Catholic Teens 7-25-06

Hey All--

There's a long section for the Question O' The Week—so I won't say much today….other then I hope you're staying cool! And please keep those poor suffering people in the Middle East in your prayers. I read where approximately half the casualties are children. Lord have mercy.

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Question O' The Week:

First off---a follow-up to last week's question from Mariah:

Hi everyone,

I was reading the answer to the question about why God condemns people to Hell for eternity, and I noticed that the subject of free will came up. I used to always wonder, as I'm sure many do, why God creates people who end up in Hell if He knows that they will deny Him and sin. What's the point? It seems like God must be kind of a sick God, doesn't it? A few years ago, I read the Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis. Great book, by the way. I would highly recommend that you read it if you're so unfortunate as to not have read it already. Anyway, chapter twenty-seven says something I'd like to share.

"The Enemy (meaning God, remember, this book is narrated by a demon) does not forsee the humans making their free contributions in a future, but sees them doing so in His unbounded Now. And obviously to watch a man doing something is not to make him do it"

I'm not sure how theologically accurate that is, but it helped me to understand the nature of free will a little better. And it does set out the difference between free will and predestination.

So there we go. I hope I didn't annoy anyone with my off-the-wall and probably strange email!

Regards,

Mariah Pehoski

And on to this week's Question:

"Why can't you marry people that aren't Catholic?"

-Well actually you can. I'm not sure who told you that. However, it isn't encouraged. Why? Because a shared Faith is something that strengthens a marriage and helps the couple to make it through life. If you don't share the same faith, it is that much more difficult.

And with around 50% of all marriages ending in divorce, it's not easy today. Wouldn't you want all the help you could get?

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Intentions:

-For peace in the world and an end to terrorism, especially in the Middle East.

I read where approximately half those killed in Lebannon and Israel are children.

-For all the other intentions you hold in your hearts, we pray to the Lord.

Lord, hear our prayer.

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Announcements:

-Volunteer Opportunity: This Sunday, the Diocese is honoring those who have been married 50+ years with a dinner and Mass celebrated by Bishop Listecki. They are looking for people to help serve and assist in other ways. It runs from 2pm w/Mass and ends about 5pm. To volunteer contact Alice Heinzen <1-800-255-6226> or email her at nfp@dioceseoflacrosse.com

-For Girls: Nun Run! Did you ever think God might be calling you to be a nun? Did you ever wonder what nuns do all day, what the lives of different religious communities looks like? Then join us for "Nun Run", July 31-August 4. Starting with Mass at Pacelli, Monday, July 31, Fr. Derek Sakowski & Mrs. Mary Beth Meehl will lead 2 or 3 vans of young ladies (ages 14-30) on a 5-day road trip to the Twin Cities , LaCrosse, St. Louis, Rockford and back—visiting 7 different convents. If interested, contact Fr. Derek at 715-252-4396 or by email: frsakowski@spacs.k12.wi.us

-For Guys: Are you a V.I.P? ("Vocation in Progress") Did you ever think God might be calling you to the priesthood? Spend an enjoyable and prayerful day with some of our finest priests to explore that possibility. There will be a mix of prayer, outdoor fun, witness talks, discussions, Mass, and good food shared with each other and with the priests. Any young men grades 7-12 are welcome! Coming Friday, August 4^th, 10AM-6PM, Pacelli High School. To pre-register, call the Office of Youth Ministry at 608-791-0161

St. Peter's Keys Softball:

Mother Nature interrupted us last night with a 6-1 lead in the 4^th inning over 1^st Place Graffiti's. The game will be concluded next Monday night at 930pm. That will immediately follow our regularly scheduled game against Fill's Bar at 830pm.

Note: There will be no "Catholic Teens Email" next week. My family and I will be visiting relatives in California…where yesterday it was over 100 degrees J

God bless you!

Phil Lawson

For more information on St. Peters check out the parish website: www.saintpetercatholic.com

Catholic Teens is a weekly email from Phil Lawson to Catholic Teenagers. To receive these weekly reflections, send an email to lawsphil@gmail.com. On the other hand, if you'd like to be removed from this list, please send an email indicating that.

Catholic Teens 7-18-06

Hey All--

“Why can’t we all just get along?”

A general characteristic of young people is their idealism. If something isn’t right, let’s do something to change it. One area where this idealism is needed is Christian unity.

Sadly, with all the different Christian Churches (Catholic, Lutheran, Methodists, Baptists, etc….there are over 32,000 of them) we are not united. Adding further salt into the wound is that Jesus prayed this wouldn’t happen (John 17:20-23).

So what can we do about it? Pray for one thing…that in the words of Christ “they may all be one.” Second, learn your faith. In order to work toward unity, you first need to know what you believe. There’s a religious community of sisters who recently gave up having daily Mass and the Eucharist, while trying to work toward unity. Now as Christians, the Eucharist is our strength…it is, as the Catechism puts it, “the source and summit of the Christian faith.” To give it up, while trying to work toward unity is kind of silly.

And finally, have conversations with your friends who go to other churches. That friendly dialog is huge.

Some of us are doing just that later today at Emy J’s over coffee with some non-Catholic Christians. Together we’ll be looking at a document that works toward Unity, called “Catholics & Evangelicals Together.”


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Question O' The Week:
“How could God send people to Hell for an eternity? Doesn’t that seem a little harsh? Why bother creating them at all?

-Very good question. The answer of course lies in our “free will.”
First off, who ends up in Hell? Those who want nothing to do with God. God grants their desire. Read John 3:16-18. God desires to save all. But He won’t force anyone to go to Heaven. It’s a free choice. (And considering God is Love—isn’t that what love is—freely given?) Can I force someone to love me? Of course not. God gives us the freedom to freely love Him or freely reject Him.

Is it “harsh”? Not really. What is hell? It is simply the absence of God. And when God is not present there is chaos. Yet, if someone doesn’t want God in their lives here on Earth, why would they want to be with God in Heaven? And so hell is what they end up desiring. Although, it is certainly not a pleasant place.

Why bother creating them at all? Because each of us has the opportunity to choose to love or choose to reject God. He knows what we will do, but leaves it up to us to choose. Love by its nature seeks to spread and be shared. God didn’t have to create Adam & Eve—He knew they would fall. Did that mean He didn’t still love them? He still desired to share that love and still went ahead and created them. And I’m glad He did!

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Intentions:
-For peace in the world and an end to terrorism, especially in the Middle East.
-For Unity among all Christians.
- For Sr. Katie Buss during her 1st week in the convent.
-For all the other intentions you hold in your hearts, we pray to the Lord.
Lord, hear our prayer.


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Announcements:

-Vacation Bible School is July 24th-28th 845am-Noon each day. We’re looking for volunteers to help out! Interested? Send me an email!

-For Girls: Nun Run! Did you ever think God might be calling you to be a nun? Did you ever wonder what nuns do all day, what the lives of different religious communities looks like? Then join us for “Nun Run”, July 31-August 4. Starting with Mass at Pacelli, Monday, July 31, Fr. Derek Sakowski & Mrs. Mary Beth Meehl will lead 2 or 3 vans of young ladies (ages 14-30) on a 5-day road trip to the Twin Cities, LaCrosse, St. Louis, Rockford and back—visiting 7 different convents. If interested, contact Fr. Derek at 715-252-4396 or by email: frsakowski@spacs.k12.wi.us

-For Guys: Are you a V.I.P? (“Vocation in Progress”) Did you ever think God might be calling you to the priesthood? Spend an enjoyable and prayerful day with some of our finest priests to explore that possibility. There will be a mix of prayer, outdoor fun, witness talks, discussions, Mass, and good food shared with each other and with the priests. Any young men grades 7-12 are welcome! Coming Friday, August 4th, 10AM-6PM, Pacelli High School. To pre-register, call the Office of Youth Ministry at 608-791-0161

St. Peter’s Keys Softball: The Keys snapped their losing streak with a much needed, 9-4 win over Opi’s Sports Bar. Key contributors included Fr. Sakowski in the leadoff spot, showing a great adeptness at reaching base and Alex Sommers with a nice defensive play. Our offense continued to produce with Lindsey Kramer, David Malay, and Joe Piffner all delivering key hits. The “Hustle” Award goes to Chris McKenna, turning a single into a double with some real aggressive baserunning, and later barreling over the other pitcher at home plate to score a run.

Our next game is Monday, July 24th at 6:30PM against Graffit’s, Field 2 at Zenoff Park

God bless you!
Phil Lawson

For more information on St. Peters check out the parish website: www.saintpetercatholic.com
Catholic Teens is a weekly email from Phil Lawson to Catholic Teenagers. To receive these weekly reflections, send an email to lawsphil@gmail.com. On the other hand, if you’d like to be removed from this list, please send an email indicating

Catholic Teens 7-11-06

Hey All--

“Gone to the dogs….”

Phil K. and I have been doing Rosary walks around the neighborhood of St. Peter’s as a way of evangelization. The people we’ve had a chance to talk too all have one thing in common…..they’re out walking their dogs. It’s been a great conversation starter!

We’ve decided we need to convince Fr. Louis to get a dog now J

Evangelization can take many different forms. There is of course, the foundation of prayer, especially for those who don’t know Christ and His Church. And from there one has to live the life of Christ. So that others may see Christ in you…and then be lead to ask the question: “Why are you so peaceful?” “Why are you so joyful?” “Why do you seem to have direction in your life?” And of course, you can respond…”God.”

Beyond this, there are more direct forms of evangelization. The Youth Group’s “Bring a Non-Catholic friend Night” this past winter was one great example. Others include striking up conversations about the faith with friends and others you meet. (Or one could say “the ones God brings into your life”)

The visible, public witness of the faith is perhaps the most powerful form of evangelization---not being in any one’s face—but just simply living your faith. My wife and I regularly take Rosary walks around our neighborhood—pushing William along in the stroller. When a group of us goes out to eat, we take the time to pray before meals. When JPII passed away, a group of us took a Rosary walk around the neighborhood.

All just simply living the faith and being willing to share it….with or without dogs J
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Question O' The Week:
I know that if the devil puts a bad thought in your head it isn't a sin if you dismiss it and don't entertain it. Can that work the same way with judging others? It seems almost like it is automatic to jugde someone but if you dismiss saying that that may not be true of the case is that okay?

-Right. We can't control the thoughts or emotions that come. It is how we deal with them or whether we dwell on them that makes the difference. For instance, if you were in a situation and you saw someone, and had a bad thought about them, you should just pray, "Lord, help me to view that person as you do...and please bless that person." Then put it out of your mind as best you can.

-These are also habits that we fall into. At that point, we do things almost automatically, and like any bad habit, it takes time to break. That’s where confession comes in. Each time you go to confession you are given Grace—and that Grace helps you overcome that bad habit, or sin. So take advantage of it! J After all, God wants to help you overcome your faults, it’d be silly to not take advantage of that assistance.

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Intentions:
-For peace in the world and an end to terrorism. Especially for the victims of the explosions in India today.
- For Katie Buss as she enters the convent this Sunday. And for safe travel for all who are going down to Alabama to send her off.
-For a 4 year old, tragically killed in a car accident and the family, in Virginia.
-For Fr. Louis on his vacation, that it is restful and refreshing. (Priests need a break every once in awhile too!)
-For all the other intentions you hold in your hearts, we pray to the Lord.
Lord, hear our prayer.


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Announcements:

-Vacation Bible School is July 24th-28th 845am-Noon each day. We’re looking for volunteers to help out! Interested? Send me an email!

-For Girls: Nun Run! Did you ever think God might be calling you to be a nun? Did you ever wonder what nuns do all day, what the lives of different religious communities looks like? Then join us for “Nun Run”, July 31-August 4. Starting with Mass at Pacelli, Monday, July 31, Fr. Derek Sakowski & Mrs. Mary Beth Meehl will lead 2 or 3 vans of young ladies (ages 14-30) on a 5-day road trip to the Twin Cities, LaCrosse, St. Louis, Rockford and back—visiting 7 different convents. If interested, contact Fr. Derek at 715-252-4396 or by email: frsakowski@spacs.k12.wi.us

-For Guys: Are you a V.I.P? (“Vocation in Progress”) Did you ever think God might be calling you to the priesthood? Spend an enjoyable and prayerful day with some of our finest priests to explore that possibility. There will be a mix of prayer, outdoor fun, witness talks, discussions, Mass, and good food shared with each other and with the priests. Any young men grades 7-12 are welcome! Coming Friday, August 4th, 10AM-6PM, Pacelli High School. To pre-register, call the Office of Youth Ministry at 608-791-0161

-Looking for something fun to do on Monday nights? Our parish softball team, including yours truly, and the infamous Natalie Timm, plays at 730pm at Zenoff Park, July 17th. The team is the St. Peter's Keys.
We lost a heartbreaker last night 13-12. The game ended with the bases loaded. Give credit to 2nd Street Pub as they made the plays when it counted!


God bless you!
Phil Lawson

For more information on St. Peters check out the parish website: www.saintpetercatholic.com

Catholic Teens is a weekly email from Phil Lawson to Catholic Teenagers. To receive these weekly reflections, send an email to lawsphil@gmail.com. On the other hand, if you’d like to be removed from this list, please send an email indicating that.

Catholic Teens 7-6-06

Hey All--

Last week I got to be on Relevant Radio’s “Connecting with the Bishop”—every Friday at 9am----93.9FM. It’s a weekly show where Bishop Listecki talks with various people in the diocese about different topics. This week’s topic was youth ministry and I was included with Fr. Derek Sakowski and Dan Kitzhaber(an awesome youth minister in Marshfield.)

It was a neat experience, and I even got to mention you guys and this email list J

On a more somber note, our prayers go out to the young people involved in the car accident in Rosholt this past Monday. For Sammy Jo, her family and friends, and everyone else in that community. We are all members of the Body of Christ, and when one member is hurt, we can all offer our prayers for them. And you know what? It makes an amazing difference. So please remember them in your prayers. Sammy Jo’s funeral is this Friday.

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Question O' The Week:
I've been told that when you say, for example, the Rosary. When you say the devil will probably never be by you when you say it because he hates that prayer so much. Is it kinda the same when you wear a scapular or will he "bug" you more and tempt you more to get you to become farther away from Christ?

-Indeed the devil hates the Rosary and he hates the Mass. He hates all things associated with God. And he will generally avoid situations where God is really present, like Mass or when you say the Rosary, or Holy Water. Why? Because the devil knows he is powerless against God. That's one reason why people generally try to have Holy Water in their home or a Crucifix in every room of the house. There's a story of a saint who was praying, the devil appeared to her..she threw Holy Water at him and he vanished.
> -However, the devil also knows the best way to "get back at God" is to tempt away those who love God the most. So the saints and all who try to follow God the most, will be tempted, especially hard. But, always remember that God is more powerful and will give you all the help you need, as long as you stay close to Him.
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Intentions:
- For Katie Buss, Phil Kosloski, Sr. Mary Gabriel, & Franz Klein who are all actively pursuing their vocations to the convent or priesthood.
-For Sammy Jo Kurdydyk, “Eternal rest grant unto her O Lord. And let the perpetual light shine upon her. May her soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, rest in peace. Amen.
-For her family and friends.
-For the other 2 girls hurt in the crash.
-For all the other intentions you hold in your hearts, we pray to the Lord.
Lord, hear our prayer.


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Announcements:
-The next Gen. JPII Youth Group has been CANCELLED for this Sunday. Watch for more info from Natalie!

-Vacation Bible School is July 24th-28th 845am-Noon each day. We’re looking for volunteers to help out! Interested? Send me an email!

-For Girls: Nun Run! Did you ever think God might be calling you to be a nun? Did you ever wonder what nuns do all day, what the lives of different religious communities looks like? Then join us for “Nun Run”, July 31-August 4. Starting with Mass at Pacelli, Monday, July 31, Fr. Derek Sakowski & Mrs. Mary Beth Meehl will lead 2 or 3 vans of young ladies (ages 14-30) on a 5-day road trip to the Twin Cities, LaCrosse, St. Louis, Rockford and back—visiting 7 different convents. If interested, contact Fr. Derek at 715-252-4396 or by email: frsakowski@spacs.k12.wi.us

-For Guys: Are you a V.I.P? (“Vocation in Progress”) Did you ever think God might be calling you to the priesthood? Spend an enjoyable and prayerful day with some of our finest priests to explore that possibility. There will be a mix of prayer, outdoor fun, witness talks, discussions, Mass, and good food shared with each other and with the priests. Any young men grades 7-12 are welcome! Coming Friday, August 4th, 10AM-6PM, Pacelli High School. To pre-register, call the Office of Youth Ministry at 608-791-0161

-Looking for something fun to do on Monday nights? Our parish softball team, including yours truly, and the infamous Natalie Timm, plays at 630pm at Zenoff Park, July 10th. The team is the St. Peter's Keys. We lost another tough one last night, 10-8 to Grazies.

God bless you!
Phil Lawson

For more information on St. Peters check out the parish website: www.saintpetercatholic.com
Catholic Teens is a weekly email from Phil Lawson to Catholic Teenagers. To receive these weekly reflections, send an email to lawsphil@gmail.com. On the other hand, if you’d like to be removed from this list, please send an email in