www.byzcath.org Forums Faith & Christian Life Parish Life & Evangelization ByzanTEEN Bible Study for backsliding youth

Lord have mercy!
I attended a bible study for older teens at a roman parish this past summer and was astonished by the lack of knowledge and commitment to the faith that was displayed. I know this is the case of several parishes around me and is the case in the evangelical congregations around here as well.
I was wondering if anyone had ever had this experience and been moved to do something about it.I fear for the future of the church in America because her youth are not being taught truth and right faith!
Any ideas and such from your parishes? how do kids get educated about 'mere Christianity'?

Peace,

this is the case in the Holy Land as well ...
We, the Church, found that the best way is to make youth movements, combining fun and social skills with learning ...


However - let us be honest - the main problem begins in the homes of these children and youth - Parents became ignorant or far from the church - and this makes the problem double as worse.

In our parish ECCD starts at age three. But, it must begin in the home from the very beginning. I see parents and Godparents signing the infants as they receive Eucharist. In a little while you see them using the childs hand to make the sign. This is the very beginning of understanding Jesus Bread is different from the bread you eat at home.

Parents have to take the responciblity and be there with their children, and they must help the child to understand that yes you have been sealed with the Holy Spirit. HOWEVER AT SOME POINT THE CHILD OR YOUNG PERSON HAS TO ACCEPT RESPONCIBILITY FOR THEIR OWN FAITH. In some ways this is what Protestants call born again. As Catholics and Orthodox, we have been given the fullness of our faith. God has given us everything, including his Son to help us grow in holiness, guided by the Holy Spirit and our Guardian Angel with the help of Blessed Mother and St. Jospeh. What more can he give us through his grace and mercy?

As adults WE have to take responcibility, we have to say yes, we have to allow God's grace to make us hungry for his love. He is love! One of the saints said something to the effect that we make our faith complicated, God makes it easy.

All it takes is a resounding yes from us, but we want to keep control. We want it our way, not Gods. But somehow, I suspect that was never made clear, or we refused to hear. May the eyes and ears of their hearts be opened to recieve God's Word, the Word made Flesh, that dwelt among us.

May God's mercies fall afresh on all of mankind this season of Great and Holy Lent, may there be many conversions of heart, and many resounding YES's to God's call.

Pani Rose

I think it is possible to have more bible study groups for youth and if it is made interesting and meaningful they will respond because I have seen them respond.

A simple way regardless of what book or biblical theme you may be studying is to:

l. Do bible exploration - mainly find out what it meant so to find out what it means.

2. Read and reflect on the scriptures in the story or passages.

3. Do life exploration and see how the particular story or theme can be applied in daily life.

We also did little skits based on the scriptures in which the teens got involved spontaneously. They were easily organized and didn't involve more than one practice and were put on the same night of the class. I especially remember when some of our teens organized their own skit based on the Parable of the Good Samaritan. Someone even got to play the donkey. Then there was the story of Lazarus when we wrapped one of the boys in toilet paper. (My 17 yr. old son)

Lastly, there should be opportunity to share feelings about the parable or passage -- and finally a time of corporate prayer.

Just some thoughts...from a former youth group leader.

Mary Jo

The fact is if they are attending religious ed classes they are being taught, it's just that many of them don't care.

As everyone has already pointed out, it must begin in the home and be perpetuated in the home. Their religious ed must encouraged, supplemented, and reinforced in the home.

I'm sure we all know of many kids who attend religious ed and even Catholic or religious schools who are never taken to church on Sundays and are taught little if anything in the home.

Bill

I've been on a downer in my posts today, and on an upbeat, I also know a few kids who get no spiritual guidance at home who have sought out religious ed on their own and attend church on their own.

Bill

Bill, you wrote: "The fact is if they are attending religious ed classes they are being taught, it's just that many of them don't care ."

I think (personally) that they don't care because they do not yet KNOW THE LORD personally...they have not yet (some at least) been gifted with a relationship with Him? Unfortunately, this is something we can only 'set the stage for' at home...and not ours to give---it comes from the Lord Himself as a gift. Some get it early on at 7 or 8 years of age...and others much later, in adulthood. But God always offers the gift somewhere along the line and He opens each soul up to the possibility of entering into this relationship with Him at THE time that is best for each particular soul. He choses the right time. He gives the gift. He enters into 'communion' with each soul when it is best. It may be at First Holy Communion or First Confession...or it may be when a person has their first child...or when a parent reposes...or when financial trouble comes into a person's life. But it WILL come...and He will initiate the relationship when it is best for each and every soul. If at home we/you are doing everything to 'set the stage' for His work...and creating the atmosphere necessary for His work---then it will prove fruitful when the time comes.

In my home as a child, I didn't hear a lot about prayer---my parents simply prayed. I didn't hear about how I needed to go to Confession---my mother simply took me AND, she went with me! I didn't get pushed to go to Mass---my mother and father were going and it was a basic understanding that as long as I lived under their roof, I was expected to go also. I didn't get 'preached at' about not using bad language---my parents just didn't use it...and so I followed suit. They didn't talk to me a lot about not lying---they just encouraged me to always tell the truth and they set the example by not lying themselves. So you are correct---it all begins at home...YOU set the stage...and then wait on the Lord to establish that all important relationship with each child. The rest is in the hands of God...but He is NEVER EVER found wanting! He gives us more than we ever expected and at just the right time.

Your brother in Christ,
+Fr. Gregory

Bless, Father Gregory,

How true your words are. My growing up years pretty much echo what you have described. I had my own falling away in my late teens into my early twenties but returned to the faith.

The seeds once planted will eventually bear fruit. May God give us the grace to lead us through our stuggles.

Thank you Father, my hope is renewed.
In Christ, Bill

I read in one of my many books, "Raise up a child in the way he should go and he shall not depart from it!" I'm a single parent of a 13 year old who finds his Dad and church "boring" I have almost given up several times, then logged on yesterday. I have realized though some of what I teach here at home has stayed with my son, and so I continue as before and believe me it is hard as the youth of today are the future of our church tomorrow and we as parents cannot lay blame to Sunday School etc., I think parents blew it a long time ago, when the Supreme Court said something about sepepration of Church and State. I had only gone on one field trip at my public school and that was to the local Jewish Temple and I couldn't wait for the next one, but it never came. Let's vote for Supreme Court Justices who are pro-God and not what the majority says, sometimes that only means all the fools are on the same side.