Would you invite a non-Catholic Youth Group to a Catholic one?

[Melchior_1]

Go for it. When I was teaching e did similar things.

BE sure to set PROPER expetiations and have someone present TRULY qualified to answer WHY we do this or that.

God Bless,
Pat

Having someone there to explain things isn’t an issue, it’s been taken care of.

1ke, I haven’t seen anything online about parental guidance and/or permission being required to watch the videos. I’m assuming that you do this for precautionary reasons?

 

[TrueLight]

We have the possibility of inviting two Baptist youth groups to ours. Obviously we have no intentions of watering things down, and we’re certainly going to mention that they cannot receive Sacraments.

One one hand, I’m uneasy with it. I’ve met several Baptists who were anti-Catholic, and I suppose I’m being fairly un-Christian and cynical in thinking that they’ll try spreading falsehoods.

Then again, how better to show them the Truth of Catholicism than inviting them to see what it’s all about? We do a Rosary they might start asking some questions, which would lead to some good discussions.

I’m a bit torn on it.

Thoughts?

I think it’s a splendid idea to invite a Baptist youth group to a Catholic Youth group. It’s a wonderfrul way to evangelize and clear up some misconceptions about Catholicism.

Having said that, I’m going to have to agree with 1ke that the rosary is not something non-Catholics deal with well.

I think it would be okay if by let’s say the 10th meeting you have the Rosary at one meeting, but if you’re going to have it at every meeting, it might be a bit awkward.

 

[1ke]

I’m assuming that you do this for precautionary reasons?

No, it is a requirement.

 

[Melchior_1]

No, it is a requirement.

Mind providing a link from their site? I can’t find it anywhere.

 

[1ke]

Mind providing a link from their site? I can’t find it anywhere.

Whose site are you talking about?

 

[Melchior_1]

Whose site are you talking about?

The site where you can order the DVD’s. I was assuming that if you needed parental consent they would say so and have forms to that effect on their web site.

 

[1ke]

The site where you can order the DVD’s. I was assuming that if you needed parental consent they would say so and have forms to that effect on their web site.

No, that’s not what I’m talking about.

I’m referring to diocesan catechesis requirements for religious education and youth ministry. **Any **program dealing wtih human sexuality requires parental permission, the opportunity to preview, and to be in the sessions.

Catechists and Youth Ministers must also be in conformity with several Vatican documents and the Charter for Protection of Young People. In most dioceses they must also go through a training program before facilitating any human sexuality program.

Who is running this show? The Youth Minister or DRE should have more sense than this.

 

[karow]

The site where you can order the DVD’s. I was assuming that if you needed parental consent they would say so and have forms to that effect on their web site.

Most US states require groups planning to present cirricula about human sexuality issues, human sexuality education, and family life to minors first obtain informed, written parental consent, which includes the option of opting their child out of the cirricula.

This information would not necessarily be on publisher websites.

My only advice on this matter is that the “teacher of record” for this group check with the parish or diocese and 1. make sure the parents/guardians of the Catholic kids gave consent if the kids are already enrolled in this group, 2. find out what the protocol is for obtaining consent from the parents/guardians of the Baptist teens, and 3. have a back up plan for the kids whose parents said no.

 

[Cristiano]

No, that’s not what I’m talking about.

I’m referring to diocesan catechesis requirements for religious education and youth ministry. **Any **program dealing wtih human sexuality requires parental permission, the opportunity to preview, and to be in the sessions.

Catechists and Youth Ministers must also be in conformity with several Vatican documents and the Charter for Protection of Young People. ** In most dioceses they must also go through a training program before facilitating any human sexuality program.**

Who is running this show? The Youth Minister or DRE should have more sense than this.

I think that this is another very important point. As Catholics we must follow the instructions from our local Bishops when it comes to teaching the faith especially outside the immediate family. We are going to be looked at as representatives of the Catholic Church, because we truly are the representatives of the Church, thus we must meet our obligations first.

 

[PJM]

=Melchior_;8057362]Of course I see the scriptural components of the Rosary, I’ve explained the concept to people several times throughout my life. I’ve written about Marian theology on CAF on several occasions as well.

I’m just uneasy with inviting a Baptist youth group to our Catholic one.

By the way, the final two Glorious Mysteries are not mentioned in Scripture, but are a direct consequence of the Immaculate Conception, which IS detailed nicely in Revelation 12 (I wrote a bit about it at forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=463745 )…

WHY?

We have The Truth, The Light, and THEE Life; NOT AVAILABLE ANYWHERE ESLE. Are we supposed to be embasassed to share it

God Bless,
Pat

 

[paperwight66]

WHY?

We have The Truth, The Light, and THEE Life; NOT AVAILABLE ANYWHERE ESLE. Are we supposed to be embasassed to share it

God Bless,
Pat

No, not at all. But there’s sharing, and there’s hitting people over the head.

Learn from the example of Jesus. He was very gentle and slow when teaching, to the extent that it almost looked like He was hiding the truth from people. Remember how He taught in parables, and at times even the disciples couldn’t follow what He was teaching and had to ask for an explanation?

He knew that teaching can only be done when the hearer is ready for it, and when they have sufficient background knowledge to move on to the next stage.

It’s like teaching a foreign language. A teacher wouldn’t immediately leap into a lesson on the subjunctive. It would be gradually introduced when the pupil was happy with what they knew and wanting to know more.

Introducing the Rosary in a mixed Baptist/Catholic setting would do far more harm than good. What will the Baptists notice? The ‘vain repetitions’ that we are always being accused of, and the seeming over-emphasis on Mary.

No, show the Baptists that Catholics are human and friendly people first, that being Catholic doesn’t make people cliqueish or non-Christian, then let them catch the bug when they are ready.

 

[PJM]

=Melchior_;8058154]Having someone there to explain things isn’t an issue, it’s been taken care of.

1ke, I haven’t seen anything online about parental guidance and/or permission being required to watch the videos. I’m assuming that you do this for precautionary reasons?

Each diocease may be differnt? All we did was send a note home with the kids asking their permission for the special class.

God Bless,
Pat

 

[mdstanzel]

A youth group is not appropriate for integrating non-Catholics. Teens are at a vulnerable age for one reason. However, if an individual wants to observe and remain charitable throughout the event, it’s up to the pastor of the parish or preferably the bishop. I believe Ike hit the nail on the head.

 

[PJM]

=paperwight66;8061481]No, not at all. But there’s sharing, and there’s hitting people over the head.

Learn from the example of Jesus. He was very gentle and slow when teaching, to the extent that it almost looked like He was hiding the truth from people. Remember how He taught in parables, and at times even the disciples couldn’t follow what He was teaching and had to ask for an explanation?

He knew that teaching can only be done when the hearer is ready for it, and when they have sufficient background knowledge to move on to the next stage.

It’s like teaching a foreign language. A teacher wouldn’t immediately leap into a lesson on the subjunctive. It would be gradually introduced when the pupil was happy with what they knew and wanting to know more.

Introducing the Rosary in a mixed Baptist/Catholic setting would do far more harm than good. What will the Baptists notice? The ‘vain repetitions’ that we are always being accused of, and the seeming over-emphasis on Mary.

No, show the Baptists that Catholics are human and friendly people first, that being Catholic doesn’t make people cliqueish or non-Christian, then let them catch the bug when they are ready.

OK

But I don’t recall [may have missed it?] anything about FORCING our beliefs [forbidden by cannon law] on anyone, ONLY EXPOSING others to what we belief and WHY.

Intoducing a TOPIC that is widely not understodd; especially one such as the Rosary that has HUGE BIBLICAL FOUNDATION seems an excellent way to approach others. The Hail Mary, the Lords prayer and even Repetition ALL have a scriptural basis.

SORRY to disagree with you friend; but I think they are making a PRUDENT choice.

God Bless,
Pat

 

[paperwight66]

OK

But I don’t recall [may have missed it?] anything about FORCING our beliefs [forbidden by cannon law] on anyone, ONLY EXPOSING others to what we belief and WHY.

Intoducing a TOPIC that is widely not understodd; especially one such as the Rosary that has HUGE BIBLICAL FOUNDATION seems an excellent way to approach others. The Hail Mary, the Lords prayer and even Repetition ALL have a scriptural basis.

SORRY to disagree with you friend; but I think they are making a PRUDENT choice.

God Bless,
Pat

Ah, but you see, you and I can see that, but I am coming at it from the point of view of a convert, and also from being involved in ecumenism.

You have to think yourself into another’s point of view. People aren’t drawn to faith by hammering at them, and confirming their prejudices. They are attracted by the still small voice, and also on a human level, as St Francis de Sales said, ‘More flies are caught by a drop of honey than by a whole barrel of vinegar’ - or words to that effect.

 

[PJM]

=paperwight66;8064451]Ah, but you see, you and I can see that, but I am coming at it from the point of view of a convert, and also from being involved in ecumenism.

You have to think yourself into another’s point of view. People aren’t drawn to faith by hammering at them, and confirming their prejudices. They are attracted by the still small voice, and also on a human level, as St Francis de Sales said, ‘More flies are caught by a drop of honey than by a whole barrel of vinegar’ - or words to that effect.

I agree, but having taught “kids” for MANY years 3td. grade through HS, this inter action is HUST that a change to interact and dialog. IT’s not a class per say; so much as an opportunity to see other views of the world.

I respect your views; but feel stronly about my own as well.

God Bless you,
Pat

 

[OhioanJack]

Of course I would. It would help those children and young adults learn more about the Church and its teachings. That would be a great opportunity for all involved!

Jack

 

[Jonathan_V]

I think that TOB for teens would be awesome. Just make sure you either start with the very first episode, or you have a person knowledgeable with TOB to provide some background.

And, no I don’t think parental permission is required for TOB. As far as I know, my parents nor any other kid’s parents had to sign anything for their child to view TOB for Teens. And before anyone pounces on my (now former ) youth minister or my diocese, we didn’t break anything by showing teens TOB without some waiver or whatever. If there was a rule broken, Bishop Sheridan would have found out a LONG time ago.

As for the Rosary, maybe not. Once they get more comfortable with your youth group, then you can ask them if it is OK for you to introduce the Rosary. It would be a great way to show them a wonderful part of the Catholic faith (devotion to Mary) but at the same time, you must be careful.

I hope this helps, and let us know how it goes!

 

[ChristisRisen32]

I haven’t really read the comments on here because I didn’t have time. I would just like to say that one of my close friends is a “Once Saved, Always Saved” non-denominational Christian. She had misconceptions about the Catholic Church. I’ve invited her to my youth group and Mass and she goes with me just about every week. She prays the rosary with me and even goes to adoration now. There’s serious progress with just being open about your faith to your non-Catholic friends.

Yours in the Hearts of Jesus and Mary,
Tony

 

[puzzleannie]

Then again, how better to show them the Truth of Catholicism than inviting them to see what it’s all about? We do a Rosary they might start asking some questions, which would lead to some good discussions.

I’m a bit torn on it.

Thoughts?

yes we would–with their own leaders-- and have, and plan to do it again in reciprocal arrangements. but the purpose is youth group, not catechetical, sacramental, worship or apologetics, more social youth rally type things. Each group is invited to have their music groups perform, their groups do skits etc. on a common theme. trouble is we don’t have large enough meeting spaces for what we would like, a school-district wide event.

a neighboring parish has a strong TOB program and has invited youth groups, with their leaders, and have positive feedback so I think that may grow.

the Lifeteen parishes I know pretty much limit it to their own parishioners so don’t think that provides a possibility.

a lot of our kids join FCA so we welcome those groups for some events simply to keep our own kids connected to their own parishes.