http://vibes-ka-teen.heavenforum.com/newsletter-f9/-t1.htm Please drop any newsletter that we should share (related to Teen Ministry) Fri, 25 Jul 2008 07:48:53 GMT 10 http://hitskin.com/themes/11/29/68/i_logo.jpg http://vibes-ka-teen.heavenforum.com/newsletter-f9/-t1.htm http://vibes-ka-teen.heavenforum.com/newsletter-f9/sacrament-of-reconciliation-t34.htm Fr.Giffordo Marissa Mellon wrote at 3:38pm on June 30th 2008 in reply to the original post I've been wondering about this for a while now, when we go to confession, even if we don't say all our sins, are we forgiven for all of them or just the one's we've said? Thanks, Marissa Rev Fr Greg Rowles OFM Cap wrote at 3:43pm on June 30th 2008 in reply to Marissa Mellon Marissa, when God forgives sin through the absolution of the priest, he forgives ALL our sins, including those we cannot ... Newsletter Fri, 25 Jul 2008 07:48:53 GMT http://vibes-ka-teen.heavenforum.com/newsletter-f9/sacrament-of-reconciliation-t34.htm#45 http://vibes-ka-teen.heavenforum.com/newsletter-f9/sacrament-of-reconciliation-t34.htm http://vibes-ka-teen.heavenforum.com/newsletter-f9/issue-on-suicide-t33.htm Fr.Giffordo Jenny Waldrop wrote at 4:16am on July 10th 2008 my nephew's best friend hung himself yesterday. can i comfort him that he is in heaven. I was told once that suicides don't go to heaven. Father John Flynn wrote at 8:51am on July 10th 2008 in reply to Jenny Waldrop Dear Jenny: I am very sorry to hear about this and I will keep this person in my prayers. The Catechism deals with this and below I have pasted in the relevant numbers. As you can see the Church states that suicide is ... Newsletter Fri, 25 Jul 2008 07:44:52 GMT http://vibes-ka-teen.heavenforum.com/newsletter-f9/issue-on-suicide-t33.htm#44 http://vibes-ka-teen.heavenforum.com/newsletter-f9/issue-on-suicide-t33.htm http://vibes-ka-teen.heavenforum.com/newsletter-f9/why-can-t-we-have-female-priests-t32.htm Fr.Giffordo the Catholic Church cannot ordain women as priests. It is a teaching I accept and have no problem with. But I often struggle to explain the "why" of it to people, especially to those with no supernatural outlook, who see it rather as a sexist discrimination. Could you please give me a nice summary of the teaching with the "why" included or point me in the direction of some good apologetics in this area? Father John Flynn wrote at 1:36pm on May 23rd 2008 in reply ... Newsletter Fri, 25 Jul 2008 07:14:19 GMT http://vibes-ka-teen.heavenforum.com/newsletter-f9/why-can-t-we-have-female-priests-t32.htm#43 http://vibes-ka-teen.heavenforum.com/newsletter-f9/why-can-t-we-have-female-priests-t32.htm http://vibes-ka-teen.heavenforum.com/newsletter-f9/understanding-the-bible-t28.htm Fr.Giffordo How well do you know the Bible? The purpose of these articles and essays is to show you the relevance and importance of studying the Bible. In so doing, when you apply God’s Word in you and your life, you will be better able to teach it to others too. Also, make sure you check out our main book, Into Thy Word! Is the Bible Important? Have you ever wondered what the Bible’s influence has been on you, personally, whether you read it daily or not at all? What about others around ... Newsletter Thu, 10 Jul 2008 16:49:38 GMT http://vibes-ka-teen.heavenforum.com/newsletter-f9/understanding-the-bible-t28.htm#38 http://vibes-ka-teen.heavenforum.com/newsletter-f9/understanding-the-bible-t28.htm http://vibes-ka-teen.heavenforum.com/newsletter-f9/developing-your-life-of-prayer-t27.htm Fr.Giffordo "Prayer can do anything that God can do, as God can do anything, prayer is omnipotent." R.A. Torrey, "The Power of Prayer" This set of curriculum is designed for personal use, for small groups, mentoring and can also be used for Bible studies and sermon material. How is your Prayer Life? Have you ever thought through why you do not spend more time with God? What aspects of your time and commitment hold you back from prayer? Most of us do not have the kind ... Newsletter Thu, 10 Jul 2008 16:42:58 GMT http://vibes-ka-teen.heavenforum.com/newsletter-f9/developing-your-life-of-prayer-t27.htm#37 http://vibes-ka-teen.heavenforum.com/newsletter-f9/developing-your-life-of-prayer-t27.htm http://vibes-ka-teen.heavenforum.com/newsletter-f9/what-am-i-supposed-to-do-with-my-life-t26.htm Fr.Giffordo God tells us in Jeremiah 29:11-14, "'For I know the plans I have for you', declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans o give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,' declares the Lord." You can be assured that you were created with a purpose! God's word promises that. Instead of trying to guess what that purpose ... Newsletter Thu, 10 Jul 2008 16:40:09 GMT http://vibes-ka-teen.heavenforum.com/newsletter-f9/what-am-i-supposed-to-do-with-my-life-t26.htm#36 http://vibes-ka-teen.heavenforum.com/newsletter-f9/what-am-i-supposed-to-do-with-my-life-t26.htm http://vibes-ka-teen.heavenforum.com/newsletter-f9/death-freaks-me-out-how-should-i-handle-it-t25.htm Fr.Giffordo Thoughts about death can be scary and confusing. However, as children of God, death has no power over us, and we can be assured of eternal life in Christ Jesus. "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16). Even when we are sad about the death of someone we love, God will comfort us. Jesus said in Matthew 5:4, "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will comforted." It is okay ... Newsletter Thu, 10 Jul 2008 16:39:43 GMT http://vibes-ka-teen.heavenforum.com/newsletter-f9/death-freaks-me-out-how-should-i-handle-it-t25.htm#35 http://vibes-ka-teen.heavenforum.com/newsletter-f9/death-freaks-me-out-how-should-i-handle-it-t25.htm http://vibes-ka-teen.heavenforum.com/newsletter-f9/i-have-low-self-esteem-how-can-i-change-it-t24.htm Fr.Giffordo Satan is the father of lies (John 8:44) and he will use everything in this world to make you believe that you are ugly, unloved, unworthy, not valued, not wanted or anything except the truth. What is the truth? For you "to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses all knowledge." (Ephesians 3:18-19) Satan does not want you to know this love, but it is there for you and it is unconditional. Another lie that Satan will try to ... Newsletter Thu, 10 Jul 2008 16:39:11 GMT http://vibes-ka-teen.heavenforum.com/newsletter-f9/i-have-low-self-esteem-how-can-i-change-it-t24.htm#34 http://vibes-ka-teen.heavenforum.com/newsletter-f9/i-have-low-self-esteem-how-can-i-change-it-t24.htm http://vibes-ka-teen.heavenforum.com/newsletter-f9/i-often-feel-discouraged-what-can-i-do-t23.htm Fr.Giffordo Feeling discouraged about different things is not uncommon. But instead of feeling overcome by hopelessness or discouragement, we can turn to God's Word for a boost of confidence and encouragement! Joshua 1:9 says, "Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." We all will face hard times and uncertainty in our lives, which can lead to discouragement. We just need to remember the words found in Romans 8:35-37: ... Newsletter Thu, 10 Jul 2008 16:38:29 GMT http://vibes-ka-teen.heavenforum.com/newsletter-f9/i-often-feel-discouraged-what-can-i-do-t23.htm#33 http://vibes-ka-teen.heavenforum.com/newsletter-f9/i-often-feel-discouraged-what-can-i-do-t23.htm http://vibes-ka-teen.heavenforum.com/newsletter-f9/how-do-i-share-jesus-with-friends-or-family-t22.htm Fr.Giffordo Leading a person to Christ is one of the greatest privileges we have as Christians. When someone you know has decided that they want to give their life to Christ, you can share a simple scripture with them. Romans 10:9 says, "That if you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." You can pray with your friend and encourage him or her to speak openly and honestly with the Lord, inviting him to come and be ... Newsletter Thu, 10 Jul 2008 16:38:02 GMT http://vibes-ka-teen.heavenforum.com/newsletter-f9/how-do-i-share-jesus-with-friends-or-family-t22.htm#32 http://vibes-ka-teen.heavenforum.com/newsletter-f9/how-do-i-share-jesus-with-friends-or-family-t22.htm http://vibes-ka-teen.heavenforum.com/newsletter-f9/what-about-peer-pressure-t21.htm Fr.Giffordo Everyone at times in their lives faces peer pressure. The best defense against peer pressure is having the Lord Jesus as your best friend. How do you do that? By spending time with Him everyday, just like you would with any friend. Talk to him, pray, spend time getting to know him by reading the Word. When you have an intimate friendship with Jesus, it is much easier to stand up against peer pressure. Be sure to choose your friends wisely. Anyone who pressures you to do something you have clearly ... Newsletter Thu, 10 Jul 2008 16:37:23 GMT http://vibes-ka-teen.heavenforum.com/newsletter-f9/what-about-peer-pressure-t21.htm#31 http://vibes-ka-teen.heavenforum.com/newsletter-f9/what-about-peer-pressure-t21.htm http://vibes-ka-teen.heavenforum.com/newsletter-f9/is-it-okay-to-use-drugs-or-alcohol-as-long-as-i-m-responsible-t20.htm Fr.Giffordo There is nothing inherently wrong with alcohol. The problem comes when we allow alcohol to control and rule us. The same with drugs. The substance itself is not what is wrong - it's the abuse of the substance. The danger of using drugs and alcohol is that what may seem harmless can end up in tragedy. These substances can begin to rule you, and this is clearly not what God has intended for you. 1 Corinthians 6:12 says, "Everything is permissible for me, but not everything is beneficial. Everything ... Newsletter Thu, 10 Jul 2008 16:36:57 GMT http://vibes-ka-teen.heavenforum.com/newsletter-f9/is-it-okay-to-use-drugs-or-alcohol-as-long-as-i-m-responsible-t20.htm#30 http://vibes-ka-teen.heavenforum.com/newsletter-f9/is-it-okay-to-use-drugs-or-alcohol-as-long-as-i-m-responsible-t20.htm http://vibes-ka-teen.heavenforum.com/newsletter-f9/is-it-my-fault-that-my-parents-have-gone-through-divorce-t19.htm Fr.Giffordo It is not your fault that your parents are going through a divorce (or are divorced). Do not blame yourself! Understand that your parents are not perfect creatures. They are going to make mistakes, and unfortunately, those mistakes can hurt and affect you. Their divorce does not mean that they both do not love you or care about you. People are going to disappoint us. But we do have a Father who will never disappoint us. God promises us in Hebrews 13:5, "Never will I leave you; never will ... Newsletter Thu, 10 Jul 2008 16:36:34 GMT http://vibes-ka-teen.heavenforum.com/newsletter-f9/is-it-my-fault-that-my-parents-have-gone-through-divorce-t19.htm#29 http://vibes-ka-teen.heavenforum.com/newsletter-f9/is-it-my-fault-that-my-parents-have-gone-through-divorce-t19.htm http://vibes-ka-teen.heavenforum.com/newsletter-f9/i-can-t-stop-hurting-myself-can-you-stop-me-t18.htm Fr.Giffordo The first thing you must ask yourself is "Why am I inflicting this pain upon myself?" Understanding why you are hurting yourself is the first step for getting healing. God wants the best for you and your life. Be encouraged that you are fully accepted and loved by God, but that self-mutilation is not a cure for the pain you are feeling. It is a lie from Satan to lead you into sin, for God says, "Don't you know that you yourself are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you? ... Newsletter Thu, 10 Jul 2008 16:36:01 GMT http://vibes-ka-teen.heavenforum.com/newsletter-f9/i-can-t-stop-hurting-myself-can-you-stop-me-t18.htm#28 http://vibes-ka-teen.heavenforum.com/newsletter-f9/i-can-t-stop-hurting-myself-can-you-stop-me-t18.htm http://vibes-ka-teen.heavenforum.com/newsletter-f9/i-ve-been-raped-or-molested-how-do-i-deal-t17.htm Fr.Giffordo Anyone who has experienced a trauma such as rape and molestation is going to feel a lot of pain, hurt, anger, guilt, confusion, and many other strong emotions. You should immediately seek professional help in dealing with this. God's Word can give you great comfort and healing. Joel 2:25 says, "I will repay you for the years the locust have eaten." This means that God can and will restore the trauma you have experienced. It is so crucial for you to spend time with the Lord through prayer ... Newsletter Thu, 10 Jul 2008 16:35:23 GMT http://vibes-ka-teen.heavenforum.com/newsletter-f9/i-ve-been-raped-or-molested-how-do-i-deal-t17.htm#27 http://vibes-ka-teen.heavenforum.com/newsletter-f9/i-ve-been-raped-or-molested-how-do-i-deal-t17.htm http://vibes-ka-teen.heavenforum.com/newsletter-f9/i-keep-doing-things-that-i-think-might-be-wrong-how-do-i-stop-t16.htm Fr.Giffordo Struggling with sin is something many Christian's deal with. We live in a sinful world full of temptations. The good news is that we do have help in dealing with our struggles. 1 Corinthians 10:13 says, "No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God if faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it." So based on that scripture, each and every time you face ... Newsletter Thu, 10 Jul 2008 16:34:53 GMT http://vibes-ka-teen.heavenforum.com/newsletter-f9/i-keep-doing-things-that-i-think-might-be-wrong-how-do-i-stop-t16.htm#26 http://vibes-ka-teen.heavenforum.com/newsletter-f9/i-keep-doing-things-that-i-think-might-be-wrong-how-do-i-stop-t16.htm http://vibes-ka-teen.heavenforum.com/newsletter-f9/what-does-god-think-about-sex-relationships-and-marriage-t15.htm Fr.Giffordo What does God think about sex, relationships, and marriage? Let's explore what God has to say about sex. Hebrews 13:4 says, "Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral." Here we see that God says that sex is good within the confines of a marriage. Sex outside of the marriage bed is deemed sexually immoral. 1 Corinthians 6:18-20 says, "Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits ... Newsletter Thu, 10 Jul 2008 16:34:03 GMT http://vibes-ka-teen.heavenforum.com/newsletter-f9/what-does-god-think-about-sex-relationships-and-marriage-t15.htm#25 http://vibes-ka-teen.heavenforum.com/newsletter-f9/what-does-god-think-about-sex-relationships-and-marriage-t15.htm http://vibes-ka-teen.heavenforum.com/newsletter-f9/where-is-god-t14.htm Fr.Giffordo splashed with bright white paint right across the side of the garbage truck in large, bold letters, a baffled university student had written, "Where is God?" Most people wonder about this same question at some time or other. If there is a God, how can we know that he exists and how can we find him? In some ways God is like an atom. You can't see him with the naked eye but you can see evidence of his presence and power everywhere you look. For instance, God shows himself ... Newsletter Thu, 10 Jul 2008 16:07:45 GMT http://vibes-ka-teen.heavenforum.com/newsletter-f9/where-is-god-t14.htm#24 http://vibes-ka-teen.heavenforum.com/newsletter-f9/where-is-god-t14.htm http://vibes-ka-teen.heavenforum.com/newsletter-f9/the-test-of-trust-t13.htm Fr.Giffordo Author: Margaret Manning "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6 were some of the first Scripture verses I memorized as a child. For some reason, the words seemed to bounce with joy, energy, and a sense of lightness as I learned them. For me, these were very "happy" verses in Scripture—verses that seemed to indicate God's direct guidance ... Newsletter Thu, 10 Jul 2008 16:04:34 GMT http://vibes-ka-teen.heavenforum.com/newsletter-f9/the-test-of-trust-t13.htm#23 http://vibes-ka-teen.heavenforum.com/newsletter-f9/the-test-of-trust-t13.htm http://vibes-ka-teen.heavenforum.com/newsletter-f9/5-ways-god-answers-prayer-t12.htm Fr.Giffordo Since we have prayer buddies now, thought this mite help. By Luis Palau Over the years, I’ve discovered from Scripture and experience that God loves to answer our prayers. Here are five of his most frequent answers: 1. “No, I love you too much." The Lord of the universe isn’t under obligation to say yes" to every prayer. That’s a good thing considering some of the things we request! But sometimes God says no" to our most heartfelt requests. Have you discovered ... Newsletter Thu, 10 Jul 2008 15:59:52 GMT http://vibes-ka-teen.heavenforum.com/newsletter-f9/5-ways-god-answers-prayer-t12.htm#22 http://vibes-ka-teen.heavenforum.com/newsletter-f9/5-ways-god-answers-prayer-t12.htm