Dear Teen Readers,

Welcome again to FAITHteen! I invite you to 'Dive In,' not just sit on the edge of the pool. Because our lives are shaped by our choices, we need constant help to make good choices that bring happiness now and forever.

St. Augustine writes how, at age 30, he finally faced the mess he made of his and other’s lives. He regrets so many bad choices and weeps over his wasted youth. He learned that his greatest choice is for God who loves him and cares for him. He recalls Jesus words to the worrying disciples: “Look at the birds! Your heavenly Father feeds them. YOU are more important than birds.” Augustine thought: ‘Yes, God feeds them, but he does not put the food in their nest.’ They have to forage for it. On the wings of faith he chose to search for the food God provides for happiness.

What Augustine discovered is still true for everyone. Yes! God feeds the birds, BUT, he doesn’t put it in their nests. They have to go after it. Yes, God provides for us too, BUT we must choose to get it. FAITHteen offers you variety of good nourishment for good and happy choices. Go for it! You won’t be sorry! You’ll be on fire!

+ Most Rev. Carl F. Mengeling, bishop of Lansing