As a young Catholic, I’m finding that it is important to surround myself with as much of a Catholic presence as I can. I’m in my last year of high school, and I’ve noticed that through the past few years it’s gotten harder to hold steady in my faith.
'Hacksaw Ridge' is a model of faith
By Alessia Loduca, Youth Speak NewsWhen presented with barrages of violent and destructive images, sometimes the only place to look is away. To say that it is a challenge to witness these horrors is an understatement, but to go beyond that and work against these horrors is what makes heroes.
Celebrating my second birthday with St. Elizabeth
By Elizabeth Chelmecki, Youth Speak NewsAs Nov. 5 approaches, I become increasingly excited. No, it is not my birthday, but my name day, called “imieniny” in Polish.
A new spiritual frontier abroad
By Vanessa Chan, Youth Speak NewsWhen I moved out of home for the first time, going to university, the big decision was taking matters of faith into my own hands. At university, there is no parent to wake you up on Sunday morning and drag you out to church. Did I really want to do all of that?
Making the most of Mass
By Alister Vaz, Youth Speak NewsThere used to be a time when I thought of Mass as just an obligation; something I had to attend to please God. It was after going to Madrid for World Youth Day 2011 that my eyes were opened. I understood that I had been approaching the Eucharist in the wrong way.
Reflecting on our mission
By Breanne Azevedo, Youth Speak NewsOctober is a special month for Catholics because it is the month Pope Pius XI chose in 1926 for the first World Mission Sunday. Falling on Oct. 23, it is the day we remember missionaries such as priests, sisters and lay people who continue to dedicate their lives to living out the gospel through prayer, action and love.
The thanksgiving sacrifice of Jesus
By Teresa Quadros, Youth Speak NewsCrisp air, fiery-coloured leaves, pumpkins and apples — the smell of autumn is in the air! It’s October, and Thanksgiving is upon us.
The problem with Christian movies
By Patrick Grant, Youth Speak NewsIf you have seen a Christian movie, you probably know that many are cheesy, low-budget films that are rarely lucky enough to make their way into theatres.
Euthanasia is not salvation
By Emily Barber, Youth Speak NewsOne would think, as a teenage girl, suicide should be the very last thing on my mind. But in a recent conversation with my grandfather, I’ve had reason to reflect on just how much Canadians have changed their perspective on assisted suicide and what a contrast it is to his generation.
Suicide is not the answer
By Rebecca Atkinson, Youth Speak NewsI can’t express the sadness my heart feels at the rising rate of suicide among young people today. The numbers are staggering and I feel helpless thinking of so many who have lost hope.
Unity in the face of terror
By Kelli-Anne Tim, Youth Speak NewsI see the world enduring endless strife and conflict. But beyond this chaos, I see people standing to fight for humanity.