Youth Speak News

For 14 years I attended Catholic schools where morning prayer was a staple, religion class a required course and liturgies a scheduled monthly event. From ages 12 to 18, I was fortunate enough to enroll at Toronto’s Cardinal Carter Academy for the Arts where religious values enriched an atmosphere of music, drama and dance. There I learned from a community of teachers and peers who were passionate about artistic creativity and an academic curriculum that reflected religious values.

{mosimage}TORONTO - Fourteen new youth correspondents will be the eyes and ears of Catholic young people in Canada for The Catholic Register.

As a young person pursuing a future in journalism, there are a number of qualities I must possess. Characteristics such as curiosity, dedication, intelligence, passion, patience and humility can take one a long way in this field. In today’s money-centred world of corruption and hidden agendas, it can be difficult to find a suitable role model on such a complicated career path.

{mosimage}REYKJAVIK, Iceland - Among the two per cent of Catholics in Iceland, many of whom are new immigrants from Poland and the Philippines, are young people making a difference.   

{mosimage}ORILLIA, Ont. - This summer, I was among 39 lucky applicants chosen by the Knights of Columbus for a life-changing week of faith, fun and friendship.

I  have been in a long-distance relationship for a few years. When we first started dating I was overwhelmed with joy. I felt the typical butterfly sensation people get when they first fall in love, sort of like the exhilaration of flipping upside down on a roller coaster ride.

{mosimage}TORONTO - Youth members of the International Catholic lay movement Focolare will host a variety show to raise money for Zilma School in Haiti.

{mosimage}The same day we learned the details of the pending book of Mother Teresa’s personal correspondence, including the much publicized “dark letters,” news spread about the suicide attempt of a celebrity. I won’t speculate that their trials were similar in nature. But their two very opposite responses to suffering are certain: the actor tried — and, thank God, failed — to flee it. Blessed Teresa, as we’re learning from released excerpts of Come Be My Light: The Private Writings of the Saint of Calcutta, dove headfirst into her meeting with darkness.

{mosimage}TORONTO - Lucy Anacleto was abused by her parents as a child. To escape the abuse, her two older sisters left home, leaving the then seven-year-old alone with her parents.

{mosimage}TORONTO - Samantha Persaud and Janani Jeyaraman accepted the Discover Diversity Award Aug. 28 at the University of Toronto Multifaith Centre on behalf of Blessed Mother Teresa Secondary School.