Traditional Youth

[Freshman88]

I am 19, male, university student and varsity football athlete.

I keep coming across countless youth who are hungering and thirsting for our ancient traditions. We desire the orthodoxy and reverence that our sacred tradition holds.

Just the other day, I found that a good friend of mine on my football team is a very conservative Catholic. I was astounished that he fights the liberal minded students who are quick to bash the Church. When I asked why he didn’t hang out with the youth group here - he explained he can’t stand it. Like me, he stays away from it because it seems to artificial - too many of us don’t like these youth masses and Christian rock. The whole liberal, modern contemporary style has isolated him. - absolutely astonished, I asked myself, How many more of us are there?

Yet I do not see many youth groups that are tailored to this. In fact, every youth group I have been involved with seems to cater to so called “youth styled” masses. We all know what those are about.

What I want to know is, are their any traditional youth societies? Why doesn’t it seem like no one is willing to cater to this new demographic. Should we the youth begin to take upon ourselves to organize something?

What are your thoughts?

 

[Catholic_Dude]

I hope you are not talking about the University Newman Club (Catholic). If not then you should see if your school has one and look into joining it. Further, I would say it is your duty to join up with that fellow Catholic and be a witness in that Catholic group of traditional Catholic teaching/practice. Many Catholics might be confused/scared at this point in their life, be a witness to them, show them why you are proud to be a faithful and traditional minded Catholic. (if the Masses are disrespectful then dont attend, but dont brush off the group itself).

 

[Dempsey1919]

I am 21 years old, I attend University and I am a traditional Catholic. I attend the Tridentine Mass every week.

I don’t go to the Catholic Chaplaincy at my University for the same reasons you mentioned. It’s far too liberal for me. There is a gay pride flag in the main room. The worship seems very charismatic. One of the chaplains is an ex-nun

Don’t get me wrong, they seem like a nice bunch but it’s not for me. I would rather recite the Rosary and let them do their Taize prayer meetings.

I’ve been to the chaplaincy twice but there is something about the place that I don’t like. I wont be going back because I would find it demoralising. I prefer to attend Mass at my own Church and it doesn’t bother me that I don’t have any Catholic friends. The only thing that bothers me is that I would love to meet a good Catholic girl and they’re very hard to find.

There are no traditionalist societies that I know of but the number of young people who attend the Tridentine Mass is on the increase. As we grow in number, there may be groups in the future.

 

[Freshman88]

I hope you are not talking about the University Newman Club (Catholic). If not then you should see if your school has one and look into joining it. Further, I would say it is your duty to join up with that fellow Catholic and be a witness in that Catholic group of traditional Catholic teaching/practice. (if the Masses are disrespectful then dont attend, but dont brush off the group itself).

The Newman centre is orthodox, no doubt about it. But they are not traditionalist. They are good people too, but I don’t need another social group, I already have 70 friends through the football team.

I’m thirsting for traditionalism - not simply conservative catholocism. I think there needs to be a youth group tailored directly to providing that need.

I try to be a witness, but its hard. Especially when my views often upset those around me. I want some support to, some kind of fellowship. I want to discuss my views openly, without having to worry about upsetting someone. I want to be able to have a traditional mass. I want to study the Church fathers and St. Thomas, not just modern theologians.

In short, I’m not at all satisfied with being merely a witness. We should start to form our own groups.

I’m sure others would agree, no?

 

[Freshman88]

I am 21 years old, I attend University and I am a traditional Catholic. I attend the Tridentine Mass every week.

I don’t go to the Catholic Chaplaincy at my University for the same reasons you mentioned. It’s far too liberal for me. There is a gay pride flag in the main room. The worship seems very charismatic. One of the chaplains is an ex-nun

Don’t get me wrong, they seem like a nice bunch but it’s not for me. I would rather recite the Rosary and let them do their Taize prayer meetings.

I’ve been to the chaplaincy twice but there is something about the place that I don’t like. I wont be going back because I would find it demoralising. I prefer to attend Mass at my own Church and it doesn’t bother me that I don’t have any Catholic friends. The only thing that bothers me is that I would love to meet a good Catholic girl and they’re very hard to find.

There are no traditionalist societies that I know of but the number of young people who attend the Tridentine Mass is on the increase. As we grow in number, there may be groups in the future.

Thankfully my newman centre is a lot more orthodox than that! I would never step into a centre with a gay pride flag - I would lose it.

But would you agree with me that being “a witness” isn’t a very satisfying solution.

And keep in mind, I’m not talking about an SSPX youth group, i’m talking about those of us who want to stay in a healthy communion with the Church. Those of us who though we want to be witnesses to the faith, we also want some support and fellowship.

 

[Dempsey1919]

I try to be a witness, but its hard. Especially when my views often upset those around me. I want some support to, some kind of fellowship. I want to discuss my views openly, without having to worry about upsetting someone. I want to be able to have a traditional mass. I want to study the Church fathers and St. Thomas, not just modern theologians.

I know what you mean. The chaplain at University looked at me like I had leprosy when I asked if they had any Latin Mass Missals

I am a conservative Catholic and I know that I wouldn’t fit in at my Chaplaincy because I am opposed to contraception etc. I have a feeling that these people would be against this. Although I haven’t discussed this with them, I have a feeling that I wouldn’t see eye to eye with them on the subject of morality.

 

[Malcolm_McLean]

I am 19, male, university student and varsity football athlete.
What I want to know is, are their any traditional youth societies? Why doesn’t it seem like no one is willing to cater to this new demographic. Should we the youth begin to take upon ourselves to organize something?

What are your thoughts?

Ther’s a type known in Britain as a young fogey. Usually Oxford, dresses in tweeds and hats, often dislikes the market-led ethics of the Conservative party but can’t bring himself to vote Labour. Reads classical literature and listens to classical music.

If he’s Catholic then he’ll be a traditionalist. There are probably enough of these people to make up a viable society.

 

[Freshman88]

Ther’s a type known in Britain as a young fogey. Usually Oxford, dresses in tweeds and hats, often dislikes the market-led ethics of the Conservative party but can’t bring himself to vote Labour. Reads classical literature and listens to classical music.

If he’s Catholic then he’ll be a traditionalist. There are probably enough of these people to make up a viable society.

I’m not talking about a “fogey” society. Just a youth movement that is united by one thing- love of traditional Catholicism. I do enjoy classical music, but I listen to everything else too. Can’t take away my metallica or Johnny Cash!

Who knows, perhaps I’m just a dreamer.

 

[puzzleannie]

I am 19, male, university student and varsity football athlete.

What I want to know is, are their any traditional youth societies? Why doesn’t it seem like no one is willing to cater to this new demographic. Should we the youth begin to take upon ourselves to organize something?

What are your thoughts?

on many campuses there is FOCUS and Cardinal Newman Society (not the same as a “Newman Club” which may be the name for campus ministry).

I wish you would hop on over to the Lifeteen thread, because many there disagree with me about the number of young people who are hungering for truth and tradition.

 

[Freshman88]

on many campuses there is FOCUS and Cardinal Newman Society (not the same as a “Newman Club” which may be the name for campus ministry).

I wish you would hop on over to the Lifeteen thread, because many there disagree with me about the number of young people who are hungering for truth and tradition.

I think i will…

Anyway, I’m talking about a Newman Centre… that is the Cardinal Newman society. I am trying to get involved, but I CANT stand thier masses.

I’m doing my best to get involved, I’ve found two other traditional sympathic members within the group, and we’ve even organized a traditional mass and talk which will be occuring soon. Trust me - we are witnessing. The problem is, I would like traditionally minded youth group, that is gathered not only by their age, but by their love of tradtional.

There are so many charismatic youth groups - why not have traditional youth groups?

 

[Catholic_Dude]

The Newman centre is orthodox, no doubt about it. But they are not traditionalist. They are good people too, but I don’t need another social group, I already have 70 friends through the football team.

I’m thirsting for traditionalism - not simply conservative catholicism. I think there needs to be a youth group tailored directly to providing that need.

I try to be a witness, but its hard. Especially when my views often upset those around me. I want some support to, some kind of fellowship. I want to discuss my views openly, without having to worry about upsetting someone. I want to be able to have a traditional mass. I want to study the Church fathers and St. Thomas, not just modern theologians.

In short, I’m not at all satisfied with being merely a witness. We should start to form our own groups.

I’m sure others would agree, no?

I dont know your situation, but I think you are snubbing your nose at the Newman center who are at least orthodox and trading that to spend time to hang out with 70 football team members who for the most part are probably not Catholic and even less likely to be conservative, to put it mildly (if you catch my drift).

There is no sense in treating the other Catholic students as not good enough for you or not worth your time. If traditionalism means that much then you will radiate that to other Catholics who likely dont know the riches but are eager and open to discover what you know.

As for “upsetting” people, if what you are saying is perfectly orthodox and not triumphalism then “upsetting” people is not something to worry about, and especially not something that should drive YOU away. Your best bet at finding similar minded Catholics is to hang out with that group and get to know them.

 

[SemperFidelis]

Freshman88, see if you can’t get involved with or start a local Una Voce Chapter. I met some fantastic Traditional Catholic students and professors at a recent local meeting. There’s a Traditional Latin Mass Society based out of Vancouver that is connected to Una Voce. I don’t know where you are, but check it out here:

65.108.168.229/

Here’s the International Una Voce site:

ifuv.org/index.html

Here’s the site for America:

unavoce.org/

I think starting one up, would get plenty of Traditional Catholics together. We have theological talks, etc. at our meetings, and of course a TLM.

 

[Freshman88]

I dont know your situation, but I think you are snubbing your nose at the Newman center who are at least orthodox and trading that to spend time to hang out with 70 football team members who for the most part are probably not Catholic and even less likely to be conservative, to put it mildly (if you catch my drift).

There is no sense in treating the other Catholic students as not good enough for you or not worth your time. If traditionalism means that much then you will radiate that to other Catholics who likely dont know the riches but are eager and open to discover what you know.

As for “upsetting” people, if what you are saying is perfectly orthodox and not triumphalism then “upsetting” people is not something to worry about, and especially not something that should drive YOU away. Your best bet at finding similar minded Catholics is to hang out with that group and get to know them.

I am not snubbing my nose at anyone. If you read my posts, I do spend time at the Newman centre. They offer their services to the WHOLE university - not just catholic football players. Some 20 000 kids are at my university, and everyone is welcome. Its still a relatively small group because the university is secular.

And I don’t catch your “drift”?

What are you talking about? I am treating other Catholic students as not good enough for me? I have done no such thing.

I wish I could not worry about not upsetting people … problem is, there is only one catholic group. I have to keep silent, else it won’t be a very fun place to hang out.

 

[Freshman88]

Freshman88, see if you can’t get involved with or start a local Una Voce Chapter. I met some fantastic Traditional Catholic students and professors at a recent local meeting. There’s a Traditional Latin Mass Society based out of Vancouver that is connected to Una Voce. I don’t know where you are, but check it out here:

65.108.168.229/

Here’s the International Una Voce site:

ifuv.org/index.html

Here’s the site for America:

unavoce.org/

I think starting one up, would get plenty of Traditional Catholics together. We have theological talks, etc. at our meetings, and of course a TLM.

Thank you, this something along my line of thinking. A group like this.
I would love to look into this more.

 

[SemperFidelis]

Thank you, this something along my line of thinking. A group like this.
I would love to look into this more.

This is also a great way to get the word out regarding the TLM. The local chapter is working on getting several permanent TLMs in the local area, and has even started an Una Voce Chapter in the central part of the state, which in turn, has started one in the Southern part of the state. Due to the work of the chapters, I see plenty of future TLM’s in Alabama. Also some of the men of the local Chapter here, started a men’s only society called the St. Thomas More Society. We read a different book each month and get together every few weeks and have theological, current event-type discussions. Sounds like you would get a lot out of this. God Bless!

 

[Dempsey1919]

Ther’s a type known in Britain as a young fogey. Usually Oxford, dresses in tweeds and hats, often dislikes the market-led ethics of the Conservative party but can’t bring himself to vote Labour. Reads classical literature and listens to classical music.

If he’s Catholic then he’ll be a traditionalist. There are probably enough of these people to make up a viable society.

I’m sorry but you are totally wrong. I am a working class, young traditionalist. I am not a “young fogey” - in fact, you would probably label me as a “chav” based on the way I dress, where I live, and who I associate with. All of my family are working class; my father was a building labourer and my mother was a factory worker. I am not a posh, snobby person.

The fact is that there are many young traditionalists - and the number keeps growing. Every week, I see more young people attend the Tridentine Mass.

The liberalism of the 1960’s and 1970’s is slowly dying. Young people don’t want a watered down version of Catholicism; they want orthodox, faithful Catholicism that is proud of its roots. When I see or hear of liberal, dissenting, heretical Catholics I cringe. I do not want to be near so-called Catholics who endorse artificial birth control, women priests, gay marriage etc. That is why I stay away from the Chaplaincy.

I love the idea of a traditional Catholic Society that is faithful and orthodox. The Church needs things like this. I have neither the time nor the resources to start one of these but I think that it is a great idea. As we young traditionalists grow older, hopefully we will be able to establish groups/societies/clubs like this for young people.

 

[Freshman88]

I think thats the problem … we need to be adults before we are taken seriously. Only then can we start to offer traditional groups.

All those charismaticy groups are run by adults, and priests. Tradtional seminaries are over-flowing, soon it will be our day, but not for some time.

As a university student and athlete, I dont think I could ever have the time organize anything.

I guess traditionalism is just another cross we have to carry.

 

[Tim_c]

There are so many charismatic youth groups - why not have traditional youth groups?

I don’t think there is a demand for traditional youth groups (yet). I’m sure the demand will increase as more people are exposed to the EF Mass.

I also go to a secular university of about 20,000 students.My university, however, is about 75% Mormon (my guess) but the Newman center is great! The Masses are very reverent and filled every Sunday (with mostly non-students). I’ve been to a few weekday Masses and there is usually 2-5 attendees. IMO a very good turn out for a secular school in Utah. So far I have yet to encounter a traditionalist my age and I don’t think I will.

p.s. I don’t consider myself a traditionalist but I do love Catholic Tradition.

 

[Dempsey1919]

I think thats the problem … we need to be adults before we are taken seriously. Only then can we start to offer traditional groups.

All those charismaticy groups are run by adults, and priests. Tradtional seminaries are over-flowing, soon it will be our day, but not for some time.

As a university student and athlete, I dont think I could ever have the time organize anything.

I guess traditionalism is just another cross we have to carry.

The times are changing. We have a great Pope who is ushering in a return to tradition. The number of traditionalist Catholics is on the rise, as is the number of traditionalist Priests.

The future is bright for us. I believe that we are going to see the new springtime for the Church that John Paul talked about. Vatican II will be implemented properly as more people become aware of what it actually called for. I believe that this great Council will be vindicated.

Traditionalism is not a cross to bear; it is something to cherish. Being a faithful Catholic in the modern world is extremely hard but we know that Christ is with us.

The Mass of Paul VI will also be celebrated in a more reverent manner without the abuses that plague many Parishes. I believe that this will happen as a result of the increased popularity of the Tridentine Mass.

All in all, I can see nothing but good for the Church in the future. In recent times, the Church has been in crisis because of the sexual abuse scandals, the dissenters, and the divide between traditionalists and liberals. I believe that these problems will all be solved in the future because of the work of our great Pope, Benedict XVI.

 

[Rachele_Ann]

I didn’t attend Tridentine Masses when I was in college, but I did run into a similar problem with the Catholic Center at my college. It just didn’t jive with my spirituality.

I started taking the bus to a nearby parish that was very conservative, and I loved it. I joined the choir and enjoyed the company of the group, not just the singing.

Its not a bad thing to seek out a place that can better nourish your soul. That is the beauty of the Catholic faith, there are all different spiritualities and there is a place for all of them… from the charismatics to the contemplatives.