T E N E W
ESPA ÑOL
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Dale la vue lta par a
T E E N M A Z I N E F
Is it right to intervene with teens I don’t know when there is clearly a problem?
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Ask Abuela
R O A R C H D I O C E S E O F A T L A N T A
WHILE IN COLLEGE
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Lent!
CATHOLIC
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a playlist for
HOW TO STAY
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Read her story on page 16!
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THE SIMPLE THINGS MAKE ME SMILE
From the Editor
It is an honor to have THE MARK
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From the editor In the know with Father Joe A trip inspired by Our Lady of Lourdes • Ask Abuela • Lenten playlist • From the archbishop How to stay Catholic while in college National Catholic Youth Conference 2017 Leaving room for the Holy Spirit at school dances
magazine — a place where teens can share their faith journey, not only with other teens, but with the whole Church. I am so grateful for the amazing teens willing to share their stories with us. We are learning from you. We have received exciting feedback since the first issue of THE MARK came out in October 2016. The teens of the Archdiocese of Atlanta already are leaving a mark in other dioceses throughout the U.S., and even as far away as Nigeria. What can you expect from this issue? I often hear teens saying, “I don’t know if I want to be Catholic because I will not be able to do the things that I like to do.”
What’s inside a Catholic church? COVER STORY: The simple things make me smile Top nine things to do this summer!
Mike Patin, a friend and Catholic speaker from Louisiana, says, “God is not asking you to stop being you, he is just asking you to include him in your everyday life.” May this issue of THE MARK help you to invite God to be part of your everyday life.
Thankful every day Always walking by the hand of the
• The Victory app • #ThatAwkwardMoment
The Mark | Archdiocese of Atlanta | Spring 2017
Blessed Mother,
Katherine
In the Know with Father Joe
My parents are trying to stop me from hanging out with some friends from school. I think they are judging them without getting to know them. What do you think? Dear Father Joe:
FATHER JOE KRUPP
is a former comedy writer who is now a Catholic priest. @Joeinblack
I like this question and I’m glad you asked. The first thing we have to look at is the issue of obedience. Obedience is not a word that is used often in our day and age, but it is an important one. As young people living at home, it is important to learn the value of obedience. Obedience is an acceptance on our part that there are people out there who know more than we. It is nothing less than our call as Christians. As an adult who is a priest, I work hard at obedience. It is a skill that we all need to succeed in life and grow in love of Jesus and his bride, the Church. Remember, it is Jesus’ obedience that saved us. So, why would your parents ask you to be obedient on this matter? Probably because your mother and/or father are judging. And that is not a bad thing. For example, I love Little Debbie® Snack Cakes. I mean, I REALLY love Little Debbie® Snack Cakes. If there was a religion based around Little Debbie® Snack Cakes, then I would ... well, you get the point. Now, if I were to eat them as often as I wanted, the results would eventually be disastrous. I would probably end up the size of a small Eastern European country — right before I died of a massive heart attack. How do I know this? Have I ever gone through a period in my life where I ate nothing but Little Debbie® Snack Cakes, resulting in significant weight gain and eventual death? No, I am making a judgment — a judgment based on doctors’ wisdom and other people’s life experiences. You see where I am going? Your parents have a significant amount of life experience. They have seen things. They know what to look for.
Another example: Do you have younger brothers and/ or sisters? Think of what you know that they don’t. Remember how they used to want to touch the cool-looking, glowing red thing in the kitchen? You saw a cool-looking, glowing red thing there, too, but you knew that touching it would result in a burned hand. So, you kept your little brother or sister from it — even if it made them angry. In the same way, your parents are trying to protect you, and they are willing to risk losing your affection to save you from unnecessary pain. This is what heroes do, and this is what makes parents so wonderful. Now, you might be saying, “Jesus said never to judge.” No, Jesus said not to judge or we risk being judged. But being judged is not a bad thing if we live our lives in accordance with God’s commands. Also, Jesus gave commands to his followers to do things that were very judgmental. He told his disciples to leave towns that reject the message and “shake the dust off their sandals as a testament against them.” There are Scripture passages where Jesus called people a “brood of vipers” and “white-washed coffins; pristine and white on the outside and filled with death and decay within.” How does that jibe with “judge not, lest you be judged?” Jesus was talking about motivation. We cannot judge other people’s motives. These people you want to hang out with may have great motivation, but live it out in a way that is destructive. I want to wrap this up with a story from my own experience. I am blessed with two really great friends. These two guys are the best friends I’ve got — they bring out the best in me and I try to bring out the best in them. They understand my schedule; they walk with me when things are tough and let me walk with them when they need it. That’s good stuff, but so is this — they give me the business when I need that, too. “How’s your prayer life, Joe?” “Joe, you really shouldn’t have done that.” “You need to slow down.” Comments like this are uncomfortable for them to say and hard for me to receive, but they care more about my salvation and betterment as a human than their own comfort. This is a strength to me, and I rely on them heavily. But this is what friends do. They don’t just hang out with us and support everything we do. They question us when we need it and challenge us to do and be better. The ultimate challenge? Real friends risk losing our friendship in order to save our souls or help us to improve as human beings. THAT is the good stuff. That is what a friend does. Just like Jesus did. Enjoy another day in God’s presence!
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Your Stories | Feature Story
house convents, hospitals, chapels and conference centers. Sixty-nine miracles have been attributed to the healing waters. Our layover-ridden journey began here in Hartsfield-Jackson, where we said our goodbyes to our parents and crawled through international security. Our next stop, after nine hours on the plane, was Paris, France. Then we hopped on a flight to Pao, which was about an hour’s drive from our final destination: Lourdes. Once we arrived at our hotel in Lourdes, we threw on our required uniforms and took a tour of the Domain. We saw where we would be working and the jobs we would be doing. and I am a senior in high school. This past summer I went The first real day started bright on a mission trip to Lourdes, France, with a few friends and early at 6 a.m., something we would be forced to get used from school and 15 other teens from schools in New York, to. We sat down to eat our daily Connecticut and Massachusetts. The opportunity, presented breakfast of cereal, fruit and, of course, baguettes. I should preface by our campus chaplain, really called my name when I was this description of what our week first introduced to the idea. I felt drawn to this beautiful and was like with the fact that my knowledge of the French language miraculous place even from the States. is awfully close to zero. Anyways, our day began with an international Mass at the underground Basilica of St. Pius X and then continued with service at the Lourdes is a small town in southwestern France nestled baths. The baths are separated into men’s and women’s, in the foothills of the Pyrenees mountains. It’s known with each section containing five marble walk-in baths. On worldwide for the Sanctuaires Notre-Dame de Lourdes, or this first day, three of us were manning the women’s enthe Domain, a major Catholic pilgrimage site. Every year, trance. With only three languages slightly covered among millions visit the Grotto of Massabielle where, in 1858, the three of us (English, Spanish and French), the language the Virgin Mary appeared to a local woman, Bernadette barriers were quite apparent. As the day progressed, we Soubirous. Fourteen years old at the time, with her sister learned that communication was still very possible through Marie-Toinette and a friend named Jeanne, Bernadette left our body language, gestures and smiles. As the baths were the Cachot to collect firewood at the foot of a hill called closing, a few of us had the opportunity to “take a bath” Massabielle, meaning old rock, where there was a small ourselves. I was lucky enough to be given that opportunity, cave, or grotto, where cattle often sheltered. When the and as soon as I stepped into that frigid water, I felt all three arrived there, the Virgin Mary appeared to Bernaof God’s grace overwhelm me. I fully understood in that dette. The young girl fell to her knees while her sister and moment that in Lourdes all types of healings occur. They’re their friend stood at a distance confused. While Bernanot limited to simply physical; spiritual healings occur, too. dette was able to see Mary very clearly, the other two saw Exhausted by all the joy I had felt during our day, my bed nothing. After meeting with Our Holy Mother many times, was a very welcome sight. Bernadette was instructed to dig a hole in the ground, with The next two days were spent working in the actual the promise that healing water would flow. After three baths. Working in the baths carried the responsibility of tries, perfectly clear water started to spring forth. Since getting people safely in and out of the water. In front of the time of that first hand-dug well, two gorgeous basilicas every bath is a statue of the Virgin Mary. Those who wish have been built above the grotto, along with buildings that
HELLO! MY NAME IS
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DOMINIC,
The Mark | Archdiocese of Atlanta | Spring 2017
to enter the healing water usually ask for the intercession of Mary and send up silent intentions to Our Holy Mother. Every person who steps through the curtain does so with complete passion and reverence for what is about to take place. It was an incredible spiritual experience for me to be a part of all of these strangers’ faith journeys. I believe that just being in the vicinity of Lourdes makes miraculous things happen. Going into the week, many of us on the trip were complete strangers, but even by the end of the second day, it was as if we were lifelong friends. The days we did not spend at the baths were spent helping at the train station. Here, we were asked to help load and unload pilgrims from their respective trains. All of the people we were helping were wheelchair-bound, which meant that as we were bringing them from the train to the buses, the opportunity for small talk presented itself. This service brought great joy to all of the pilgrims, and all of us as well. There were so many smiles and laughs that you would think we all spoke the same language. Our nights were packed with Masses and candlelight processions. The candlelight processions would march around the Domain while saying the rosary. Everyone would then end up in front of the basilica, where the rosary would be completed and a few songs would be sung in Latin. As we held the ropes, we would be able to smile and say bonjour to those passing by. One night, two girls and I were given the opportunity of a lifetime to join in singing alongside people from all over the world, singing in different languages and yet one voice. As we stood on the steps of the basilica singing and chanting in Latin, we had a front-row view of the procession marching straight towards us, carrying candles aflame. It was one of the most awe-inspiring moments of my life. I was flooded with complete joy and fully understood how universal our faith is. I first said yes to this service trip simply because I wanted to travel the world with the mission to help those in need, but it grew into so much more than that. My “yes� allowed me to meet lifelong friends, experience once-in-alifetime moments and grow exponentially in my faith. This trip is one that I will never forget, and will forever cherish. Lastly, I would just like to encourage you to step outside your comfort zone. Our faith is one that does not thrive in comfort zones and complacency. We must always be on fire with the love that Christ has given to us. Show your Jesus today!
This basicil ica was m y favorit e place!
These people will be my best friends for life! atlyouth.org
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Your Life | Ask Abuela
While waiting for a bus recently, I encountered a group of kids, no older than 12 or 13. Three of them were ganging up on the fourth one and bullying her terribly — calling her names and teasing her until she was clearly fighting back tears. I ended up not saying anything to them, but later felt that I should have. When is it right as a teen to intervene with peers you don’t know when there is clearly a problem? Dust We Are and Shall Return The Brilliance • Brother
It can be uncomfortable to witness an act of bullying, and it may seem easier as a bystander to ignore that type of behavior. But we must always remember the parable of the good samaritan in Luke’s Gospel. (10:29-37) Jesus told this parable in response to the question: “Who is my neighbor?” In order to be a good neighbor, as we are instructed, here are a few suggestions:
Death, Be Not Proud Audrey Assad • Death, Be Not Proud
• Show verbal disapproval: Let them know you’re aware of the bullying and that it’s not OK.
Janaw Schirle •Cave Songs
I Will Be Still Young Oceans • Young Oceans
To Be Alone With You Sufjan Stevens • Seven Swans
O Sacred Head Now Wounded Page CXVI • Good Friday to Easter
Jesus Paid It All Kings Kaleidoscope • Asaph’s Arrows
Still Chris & Bethany Solyntjes • Refuge
This Blessed Day
• If you feel safe, talk to the person who is bullying,
Page CXVI • Lent to Maundy Thursday (Remastered)
person being bullied after the situation is over. • If you feel threatened or think the victim is in physical danger, call the teacher, authority, or police.
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Gungor • Beautiful Things
• Provide an escape for the person being bullied. privately, and ask them what’s going on. Support the
The Mark | Archdiocese of Atlanta | Spring 2017
by Christina Mead
Endless Pursuit
Beautiful Things
• Create a distraction that breaks up the bullying situation.
Dust we are: A playlist for Lent
Hello again Lent. I feel like you were just here. How can I enter in more this year? How can I open my heart and grow and learn and have a better relationship with Christ? I don’t want this Lent to go to waste. One thing I know always helps me is to have good, Christian music that is appropriate to the season. I made this list to help me remember that Lent is a time to turn (or return!) to the Lord, to get close to Him. I hope you enjoy it, too.
From the Archbishop
As you approach your confirmation, I want you to know that I can’t imagine life as a priest without experiencing the dynamism and the happiness that you bring to our Church. I am deeply grateful for the adults and the seniors within our Catholic family. Their fidelity and big-heartedness enrich us in countless ways. But you provide the vitality for us to forge ahead toward our future! You also bring serious questions about the Church and our future. You challenge me to understand the world and to see and to appreciate the conflicts that you must face each day. Our Church has always treasured our faith traditions and religious heritage. They link us to our past and to all the generations of believers before us. But you point us toward our tomorrow. Whenever I am with any of you, I sense a confidence and joy that bring me great peace and comfort. Whether I am at a youth event, visiting a parish or simply meeting you after a ceremony, your smiles and giggles, your bright eyes and your enthusiasm hold a promise that inspires me.
As your bishop, I encourage the Church to listen to you, encourage and affirm you and to take you seriously as you grow in our Catholic faith. The world that you will inherit includes the unfinished tasks of today’s adults. Use the many technological tools to share the news of Jesus. Remember that human relationships are important. They help you discover both your own gifts and recognize God’s gifts in others. I believe that the time that I spend with you is the best use of my time and provides me a source of hope that tomorrow’s world will be a better place because of you. I want you to know that this archbishop loves you dearly and is spiritually enriched whenever I am in your presence.
ARCHBISHOP GREGORY
is the sixth archbishop of the Archdiocese of Atlanta. Follow the Archdiocese on Twitter @archatl.
I encourage the Church to listen to you, encourage and affirm you and to take you seriously as you grow in our Catholic faith.
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Your Life | Good Life
HOW TO STAY CATHO
Many of us look forward to our time in college because, in many ways, we see it as the beginning of our adulthood, our freedom. Suddenly we become more than just our parents’ children. Some of us will leave the familiarity of our parent/parents’ house and experience new freedoms, like the power to spend money as we please, to eat what and when we please, to work as hard as we please in school, to do as we please with our friends, etc. College is also definitely an exciting time full of new discoveries. We will take different classes to find our perfect majors and the subjects about which we are most passionate. We will try new activities, stand up for causes we believe in, make friends and look for romance. All of this is what people do in college, because college is the time that we set out on our quest to find out who we really are and what we should do with our lives. However, with so many new experiences and freedoms, it can be easy to forget our most important source for knowing who we are and that is God. God loves us and he knows what the plan is for your life and mine. He made us and knows exactly who he created us to be, but to discover that plan, we need to stay close to him. So here are my top three ways for staying close to God in college: 8
The Mark | Archdiocese of Atlanta | Spring 2017
1. Make good friends The biggest reason people struggle with their faith in college is because of their friends. It’s no fun being the only one in your friend group that goes to church. So find friends that go to church on the weekend. Good friends are important because we are actually made for relationship. What does this mean? It means that other people are part of the reason we exist. God gives us the Church because it’s almost impossible to keep your faith on your own. We need our friends to support us, push us and keep us accountable. We need them to help us to grow closer to God by sharing what he is doing in their lives and by listening when we share what he is doing in ours. Trust me, if you’re the only one of your friends who is going to church or trying to pursue your faith, then you need to find some more friends who are.
Thinking about college? Consider these great schools right in our area!
GEORGIA TECH
by Jack Flaherty
OLIC WHILE IN COLLEGE
2. Join a Catholic Bible study I remember the first time I ever went to a Bible study. It was amazing, as if for the first time the Bible was being transformed before my eyes from a dry, unintelligible, ancient text to a rich storybook that spoke directly into and about my life. But the thing I remember most distinctly was the thought running madly through my mind while I listened: Why has no one told me this before?!? Odds are there is a lot about your faith that you don’t understand, and even more that you just don’t know about. In college, your faith is going to be challenged by all sorts of people. If you’re going to keep your faith, you’re going to need to know your faith. You’re going to need to know why being a Christian means having a relationship with God; what it means when Christ becomes our food in the Eucharist; and for what love and joy the martyrs were willing to lay down their lives. If you have a Catholic Center or a Newman Center on campus, ask your priest after Mass about joining a Bible study. If your college doesn’t have a Catholic Center, consider using a Catholic Study Bible to start your own group.
EMORY UNIVERSITY
KENNESAW STATE UNIVERSITY
BERRY COLLEGE
3. Find out what you love to do, then go do it If you want to keep your faith in college, find something you like doing, then go do it. Even better, find a great group of friends who will like doing it with you. I don’t care if it’s climbing mountains, playing golf, reading books or hanging out in coffee shops. Sometimes, college students go down an unhealthy path just because they didn’t have anything healthy to do instead. So find that thing(s) that will make your life interesting, and don’t let boredom be the reason you fall away from God. All the advice that I could give you means nothing if you are not talking to God, if you do not have a personal relationship with him. If you can talk to God like you can talk to your best friend, and if you let him into your life enough for you to be close to him, then your college experience will be everything you want it to be.
SAVANNAH COLLEGE OF ARTS AND DESIGN
UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA
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Called – Llamados November 16-18, 2017 | Indianapolis
As a Catholic teen there are a lot of moments where you wonder to yourself, I am in this alone? Does anybody understand me? Can I talk to anybody? The answer is: Yes, there are a lot of teens who feel just like you do!
“Dear young men
and women, in Christ you find fulfilled your every desire for goodness and happiness. He alone can satisfy your
deepest longings.” -POPE FRANCIS
Did you know ...
that about 23,000 Catholic teens just like you and their chaperones gather every other year to celebrate their faith together and have fun?
What is NCYC?
Have you ever heard of NCYC? NCYC stands for National Catholic Youth Conference and it just happens to be the largest national gathering of teens like you!
When is NCYC?
It takes place every two years in the United States and is organized by NFCYM (National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry). This year, the conference is Nov. 16-18 in Indianapolis!
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The Mark | Archdiocese of Atlanta | Spring 2017
Your Stories | Feature Story
Who attends NCYC?
In addition to teens, their bishops, clergy, religious, diocesan and parish ministers attend.
What happens during NCYC? There are awesome speakers, “prayer, workshops, Mass and opportunities to participate in reconciliation and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.” They also have, “interactive areas featuring service projects, games, recreation, live musical performances, arts and sports.” It’s a place where teens can learn about the Catholic faith, celebrate the Sacraments, grow closer to God and have fun meeting other Catholic teens from around the country.
Where can I get more information?
Visit our website www.atlyouth.com.
23,000 Cath olic high schooler s gather every two years!
Can I participate even if I can’t attend the event?
Yes! You can join the main sessions online. Gather with your friends and watch the broadcast of the main speakers for this year’s conference. You can find the speakers and times at www.NCYC.info and by following NCYC on Facebook at Facebook.com/ NationalCatholic-YouthConference or Instagram at @nfcym.
Be affirmed in your faith! Check out the video from NCYC 2015 at https://youtu.be/FvaGJ5urfUY
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LEAVING ROOM FOR THE
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Your Life | Formal Dances
You’ve probably heard it said before
(or from your parents’ generation) that when you dance, you should “leave room for the Holy Spirit.” Well, one wisecracking kid once retorted back to us when we jokingly used this phrase: “But the Holy Spirit is in me and He’s burning with fire!”
It’s no secret or shock that many high school formal dances like prom or homecoming have reputations for people dressing and acting unsavory before, during and after the event. One might think that because you are Catholic, you are doomed to a life of boredom if you say “no” to the culture’s idea of fun; but, as Catholic Christians and former high school students (who loved dances), we know it is absolutely possible to have a ton of fun at prom (or homecoming or winter formal), all the while acting and dressing in accordance with our dignity as children of God. In 1 Timothy 4:12, it says, “Let no one have contempt for your youth, but set an example for those who believe, in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity.” That means that we aren’t called to just “blend in” or “follow the crowd,” but we are called to be a light to the world of what love, faith and purity look like. Our faith doesn’t just exist for one hour on Sundays, but should be alive every moment of every day from our home to the classroom, from the field to the gym, from the auditorium to the dance floor. If we profess to follow Christ, then our lives should look different than those of any other person our age. The way we dress, the way we talk, the way we act and the way we dance should make people wonder. And, if we are living a life in Christ, they will wonder why we can have fun without getting drunk, or why we don’t have to cuss to be cool, or why we can dance like no one is watching (especially if you have the dance moves of a three-toed sloth or a rabid chinchilla.) So, while we can probably guess what everyone else will be doing before, during and after prom, how can we, as Catholics, go to the dance, have a blast and witness our faith? Here are a few suggestions:
1. Going with friends is totally OK! You don’t have to go to the dance with someone with whom you are romantically involved (i.e., your boyfriend or girlfriend). Some of the most fun dances we went to were the ones we just attended with a group of friends, or even when our date was a close friend where there weren’t any “romantic” expectations. This takes the pressure off and allows you just to be your awesome self! And even if you are going with your boyfriend or girlfriend, hopefully your relationship is based on a solid friendship (and not merely a physical one), so you can be yourself regardless and not worry about them judging you when you stuff your face with breadsticks at dinner or drop marinara on your dress (or suit) or flail like an octopus on the dance floor. (Or even throw up from food poisoning from the terrible dinner, like Jackie did at one homecoming — and her friend date still thought she was fun!)
JACKIE AND BOBBY ANGEL
Jackie is a Catholic wife, mom, worship leader, speaker and blogger.
2. Know what your intentions are. Ask yourself some of these tough questions: What are you hoping to “get out” of this evening with your date? Are you planning on respecting boundaries and not emotionally toying with the other person? Or do you plan on manipulating your date out of physical lust? Know what’s going on in your heart and where you’re being tempted to use another person. Counter selfish desires with authentic love, and maybe even ask a good Catholic friend to keep you accountable throughout the night so you can treat your date with the utmost respect, remembering they are someone’s daughter or son and even (most likely) someone else’s future spouse.
3. Who are you glorifying? In your manner of speech, dress, action or dance, who are you glorifying? Yourself? Some version of yourself that’s not really you? Or the God who made and loves you, who purchased your body at a price? Are you dressing in a way and dancing in a way that would make Pope Francis say, “Rock on, sister!” or “Dude, you’re cooler than an icicle!”? If not, then maybe think about getting a more modest and classy dress or suit and taking the dance moves down a notch (and leaving room for the Holy Spirit! Ha!). St. Paul says that “your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you” and thus you should “glorify God in your body” (1 Cor 6:19, 20). Thus, we dress, speak and act (and dance) modestly not because our bodies are bad, but because our bodies are good and we want to glorify God with them (and not degrade them or make them objects of lust or impurity). We can do all these simple things and still have such a great time at prom (or any other dance!). Be the young man or woman God created you to be, and you will set that dance floor on fire! atlyouth.org
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WHAT’S INSIDE A CA Here are some of the things you may notice when you look around our church.
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STATIONS OF THE CROSS
CONFESSIONAL
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are a series of pictures, paintings or engravings on the wall of a church depicting the Passion of Christ (the events leading to his death). The faithful use them as aids in prayer.
STOUP, or HOLY WATER FONT, is a container for holy water placed at the doors to a church. People use the water to bless themselves as they enter and leave church.
is a room or private area where the sacrament of reconciliation occurs.
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AMBO is the podium or lectern
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STATUE is a likeness of Jesus, a member of the Holy Family, a saint or an angel that helps people recall the example of the person depicted. The faithful do not worship statues, they serve only as a reminder and source of inspiration. 14
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from which the readings are proclaimed. It takes its name from a word meaning “elevated,” and is based on the raised platforms from which rabbis read.
4 PEW is a seat for worshippers in a church; the KNEELER is in front of the pew and can be put down for kneeling.
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BAPTISMAL FONT is the basin and/or pool containing blessed water in which new members of the Church are baptized. The water in the font may be moving, representing the “living water” by which people are reborn into the faith.
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Your Faith | A Church lesson
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ATHOLIC CHURCH? 8 PASCHAL CANDLE is a large wax candle that is blessed on Holy Saturday during the Easter Vigil. Representing the light of Christ, it is lit for baptisms and funerals.
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CRUCIFIX is a cross with
ALTAR is the table on which the eucharistic sacrifice is offered. It is both a sacrificial altar, recalling Christ’s sacrifice, and a table around which we gather for the meal, the Eucharist. Eucharist comes from the Greek word meaning “thanksgiving.”
the figure of the crucified Christ on it. Its purpose is to remind us of the Passion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
PRESIDER’S CHAIR is the chair
SANCTUARY LAMP is
11 TABERNACLE is a boxlike repository for the Blessed Sacrament — the consecrated hosts of Christ’s actual presence — usually displayed in a prominent place near the main altar or in a separate chapel.
AMBRY is the box in which the holy oils are kept.
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12 a light, normally a burning candle, contained within red glass that is placed before the tabernacle where the Blessed Sacrament is kept.
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for the priest during the Mass.
CENSER, or THURIBLE, is the metal container in which incense is burned. The fragrant smoke that rises symbolizes our prayer rising to God.
There are three oils used for the sacraments of baptism, confirmation, holy orders and the anointing of the sick: oil of catechumens, sacred chrism and oil of the sick.
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THIN THE SIMPLE
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The Mark | Archdiocese of Atlanta | Spring 2017
Story by Kathy Powell | Photography by Enrique Samson
NGS MAKE
Your Stories | Doris’ Story
ME
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I was Confirmed on my 16th birthday. During the Confirmation ceremony, Bishop Zarama spoke about how each of us has gifts from God and this is our time, our time to use them. Don’t be shy, share your gifts with others. Receiving Confirmation made me happy and brought a blessed wisdom where I learned about God and the people around me. It helped show me that God makes each of us with our own value, skills and gifts, and calls us to share those with others. 18
The Mark | Archdiocese of Atlanta | Spring 2017
The day after confirmation, taking the words of Bishop Zarama with me, I got on a plane and went to the West African country of Togo. Visiting the land of my grandparents gave me the opportunity to intentionally come out of my shell. I got to reconnect with my extended family and feel connected to my roots. In Georgia, I have my parents and little brother, but in Togo I feel like everyone is my family because this is where I come from, my roots. Seeing everyone as my family allowed me to treat them that way and take a risk to step out and really get to know them. Even with my limited and always-improving French skills, I got to hang with villagers, play with children and buy delicious foods. Mostly, I smiled a lot in noticing the simple things. It’s a very different lifestyle and a lot of the people didn’t have much money, but they appreciated it all. They were happy — and so was I. My parents were thrilled to show me everything in Togo, from their elementary school to where they bought their first dog. Being in the U.S. without their family was definitely hard for them at times, but I have a great relationship with them and have learned a lot from their hard work and perseverance. They instilled in me the importance of education and faith.
Growing up, I had a consistent, respectful relationship with God. The first confirmation lesson was on “How to Pray.” I remember thinking, “Do I need that?” Of course, I did need it. It set the stage for me to treat God as a friend. I started journaling, writing letters to God, as my way of keeping in communication. Once back in Georgia, I decided to step outside in my neighborhood and connect with my community. My town of Clarkston is known for the high number of refugees who live there. Knowing that every person has their own story, and jumping in with an open mind, I started volunteering with the Refuge Coffee Co., a nonprofit organization that works to welcome and support resettled refugees. I’ve worked the coffee truck, assisted the job trainer and helped with clothing drives. People like to define refugees based on the crisis they left, but it’s been great to get to know these people for who they are and to be with them in the simple things. Learning their stories has helped me to discover who I am and helped me to put my faith into practice. I have that mindset that we all have similarities, but have much to learn from each other. I see that in practice at my church. I love that we are all from different places and with different stories, but share the same Catholic faith. My parish has so many different people, but we can all worship together. I’ve always gone to Mass every Sunday, but I pay more attention during Mass now because, after confirmation,
“I’m a work in progress, opening up and learning about myself.” I understand it better. I keep a journal weekly of what’s going on in my life and how Mass and the readings connect to me at that moment. Mass used to be the same each week, but now it’s different. God felt like something I just had to believe, like forcing yourself to eat something you don’t know how to eat. It was in my head, but not my heart. I’m a work in progress, opening up and learning about myself. I’m proud that I’m creative and a bit optimistic. I try to go for things and assume the best of people. I work to see God in anything, like appreciating the value of a smile. My relationship with God continues to develop through prayer, journaling and being involved and present in the moment. I enjoy getting to know and understand others. I like seeing other people smile; and in turn, I’m the one smiling.
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June 5-9 ed Are you interest k in leaving a mar this summer?
June 5-9 Sonfest (Parish Beach Retreat) 4-10 Catholic Hearth Camp (Atlanta) 6-11 Alive In You Catholic Camp (Atlanta) 17 Middle School Track at Eucharistic Congress 26-30 NDVISION University of Notre Dame July 7-9 Steubenville Atlanta 23-25 Quo Vadis Retreat for High School (Vocation Just Five Days September 8-10 Positively Dangerous Sonfest (Parish Event) For over twenty years, thousands of youth from the Archdiocese of At beaches of Florida to deepen their relationship with Christ, enjoy the friendly beach competitions. Join SonFest as they continue to make h www. https://www.atlyouth.org/event/sonfest/
SONFEST (PARISH EVENT)
ur faith and grow Would you like to live yo th Jesus? Check in your relationship wi are interested in out these options if you scipleship through answering the call to di rtunities, leadership service or mission oppo periences. camps or encounter ex
For more than 20 years, thousands of youths from the Archdiocese of Atlanta have been converging on the beaches of Florida to deepen their relationship with Christ, enjoy the ocean and compete in some friendly beach competitions. Join SonFest as they continue to make history and impact the young Church. www.atlyouth.org/event/sonfest/
June 19-23
Catholic Heart Camp (Atlanta) The center of everything we do, our hearts beat to help build a world where people wake up inspired to love as Christ Loved. A mission week at CHWC where service to others and living Catholic always comes first. http://heartworkcamp.com/ Alive in You Mission Camp (Atlanta) The vision of Alive in you is to enable our participants to open their hearts and allow Christ to become the center of their lives. Our goal is to educate, motivate and provide young people with a life-changing Catholic experience. AIY is grounded in the believes and teachings of the Catholic church, and we strive to provide the perfect balance of faith, service, education and fun. http://aliveinyou.com/ Middle School Track at (Eucharistic Congress) NEW Middle School track during Eucharistic Congress on Saturday June 17, 2017 from (10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.) This year our performers includes Joe Melendrez, and Doug Took both engaging and dynamic witness of faith shared through music, ice breakers, testimony and prayer. http://archatl.com/see-2017-eucharistic-congress/ NDVISION (June 26-30) Every summer, hundreds of high school students gather one week at the University of Notre Dame to nourish their imagination and encounter Christ. Join others on a journey of discovery to the heart of what It means to announce God’s word in your daily life. https://www.atlyouth.org/event/notre-damevision/
June 26-30
Steubenville (Atlanta) Steubenville Youth Conferences hopes of strengthening and inspiring teens and youth groups in th eir collective journeys to Ch rist. Evangelistic in nature, these w eekend conferences are both a great “introduction” to the Gospel message for new or younger teens, w hile offering deep and moving experiences of prayer and fellowship for even your Youth Group regulars. https://steubenvilleconferences.com /youth/atl/
july 7-9
JUST 5 DAYS
NDVISION
STEUBENVILLE (ATLANTA)
This is a week-long mission experience of hands-on service, faith learning, prayer, community building and summer fun. Just 5 Days was created especially for Catholic middle school youth and their adult leaders from parishes and schools.
Every summer, hundreds of high school students gather for one week at the University of Notre Dame to nourish their imagination and encounter Christ. Join others on a journey of discovery to the heart of what It means to announce God’s word in your daily life.
The Steubenville Youth Conference seeks to strengthen and inspire teens and youth groups in their collective journeys to Christ. Evangelistic in nature, these weekend conferences are both a great “introduction” to the Gospel message for new or younger teens, while offering deep and moving experiences of prayer and fellowship for youth group regulars.
www.cmdnet.org/j5d www.atlyouth.org/event/ notre-dame-vision/
www.steubenvilleconferences.com/ youth/atl/
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The Mark | Archdiocese of Atlanta | Spring 2017
Your Faith | Summer Activities
June 4-10
June 6-11
June 17
CATHOLIC HEART CAMP (ATLANTA)
ALIVE IN YOU MISSION CAMP (ATLANTA)
MIDDLE SCHOOL TRACK (AT EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS)
A mission week at CHWC where service to others and living Catholic always comes first.
The vision of Alive in You is to enable our participants to open their hearts and allow Christ to become the center of their lives. Our goal is to educate, motivate and provide young people with a life-changing Catholic experience. AIY is grounded in the beliefs and teachings of the Catholic Church, and we strive to provide the perfect balance of faith, service, education and fun.
NEW Middle School Track during Eucharistic Congress on Saturday June 17, 2017, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This year our performers include Joe Melendrez and Doug Tooke, who share a dynamic witnesses to our faith through music, icebreakers, testimony and prayer.
www.heartworkcamp.com
www.archatl.com/see-2017eucharistic-congress
www.aliveinyou.com
july 23-25
sept. 8-10
Q uo Vadis Is a retreat for h igh sch ool m en sponsored by th e O ffice of Vocations at th e Arch diocese of Atlanta. Th is retreat is open for rising 10 t h graders to graduation seniors w h o are open to consider God’s call for th eir lives. www. http://www.calledbychrist.com/quovadis/ Just 5 Days It is a week-long mission experience of hands-on service, faith learning, prayer, community building, and summer fun. Just5Days was created especially for Catholic Middle School youth and their adult leaders from parishes and school. https://www.cmdnet.org/j5d Positively Dangerous- Peer Ministry Training This retreat challenges young people to live in a Positively Dangerous manner by loving God, loving others, being authentic, living with integrity, and being on call 24/7 for the Holy Spirit. This event is for High School Students grades (9th-12th) that have express interest to be part of the leadership team in their youth ministry programs. https://www.atlyouth.org/event/positively-dangerous/
QUO VADIS This is a retreat for high school men sponsored by the Office of Vocations at the Archdiocese of Atlanta. This retreat is open for rising 10th-graders to graduating seniors who are open to considering God’s call for their lives. www.calledbychrist.com/quovadis
POSITIVELY DANGEROUS — PEER MINISTRY TRAINING This retreat challenges young people to live in a Positively Dangerous manner by loving God, loving others, being authentic, living with integrity and being on call 24/7 for the Holy Spirit. This event is for high school students (grades 9-12) who have expressed interest in being part of the leadership team in their youth ministry programs.
Check the Archdioce se of Atlanta we bsite at www.Atlyo uth.org for more in formation and a com plete list of events!
www.atlyouth.org/event/ positively-dangerous
atlyouth.org
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Your Stories | Josh’s Story
was fixing to turn 13 when I started sleeping a lot, sometimes 18 hours a day. At first, when the doctors said it was leukemia, I didn’t know what that was. My mom was crying. She knew. I was immediately admitted to TC Thompson Children’s Hospital and spent three weeks there, battling the acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), and adjusting to what that meant.
I was shocked, angry that this was happening and very, very sick. Everything stood still. The things I liked to do — to play golf, soccer and video games — all came to a halt. It was frustrating to see my family, especially my parents and my younger brother, Louis, affected. When I was first diagnosed, I thought I’d go away for a while to be by myself and get better, but the complete opposite happened. Everyone came together. I was not alone. My whole family started praying. Our church prayed. Other churches prayed for me. It was like every church in Dalton was praying for me. My school even did a fundraiser for me. It was all really surprising and very reassuring. The overwhelming support helped me know that God was at work. He was present. The first year was hardest. Lumbar punctures (a needle 22
The Mark | Archdiocese of Atlanta | Spring 2017
was inserted into my lower back to test my spinal fluid), big bags of chemo that looked like Mountain Dew, shots, medications … everything was repetitive and consistent to fight the cancer. My immune system was very weak; simply leaving the house put me in danger. I had to be homeschooled, and since I couldn’t go to Mass, they brought the Eucharist to me. I liked receiving the Eucharist and found it relaxing. The fact that Jesus was in me was calming and peaceful, and helped me focus on getting better. I prayed a lot. We prayed the rosary as a family every day, and still do. I thanked God every day. I thought of the other kids at the hospital every day. I tried to find something to be thankful for, even on awful days. It was hardest for me to see the effect on my mom. It was hard on her, but she was always there. I can’t think of a time she wasn’t physically there. It brought us much closer together. It was Story by Kathy Powell | Photography by Enrique Samson
“Being sick actually brought my family closer. Spending time with my brother has become even more special.”
“My family has prayed the rosary every day at 8:30 p.m. since I was diagnosed.”
good for me to see her faithfulness. I could see God in my parents. They didn’t give up. They were completely committed to me. Due to my sickness, I was confirmed early. Getting confirmed brought me a lot of joy. I used to see confirmation as just another sacrament. Now, I see it as a big welcome. At any point, I could have said no. No to my family, no to Mass, no to God. But I could see what was happening. I was aware of God working in my life. I used to not want to go to Mass, but I went anyway with my family. Now, I just want to go. God was there for me and it changed my mindset. The greatest miracle that you can see is Jesus in the Eucharist. I know that is Jesus and that made it better for me. After almost exactly three and a half years, my treatment ended. All of the consistent efforts had worked and the December before last, just having turned 17, I stopped needing to take pills. I was no longer sick. It was strange, since I had gotten used to my routine. There
is a greater chance of my getting it again, but I’m not worried about it. Once I was able, I got to attend a three-day confirmation retreat. It was reassuring to see everyone there for the same reason and with the same struggles. The most powerful moment of the retreat was in reading letters my parents wrote to me. They both said how incredible it was for them to see me and what role I played in their life. It was emotional. Leukemia helped me to take notice. I saw all of these people doing so much for me. While I was sick, I had nothing to give back. It taught me so much and pushed me to be more. I’ve learned to take things slow, to wait and see and to not make a big deal of anything. Everything I do, I try doing it for others. I want to help others. Now, in my senior year, I’m on my youth group’s core team, helping with the confirmation program and working with current confirmation students. I like getting to see what the Church does for others, in other people’s lives. Everybody is going through something. I try to give them perspective and remind them not to focus on the little things. It’s been a little surreal, and hard, to share my experiences, but it has helped. It has given me a chance to process and reflect on how I got here. I can help others find what they need. I can help them see God’s presence in my life, and, hopefully, in their own. It’s a great feeling. I am so thankful. atlyouth.org
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Entretenimiento
La perla preciosa Jon Carlo • Single
Wake up-Son Four Mujer Frente a la Cruz
Reina del Cielo Athenas Me Basta tu Gracia
En Busca
battle that can be won. But, every battle needs
Hasta La Locura
a plan. The Victory book from Life Teen provides
Pablo Martinez
Confió en Ti
Música para tu Espíritu por Shafik Palis
The fight for freedom from pornography is a
Johann Alvarez • Transfórmame
a strategic battle plan for liberty in the struggle
Felipe Gómez • Confió en Ti
against pornography. This incredible guide offers
Tómame Señor
the time-tested wisdom of Matt Fradd and Mark
Jésed Para siempre fiel
Eucaristía
Hart, alongside inspiring quotes that will keep
Kairy Marquez • Volar
you motivated daily. Most importantly, the book
Si conocieras el don de Dios
includes an easy-to-use daily tracker that will
Hermana Glenda A solas con Dios
Encontrarse con Cristo Luis Enrique Ascoy • Rezo por Ti
help you understand their triggers and pitfalls to overcome the onslaught of pornography.
Quieres encontrar otra forma de crecer en tu relación con Cristo? Entonces te invito a que escuches estas canciones católicas. Quien quita esta pueda ser la forma de encontrar nuevos artistas que te gusten y así podrás incorporar esta música a tu lista favorita.
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The Mark | Archdiocese of Atlanta | Spring 2017
• Passcode sign in • Calendar with progress updates • Check-in notifications • Review progress — weekly/monthly • Accountability partners — Send prayer requests to up to 3 people • Journal to keep track of results • 40 inspirational messages
Your Life | Embarassing Stories
When you hold the candles during the Gospel reading and your nose really itches
When your youth group always interlaces its fingers while holding hands, and then you do it with a stranger in the pews out of habit!
When the priest asks me a question during the homily and my voice cracks When you offer the sign of peace and the other person does not want to shake your hand
“ When the church is quiet and you fart loudly
�
atlyouth.org
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Estaba en shock, enojado de que esto me estuviera ocurriendo me sentía muy, muy enfermo. Todo se detuvo. Las cosas que me gustaba hacer - jugar golf, fútbol y video juegos - todo se interrumpió. Fue frustrante ver a mi familia tan afectada, especialmente a mis padres y hermano menor, Louis. Cuando me diagnosticaron pensé que debía alejarme por un tiempo para estar solo y mejorarme, pero sucedió todo lo contrario. Todos nos unimos. No estaba solo. Toda mi familia comenzó a orar. Nuestra iglesia oró. Otras iglesias oraron por mí. Fue como si cada iglesia en Dalton estuviera orando por mí. Mi escuela incluso hizo un evento para recaudar fondos para mí. Fue realmente sorprendente y muy reconfortante. El apoyo inmenso de todos me ayudó a comprender que Dios estaba obrando. Él estaba presente. El primer año fue el más difícil. Punciones lumbares (introducir una aguja en la parte baja de mi espalda para chequear mi líquido cefalorraquídeo), grandes bolsas de medicamento de quimioterapia que se parecían al refresco Mountain Dew, inyecciones, medicinas... todo era repetitivo y constante para luchar contra el cáncer. Mi sistema inmunológico estaba muy débil; tan solo salir de la casa me ponía en peligro. Tuve que estudiar en casa, y puesto que no podía ir a misa, me llevaban la Eucaristía a mi hogar. Me gustaba recibir la Eucaristía. El hecho de que Jesús estuviera en mí, me calmaba y daba tranquilidad, y me ayudaba a enfocarme en mejorar.
6
The Mark | Arquidiócesis de Atlanta | Primavera 2017
Oré mucho. Rezábamos el Rosario en familia diariamente y aún lo hacemos. Le daba gracias a Dios todos los días. Pensaba en los otros niños del hospital. Trataba de encontrar algo de lo que pudiera estar agradecido, incluso en los días más difíciles. Lo más duro fue ver el efecto que esto causaba en mi mamá. Fue difícil para ella, pero siempre estuvo allí. No puedo pensar en un solo momento en el que ella no estuviera físicamente presente. Esto nos acercó aún mucho más. Fue bueno para mí ver su fidelidad. Pude ver a Dios en mis padres. Ellos no se rindieron. Estuvieron totalmente comprometidos conmigo. Debido a mi enfermedad, me confirmaron antes que los demás. La Confirmación me trajo mucha alegría. Solía verla como un sacramento más. Ahora, la veo como una gran bienvenida. En cualquier momento pude haber dicho que no. No a mi familia, no a la misa, no a Dios. Pero pude ver lo que estaba sucediendo. Sabía que Dios estaba obrando en mi vida. Antes no me gustaba ir a misa, pero de todos modos asistía con mi familia. Ahora, quiero ir. Dios estuvo allí para mí y cambió mi forma de pensar. El milagro más grande que puedes ver es la presencia de Jesús en la Eucaristía. Sé que es Jesús y eso la hace mejor. Mi tratamiento terminó después de casi tres años y medio. Todos los esfuerzos constantes habían funcionado y en diciembre de 2015, justo después de cumplir 17 años, dejé de necesitar las pastillas. Ya no estaba enfermo. Fue extraño ya que me había acostumbrado a mi rutina. Aún existe una gran probabilidad de que la leucemia regrese otra vez, pero eso no me preocupa. Tan pronto pude, asistí a un retiro de Confirmación de tres días. Fue reconfortante ver a todos allí por la misma razón y con las mismas dificultades. El momento más poderoso del retiro fue cuando leí las cartas que mis padres me habían escrito. Ambos me dijeron lo increíble que fue para ellos verme y el papel que jugué en sus vidas. Fue muy emotivo. La leucemia me ayudó a darme cuenta de muchas cosas. Vi a todas esas personas hacer mucho por mí. Mientras estuve enfermo, no tuve nada para darles a cambio. Me enseñó mucho y me impulsó a ser mejor. Aprendí a tomar las cosas despacio, a esperar y ver, y a no darle tanta importancia a lo que no la tiene. Todo lo que hago, trato de hacerlo por los demás. Quiero ayudar a otros.
Tus historias | La historia de la portada
Ha sido un poco surrealista y duro compartir mis experiencias, pero ha sido útil.
Ahora, en mi último año de secundaria, estoy en el equipo del grupo juvenil, ayudando con el programa de confirmación y trabajando con los actuales estudiantes de confirmación. Me gusta poder ver lo que la Iglesia hace por los demás, en la vida de otras personas. Todo el mundo está pasando por algo. Intento darles perspectiva y recordarles que no hay que enfocarse en las cosas pequeñas. Ha sido un poco surrealista y duro compartir mis experiencias, pero ha sido útil. Me ha dado la oportunidad de procesar y reflexionar sobre cómo llegué aquí. Puedo ayudar a otros a encontrar lo que necesitan. Puedo ayudarlos a ver la presencia de Dios en mi vida, y con suerte, en sus propias vidas. Es un sentimiento maravilloso. Estoy muy agradecido. atlyouth.org
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Tus historias | La historia de la portada
Escrito por Kathy Powell
FotografĂa por Enrique Samson
4
The Mark | ArquidiĂłcesis de Atlanta | Primavera 2017
Estaba cerca de cumplir los 13 años cuando empecé a dormir mucho, a veces hasta 18 horas al día. Al principio, cuando los médicos dijeron que era leucemia, no sabía lo que eso significaba. Mi mamá comenzó a llorar. Ella sí lo sabía. Fui admitido inmediatamente al Hospital de Niños TC Thompson, donde pasé tres semanas luchando contra la leucemia linfoblástica aguda (ALL por sus siglas en inglés) y ajustándome a lo que eso significaba.
atlyouth.org
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Consejos del Padre Joe
ESTIMADO PADRE JOE: Mis padres están tratando de impedirme salir con algunos amigos de la escuela. Creo que los juzgan sin conocerlos. ¿Qué piensas?
Me gusta esta pregunta y me alegra que la hayas hecho. Lo primero que tenemos que mirar es el tema de la obediencia. La obediencia no es una palabra que se utiliza a menudo en nuestros días, pero es importante. Cuando uno es joven y vive en casa, es importante aprender el valor de la obediencia. La obediencia es aceptar de que hay gente que sabe más que nosotros. No es nada más ni nada menos que nuestro llamado como cristianos. Como adulto y sacerdote, me esfuerzo mucho por obedecer. Es una habilidad que todos necesitamos para tener éxito en la vida y crecer en el amor a Jesús y su novia, la Iglesia. Recordemos, es la obediencia de Jesús la que nos salvó. Volviendo a tu pregunta original, ¿por qué tus padres te pedían que fuera obediente en ese tema? Probablemente porque tu madre y/o padre están juzgando. Y eso no es algo malo. Por ejemplo, me encantan los Little Debbie® Snack Cakes. Quiero decir, realmente me encantan. Si hubiese una religión basada en los Little Debbie® Snack Cakes, entonces yo ... bueno, creo que entiendes mi punto. Ahora bien, si los comiera tan a menudo como quisiera, los resultados serían eventualmente desastrosos. Probablemente terminaría del tamaño de un pequeño país de Europa Oriental justo antes de morir de un ataque cardíaco masivo. ¿Cómo puedo saber esto? ¿Alguna vez he pasado por un período en mi vida en el que no comí otra cosa que Little Debbie® Snack Cakes, teniendo como resultando un aumento significativo de peso y muerte eventual? No, estoy haciendo un juicio - un juicio basado en la sabiduría de los médicos y experiencias de la vida de otras personas. ¿Ves a dónde voy? Tus padres tienen una cantidad significativa de experiencia de vida. Han visto cosas que tú no has visto. Ellos saben lo quieren. Otro ejemplo: ¿Tienes hermanos o hermanas más jóvenes? Piensa en lo que tú sabes y ellos no. ¿Recuerdas cómo querían tocar la cosa roja y brillante de la cocina? Viste una cosa impresionante, roja y que brillaba también, pero sabías que tocarla terminaría en una mano quemada. 2
The Mark | Arquidiócesis de Atlanta | Primavera 2017
Por lo tanto, detuviste a tu hermano o hermana más pequeño - incluso aunque se enojara. De la misma manera, tus padres están tratando de protegerte y están dispuestos a arriesgarse a perder tu afecto para salvarte de un dolor innecesario. Esto es lo que hacen los héroes y esto es lo que hacen los padres tan maravillosos. Ahora, podrías estar diciendo: “Jesús dijo que nunca juzgaras”. No, Jesús dijo que no juzguemos porque nos arriesgamos a ser juzgados. Pero ser juzgado no es algo malo si vivimos nuestras vidas de acuerdo con los mandamientos de Dios. Además, Jesús dio órdenes a sus seguidores de hacer cosas que requerían juzgar. Él dijo a sus discípulos que abandonaran las ciudades que rechazaran el mensaje y que “sacudan el polvo de sus sandalias como un testimonio contra ellos”. Hay pasajes de las Escrituras donde Jesús llamó a la gente “cría de víboras” y “ataúdes blanqueados; blancos en el exterior y llenos de muerte y de decadencia por dentro”. ¿Entonces que hay con “no juzgar, para que no seas juzgado”? Jesús estaba hablando de las motivaciones. No podemos juzgar los motivos de otras personas. Estas personas con las que quieres pasar el rato pueden tener una gran motivación, pero viven de una manera que es destructiva. Quiero terminar con una historia de mi propia experiencia. Tengo la bendición de tener realmente dos grandes amigos. Estos dos chicos son los mejores amigos que tengo – sacan lo mejor de mí y trato de sacar lo mejor de ellos. Ellos entienden mi horario; caminan conmigo cuando las cosas son difíciles; y me dejan caminar con ellos cuando ellos lo necesitan. Eso es bueno, pero también es bueno que me pongan en mi sitio cuando lo necesito. “¿Cómo está tu vida de oración, Joe?” “Joe, realmente no deberías haber hecho eso”. “Tienes que ir más despacio”. Comentarios como estos son incómodos para ellos y son difíciles de recibir para mí, pero les importa más mi salvación y superación como ser humano que su propia comodidad. Esto es un refuerzo para mí, y dependo en ellos bastante. Pero esto es lo que hacen los amigos. No sólo pasan el rato con nosotros y nos apoyan en todo lo que hacemos. Nos cuestionan cuando lo necesitamos y nos desafían a hacer y ser mejores. ¿El desafío final? Los amigos verdaderos corren el riesgo de perder nuestra amistad para salvar EL PADRE JOE KRUPP nuestras almas o para ayudarnos a fue un escritor mejorar como seres humanos. Eso comediante es lo bueno. Eso es lo que hace un Catolico que amigo. ahora es Tal como Jesús lo hizo. sacerdote. ¡Disfruta otro día en la presencia @Joeinblack de Dios!
Palabras de la editora
Es un honor tener la revista THE MARK – un lugar donde los
Preguntas para la abuelita
ndo a u c r i n e v r e t ecto in r r o c s e o d se n y e c ¿Cua o n o c o n en uno i u q n e v jo n a? m e l hay u b o r p n u ue hay q e t n e m a r a l ve c
adolescentes pueden compartir su crecimiento espiritual, no solo con otros adolescentes
Recientemente, mientras esperaba un autobús, me encontré con un grupo de menores, que no eran mayores de 12 o 13 años. Tres estaban juntas y estaban intimidando una cuarta
sino también con toda la Iglesia. Agradezco a
jovencita terriblemente - llamándole nombres y burlándose
los increíbles adolescentes que están dispuestos
de ella al punto que ella luchaba contra las lágrimas. Terminé
a compartir sus historias con nosotros. Estamos
por no decirles nada, pero más tarde sentí que debería haberlo hecho. ¿Cuándo es correcto intervenir cuando
aprendiendo de ustedes. Desde que salió la
hay niños a quienes uno no conoce y uno es un adulto
primera edición de THE MARK, en octubre de
y ve claramente que hay un problema?
2016, hemos recibido muy buenos comentarios. Los adolescentes de la Arquidiócesis de Atlanta
Puede ser incómodo presenciar un acto de
han comenzado a dejar huella en otras diócesis
intimidación o “bullying”, y como espectador puede
de los Estados Unidos e incluso en países tan lejanos como Nigeria. ¿Qué puedes esperar de esta edición? A menudo escucho a los adolescentes decir: “No sé si quiero ser católico porque no podré hacer las cosas que me gusta hacer”. Mike Patin, un amigo y conferencista católico de Louisiana, dice “Dios no te pide que dejes de ser quien eres, solo te pide que lo incluyas en tu vida cotidiana.” Que esta edición de THE MARK te ayude a invitar a Dios a ser parte de tu vida cotidiana.
parecer más fácil ignorar ese tipo de comportamiento. Pero debemos recordar siempre la Parábola del Buen Samaritano en el Evangelio de Lucas 10:29-37. En ella Jesús contó esta parábola en respuesta a la pregunta: “¿Quién es mi prójimo?” Para ser un buen vecino, como se nos instruye, he aquí algunas sugerencias: • Crear una distracción que rompa la situación de intimidación. • Demuestre su desaprobación verbalmente: hágales saber que usted es consciente de la intimidación y que no está bien. • Proporcionar una salida para la persona que está siendo intimidada. • Si se siente seguro, hable con la persona que están intimidando, en privado, y pregúntele qué está pasando. Apoye a la persona que es intimidada después de que la
Siempre caminando de la mano de la Santísima Virgen María,
Katherine
situación ha terminado. • Si se siente amenazado o piensa que la victima esta en peligro físico , informe al profesor o autoridad del lugar.
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Preguntas para la abuelita ¿Cuando es correcto intervenir cuando hay un joven quien uno no conoce y se ve claramente que hay un problema?
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