| Author | |
seven2hold
Forum Pro
Joined: March 08 2006
Location: N/A
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 180
|
| Posted: Jan 18 2011 at 4:09pm | IP Logged
|
 |
|
I think bringing a teen to hear a conversion story can be extremely beneficial to their appreciation for the Faith.
I was recently asked by an adult leader in our church "Why?" and " What is the purpose?" How would you explain this to someone?
Thank you!
__________________
Kathy
Wife to John
Mother to DD(91), DD(93), DD(95), DS(98), DD(00), DS(01), DS(03), DD(05), and DS(07)
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
MicheleQ
Forum All-Star
Joined: Feb 23 2005
Location: Pennsylvania
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 2193
|
| Posted: Jan 18 2011 at 4:27pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
I think it gives them a sense of the appreciation because they hear what someone else has gone through to be Catholic. My 14 yr. dd LOVES conversion stories because she loves the Faith and those stories make her feel very proud (and fortunate!)to be Catholic.
__________________
Michele Quigley
wife to my prince charming and mom of 10 in Lancaster County, PA USA
http://michelequigley.com
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
JodieLyn
Forum Moderator
Joined: Sept 06 2006
Location: Oregon
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 12234
|
| Posted: Jan 18 2011 at 4:41pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
It gives you an understanding of the things that are said (erroneously) about the Catholic Church. If you weren't exposed to them before it's quite eye-opening.
And gives a good push for learning appologetics (depending on the conversionn story it can even teach this) at least to the point that you know to go to the Church for an answer instead of being taken in by the "logic" of an argument or retiring in confusion. A confidence in your faith.
__________________
Jodie, wife to Dave
G-18, B-17, G-15, G-14, B-13, B-11, G-9, B-7, B-5, B-4
All men who have turned out worth anything have had the chief hand in their own education.
-Sir Walter Scott
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
leanne maree
Forum All-Star
Joined: July 25 2008
Location: Australia
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 508
|
| Posted: Jan 18 2011 at 6:10pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
I think conversion stories are just marvellous. You can see and reflect on hoe God has worked in someones lives. Teens get to her it and know that there are struggles and they remember certain aspects and this can encourage them in there Faith.
We have just been away on a weeks retreat and heard conversion stories regarding differenr aspects of ordinary life, and they are powerful. My dd loved them. She is nearly 13
__________________
God is Love
Leanne
Loving wife to Dermot and Adoring mother to Louise, Kristie, Kieran & Brid
http://leannemaree.blogspot.com/
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
seven2hold
Forum Pro
Joined: March 08 2006
Location: N/A
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 180
|
| Posted: Jan 18 2011 at 6:19pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
Thank you all for your help. Here is how I responded to the email inquiry I was sent:
The purpose of bringing in a convert to the Catholic faith to share his conversion with our youth group is to make the evening one of spiritual formation as well as social. Conversion stories are so inspiring because they instill an appreciation for our Holy Catholic Faith by seeing it through the eyes of someone who stuggled and sacrificed just to become a Catholic. As human beings we often take for granted the gifts we've been given, for instance: the availabilty of running water, but when we hear how others walk miles it helps us truly appreciate turning on the tap!
When one is raised and accepts all of one's faith and never questions those beliefs, there is no full understanding of those beliefs because they have never been tested. Hearing a convert's story helps you see the struggle and the outcome without having to become the prodigal son. :o) Conversion stories share personal testimonials of a journey of faith and grace where an individual came to find biblical, theological, and historical proofs for Catholicism.
My only purpose in bringing a convert in to share his conversion story is to give our youth an opportunity to learn more about and to appreciate more dearly the gift of Faith they have.
__________________
Kathy
Wife to John
Mother to DD(91), DD(93), DD(95), DS(98), DD(00), DS(01), DS(03), DD(05), and DS(07)
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
seven2hold
Forum Pro
Joined: March 08 2006
Location: N/A
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 180
|
| Posted: Jan 18 2011 at 6:20pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
Thank you all for your help. Here is how I responded to the email inquiry I was sent:
The purpose of bringing in a convert to the Catholic faith to share his conversion with our youth group is to make the evening one of spiritual formation as well as social. Conversion stories are so inspiring because they instill an appreciation for our Holy Catholic Faith by seeing it through the eyes of someone who stuggled and sacrificed just to become a Catholic. As human beings we often take for granted the gifts we've been given, for instance: the availabilty of running water, but when we hear how others walk miles it helps us truly appreciate turning on the tap!
When one is raised and accepts all of one's faith and never questions those beliefs, there is no full understanding of those beliefs because they have never been tested. Hearing a convert's story helps you see the struggle and the outcome without having to become the prodigal son. :o) Conversion stories share personal testimonials of a journey of faith and grace where an individual came to find biblical, theological, and historical proofs for Catholicism.
My only purpose in bringing a convert in to share his conversion story is to give our youth an opportunity to learn more about and to appreciate more dearly the gift of Faith they have.
__________________
Kathy
Wife to John
Mother to DD(91), DD(93), DD(95), DS(98), DD(00), DS(01), DS(03), DD(05), and DS(07)
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
cheesehead mom
Forum Pro
Joined: Aug 08 2006
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 374
|
| Posted: Jan 19 2011 at 9:55pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
I would only add that my 14 year old is loving all of the Surprised by Truth books--so they really do seem inspired by conversion stories at this age.
Laura
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
|
|
4Real Forums : High School Years and Beyond
Topic: Faith formation in teens
