayer service-- isn’t that pretty much the description of LifeTeen? :rolleyes:
 
cookiedog said:
LifeTeen emphasizes the base emotions. It’s happy-clappy, feel-good message is totally devoid of the realities of sin, confession, penance, or reparations for sin.

The emphasis is “I’m-OK-You’re-OK”.

His actions speak volumes; one can only conclude that Father Fushek’s sees no consequence for his actions, has no conscience, or makes no commitments to the ways ordained by the church.

I hope that the lifeteen community will understand my disdain and forgive me for my harsh words of this poor man.
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um,

no, that’s just incorrect.

My Parish did an annual mission trip and was a life teen parish. We were woken up early, where most teens went to morning mass, other teens got up about 5/6 for the morning rosary, often it was so cold we had numb fingers, but we still went. We did service work most of the day and kept the Benedictine prayers, afternoon Mass, and confession was often offered, we still had a LOT of fun, but it was structured, and we were constantly challenged to overcome sin and follow the example of saints, we were given a Saint to emphasise, and teens led the groups.

it depends on the individuals running it.

With due respect, I think your argument was just silly, it usurps the role of the father? please.
 
If a teen is being brought up in the faith, there is no need for a special outreach to teens which includes their ‘own’ Mass. The Mass is for everyone of any age, not just limited to one age group. If it is, then it can’t be on the up and up.
Separating teens form their parents is not a good idea. Teens need guidance just like other children.
 
Leeta said:
If a teen is being brought up in the faith, there is no need for a special outreach to teens which includes their ‘own’ Mass. The Mass is for everyone of any age, not just limited to one age group. If it is, then it can’t be on the up and up.
Separating teens form their parents is not a good idea. Teens need guidance just like other children.
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they arn’t being brought up in the faith, the adult Catholic population has utterly failed the teens, perhapse rather than complaining about what others do, you all could actually do something to adress the abhorant neglect the teens have faced.
 
cookiedog said:
“And considering most Catholic parents aren’t doing this, Lifeteen is trying to fill a void that most Catholic parents are too lazy to fill themselves.” by NReily

dear NReily,
your ‘Holier than thou’ morality insinuating that most Catholic parents are too lazy or aren’t providing spiritual development for there children is perverted. Making such broad judgments about catholics is highly insulting to me and is exactly why lifeteen is morally corrupt and has damaged a few of its followers (including family very near and dear to me).
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Sadely it’s true, you can stomp your foot, and scream lies all you choose, the facts are that teens are not “getting the message” from the adults, and frankely you all ought to be ashamed, your puritanical psuedoorthodox non-sense is just as guiltridden as those who neglect the teens.

If you don’t like LifeTeen, make specific critiques of LifeTeen, son’t attack teen outreach programs
I know I sin everyday but i strive to live in a manner that is above approach. Well meaning lifeteen goody two shoes can’t come and question me about the way I raise my children.
As for Dale Fushek, and his special friend Mark Dippre are I hope these two cult leader get excommunicated.
thank you
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You HOPE they are excommunicated?, you HOPE two souls are cut off from the sacraments of the Church.

Good Christian values:thumbsup:
 
WARNING:

Time to get back to discussing the topic of the thread rather than each other. Thanks for your cooperation.
 
Today’s newspaper reported that Bishop Thomas Olmsted of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix is being pressured to defrock and stop paying Monsignor Dale Fushek, former pastor of St. Timothy’s Catholic Community in Mesa.

The national director of the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP), has called on Bishop Olmsted to act swiftly and stop paying the priest because he is not abiding by the terms of his removal

Father Fushek is not accused of molestation, but his case has drawn national attention from victims’ groups, including SNAP, because of Life Teen’s worldwide membership.

Call me a prude, but this tolerance is improper.
 
I know little about Fr. Fushek, and a little more about the Life Teen organization, if there is in fact an organization. If Fr. Fusheck is indeed leading this Non-denominational congregation, than I believe he is likely ex-communicated Latae Sentia (sorry if my Latin spelling is wrong) so I will henceforth refer to him as Mr. Fusheck.

I believe that his bishop should de-frock him for his persistent violation of his vow of obedience and possibly persue a formal excommunication.

That said, I don’t know that I would taint the whole Life Teen program. I have been to one Life Teen Mass at St. Vincent de Paul here in Houston. Truth be told, though the homily was geared toward teens and young adults, it was actually one of the better ones I have heard. It included a significant section on the Sacrament of Reconciliation and the priest talked about how important this sacrament was for him in his spiritual development and even his eventual acceptance of his call to the priesthood.

I have also heard a lot of anecdotal evidence on the numbers of vocations coming out of the LifeTeen program. If this is true, than I can’t imagine doing away with the program.
 
brockmac said:
I know little about Fr. Fushek, and a little more about the Life Teen organization, if there is in fact an organization. If Fr. Fusheck is indeed leading this Non-denominational congregation, than I believe he is likely ex-communicated Latae Sentia (sorry if my Latin spelling is wrong) so I will henceforth refer to him as Mr. Fusheck.

I believe that his bishop should de-frock him for his persistent violation of his vow of obedience and possibly persue a formal excommunication.

That said, I don’t know that I would taint the whole Life Teen program. I have been to one Life Teen Mass at St. Vincent de Paul here in Houston. Truth be told, though the homily was geared toward teens and young adults, it was actually one of the better ones I have heard. It included a significant section on the Sacrament of Reconciliation and the priest talked about how important this sacrament was for him in his spiritual development and even his eventual acceptance of his call to the priesthood.

I have also heard a lot of anecdotal evidence on the numbers of vocations coming out of the LifeTeen program. If this is true, than I can’t imagine doing away with the program.
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As someone who was heavily involved in a LifeTeen parish, as both a participant (in high school) and as a volunteer for two years (in college). Also, I spent a couple months during a summer working at their camp. I can attest attest that the LifeTeen program is thoroughly and unrelentingly orthodox. There is no moral or doctrinal issue they disagree with. Everything from the immorality of homosexuality to the reality of transubstantiation to the infallibility of the Pope - all of it is drilled again and again into the hearts of the young people.

Getting back on topic, that was all before Fushek’s fall. I don’t know how Lifeteen has actively responded to him, but they’ve almost completely removed his name from the website. Erased him from their history, it seems.
 
Dale Fusheck is not the foundation of life teen…the Eucharist is!!! God has used great sinners in the past many times…just because this man was associated with the starting of this ministry, doesn’t lessen it in any way. I pray for him and hope that he returns to God and faith. But whatever he does, doesn’t change that life teen is completely orthodox in what it teaches the kids.

Before criticizing based solely on experiencing a liturgy at an overly zealous and unorthodox “life teen” parish, take time to read some of the actual life teen materials…their “life nights” which teach doctrine to teens are completely in line with the church.

Additionally, they do not support nor endorse Dale Fusheck’s behaviors in any way.

We just had a life night at our parish on Mary…and it was holy, faithful, and completely orthodox. Many of our teens go to daily mass when they are not in school session…and the daily masses have NO music! The teens can and do attend mass for the right reasons (not to be entertained). That doesn’t mean that having a more lively and musical celebration of the mass is wrong. However, I guarantee you that if the vatican were to officially and unequivocally BAN guitars and drums in mass (which has not happened yet)…the life teen organization would fall in line with the magisterium of the church 100%. It is a 100% Catholic program. I just wish people would inform themselves completely about what life teen is about before passing the harsh judgments that I often see on the blogosphere.

Many parish youth ministers who are overly “touchy-feely” types take what is a good program and ruin it. Don’t judge it by your parish or another one you heard of…go to the source…ask to see some of their teaching materials…read some of the books by Mark Hart of Life Teen. Then decide if it is orthodox or not.

As for Dale Fusheck…let us all pray that he find his way back to the true Church and that those who appreciated his charismatic speaking abilities not be swayed away from the Truth by his misguided behaviors.
 
hamspam said:
Dale Fusheck is not the foundation of life teen…the Eucharist is!!! God has used great sinners in the past many times…just because this man was associated with the starting of this ministry, doesn’t lessen it in any way. I pray for him and hope that he returns to God and faith. But whatever he does, doesn’t change that life teen is completely orthodox in what it teaches the kids.

Before criticizing based solely on experiencing a liturgy at an overly zealous and unorthodox “life teen” parish, take time to read some of the actual life teen materials…their “life nights” which teach doctrine to teens are completely in line with the church.

Additionally, they do not support nor endorse Dale Fusheck’s behaviors in any way.

We just had a life night at our parish on Mary…and it was holy, faithful, and completely orthodox. Many of our teens go to daily mass when they are not in school session…and the daily masses have NO music! The teens can and do attend mass for the right reasons (not to be entertained). That doesn’t mean that having a more lively and musical celebration of the mass is wrong. However, I guarantee you that if the vatican were to officially and unequivocally BAN guitars and drums in mass (which has not happened yet)…the life teen organization would fall in line with the magisterium of the church 100%. It is a 100% Catholic program. I just wish people would inform themselves completely about what life teen is about before passing the harsh judgments that I often see on the blogosphere.

Many parish youth ministers who are overly “touchy-feely” types take what is a good program and ruin it. Don’t judge it by your parish or another one you heard of…go to the source…ask to see some of their teaching materials…read some of the books by Mark Hart of Life Teen. Then decide if it is orthodox or not.

As for Dale Fusheck…let us all pray that he find his way back to the true Church and that those who appreciated his charismatic speaking abilities not be swayed away from the Truth by his misguided behaviors.
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I’m not qualified to judge Life Teen, as I was never a member of Life Teen, so I don’t know whether the material taught there is orthodox or not. But sometimes I have to wonder when teens show up at the Life Teen mass dressed like they’re at the beach and acting like they’re at a party.
 
hamspam said:
As for Dale Fusheck…let us all pray that he find his way back to the true Church and that those who appreciated his charismatic speaking abilities not be swayed away from the Truth by his misguided behaviors.
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But suppose he is convicted. He would have to register as a sex offender and thus would never be able to work as a priest again. (he wouldn’t be able to minister in his current quasi-baptist church either) I don’t mean to burst your bubble, but I’m just being realistic.
 
Jimsdun said:
But suppose he is convicted. He would have to register as a sex offender and thus would never be able to work as a priest again. (he wouldn’t be able to minister in his current quasi-baptist church either) I don’t mean to burst your bubble, but I’m just being realistic.
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I don’t think he should be able to work as a priest again (IMHO) of course that is not my decision to make. I think he has done enough damage, all I just think he needs our prayers and hope that he returns to the Truth, in whatever capacity the his superiors deem appropriate. No matter what happens, he is in need of our prayers. AND i know that many of the “groupies” that he has need our prayers also…as they have lost sight of the Truth.
 
Jimsdun said:
I’m not qualified to judge Life Teen, as I was never a member of Life Teen, so I don’t know whether the material taught there is orthodox or not. But sometimes I have to wonder when teens show up at the Life Teen mass dressed like they’re at the beach and acting like they’re at a party.
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Being a part of Life Teen, as an adult leader (along with my husband), I agree with you 100%!! Too many teens (though certainly not just teens at Life Teen parishes) do not dress appropriately for mass. This is something that has less to do with the youth ministry programs than with how seriously their parents monitor their wardrobes. I also think that it is worth noting that many of the teens that come to our Life Teen masses, bible studies, and program nights have parents who don’t attend mass themselves. God was able to touch many of the kids in our confirmation programs and they have been inspired to begin coming to mass on their own…I think the dress and attitude issues that many teens have end up going away over time.

Funny that Life Teen has this image though…rather than just teens in general…we have college student leaders who just had a talk with the teens about modesty. And more than one of our leaders has sweaters and sweatshirts available if any of the teens we know personally are dressed in less than modest fashion. Maybe my parish is the exception, but given what I have read from Life Teen materials, I wouldn’t think so.

I also think that the pendulum swings to extremes on either side, but the Spirit usually guides it back right where it belongs.
 
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