Youth Speak News
Editor’s Note: this is a runner up in the Friars’ Student Writing Awards sponsored by Franciscan Friars of the Atonement and The Catholic Register. Catherine Kirkpatrick, 14, is a Grade 9 student at St. Aloysius Gonzaga High School in Mississauga. The contest is held in conjunction with the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. The Register will publish all six winning essays.
Sometimes we find that we get so caught up with schoolwork, our hectic schedule and our heart’s desires that we often forget about, and close our hearts to, the suffering people are enduring all around us. So how can we, as Catholics, open our ears to the needs of others and loosen our tongues in order to promote Christian unity not only today, but for generations to come?
Sometimes we find that we get so caught up with schoolwork, our hectic schedule and our heart’s desires that we often forget about, and close our hearts to, the suffering people are enduring all around us. So how can we, as Catholics, open our ears to the needs of others and loosen our tongues in order to promote Christian unity not only today, but for generations to come?
Rather be late than wait
By Sara Loftson, The Catholic Register I hated catechism class as a child because I had to miss Saturday morning cartoons. But more than that I hated when catechism class ended because it meant I would have to wait.
The Heralds spread the gospel loud and proud
By Sara Loftson, The Catholic Register
Hip hop priest comes back to Toronto
By Vanessa Bertone and Natalie Guadagnoli
Near death experience gives new life
By Andrew Selvam, Youth Speak News I could feel the undertow of the Pacific Ocean pull me further into the waters as I attempted to yell out to my friends for help and tried to catch a glimpse of someone on shore. I couldn’t help but ponder whether these moments would be my last. With barely time to say a prayer, I was being toppled over by huge waves which moved my body in every direction. Minutes later, as if by the hand of God, a wave pushed me close enough to shore so that I could grasp hold of the ground again. A near-death experience was not how I expected my Peruvian mission trip to end.
FRIARS ESSAY: Practise what Christ preaches
By Gregory Drozdzal, Catholic Register Special Editor's Note: this is the second place winner of the Friars' Student Writing Award sponsored by Franciscan Friars of the Atonement and The Catholic Register. Gregory Drozdzal, 16, is a Grade 11 student at St. Michael's Choir School in Toronto. The contest is held in conjunction with the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. Over the coming weeks, we will publish all six winning essays.
Why I pray the rosary
By Jasmine Canaria, Youth Speak News At Mass, I often listen to people as they say the Our Father and the Apostles' Creed, wondering whether they ever stop to think about what those words mean. It's funny how you can recite prayers without paying attention to the important words you say. Sometimes when saying repetitive prayers like the rosary, I find myself just going through the motions, either because I'm worried about school or just not focusing, so I stop myself and consciously reflect.
Unity begins with one step
By Peter Grbac, Catholic Register Special
Winners announced for annual essay contest
By Catholic Register Staff
How far is too far?
By Jenna Murphy, YSN Do you find yourself tripping over your words more than usual lately in the effort to appear politically correct? Over the past Christmas season, more than in previous years, I was especially aware of the awkward "holiday" jargon such as re-naming the Christmas tree a holiday tree to try and be more inclusive. To me, it is obvious that we belong to a society whose members are so fearful of stepping on toes that they often do not step out at all.
Toronto school helps build maternity ward in Nigeria
By Natalie Guadagnoli, Catholic Register SpecialTORONTO - While some schools raise funds to fix the girls' washroom on the second floor, or to purchase new school supplies, the students at Loretto Abbey Catholic Secondary School in Toronto worked together to raise $35,000 to build a maternity ward in Umuahia, Nigeria.