What To Do...

[The_Truthinator]

I come from a Baptist background. My old youth group had about 200 kids, almost all of them on fire for God. Well, now at my parish, the number of kids is around 12, and none of the other guys take it seriously at all. Prayer, when everything, even hearts, is stilled–this time always amazes me. But then afterwards, they cuss, make bad jokes, whatever… In fact, aside from some awesome girls who seem really genuine in their faith, the most devout teens don’t even come to YG anymore because it’s so chaotic and no one feels like it benefits their spiritual walk. Others don’t care…

I feel bad because the Lord has made known to me his great purposes for some of the most disruptive kids. I feel like they can’t see what amazing things God has in store for them… And without an environment among peers that’s conductive to faith, more are likely to fall later on. I honestly think they’d be better at First Baptist, which has just that… This whole situation really has me grieved.

I know prayer is priority here, but are there any ideas of what to do in this case?

(Your own prayers are definitely appreciated, by the way!

A rosary–even a decade–for this cause would be awesome!)

 

[Coreopisis]

What are the ages of the kids?

If they are 13 I have no advice. My son is 13 and I am at a loss these days.

 

[Meximo]

My husband and I are frequent “guests” to a youth group ages 12 to 18. I find that we have to parent them a lot. Somethings that we may take for granted like manners have to be taught (I find this true in my 8th grade CCD class). My first time at a youth group at our church…sighs I honestly had a headache. My husband and I are a tag team. If one person tries to make the group laugh with bad joke he generally asks the question why would you say that. Generally they get embarrassed then he’ll tell them not to be embarrassed that we can all learn from this. Tag I will come in and remind them of the 10 Commandments and ask the question that I ask them to remember if Jesus is sitting next to you would you say what you just said (do what you did?, etc.) Now our youth are really remembering that actually thinking before talking.

It might be a very bumpy road for you. Again you might be doing a lot of parenting and in this case. Get phone numbers get their parents involved.

The most disruptive kids in my CCD class are some of my best students and they hunger for the Lord. They need him and long for him.

I will pray for you my brother!

 

[The_Truthinator]

Well, see… They’re my age. I’m just 14, so I don’t know if “parenting” them is really an option.

 

[Meximo]

Sorry maybe you can pass the information to an adult that runs the Youth Group or is this completely a youth run Youth Group?

 

[Ceil-1]

Truthinator,

 Ask the Blessed Mother to assist you, better yet, do a novena and ask to be led to a group that is serious about the faith.  I'm not saying to quit the youth group you're in, though.
  Check the Dead Theologians Society web site for a chapter in your area.  There is social time, prayer and study of the lives of the saints.  
 You may also start a bible study of your own.  Invite other kids whom you know to be serious about their faith. 
 Where there's a will, there's a way.  The Blessed Mother always comes through.  Guaranteed.  Only, look out because when things start happening, you may get more than you bargained for.  ;)

Lucy

 

[Coreopisis]

Well, see… They’re my age. I’m just 14, so I don’t know if “parenting” them is really an option.

I haven’t met you so I can’t give you perfect advice. What I can do is give you what I have.

It is my opinion, because kids are so hard to control anyway, that 14 is to young to be running a youth group. You need to get some adults involved first to help you get some control of the group. Are there any adults who can help you?

 

[The_Truthinator]

Ha, ha! I’m not “running” it! I’m in it. Maybe I wasn’t clear…

I think the Blessed Mother will definitely be willing to help out here. Thanks! How easy to forget the essentials!