Question for all you singles out there

[westcoast]

Hi, I am single and enjoyed reading the thread “anyone called to be single” - anyway, I know there are a lot out there. My question is this: How do you divide up your time for your “Christian” activities (for lack of a better phrase)? I mean, do you spend a lot of time doing volunteer-type stuff since we don’t have to dedicate time to a spouse/kids? Are you active in your church? Do you dedicate a lot of time to devotion and spiritual reading? I’m wondering if I’m supposed to be making better use of my abundant time since I don’t have a family or kids… I love my time off, but I guess I’m feeling like, well, God is giving me all this time for a reason… I just don’t really know where to start… what does everyone else do?

 

[JohnnyReb]

Well I can speak for myself

Right now I am in school to get my teaching license, and working. I will become active in my church after I am received into full communion (hopefully easter 08).

I spend the time learning about the Catholic faith by doing alot of reading and praying. I also take care of my disabled/widowed mother (doctors appointments, grocery shopping etc…)

 

[CarrieH]

As a single homeowner, I have plenty to keep myself busy. People think that we singles have all sorts of free time, but they forget that we have no one else to help us out around the house, to cook, clean, do laundry, or run errands for us. My parents are quite elderly and I call them every day to check on them, and I drive them to their doctor’s appointments or other places they might need to go. I’m active in the music ministry at my church, and I also play in a community concert band. I go to the gym 2 - 3 times a week to work out and swim, because if I don’t take care of myself, I won’t be of much use to the others who need me. And I waste far too much time online! I could spend more time doing spiritual reading, adoration, and all of that, but I guess I’m more “active” than “contemplative.”

 

[Angel_Bradford]

I work full time and, in the fall, I will be start working towards a Masters degree in Pastoral Studies. I serve as a lector and on the parish council where I am chairman of the Worship Committee. I am also reponsilble for locking and unlocking the church on Saturdays for the vigil Mass and I also help out with the youth group on occasions.

.

 

[goofyjim]

I am disabled yet working parttime. Having a disability I sort of accept that I may be called to the single life. There are not alot of incentives for a disabled person to marry.

 

[westcoast]

I am disabled yet working parttime. Having a disability I sort of accept that I may be called to the single life. There are not alot of incentives for a disabled person to marry.

Oh my gosh, I totally disagree! If I were to meet a man and fell in love with him, and he had a disability, I really don’t think his disability would be an “obstacle.” Love is love. And if the disability means that he/she cannot have children, I don’t think that means they can’t marry… they can still marry, of course. This is all said in kindness, not hostility

 

[goofyjim]

Oh my gosh, I totally disagree! If I were to meet a man and fell in love with him, and he had a disability, I really don’t think his disability would be an “obstacle.” Love is love. And if the disability means that he/she cannot have children, I don’t think that means they can’t marry… they can still marry, of course. This is all said in kindness, not hostility

It’s a long term psychiatric disability. This would mean the woman might have ot end up financially supporting the man. Doesn’t happen that often but I agree I could marry a woman who is willing to make it work.

 

[JohnnyReb]

It’s a long term psychiatric disability. This would mean the woman might have ot end up financially supporting the man. Doesn’t happen that often but I agree I could marry a woman who is willing to make it work.

I think your decision is very sound, but that is just my opinion. It does not really carry any authority beyond that. I know of a man who did not have kids because he had psychological problems and was addicted to drugs. He knew he could not be a good father, and felt it would be unfair to subject his children to his shortcomings as a person. Some people are will not make good parents or spouses.

 

[John_AH]

Well I am the Volunteer Youth Director at my church.

Typical summer week looks like this.
Reg job from 5:30 am to 5:00 pm

Monday - prepare for Tuesday reg Youth Group meeting
Tuesday - Youth Meeting (including picking up and dropping off youths)
Wednesday - study something (learning Spanish, and religious) update website.
Thursday - Youth Activity day (again pickup and drop off part of the agenda)
Friday - open day usually for socializing out of youth group.
Saturday - Spend the morning praying at PP. Catch up on things around the house and run errands. Youth events
Sunday - mass (usher), core meeting, and finally rest.

Take jogs whenever I get the chance.
Not to mention odd jobs for the church (usually have to take days off work to do).
In the fall school starts up again!

My motto “So much to do for God so little time!”

God’s humble servant
John A. H.