The pandemic has changed the way students have learned over two years. We experienced a change in semester learning, pivoted from in-person to virtual learning many times and could not spend time with our friends and family. Although, with schools reopening, clubs and sports returning and overnight trips and camps running, we were now experiencing a “new normal.”

The first day of the month marked St. Joseph the Worker’s feast day, an incredibly relevant devotion for today’s youth. There are many reasons to foster devotion to this model of strong masculinity each year, but especially in 2021, a special year dedicated to St. Joseph declared by Pope Francis on Dec. 8. 

Does virtue require faith? If not, can an atheist be a virtuous person? For many Christians, it does not occur to us to ask this question, because some assume that the answer is an immediate “no.”

When I was young, I did not clearly understand why every May, Vietnamese girls would dress in the traditional Vietnamese áo dài, hold bouquets of flowers and dance in front of the statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary before Masses in May. 

Growing up, there wasn’t the option to not go to church. In our household, if you don’t go to church, you don’t get to celebrate Christmas or Easter, which are two pretty big holidays for a young kid.

There was one important lesson my friends Matthew Remedios and Monika Cyfko learned while volunteering at our parish’s summer camp — youth need this kind of bonding and faith experience all year round.

Young people rediscovering sacred music, learning the beauty of the pipe organ and young women veiling for Mass.

It was Week 1 of my Exodus 90 fast and I really wanted a brownie.

This year, I decided to read the Bible all the way through, starting at the book of Genesis.

This was one February reading week that certainly won’t be forgotten.

Recent revelations that Fr. Thomas Rosica admitted to committing plagiarism came as a surprise to me, having over the years read a number of his books and articles. 

I love my Church, but I admit I have at times found it difficult dealing with its sins against the Indigenous community.

There is a misconception that teenagers will always jump at an opportunity to do wrong. This is based on the stereotype that teens are up to no good. 

Two years ago, I started volunteering at my church’s youth group. My role was to teach the students, mentor them and listen to them. 

When I left high school I told myself university is where I would find a husband. Well, I have one year left of my bachelor’s degree with no husband in sight.