Marian Helper Winter 2012-2013

24 M ARIAN H ELPER • W INTER 2012-13 • www.marian.org F or more than two years, Marian seminarian Br. Chris Alar, MIC, has traveled with the Marian Evangelization Team, speaking in parishes all across the United States. His interactions with youth, in particular, stand out as some of the most pow- erful experiences he’s had and point to reasons for optimism as well as for deep concern. “I’m seeing so many kids asking questions about the faith,” Br. Chris says. “They’re growing up in such a secular world, and they’re confused and want answers.” He shares his thoughts here. Brother Chris, what do you find encouraging with regard to our youth? By far, the most rewarding thing is seeing the youth preparing for the Sacraments. Through Holy Communion and Confession, they will be given the grace of God, and in Confirmation, they will be sealed in the Holy Spirit. So the rewarding part is knowing what they’re about to receive. Also, they want to hear from us regarding Church teachings — even if it’s just to challenge us. We should be encouraged by that. Another reason to be hopeful is seeing how the youth have embraced the pro-life movement. After all these years, the tide is turning in favor of the pro-life movement, largely because so many young Catholics are determined to fight against the injustice of abortion. In what ways have your experiences with the youth been disconcerting? They face huge obstacles to holiness every single day. Sexual imagery, materialism, and immoral behavior have been almost deified in our culture. And these things are coming at them from all directions — from television, movies, music, advertisements, and the Internet. Every day, they are bombarded with messages that go against Church teaching. God has been shoved aside. The youth can be treated as out- casts for daring to show they put God and faith above all things. Sinful behavior is celebrated. The youth especially are highly impressionable. What our culture teaches and imposes upon us is: “I make my own truth. There is no absolute truth, so don’t force your values on me.” This all can lead to a belief that “anything goes, morally.” Therefore, if you speak out against, say, contra- ception or the practice of homosexuality, you are being “intolerant.” Parents, particularly, have a lot of work ahead of them to counteract all these powerful and conflicting messages their children are receiving. So what’s your advice to parents? Number one is prayer. We have to pray for our country and our leaders every day. We have to beg the Lord for mercy and the conversion of hearts. If every family prayed together, the F ELIX C ARROLL A NSWERS TO THE TOUGH QUESTIONS YOUTH ASK “We have a lot of work ahead of us,” says Br. Chris Alar, MIC, of the challenges parents, educators, and Church leaders face with regard to youth. Above, he speaks to religious education students in the Buffalo, N.Y., area. Marian seminarian offers frank advice to parents in a secular age. by Felix Carroll Back to Index Back to cover Sample of Mercy 101 by Br. Chris Alar, MIC