A Good Chat With A Teen Struggling With Faith

[faithcecelia]

I can't suggest any particular books (seem to be different on different sides of the Atlantic) but when I was in Quidenham we had a fantastic priest come to give us lectures. One was on the necessity of Original Sin and the spiritual matuation process. He talked about several Biblical characters who did amazing things for God, and how they all had to go through rough patches/rebellion/doubt first. Many saints have similar stories. I would reassure her that just as questioning parental authority and pushing boundaries is a normal and necessary part of becoming an adult, so for many is questioning the Church. Encourage her to pray through it, to try to find someone else she can talk to once you are not there (can you suggest someone to her?) and yes, to read some of the books suggested so she has a clearer idea.

[TeresaBenedicta]

Thanks for the suggestions. Right now I'm thinking the major point is Jesus. Like many teens her age (incoming HS freshman), she's had no real "experience" of God... no real relationship with Jesus. She was telling me that she loves the passion she sees in me, loves that I experience God in my life in such a way that I'd consecrate my entire life to Him... but that she's never experienced anything like that. At all.

She has a good family behind her. Strong Catholics, but also understanding. Her mom is a little upset at her questioning... but she's able to talk with her grandfather, who is by no means shy of sharing with her his own doubts and struggles within his life.

I mean, I'm confident she's in a good place. Her heart is in the right place and she's open... and she's not completely turned from Catholicism. But she needs Jesus now. And needs to know how to turn to Him.

[Lil'Monster]

prayers

[Papist]

[size=4][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif][quote name='TeresaBenedicta' timestamp='1311745254' post='2276716'][/font][/size]
[size=4][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Thanks for the suggestions. Right now I'm thinking the major point is Jesus. Like many teens her age (incoming HS freshman), she's had no real "experience" of God... no real relationship with Jesus. She was telling me that she loves the passion she sees in me, loves that I experience God in my life in such a way that I'd consecrate my entire life to Him... but that she's never experienced anything like that. At all.[/font][/size]

[size=4][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]She has a good family behind her. Strong Catholics, but also understanding. Her mom is a little upset at her questioning... but she's able to talk with her grandfather, who is by no means shy of sharing with her his own doubts and struggles within his life.[/font][/size]

[size=4][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]I mean, I'm confident she's in a good place. Her heart is in the right place and she's open... and she's not completely turned from Catholicism. But she needs Jesus now. And needs to know how to turn to Him.[/font][/size]
[size=4][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif][/quote][/font][/size]

[size=4][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]The Case for Christ: A Journalist's Personal Investigation of the Evidence for Jesus by Lee Strobel[/font][/size]
Prove It: Jesus by Amy Welborn
[size=4][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Prove ItL Church by Amy Welborn[/font][/size]

Edited July 27, 2011 by Papist

[LaPetiteSoeur]

If you don't have issues with Ave Maria Press (when I was a DRE, a few people had issues with them, and I was never sure why):

They have the Catholic Youth Bible, which has little articles, biographies, introductions, prayers, etc. within it. It's excellent. With that bible, Ave Maria Press also has a little book called "Take Ten," which is a set of ten minute daily meditations (every day of the year!). It begins with a bible verse, then a reflection, then a "dig deeper" that leads back to the Bible. The subjects range from saints, to Jesus, to God, to Mary, to Catholic Teachings. It really helped me as a middle school and High school student and eventually led me to the Divine Office.

Also, My Life with the Saints, by James Martin, SJ. It discusses the saints that affected him in his life and their service to Christ.

Good luck on your move and God bless this girl!!

[tinytherese]

I'd combine both apologetic recommendations as well as ones that deal with the spiritual life. How about "No Wonder They Call It the Real Presence: Lives Changed by Christ in Eucharistic Adoration by David Pearson."

[missionseeker]

Letters to a Young Catholic George Weigel

[BG45]

If it's Jesus in particular, I'd definitely second Papist's recommendation of a Case for Christ.

[LaPetiteSoeur]

And I don't know if anyone mentioned it: get the Youcat for her. It is a great resource, current, and good Catholic stuff.

My friend brought it on her visit, and I thought about "borrowing" it But then my parents got it on amazon!! My mother likes it a lot, so I may have to hide it with my pillows when I go to university...