troubled teen

[Marce]

We now have custody of my cousin’s 16 year old son. His parents are both addicted to drugs and have spent many years in prison. He has suffered abuse, neglect and abandonment. He himself has used drugs and has been affiliated with gang activity. He was never baptized so my husband and I will be baptizing him soon and have also been working with him to prepare for First Communion. When he becomes upset he says that he doesn’t want to be baptized; that it’s just a waste of time. He feels he has committed far too many sins and has led a sinful life. He also feels that God never answered his prayers when he asked for help during his early childhood and at times he doubts that there is a God. How can I help him understand that the Lord does hear his prayers and that his life has improved tremondously; especially since he now has God in his life. Thank you for your help…we are truly struggling with our nephew. Please pray for us all.

 

[trailblazer]

The Lord has blessed him and you. He has given you a great task. I wish that I had wisdom to give you other than to love unconditionally, read and pray scripture frequently and seek the graces of the sacraments and the counsel of the Church and professionals. God bless you!

 

[Marce]

Thank you so much for your kind words…today was truly a trying day. I ask God to give me strength and patience with this child; but at times I feel like giving up. There are times when I feel I am losing the “battle”. Any words of encouragement would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Lisa4Catholics]

The Church also has many resources for troubled youth,he has had a hard life and he is probably quite angry with God:crying: I know there are some Saints that were mistreated growing upand as far as sinners Saint Augustine was quite a handful Try to look for some Holy people he can relate to.Wait Father Corapi!Get his conversion story for him!

 

[BlestOne]

Marce,
God Bless you for taking this young man in!!! There is nothing that God can’t or won’t forgive if we ask him to. I have dealt with many troubled kids through the foster care system, almost all of them really wanted the guidance you are providing but unfortunately they don’t always feel worthy. Well none of us are worthy according to our actions but all of us are worthy because we are the sons and daughters of our Lord and savior. Please remember to have patience with your cousins son and try to hook him up with other Catholic young men close to his age that are strong in the faith. Easier said than done in some cases I know… I am lucky, we have a very active Knights/Squires program at our church and we have some awesome kids that are great mentors for kids in trouble. Keep the faith…there will be good days and bad but the good will win out in the end.
Have you tried Catholic Charities if he needs counselling? They are great!!

 

[dhgray]

Marce…first of all WELCOME…you have many friends here. CA can be a source of refuge.

Does you parish have a youth program? Sometimes it is easier for the youth to be mentored by people their own age.

God has blessed you with this young man…please don’t give up, no matter how hard it becomes…someday, he will thank you.

 

[kage_ar]

At age 16, were your new “son” in our parish, he would be eligible for RCIA. For older teens who are coming into the Church, that is what our DRE reccomends. You might take some time with your Priest and DRE and come up with an RE plan that fits his needs.

Praying for you!

 

[Marce]

Thank you all for your words of inspiration. Unfortunately I now have another dilemna. While putting clothes away in my nephew’s room I found a small baggie with white powder in an empty watch box. I’m sure it’s illegal drugs…I’m not sure what to do. My husband and I both work for the judicial system and the thought of having illegal street drugs in our home is unimaginable!!! I also have two teenagers of my own…I certainly don’t want drugs around them. My husband says our nephew needs to leave and go live with his uncle in California. He is a teacher and doesn’t have children and might be able to help more than I. Am I turning my back on him? I don’t want to help him but I also don’t want to endanger my own children. Any thoughts??? I’m at my wits end…please pray for all of us.

 

[Lisa4Catholics]

Marce:

Thank you all for your words of inspiration. Unfortunately I now have another dilemna. While putting clothes away in my nephew’s room I found a small baggie with white powder in an empty watch box. I’m sure it’s illegal drugs…I’m not sure what to do. My husband and I both work for the judicial system and the thought of having illegal street drugs in our home is unimaginable!!! I also have two teenagers of my own…I certainly don’t want drugs around them. My husband says our nephew needs to leave and go live with his uncle in California. He is a teacher and doesn’t have children and might be able to help more than I. Am I turning my back on him? I don’t want to help him but I also don’t want to endanger my own children. Any thoughts??? I’m at my wits end…please pray for all of us.

He needs to be put in a drug rehab,Asap!The sooner the better call your Parish immediately and see what kid of programs are available He will feel as if he has been thrown away again if you send him some where else you need to try to exhuast all other options.He must be put in rehab and probably a youth facility with intense therapy,preferably Catholic.

 

[BlestOne]

Lisa4Catholics:

He needs to be put in a drug rehab,Asap!The sooner the better call your Parish immediately and see what kid of programs are available He will feel as if he has been thrown away again if you send him some where else you need to try to exhuast all other options.He must be put in rehab and probably a youth facility with intense therapy,preferably Catholic.

AMEN!!! As usual Lisa4Catholics you are right on the money. Kids that get shuffled around from one relative to another end up worse for the wear. Get him help…if you have to get it court ordered as his guardiains you have the right.