Catholic Teens - December 14, 2005

Hey All---
Hope you're enjoying the snow...maybe some of you will get out of school
early? And looks like the various religious education programs are
cancelling for tonight.
The question this week is very appropriate as we approach Christmas. For it
often happens that the closer we get to Christ the more we sin our sins
clearly. This is good and healthy and leads to happiness. Read more
below :-) Note also that confession is offered at St. Peter's this Saturday
from 9am-Noon and 1pm-4pm. Open to anyone!
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Question O' the Week:
"Another question is if like for example recently i have been finding that
i am more aware of sins before i do them... like 99.9 percent of the time
before i do something wrong i relize its a sin....and i know that sometimes
i wont be able to resist the temptation to sin so does that mean that
because im more aware of sin that everytime now that i sin it will be a
mortal sin? "
--No. In fact, it is an indication of just the opposite. You are growing
in holiness. Remember the 3 requirements for a mortal sin, the one that
should apply the most is whether it is a "grave" matter. Have you ever read
any of the stories of the saints lives or an autobiography of one? You will
find them saying what you have just said--as they grow closer to God, they
see their sins even more clearly. Why? Because the closer you get to God,
to His light, the more your imperfections show up...like a speck of dirt on
a white background. And the more you want to get rid of that sin(or speck
of dirt) so you can be even closer to God. And that's what the saints do.
They go to confession and get closer and closer to God.
It's like a relationship with someone you love--you want to get closer and
closer to them and eliminate anything that would keep you separated. And
how wonderful that is with God!
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Announcements:
The next Youth Group: Generation JPII is scheduled for this
Sunday, January 15th at 630PM.

God bless you!
Phil Lawson
"It is a poverty to decide that a child must die so that you may live as you
wish." --Mother Teresa