Speaking Out

We can practise our faith in a variety of ways. While some people may pray before they go to bed or meditate for an hour each day, others may choose to attend a religious summer camp.

I did the latter every summer for 11 years. The final year, I was a counsellor.

Attending the camp not only allowed me to make friends and learn about myself, it also allowed me to develop a stronger relationship with God.

When thinking about long journeys, a few specific examples may spring to mind. Some will think of Homer’s great Odyssey, others of Frodo’s quest to destroy the ring. Many of us will recall Jesus’ travels as He went from place to place proclaiming the Word of God. 

I, too, think of Jesus when it comes to travelling, but in a slightly different form. The Jesus I think of is a small carved pendant attached to a dusty black string. Though modest in appearance, this pendant of Christ has gone through quite the journey and has come to mean a great deal to me.

As the university “summer” session began, there were a few things I had come to dread: the sweltering heat, brussel sprouts and the accounting course I am taking this summer.

I dreaded this course because one small miscalculation could completely render the following equations inaccurate, and the thought of failure due to one simple mistake seemed a daunting prospect. You might say the same can be said of mathematics of any kind. True — to some extent. But, unlike most other “mathematical sciences,” basic accounting focuses on a notion of balances: assets = liabilities + investments. 

There’s plenty of well-reasoned discourse on all sides of the current debate around Ontario’s new anti-bullying legislation — but something’s missing. The voices that I have not heard in the debate are those of teens and youths dealing with same-sex attraction who want to live in conformity with God and His Church.

I can’t speak for anyone except myself — but as a person who was bullied, and a person who has dealt with same-sex attraction, I think I can offer a few thoughts. I returned to the Church last fall, after 13 years away. In addition to excellent pastoral support, a welcoming parish community and, of course, God’s grace, one of the biggest reasons I stayed in the Church after my return was the Church’s teaching on sexuality.

A year ago, Archbishop Anthony Mancini of Halifax wrote a letter to the people of his diocese about the New Evangelization. He challenged Catholics, saying, “Become true and active disciples of Christ, committed to the mission of proclaiming the Gospel, again, as if for the first time.”

The “New Evangelization” is a call from Blessed John Paul II for every believer to come to a deeper understanding of their personal faith. This summer, I’m doing this as part of Catholic Christian Outreach’s (CCO) summer mission, Impact, in Halifax. Impact is a 15-week mission trip for university students. We are working in 11 parishes across the archdiocese of Halifax. And it is no coincidence that the theme of Impact 2012, “Behold, I make all things new” from Revelations 21:5, can be found directly in Mancini’s letter.

While many joyfully anticipate the long weekend that comes with Victoria Day, I cross the days off the May calendar with a different kind of countdown in mind — one that leads to my birthday. Others lit fireworks while my family and I lit candles as we celebrated my 19th birthday.

Though there are many things to be excited about as I enter adulthood, on the days leading up to the long weekend I couldn’t help but lament over the loss of a child-like carelessness. A few years ago my adolescent mind would have been preoccupied with video games, pool parties and book reports, while I now find myself thinking about tuition fees, job opportunities and career paths. Suffice to say there were some anxious feelings mixed in with the celebratory ones when May approached. Luckily in the days leading up to my birthday there was something else to focus on: the Youth Speak News weekend retreat.

The cross is a sacred symbol of Christianity. It represents Jesus dying on the cross for our sins and is the most important symbol we have. However, it can be used in a disrespectful manner, especially when it comes to the fashion and entertainment industries. 

A few years ago, some friends and I were shopping in downtown Toronto. We walked into an ordinary clothing store and near the front were crosses adorned with fake crystals.

We are often reminded that the times when we cannot find time for the Lord are when we need Him most. This is especially applicable to students near the end of the school year.

About this time each year I take the time to look back on the year past and ponder how I can make improvements for the future.

When I was little, I told myself that school was only for a little while. Afterwards, I would get a job, earn money and then live happily ever after. Of course, that was before I learned about recessions, resumes and retirement funds. Suddenly, my friends and I were looking for volunteer opportunities to put on our resumes that would get us jobs which could earn us money to pay for universities that give us degrees required for careers that would allow us to buy houses… and it goes on.

Meanwhile, I still fall into the habit of telling myself after Masses, conferences and confessions that I’ve learned my lessons, that I’m clean, renewed and can be the perfect Catholic. Then I disappoint myself a week later and fall back into self-imposed depression. 

It’s a sad irony that during this past Lenten season of holiness, all around me marriages and families were falling apart.

There were stories of fathers leaving their families after infidelity, as if he’s Eddie Fisher and she’s Elizabeth Taylor. Wives sunk into despair waiting for prodigal spouses to return. Some fathers were shunned by their children, others remained home with little remorse, bringing pain to their children and spouses who were left to wonder about the adulterous act. Frankly, there was enough drama for a BBC mini-series. Except for one crucial difference — this was reality.