Articles and Videos for D-Group Leaders and Parents — STMA Catholic Youth Ministry

Information about Confirmation

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Prayer

We love the "Pure Faith" book. It is a small, pocket-sized book that features a "how to pray" section, as well as a wealth of different types of prayers.  It is great for beginners and is easy to digest and use as a discussion point.  We have extras here in the youth room; let Ruth know if you would like to take some for your group!

A few other thoughts or ideas:

Prayer Practice: Some have found it very helpful to have "prayer practice" nights. Set up a "prayerful atmosphere" (candles, dim lights to reduce distractions, etc) and walk them through various types of prayer.  This can be as simple as asking them to hold a pen and paper and write down their reflections while you slowly recite the Our Father, or do some Lectio Divina sessions with them... the goal being to help them "practice" how to pray so they know what they are doing when they are by themselves.

Prayer Postures: More energetic teens might like the "Catholic Aerobics" Activity: As a group, challenge the teens to try to do all the physical actions found in the Mass in order. (Typical order for most Masses at our parish is genuflect, kneel, sit, stand, sit, stand, sit, stand, sit, stand, kneel, stand, kneel, stand, kneel, sit, stand, kneel, stand, genuflect.)  Add hand gestures for a bonus round.  Then you can talk about each posture or hand gesture and discuss how/why each one leads us into prayer.  (For a simple article with some great explanations, click here: https://catholic-link.org/7-body-postures-praying-encountering-god/)

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Confession

(Confession times are posted online at each parish website.)

Printable Teen Examination of Conscience PDF

Father Mike Schmitz: Why Confess your sins to a priest?

3 Confession Tips that will change your life: Lifeteen

Inspirational Video: Confession

“I Confess” Video from Lifeteen: for those who haven’t been to confession in a while

Y-Disciple Sacraments Study: Session 3 “Penance and Healing”

As always, we are working to expand our list of resources. If you have anything to add, please let us know!

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Same Sex Attraction (SSA) and Sexual Identity issues: Catholic Teaching

All D-Group Leaders should watch the series on Y-Disciple: Training: Walking with Teens & the LGBTQ Experience [3 videos] Talk to Ruth Gladitsch for access.

For a great resource and blog written by Catholic individuals who struggle with SSA. Instead of embracing the ideals of the LBGTQ+ community, they find joy and peace by living out the virtue of chastity and holiness. Check out the Eden Invitation! www.edeninvitation.com

Charles LiMandri: How to Talk About Homosexuality

Creed 101: Gay Marriage

Fr. Mike Schmitz: Love and Same Sex Attraction

Fr. Mike Schmitz: The Transgender Question

Fr. Paul Checks: Biblical Teaching on Homosexuality

Fr. Paul Checks: Is Homosexuality Genetic?

Jason Evert: Homosexuality (short)

Jason Evert: Gay Marriage and Homosexuality and the Church

Tim Staples: Why Would God Create Someone With Same-Sex Attraction?

USCCB: Ministry to Persons with a Homosexual inclination: Guidelines for Pastoral Care - for group leaders

Book Recommendations:

“In Pursuit: Confessions of a Gay Catholic Teenager” Published by Lifeteen, this is a very personal story of a young Catholic’s journey towards chastity and truth in the midst of his own struggle with Same Sex attraction. This is a powerful story to help those in ministry understand a bit more of what some of our young people may be experiencing. Talk to Ruth to get a copy.

“Made for Love: Same Sex Attractions and the Catholic Church” by Father Mike Schmitz. Each D-Group leader is given their own copy during their first year as a D-Group leader; talk to Ruth if you need another copy.

As always, we are working to expand our list of resources. If you have anything to add, please let us know!

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Death, Heaven, Hell and Purgatory: Catholic Teaching

Heaven:

Fr. Mike Schmitz: How to get to Heaven

Hell:

Fr. Mike Schmitz: Hell is Real

Purgatory:

There are a couple of good videos with some more detailed answers (see below), but the easiest, simplest explanation is 

"Purgatory isn't a just a place, it is more of a process, like a car wash.  Imagine a man who gets his car cleaned before he takes out a woman for their first date.  Just like a car wash is a cleaning process for a car that is going somewhere where it is important for it to be clean, purgatory is a cleaning/purification process for our souls before we enter into Heaven."

“What you should know about Purgatory?” Father Mike Schmitz with Ascension Presents video

“Purgatory: Explained” Ask Joel with Lifeteen

As always, we are working to expand our list of resources. If you have anything to add, please let us know!

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Contraception: Catholic Teaching

Contraception:

Catholic Perspectives on Birth Control: Great article to share with teens (particularly teens who are asking about using the pill for medical reasons).

Catholic Perspectives on Birth Control: In depth article (many of these themes are best discussed AFTER a discussion on Theology of the Body and God's plan for marriage).

Chris Stefanick: Condoms Don't Stop AIDS

Philip Rivers: Openness to Life

As always, we are working to expand our list of resources. If you have anything to add, please let us know!

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Catholicism as the True Church: Catholic Teaching

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