Youth Ministry is Embarrassing

[smead2942]

I’m 16 years old and youth ministry embarrasses me. So much of it is watered-down and panders to what “teens like”.

Have you seen the youth conferences? Protestantized rock concerts. Do the organizers think that we’re so stupid that we need strobe lights, fog machines, hand-waving, liturgical dancing, and electric guitars to hold our attention? Music during adoration? Charismatic, sensationalistic nonsense?

People wonder why young people leave the Church, and here’s why. They don’t think there is any difference between Catholicism and any other Christian denomination, other than the fact that the local nondenom megachurches have coffee shops. If people realized that Catholicism contains the fullness of Christian Truth and the Body and Blood of Christ, they would NEVER abandon the Bride of Christ.

We don’t want to be patronized, we want authenticity!

 

[LightBound]

I’m 16 years old and youth ministry embarrasses me. So much of it is watered-down and panders to what “teens like”.

Have you seen the youth conferences? Protestantized rock concerts. Do the organizers think that we’re so stupid that we need strobe lights, fog machines, hand-waving, liturgical dancing, and electric guitars to hold our attention? Music during adoration? Charismatic, sensationalistic nonsense?

People wonder why young people leave the Church, and here’s why. They don’t think there is any difference between Catholicism and any other Christian denomination, other than the fact that the local nondenom megachurches have coffee shops. If people realized that Catholicism contains the fullness of Christian Truth and the Body and Blood of Christ, they would NEVER abandon the Bride of Christ.

We don’t want to be patronized, we want authenticity!

You have two rants going on here- one is that you don’t like the “Protestantized” conferences. Okay, that’s a matter of personal taste, since obviously there are plenty of kids attending them and are very devout Catholics…Steubenville, anyone?? That’s pretty authentic…Your comment about Charismatic Catholics was uncalled for.

Next, where are the teens that leave the Church going? The megachurches that provide all the above and now include the Starbucks? That’s a matter of poor catechesis, not the format or music of the conferences or youth ministry.

Instead of ranting and griping about what you don’t like, look into finding a conference or a teen group that you do like. Your profile listed your location as Missouri- surely St Louis, with several, faithful to Rome Latin Mass parishes have something available that you could drive to occasionally that would definitely fit your spiritual attitude and interests. Don’t have one available? Then get a movement started that does provide what you want. You’ll make more of a difference that way than making derogatory comments at those who prefer the kind of experience that you so obviously dislike.

 

[smead2942]

When someone suggests burning a cross at your diocesan youth conference, you’ll understand what I’m getting at.

 

[LightBound]

When someone suggests burning a cross at your diocesan youth conference, you’ll understand what I’m getting at.

Well, you left that out of your original post. Don’t see how that has a thing to do with upbeat music or Charismatic worship style.

Who suggested it and why? Are the another teen or was it your pastor or youth leader? Were they being sarcastic or completely serious? Never heard of anything like that happening except at a KKK rally- certainly not any kind of youth conference…Protestant or Catholic.

Do not post the answer to that question online, please!!

If someone in a position of influence actually meant burning a cross and they were 100% serious, it does need to be addressed. However, posting a comment that alluded to it, online for all the internet to see, instead of taking the proper measures to have it addressed by the priest or Bishop is not appropriate and borders quite a bit on gossip or slander. It will do you well to learn what should and shouldn’t be posted online…something of this nature and trying to link it to Charismatic Catholics or concert-style retreats is one of those things that’s best left off the internet.

You mentioned being 16- discuss this concern with your parents and let them assist you in following the right “chain of command” to have this issue with the “burning cross” comment dealt with. Your diocese and the conference you attended are due that respect.

Best wishes in getting this concern dealt with and finding a conference or ministry that fits your spirituality. You’ll get it done- just go about it in the proper fashion.

 

[kozlosap]

When someone suggests burning a cross at your diocesan youth conference, you’ll understand what I’m getting at.

If the KKK is active in your Parish, notify the Bishop ASAP.

If you don’t like the teen offerings then attend adult ones. My advise would be, however, to enjoy being young. Make friends, plan adventures and learn all you can from each other.

 

[Belshazzar]

I’m 16 years old and youth ministry embarrasses me. So much of it is watered-down and panders to what “teens like”.

Have you seen the youth conferences? Protestantized rock concerts. Do the organizers think that we’re so stupid that we need strobe lights, fog machines, hand-waving, liturgical dancing, and electric guitars to hold our attention? Music during adoration? Charismatic, sensationalistic nonsense?

People wonder why young people leave the Church, and here’s why. They don’t think there is any difference between Catholicism and any other Christian denomination, other than the fact that the local nondenom megachurches have coffee shops. If people realized that Catholicism contains the fullness of Christian Truth and the Body and Blood of Christ, they would NEVER abandon the Bride of Christ.

We don’t want to be patronized, we want authenticity!

You sound like me when I was 16. I once approached our priest and complained that our CYO group was all about going to dances, ball games, etc. and we never mentioned anything about the Jesus or anything religious at our get- togethers. He said, “I’ll tell you a little secret about the CYO. It’s all about getting Catholic boys to meet Catholic girls.” He further added that if I wanted to stay with them, the opportunity is there to talk about Our Lord and to take the initiative myself. Wise priests are a treasure.

Just be thankful you didn’t grow up in the 1970’s and 80’s when catechesis was horrible. Even back then I would think, “If things are this bad now, what will it be like for our children?” The yearning for a more solid, authentic faith from today’s youth was a totally unexpected turn of events. Just don’t pass up this opportunity to share your faith.

 

[smead2942]

All very good points. Thanks for the advice-- honestly, it’s probably best that this thread is taken down.

 

[pianistclare]

I think it’s wonderful that you believe that you know more than your youth minister.
Go to college, get a degree in Catechetical studies and be the change you desire.

Did it ever occur to you that YOUR PRESENCE at the youth groups could be a positive influence? Ever heard that thing about the plank in your own eye? So your peers are not a perfectly catechized as you. What can YOU do to show the way, example true devotion, assist the CORE leaders of the Youth Ministry? Are you a Teen Core member? Do you contribute? Have you met with the DRE and Youth Minister to discuss your concerns about making the nights a bit less social and with more content?
As and someone said. there’s PLENTY of great opportunities for devout practicing teens.
Go find them.
But I wouldn’t abandon my friends because I thought I had a lock on it.
Sitting for 2 hours at a desk and reading or being lectured never works with teens.
Are they doing any community service? Soup kitchens. pregnancy crisis centers, feeding the homeless, working with the handicapped, mowing lawns for people in the parish? If not…start there. It will keep you busy and show the way for serving others in our lives. A skill that must be learned early on to make a difference and live out our call to be the hands and feet of Christ.
Just my 2 cents.

 

[sailor28]

The Catholic Church is a big place that offers something for everyone no matter where they are on their spiritual journey or what their worship preference is. I really love this about the church.

I find the liturgy at my parish dreadful. The organ music makes me feel like I am at a funeral. Yet I understand that this is how some people connect with God. Although, few are actually singing because the music is so hard to sing to so I am not sure who exactly is connecting with God. I wish they would expand their use of instruments beyond the organ.

Youth love contemporary music. Music is a great way to win hearts for God. I don’t think you should mock how other people relate to God. My guess is the kids who go to Steubenville conferences are more likely to stay in the church than those who don’t.

Instead of slamming all the youth events focus on something positive and decide how you are going to contribute. Why don’t you ask the kids in youth group what brings them closer to God? And remember everyone’s spiritual journey is different and God is working in people’s life in ways that you may not be able to understand. It may not be on your terms or what you need but other’s have different needs than you do.

 

[on_the_hill]

I’m 16 years old and youth ministry embarrasses me. So much of it is watered-down and panders to what “teens like”.

Have you seen the youth conferences? Protestantized rock concerts. Do the organizers think that we’re so stupid that we need strobe lights, fog machines, hand-waving, liturgical dancing, and electric guitars to hold our attention? Music during adoration? Charismatic, sensationalistic nonsense?

People wonder why young people leave the Church, and here’s why. They don’t think there is any difference between Catholicism and any other Christian denomination, other than the fact that the local nondenom megachurches have coffee shops. If people realized that Catholicism contains the fullness of Christian Truth and the Body and Blood of Christ, they would NEVER abandon the Bride of Christ.

We don’t want to be patronized, we want authenticity!

The new youth leader at our parish heavily recruited our daughter but she only went once. My other daughter occasionally goes to “game night” at a local pseudo-megachurch–which has a coffee shop, WiFi, a new gym, lots of kids, etc.

My Catholic brother met his Catholic wife at a Presbyterian youth club.

 

[twf]

I think it’s wonderful that you believe that you know more than your youth minister.
Go to college, get a degree in Catechetical studies and be the change you desire.

Did it ever occur to you that YOUR PRESENCE at the youth groups could be a positive influence? Ever heard that thing about the plank in your own eye? So your peers are not a perfectly catechized as you. What can YOU do to show the way, example true devotion, assist the CORE leaders of the Youth Ministry? Are you a Teen Core member? Do you contribute? Have you met with the DRE and Youth Minister to discuss your concerns about making the nights a bit less social and with more content?
As and someone said. there’s PLENTY of great opportunities for devout practicing teens.
Go find them.
But I wouldn’t abandon my friends because I thought I had a lock on it.
Sitting for 2 hours at a desk and reading or being lectured never works with teens.
Are they doing any community service? Soup kitchens. pregnancy crisis centers, feeding the homeless, working with the handicapped, mowing lawns for people in the parish? If not…start there. It will keep you busy and show the way for serving others in our lives. A skill that must be learned early on to make a difference and live out our call to be the hands and feet of Christ.
Just my 2 cents.

You don’t have to be sarcastic towards the kid. A lot of teens feel the same way as the OP. I did. And so does my brother (10 years my junion). We were both raised Protestant but sought the Catholic Church to escape the sort of thing the OP is talking about. There is a lack of Catholic tradition and substance in a lot (not all) Catholic youth programs and I do agree that this can help along the exodus…

 

[KendraDZ1902]

I just don’t see the youth group being like CCD.

I grew up protestant and Sunday School was for learning and youth group was to get the kids of the church/community together. Lots of youth groups in my very small town would do things together. It wasn’t really for learning about God or religion. More for christian kids to hang out with other christian kids or for kids to hang out/have fun in a safe environment.
One youth group did a thing called 5th quarter and it was after home football games. Their gym was opened and they had games and food and stuff like that. It was a good place for kids to go and not be in trouble.
I went to Christian camp with my youth group. While there was bible study at camp, we did a lot more playing. We went baseball games and there was a lock in a couple of times a year.
Again, I think youth group is just different from religious education. And I think kids need both, not just religious education.

 

[pianistclare]

You don’t have to be sarcastic towards the kid. A lot of teens feel the same way as the OP. I did. And so does my brother (10 years my junion). We were both raised Protestant but sought the Catholic Church to escape the sort of thing the OP is talking about. There is a lack of Catholic tradition and substance in a lot (not all) Catholic youth programs and I do agree that this can help along the exodus…

Oh, I’m not being sarcastic. I’m totally serious.
Be the change.
Offer to help leadership.
Use your voice, not to condemn, but to lift up and strengthen.
NOBODY, but nobody wants to work with teens. These people deserve a lot of credit for stepping up. If the kids have suggestions, they should voice them. The adults will appreciate the insight.
I hear so many people on CAF decry their church experiences. But very few that say how they are going to make it better.
Don’t you think it’s better to work toward a better experience?
I do. Our program offers Adoration, devotions, and pop music, ice-breaker games, small group discussions, oodles of community service, and catechesis faithful to the Magisterium. But not all at once. We have to incorporate everything in. We can’t just lecture or have them practice Lectio Divino for 2 hours. Nor can we only play games. We mix it up because of the mostly short attention span of the kids.
You have to know your audience. And most teens are not like this kid. Most are busy hiding their cell phones from you because they want to text during the entire class.
If he has a solution? By all means. I’m sure the YM wants to hear it.

 

[mountee]

All very good points. Thanks for the advice-- honestly, it’s probably best that this thread is taken down.

I am very glad you brought your concerns here, we all can learn something from your feelings whether we agree or disagree with them. Please don’t be discouraged by any response that might have made you feel bad, look for what is trying to be said and see if it might help you sort through your current feelings. It’s funny, I am almost 64 and I regularly feel like I am attending a service that is more entertaining than reverent, so I can empathize with what you stated. Over the years I have watched friends and family leave my beloved Church and many of them have landed in a mega church because they felt more welcome and engaged in the services. They have also left because they want to see female priests, gay marriage and other hot button issues of change in our faith. I urge you to stay open minded to some of what you experience for several reasons as it is tough to try to reach everyone in your age group and keep them engaged in Catholic activities. In addition, as you attend try to remember that your example, your presence and your behavior will be a way for you to evangelize your peers. God bless you, I would only hope that there would be millions of Catholic youth with your faith.

 

[POJIUJH]

I was never interested in them at all. It’s kind of a blow over from the 70’s. You’re not alone, so don’t worry!

 

[tawny]

I am very glad you brought your concerns here, we all can learn something from your feelings whether we agree or disagree with them. Please don’t be discouraged by any response that might have made you feel bad, look for what is trying to be said and see if it might help you sort through your current feelings. It’s funny, I am almost 64 and I regularly feel like I am attending a service that is more entertaining than reverent, so I can empathize with what you stated. Over the years I have watched friends and family leave my beloved Church and many of them have landed in a mega church because they felt more welcome and engaged in the services. They have also left because they want to see female priests, gay marriage and other hot button issues of change in our faith. I urge you to stay open minded to some of what you experience for several reasons as it is tough to try to reach everyone in your age group and keep them engaged in Catholic activities. In addition, as you attend try to remember that your example, your presence and your behavior will be a way for you to evangelize your peers. God bless you, I would only hope that there would be millions of Catholic youth with your faith.

Well stated.

 

[recentrevert]

I’m 16 years old and youth ministry embarrasses me. So much of it is watered-down and panders to what “teens like”.

Have you seen the youth conferences? Protestantized rock concerts. Do the organizers think that we’re so stupid that we need strobe lights, fog machines, hand-waving, liturgical dancing, and electric guitars to hold our attention? Music during adoration? Charismatic, sensationalistic nonsense?

People wonder why young people leave the Church, and here’s why. They don’t think there is any difference between Catholicism and any other Christian denomination, other than the fact that the local nondenom megachurches have coffee shops. If people realized that Catholicism contains the fullness of Christian Truth and the Body and Blood of Christ, they would NEVER abandon the Bride of Christ.

We don’t want to be patronized, we want authenticity!

The way to evangelize the youth is to proclaim the truth to them in word and deed, in humility and charity, just as it is for anyone else.