Likely, you now a person or two (or twenty) who were raised Catholic but that no longer practice the faith. (After all, research now claims that "Nones" are 23.1% of the U.S. Population! Roman Catholics are 23%, per General Social Survey data analyzed by Ryan Burge of Eastern Illinois University. "Nones" are Americans who state they do not affiliate with any religious tradition, i.e. on surveys when asked what religion they are, they would check NONE.) Some have been hurt by the Church... others have just wandered away... some may disagree with specific Catholic teaching.... others may have misunderstood (or been taught un-truths)…. many did not feel loved, needed, accepted by or like they belonged to a parish.... others say they just don't have time... and I am sure there are many more reasons. Have any of these folks asked you why you are still Catholic? Or, have you ever just shared (in a loving, caring conversation), why being Catholic is important to you? While it may not change their minds at the moment, or it may start a discussion (hopefully, not an argument), it might make them think.... It is possible that no one ever talked about why the faith is important to them and how being Catholic impacts daily living. So, WHY ARE YOU CATHOLIC? What do you like most about being Catholic? Your response should be shared with the youth (and the families) with whom you serve. Hearing the answers from others will help the teens to formulate their own answers. Take some time to thing about it and pray about. Also consider who your answer may have changed over time. If you need any inspiration, below, you can find what the 2019 Eagle of the Cross Recipients said when asked why they like about being Catholic. A few of these high school juniors and seniors are VERY insightful! (Others affirm many of the things we do in our youth ministries and parish life!) What Eagle of the Cross 2019 Recipients Like about being Catholic:
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*** Note: The Office Blog is now inactive, but posted for continued reference as needed (6/30/21) ***Cindee Case, MPSFormer Director of the Diocese of Youngstown Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry (2/2002 - 6/2021) Archives
July 2021
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