Young Life

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Our priest welcomed a rep from Young Life to talk to us today. He’s hoping some of us will get involved, but I thought this was a Protestant organization? It’s statement of faith includes Catholics, but also states, “Article I:
The Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, being given by divine inspiration, are the Word of God, the final and supreme authority in all matters of faith and conduct.”
younglife.org/AboutYoungLife/StatementOfFaith.htm

Ignoring Tradition rubs me the wrong way.
Am I concerned for nothing? Just hoping someone here has some experience with them. Thank you!
 
J.Denise said:
Our priest welcomed a rep from Young Life to talk to us today. He’s hoping some of us will get involved, but I thought this was a Protestant organization? It’s statement of faith includes Catholics, but also states, “Article I:
The Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, being given by divine inspiration, are the Word of God, the final and supreme authority in all matters of faith and conduct.”
younglife.org/AboutYoungLife/StatementOfFaith.htm

Ignoring Tradition rubs me the wrong way.
Am I concerned for nothing? Just hoping someone here has some experience with them. Thank you!
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Hi,
I used to be a Young Life leader (meaning that I worked with high school aged kids, introducing them to the Gospel). Young Life is an amazing ministry, but it is not associated with any church. I personally think that this is one of Young Life’s faults (especially because I am Catholic).

The official policy of YoungLife is to encourage students to stay within the church that their family attends (unless their family does not attend a church). So, the reason that YoungLife leaves tradition out of their statement is because they are not affiliated with any church, and the goal of the organization is to introduce every teenager to Christ (regardless of the teen’s affiliation).

So, is Young Life Protestant? No. However, I would caution that many leaders are Protestant, which may lead to teenagers understanding the Gospel differently than if they heard it from a Catholic. That being said, I think that Young Life may have Catholic specific ministries that I am unaware of–I’d encourage you to inquire about those. Otherwise, be cautious. You may find that it is okay for your parish to be involved in Young Life, but you may find that in your area, Young Life isn’t the right way for Catholics to go.
 
Many thanks for your responses. I am still conflicted. The Religious Ed Director who is a rock solid third order Carmelite was hesitant at first too, but thought about it because our teens (in our parish anyway) have NO zeal! They could care less. She’s hoping this brings them closer to God. She was hoping I’d be interested because I could give them some basic apologetics to defend their faith. In an ironic way it might work. Unfortunately, I don’t live close to the parish (35-40 minute drive) and I have a family so my spare time is limited. I’m not sure if God is calling me to this or not. Will keep praying. Thanks so much for your answers.
 
Your DRE should begin a chapter of the “Dead Theologians Society” for teens. That IS rock solid Catholic teaching!
 
Kage Ar,
That would be wonderful, but how would we get them there? They just aren’t interested. They’re dragged to Mass as it is. It’s not a large parish, they all know each other. We need something that will bring them out of their shell. They’re hoping this will do it, new friends to meet, cool activities, camp. According to the brochure, Young Life is relatively new to the area. You have to understand, we’re in the Northeast. Religion is not cool here in general, especially to apathetic Catholics. Especially in a diocese that is in the bottom 10 of Crisis Magazine listing of top dioceses. Teens are lukewarm because their parents and grandparents are lukewarm. You could justly say that we’re desperate.

In an ironic way, if I’m going to do this, I’m hoping that they ARE challenged by Protestants so that I could help them defend it. THAT is what will give them zeal. It’s how I learned it myself.

Any way, this may all be moot because I’m not even sure the kids will sign up for this.
 
KA,
DTA has my vote, but will it have the priest’s? I’ll talk to the DRE. Thanks for the link!
 
So here is the scoop…

Young Life is non-denominational and has been from the outset (1941). Therefore, we are not affiliated with any denomination, nor do we encourage one Christian denomination over another. Our staff and volunteers affiliate with a wide range of Christian denominations — both Protestant and Catholic.
younglife.org/FAQs/YoungLifeFAQs

As someone who was involved as a teen and now as an adult, I highly recommend Young Life! It is an extra tool in the tool box for parents wanting their kids to navigate the teen years and have a relationship with Christ.

Here is the story of 4 Catholic youth:

Three went to Catholic K-8:

P…strong Catholic wanted to stay the righteous path.YL provided opportunities to have fun in faith of Christ and deepen existing Faith

K…Catholic, Mass each week, but troubled and contemplated meaning of life and depression. Contemplated suicide. YL Leaders provided mentors and realization that Christ was what she yearned for to complete emptiness felt.

C…Catholic, Catholic HS, wanted to have fun and be where the action is. Problem was the action was full of temptation and trouble. Started going to YL and found you could have clean fun in Christian Life with Christ.

M…Catholic went to Public School, never really got what it was all for beyond CCD and confirmation. YL introduced him to a deeper relationbship with Christ.

BTW, all 4 were sent back to their Catholic Church to be feed and for doctrine…and all 4 are more devoted to their Church because of YL.

That was just a glimpse of what I’ve seen. And if you have any questions about conflicts ask the Young Life Area Director…I did.
 
Sunday01 said:
So here is the scoop…

Young Life is non-denominational and has been from the outset (1941). Therefore, we are not affiliated with any denomination, nor do we encourage one Christian denomination over another. Our staff and volunteers affiliate with a wide range of Christian denominations — both Protestant and Catholic.
younglife.org/FAQs/YoungLifeFAQs

As someone who was involved as a teen and now as an adult, I highly recommend Young Life! It is an extra tool in the tool box for parents wanting their kids to navigate the teen years and have a relationship with Christ.

Here is the story of 4 Catholic youth:

Three went to Catholic K-8:

P…strong Catholic wanted to stay the righteous path.YL provided opportunities to have fun in faith of Christ and deepen existing Faith

K…Catholic, Mass each week, but troubled and contemplated meaning of life and depression. Contemplated suicide. YL Leaders provided mentors and realization that Christ was what she yearned for to complete emptiness felt.

C…Catholic, Catholic HS, wanted to have fun and be where the action is. Problem was the action was full of temptation and trouble. Started going to YL and found you could have clean fun in Christian Life with Christ.

M…Catholic went to Public School, never really got what it was all for beyond CCD and confirmation. YL introduced him to a deeper relationbship with Christ.

BTW, all 4 were sent back to their Catholic Church to be feed and for doctrine…and all 4 are more devoted to their Church because of YL.

That was just a glimpse of what I’ve seen. And if you have any questions about conflicts ask the Young Life Area Director…I did.
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This is very true, but I’d encourage you to take a look at my post above. Most Protestants leaders are unaware of Catholic theology. In my experience, I’ve heard some leaders speak on topics and (unknowingly) contradict Catholic teaching.
YL has the correct intentions, but I am no longer a Young Life leader partially due to the fact that I don’t believe they consistently go far enough in forming kids relationships with Christ. The goal seems to be to get the kids to camp, where they are definitely guaranteed to have an amazing experience, but follow up is poor, and faith often weakens after leaving high school.
There’s room for improvement. Overall, YL is an amazing ministry, but as a Catholic, I would caution Catholics to remain aware of the type of theology their area’s leaders use. If your children are going to YL, make sure that the leaders are understanding and welcoming of the fact that they are Catholic.
 
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