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FAITHteen Fr. Joe

As our Advent preparation continues, we reflect on the eighth beatitude and what it means to be a Christian in a hostile world. Rejoice, be glad and have a blessed Christmas! Past issues

 Inside Nov. 2003
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spiritual fitness
It's Your Life, so stand your ground
The song "It's My Life" reminds us that we need to look in the mirror from time to time. We have a responsibility to adhere to our values and do what is right, even when it hurts. More
 saint

the real word what's up with that reality check

What does it feel like to take an unpopular stance on something? Why do so many people just go with the crowd?

Do you defend the persecuted, or watch quietly from the sidelines? Do you stand up for for what you believe in?

You constantly see an unpopular student being picked on by others. This bothers you, so you:
A. confront those picking on the student.
B. keep on walking, because you don't need to be picked on, too.
C. meet with school counselors to alert them
D. offer friendship to the student, and try to keep other friends, too.

 

Talking to Teens About God's Plan for Sex and Their Lives
Jason and Crystalina Evert Share Testimonies Regarding Chastity

SAN DIEGO, California, DEC. 12, 2003 (Zenit.org).- Jason and Crystalina Evert are a newlywed couple and chastity speakers who work for Catholic Answers and visit high schools -- public, Christian and Catholic -- around the country. Jason Evert, author of "If You Really Loved Me," shared how their young audiences respond to their message ...

Q: What are the key points you stress to your young audiences?

Evert: If I could sum up our talk in one sentence, it would be this: The peace and joy that come from a lifestyle of chastity is worth more than all the pleasures of the world.

During a high school assembly, Crystalina and I share our testimonies with the teens. This seems to lower their defenses and open their hearts.

We begin by addressing the "how far is too far" question by inviting the teens to consider how far they would want someone to go with their future spouse. Other topics include the dangers of pornography, the power of modesty and the growing trend towards chastity among the youth.

We stress that God's plan for life and love is exactly what the teens are looking for. Once we see the truth about our bodies and the truth about sex, we change our lives not as a result of force, obligation, persuasion, guilt, fear of pregnancy or disease, but because God's view of love is everything that the human heart longs for. ...

To read the rest of the interview, click here.
To listen to their talk online, click here.