Teens!

[mandy2]

Can I answer even though I am technically a grown-up at 20?

Sometimes I sucks, especially since my friends tend to think Catholics are “homophobic” and judgmental. I will tell anyone though; I am Catholic, and I have moral principles that I won’t compromise. I’m sorry if it hurts your feelings, but I can’t compromise or make exceptions in Truth just so you don’t get offended. Seriously, PC has made everyone so thin-skinned.

I try to help out at my parish, and I will have discussions with anyone on campus about my faith. I go to a Baptist college, so there are many misconceptions, and often people are hostile. However, I’ve found that most peope are willing to hear my side. Unfortunately they are very stubborn in their anti-Catholicsm, so I think it goes in one ear and out the other!

I love the Church though! I am a convert and I love the Faith! I pray my rosary in public, invite people to pray the Divine Office with me, cross myself, and use holy water! I have a crucifix in my dorm, and I’m hoping to get a little Mary figurine to go with my dear “ceramic Jesus.” I am Catholic, and I love being Catholic! I love Mass and the Eucharist, and I would not revert to Protestantism for anything—only the Church has the Eucharist, has Jesus really present! (And has the full Bible, but that’s another story…)

We just had a night at lifeteen (Church group) about how we are called to speak truth regardless of what happens! So important and I am glad you are doing that And I love hearing of non-Catholics finding the faith and coming home!!! YAY!!! Share HIS love!

 

[mandy2]

I guess I’ll answer now.

1. I pray (or try to) and read my Bible (or try to). Sometimes I forget, or I stay up too late and am just too tired to do it. That makes me feel guilty and sad so I try to at least pray every night and talk to God about how my day has been, and any troubles I might be having. I like it pretty well.
2. I haven’t except on the internet. No one has asked if I was, so I haven’t told them. Though I suppose I could start wearing a crucifix and that might give some a clue.
3. I’m in youth group at my non-denominational church but not at any Catholic parish right now. Last week I contacted the parish nearest my house via email to see if they had any sort of youth group or program. Their website says they have a teen Mass but doesn’t specify beyond that. I’m sort of wondering if they got the email or just didn’t respond/ deleted it, because I sent the message a week ago and still no reply back. I’m hoping to get involved and become friends with some Catholics my age so I have more support when I make my announcement.

That is way awesome that you are looking into Catholicism! and hmmm…I wonder why they haven’t responded? The only youth group that I know of is lifeteen which I go to and I know there are parishes that have it all over the country. If you don’t have it you should check out lifeteen.com. They have teen friendly blogs on just about anything!

 

[mandy2]

Question for everyone, how many teens attend your parish? Unfortunenately its not very many in mine so I’m wandering whether that’s just in my area

How big is your parish? We do have a lot of teens at mine. But we also have a large Church. We have “Lifeteen” at my parish which is for high schoolers and “Edge” which is for middle school. I think these 2 things really bring our parish teens in to know and love the faith! Of course not everyone, but we have a good group that stick close together and have Christ-centered friendships which is thebomb.com!

 

[ATeutonicKnight]

I’m not sure how well this will work, but lets try it! For all teens, how do you feel about living out the Catholic faith while living in the world we live in now with so much peer pressure, bad influences, etc. How do you like it? How do you let others know you are Catholic? Do you take part in any youth groups or anything of that sort? Any thoughts on anything really! Lets just have a teen discussion about being Catholic!

I’m almost seventeen and I’m a male. I love being a Catholic at this time and in this culture. We have so much to be optimistic about. It was Michael Voris who said that there has never been a time in history when it was this easy to become a Saint. I love being devout and doing my best to set an example for others, and people know I’m unmistakably Catholic. I have a Rosary hanging on my left hip belt loop at all times, a crucifix always hanging around my neck, a scapular always on, and of course, I’m never afraid of telling people that I am Catholic. I’ve always held that people should know that you are Catholic by walking in your house and going on your computer. Every website I go on except Facebook and YouTube are Catholic, and even then those two sites are filled with Catholic stuff. As for my room, there is a picture of Jesus, and in the corner a crucifix with a kneeler right under it.

As for peer pressure, I don’t really experience any. Why do I care what other people think? It’s what God thinks that counts. All of my friends are devout Catholics as well, so that might aid in not feeling peer pressure.

 

[Kamaduck]

I’m still technically a teenager for another year…

I suppose if you really, really want to hang out in a group that skews towards 15/16 year olds, I won’t kick you out. You can share with us the wisdom of the ancients.

Technically the description says “teens and young people” anyway, so college students are probably legit, as long as they don’t cause a disturbance in the group dynamics- which I’m sure you won’t, Razanir. So if you do get bored, you can always join us.

Does that include us Protestants who really want to become Catholic, but can’t yet because of outside circumstances?

But of course!

 

[Kamaduck]

I’ve always held that people should know that you are Catholic by walking in your house and going on your computer. Every website I go on except Facebook and YouTube are Catholic, and even then those two sites are filled with Catholic stuff. As for my room, there is a picture of Jesus, and in the corner a crucifix with a kneeler right under it.

I wish I had the freedom to do this… >.<

As for peer pressure, I don’t really experience any. Why do I care what other people think? It’s what God thinks that counts. All of my friends are devout Catholics as well, so that might aid in not feeling peer pressure.

I used to not experience peer pressure. Then I became a teenager, and I think the social pressure was for the best. I’ve come to believe that other people do matter, and although we shouldn’t base our decisions off of what they will think of us, we shouldn’t ignore them, either.

 

[classica87]

We just had a night at lifeteen (Church group) about how we are called to speak truth regardless of what happens! So important and I am glad you are doing that And I love hearing of non-Catholics finding the faith and coming home!!! YAY!!! Share HIS love!

Yesterday at 9:30 Mass Father spoke about the same thing during his homily. In fact, he went out of the way to speak to the high school students and young college people in the congregation. Sometimes we will be laughed at and made fun of for what we believe in. We may even be bullied and disliked, but that is the cross Jesus is asking us to carry. Father is right that we should not be embarrassed to be Catholic!

 

[ATeutonicKnight]

I wish I had the freedom to do this… >.<

I used to not experience peer pressure. Then I became a teenager, and I think the social pressure was for the best. I’ve come to believe that other people do matter, and although we shouldn’t base our decisions off of what they will think of us, we shouldn’t ignore them, either.

I don’t care about peoples’ opinions unless they are important. If I’m at a teen group thing and a guy is like “Why are you wearing a crucifix? It looks so lame.” I won’t care about his opinion. But if one of my friends says something about something important, like “Miles, you’re in one of your weird sarcastic moods. Do your best not to accidentally offend someone.” I’ll listen completely, because I value what my friends say. I don’t listen to others on unimportant matters, though.

 

[paseo]

As a 32 yo, ancient as some of you may call it, whom has just been finding her way back to the Church in the past few years, you teens sure make me feel utterly embarrassed!
I wish I had your convictions, or even just 1/10th of your spirit regarding our faith. I was more of a “going with the flow” teen, when it came to church (even though I went to Catholic school all my life) and never felt any sort of inclination of learning more about my faith.
With the world being how it is right now, relativism being the operative word for everything, you guys bring a ray of light for the future of the Church. All I can say is keep up the wonderful work and continue to be inspirations to everyone around you! (You guys already are an inspiration to me )
Will be praying for you all, and for all the young people of the Church!

Much love,
Theresia

 

[Kamaduck]

I don’t care about peoples’ opinions unless they are important. If I’m at a teen group thing and a guy is like “Why are you wearing a crucifix? It looks so lame.” I won’t care about his opinion. But if one of my friends says something about something important, like “Miles, you’re in one of your weird sarcastic moods. Do your best not to accidentally offend someone.” I’ll listen completely, because I value what my friends say. I don’t listen to others on unimportant matters, though.

Yeah, I guess that’s what I’m saying. It’s important to have some people whose opinions you trust. The fact is, we’re not always going to be right, and sometimes other people can see a little more clearly than we can.

 

[mandy2]

As a 32 yo, ancient as some of you may call it, whom has just been finding her way back to the Church in the past few years, you teens sure make me feel utterly embarrassed!
I wish I had your convictions, or even just 1/10th of your spirit regarding our faith. I was more of a “going with the flow” teen, when it came to church (even though I went to Catholic school all my life) and never felt any sort of inclination of learning more about my faith.
With the world being how it is right now, relativism being the operative word for everything, you guys bring a ray of light for the future of the Church. All I can say is keep up the wonderful work and continue to be inspirations to everyone around you! (You guys already are an inspiration to me )
Will be praying for you all, and for all the young people of the Church!

Much love,
Theresia

Thank you so much! And always remember that God works in His perfect time and all that matters is your faith can always grow regardless of age! I have always been Catholic but it was a week long summer camp that really helps me grow last year.

 

[ATeutonicKnight]

Yeah, I guess that’s what I’m saying. It’s important to have some people whose opinions you trust. The fact is, we’re not always going to be right, and sometimes other people can see a little more clearly than we can.

Yeah, exactly. I care a lot about what my friends think – when it comes to serious stuff, that is. None of my friends appreciate my fandom of One Direction, but they accept it and go on.

 

[CatholicLife]

I’m not sure how well this will work, but lets try it! For all teens, how do you feel about living out the Catholic faith while living in the world we live in now with so much peer pressure, bad influences, etc. How do you like it? How do you let others know you are Catholic? Do you take part in any youth groups or anything of that sort? Any thoughts on anything really! Lets just have a teen discussion about being Catholic!

My friends in high school knew I was quite serious about my faith so I was never pressured into drugs or stuff. I would share my faith with them and I answered any questions they had. I would also gift holy cards and rosaries to people who were inserted in the faith. I was raised Mormon/Secular so for me the faith is very important.
I love being Catholic and being able to partake in the Holy Eucharist. I love the Blessed Virgin and the Communion of Saints.

 

[Kamaduck]

Yeah, exactly. I care a lot about what my friends think – when it comes to serious stuff, that is. None of my friends appreciate my fandom of One Direction, but they accept it and go on.

There are some things that aren’t worth debating, yes. (Although my friends would be willing to argue that point. We like debating. )

 

[CatholicLife]

Yeah, exactly. I care a lot about what my friends think – when it comes to serious stuff, that is. None of my friends appreciate my fandom of One Direction, but they accept it and go on.

Another Directioner! Yay!

 

[ATeutonicKnight]

Another Directioner! Yay!

Whoo!

 

[fallow_spirit]

That is way awesome that you are looking into Catholicism! and hmmm…I wonder why they haven’t responded? The only youth group that I know of is lifeteen which I go to and I know there are parishes that have it all over the country. If you don’t have it you should check out lifeteen.com. They have teen friendly blogs on just about anything!

Thank you for the kind response . Lifeteen is also the only Catholic youth program that I know of, and when I contacted that parish I mentioned, I specifically asked if they incorporated the Lifeteen program or something like it into their youth ministry. If I do not get a response in a few days then I might just email the parish priest.

And I’ve actually been interested in Catholicism for a couple yeas now. I have to admit that I am rather embarrassed being a young teenager and yet caring about these things like God, Jesus, religion, faith etc. I’m glad to find some people about my age on this forum who share a common interest

 

[mandy2]

Thank you for the kind response . Lifeteen is also the only Catholic youth program that I know of, and when I contacted that parish I mentioned, I specifically asked if they incorporated the Lifeteen program or something like it into their youth ministry. If I do not get a response in a few days then I might just email the parish priest.

And I’ve actually been interested in Catholicism for a couple yeas now. I have to admit that I am rather embarrassed being a young teenager and yet caring about these things like God, Jesus, religion, faith etc. I’m glad to find some people about my age on this forum who share a common interest

Please Please Please do not be embarrassed!!! But I know how you feel. I was always the “goody good” and I hated it. I tried doing more “edgy” things to get that name off my belt. But then God really came to me and ever since then I will proudly say that I am Catholic, I love it, I love God!!! It is no longer an embarrassment for me, but an honor. If you don’t have anyone else to run to with this worry of embarrassment you have all of us and you can always message me! You are not alone!

 

[Sam_the_Girl]

I’m a teen!

To be honest, I find it really hard to believe sometimes. In a world where we have the choice to believe in whatever we want and atheists are campaigning everywhere, it’s hard to believe. At the moment I’m trying to make sure that my faith continues. I have a friend who is a very religious catholic and she helps me sometimes when I’m becoming too doubtful because she pushes me to carry on believing.

I like going to church as long as it’s a church with a warm atmosphere, much like the embrace of God when in prayer. There are two Catholic Churches practically down the road from me and I prefer the smaller, more modern one because it holds a warmth. The larger, older (18th-19th century) church isn’t as warm and welcoming. I like the fact that everything in there is hand-made, but I don’t like the fact that, not only is it literally cold, the volunteers at Sunday School seem more bothered about the fact that they’re losing sleep/time than the fact that they’re supposed to be teaching children about the scriptures.

At school there is a group called IMPACT and it’s about Involving More People At Church Today. It’s a movement for teenagers to make the Church more inviting for younger people. They make the services more entertaining and stuff like that-it’s really good.
Some advice I would give to other people around my age is that the people around you don’t control your actions unless you allow them to; make an effort to believe in God and the miracles associated with Him and disregard any remarks made by your peers.
As Mother Teresa said:
“In the final analysis, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway.”

Hope this helps

 

[mandy2]

I’m a teen!

To be honest, I find it really hard to believe sometimes. In a world where we have the choice to believe in whatever we want and atheists are campaigning everywhere, it’s hard to believe. At the moment I’m trying to make sure that my faith continues. I have a friend who is a very religious catholic and she helps me sometimes when I’m becoming too doubtful because she pushes me to carry on believing.

I like going to church as long as it’s a church with a warm atmosphere, much like the embrace of God when in prayer. There are two Catholic Churches practically down the road from me and I prefer the smaller, more modern one because it holds a warmth. The larger, older (18th-19th century) church isn’t as warm and welcoming. I like the fact that everything in there is hand-made, but I don’t like the fact that, not only is it literally cold, the volunteers at Sunday School seem more bothered about the fact that they’re losing sleep/time than the fact that they’re supposed to be teaching children about the scriptures.

At school there is a group called IMPACT and it’s about Involving More People At Church Today. It’s a movement for teenagers to make the Church more inviting for younger people. They make the services more entertaining and stuff like that-it’s really good.
Some advice I would give to other people around my age is that the people around you don’t control your actions unless you allow them to; make an effort to believe in God and the miracles associated with Him and disregard any remarks made by your peers.
As Mother Teresa said:
"In the final analysis, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway."
Hope this helps

I so needed this.
Thank you