15 Responses to “So Long As They’re Entertained”

1. Choirloft says:

   January 14, 2011 at 11:55 AM

   So why couldn’t we get a Gregorian Chant schola together for this?

2. La Sandia says:

   January 14, 2011 at 12:09 PM

   I could tell many stories about the crock that is “Youth Ministry” in this diocese. It wasn’t until I was in college that I recognized it for the vacuous nonsense that it was. Most of the kids that were in the high school youth group with me are no longer practicing Catholics. I can’t imagine why…

3. Choirloft says:

   January 14, 2011 at 12:59 PM

   LaSandia – I’ll bet your stories would be some interesting, albeit very sad readings. I take it you went to a local “Catholic (?) school? If you are inclined, share some of your thoughts and stories.

4. La Sandia says:

   January 14, 2011 at 2:28 PM

   Hi Choirloft,

   I grew up in the Rochester area. While I didn’t go to any of the Catholic schools, I was in the youth group at my parish during junior high and high school. Of course, out of respect for others’ privacy, I wouldn’t want to have specific people’s names published on the site. Should I compile a couple of these and send via email?

5. Bernie says:

   January 14, 2011 at 2:45 PM

   I LOVE the inspiring graphics that are part of the announcement!

6. jetscubs86 says:

   January 14, 2011 at 3:45 PM

   This is so exhausting. Our diocese can openly advertise this crap and get away with it. Unbelievable! The end is near…

7. Dr. K says:

   January 14, 2011 at 5:12 PM

   I would love to hear some of your stories, Sandia. You can shoot us an e-mail at: contact@cleansingfire.org

   We always protect our readers’ privacy.

8. younger parishioner says:

   January 14, 2011 at 10:06 PM

   This is so wacked! Honestly, my kids would think this is nuts! My point is we are not like old SnL church ladies and we are in disbelief of what is going on and spreading south. We are a younger family and friends of ours moved let’s say NW of here. They went to a Mass in Mendon and told us about it. WOW!! Very sad..Who missed the lesson that when you try to copy everyone else, you lose your self.

9. Eliza10 says:

   January 15, 2011 at 12:37 PM

   La Sandia and choirloft – I’s like to be included in the sharing, if that’s okay. Someone on this site can give one of you my email address – I give my permission here. I’m interested because I have a teen I wish could be in a Catholic youth group; however, the parishes that have youth groups make me want to stay at arm’s length. I lament my teen isn’t in one, yet, something holds me back from pursuing it. So in this context, I’d really like to hear what you have to say from your experience. My experience with youth groups is from a Protestant perspective only, as I am a convert.

10. Sister Emily says:

    January 15, 2011 at 7:53 PM

    I can”t believe he actually has this put in writing. I wonder if there will be electric guitars and drums with state of the art sound system. So disrespectful!

11. Nerina says:

    January 16, 2011 at 6:57 PM

    Eliza10,

    I have a 15 year old and a 14 year old and there is no way I would put them in any youth group right now. I haven’t heard of any really effective Catholic youth groups in the area and the one at my church is more about socializing and teaching the kids to “be nice.” They do some service projects, but they are disconnected from any real catechesis and frankly the schools provide multiple opportunities for service. What I really want from my youth group is strong catechesis that prepares kids to deal with our culture from a Catholic worldview. Another problem is that our youth group is largely attended by girls, but not too many boys (and I would prefer the boys and girls be separated anyway, which I know sounds hopelessly old-fashioned).

12. Ben Anderson says:

    January 16, 2011 at 7:58 PM

    and I would prefer the boys and girls be separated anyway, which I know sounds hopelessly old-fashioned

    not so old-fashioned. It seems some people are re-discovering the benefits of splitting up boys and girls.
    http://rocnow.com/article/local-news/2011101050351?source=rss

13. Ink says:

    January 17, 2011 at 12:18 PM

    Instead of youth group, go to some of the classes taught by seminarians. They’re really, really good.

14. HHippo says:

    January 18, 2011 at 1:28 PM

    I am thinking about going to this mass and asking the Bishop and Fr. Kennedy why they don’t engage in the dancing as well? What do you think their response will be? My guess is that I will help them prove to themselves why it is inappropriate….

15. Anonymous says:

    January 19, 2011 at 7:36 PM

    Here’s an opportunity for youth to get involved in. Contact Chris Hood from McQuaid. His info is below.

    Respect Life Conference Planning Updates
    Hello,

    We had a productive planning meeting on Sunday at the U of R. Thank you to the UR Students for Life group for hosting us on Sunday, and for hosting the conference on Saturday, April 9, 2011.

    Here are the details we’ve worked out so far: The conference will be from 12-5pm on Saturday 4/9/11. Registration will begin at 11AM, with pizza, displays, and other vendors available. There will be two large group sessions in the auditorium presenting on the following four topics-

    1. The importance of youth in the pro-life movement, the challenges faced, and resources available.

    2. A personal testimony from someone who has had an abortion and dealt with the aftermath.

    3. The scientific case for life beginning at conception.

    4. How to explain and defend your pro-life beliefs.

    There will be two periods for workshops/break out sessions as well. The conference will close with a wrap up session planning next steps for action. Hopefully an optional mass and social gathering (open mike/coffee house) will follow the conference.

    Here is an action step for you! I put together this survey using the suggestions for possible workshop topics that we generated at our planning meetings. We want to get the input from as many young people as possible. Here is the link: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/FCKSYDD Pass this along to all the young people you know. Post it on Facebook, send it through e-mail, etc. Teachers and principals, if you can have your students complete the survey that would be great. We will know which workshops we should develop, and it will help promote the conference!

    Our next planning team meeting will be here at McQuaid Jesuit on Sunday, 1/23/11 from 1-3PM. We will meet in the board room, which is up the stairs from the south entrance of the school (the one furthest from Elmwood Ave and closest to the Tops plaza.) I hope to send an agenda out soon. Please let me know if you are able to attend. For the rest of you please continue to help promote the conference and keep all of our pro-life efforts in your prayers.

    Chris

    Christopher J. Hood

    Director of Christian Service

    McQuaid Jesuit

    1800 South Clinton Ave

    Rochester NY 14618

    585-256-6169

    P.S. For those of you who have already seen the attached message I apologize. I thought it worth passing on the group at large.