Weekly THIS AND THAT for February 1, 2009: Our Youth Need Values Education

This and That:
Our Youth Need Values Education


“Youth need an integral education of not only ideas, but also those values that form the basis of a fulfilled life and a humane society,” says Benedict XVI. As a nation we have a rich history of which we should be proud and our Nation’s impressive legacy cannot be taken for granted. It needs to be constantly taken as one’s own and consciously handed down to the younger generation at every level of education and community life.

We can see the values of freedom, hard work, literacy, and justice for all, the values that have shaped America’s national life and identity, being challenged by materialism, greed, and rugged individualism. “What has happened to the gift our young people bring to society, their idealism, generosity, joy, hope and enthusiasm? By fostering a climate of cynicism and alienation, they facilitate the spread of a counter-culture of violence and escapism, and the search for false utopias through alcohol and drug abuse,” the Holy Father added.

It is alarming to see the increase of alcohol and drug use within our community. When young people have the time, the “wheels,” and the money, just sprinkle in a few influential youth who are up to no good and the whole group goes down the slippery slope. Schools, churches, youth organizations and especially parents need to be particularly concerned as those committed to the welfare, not only of the young, but of society as a whole.

In our Parish and Catholic School we are committed to help meet these challenges by assisting young people to discern, in the light of the Gospel, the lasting truths which are the foundation of an authentic and truly fulfilling life, and the basis of a peaceful and humane social community. If the children and youth are not coming to Church, or are not in our Catholic School or Religious Education Programs, it is difficult for us to reach them.

The family is key. It is a truism to say that the family is essential to the future of any society. As a family goes, so goes a nation. In his message for the 2008 World Day of Peace, Pope Benedict emphasized the unique role of the family as “the foundation of society and the first and indispensable teacher of peace.” There is no doubt about it, strong families have long been the hallmark of our national life. The people of our Catholic parishes must be committed to working with all people of good will in meeting responsibly the growing threats to the institutions of marriage and the family. The Holy Father stated they need to do that especially, “by upholding the nature of marriage based on the life-long union of a man and woman, protecting the specific rights of the family, and respecting the inviolable dignity of all human life, from the moment of conception to natural death."

Churches, schools and families thus give witness that is aimed at informing public opinion and fostering wise, far-sighted family policies. What comes of this is clearly a contribution to the common good by defending an institution, which has been, and continues to be, as the Pope called it, “an essential resource in the service of peace and social progress.”

I close with an incident that shows the power of a Catholic Family, nurtured on regular hearing of the Word of God and being nourished on the Eucharist. Bob (I’ve changed his name) was home from college for Christmas. He appeared for daily Mass at which we usually share our thoughts at homily time. We were talking about the importance of living out our faith in Jesus. After several had spoken, Bob chimed in saying that he was captain of the football team and when he began college he went to daily Mass. He was the only member of the football team that did so. After a couple years and many talks with his teammates about his faith in Jesus, there are now eight men from the team attending daily Mass.

What I said above about the influence an individual can have for evil is also true of the influence and individual can have for good. What makes the difference is the individual…and his family…and his church…and his school. What influence are you having on your children?

Fondly,
Father Nicholas