Category Archives: Blog

LifeTeen.com Blog

7 Catholic Dating Tips

By Mary Bielski | February 22, 2012

Whether single or in a relationship, dating can be a wonderful, exciting, intimidating, and sometimes bizarre event. The stress of just figuring out what to wear can send you over the edge. Then there are all the other details. Who is paying? Where do we go? Do we show affection? How do I flirt? Or more importantly, how do we just survive those crippling embarrassing moments. Maybe you are like me and awkward moments never seem to end. If so, here are some fun tips to help your dates go a little smoother than mine: Dance. Dating is like a [...]

Sunday, Sunday, Sunday: 02/26/12

By Mark Hart | February 21, 2012

As Jesus was led out into the desert for 40 days, so are we invited to enter into the 40 days of Lent. We ask God, “Where am I weak? Where can I grow spiritually?” in order to fulfill our end of our covenant with Him. First Sunday of Lent: Gn 9:8-15; Ps 25:4-5, 6-7, 8-9; 1 Pt 3:18-22; Mk 1:12-15

Being a Catholic Man: Lessons I Learned the Hard Way

By Eric Porteous | February 21, 2012

One of my favorite things about being a man is that we know everything. Or . . . no . . . wait a minute. We think we know everything. There, that sounds more like it.

But seriously, in high school I thought I had it all figured out. Why? I don’t know. Maybe it was because I got my driver’s license and drove a really cool beige minivan, or maybe it had to do with my ability to make sweet graphs on my TI-83 calculator. Perhaps my ever-increasing bench press played a role. (Ok, that last one may be a bit of a stretch.)

But yet, for some reason, I thought I knew it all. If you had a question, I had an answer. If you couldn’t figure something out, I could. And, armed with this array of knowledge, I was gonna teach the world a thing or two. That is until I started getting older and realized something: I didn’t know as much as I thought.

Why do Catholics put Ashes on our heads on Ash Wednesday?

By Mark Hart | February 21, 2012

“Excuse me, you’ve got some dirt on your head.” Every year someone says that to me on Ash Wednesday. Maybe it has happened to you too. In the past it used to frustrate me, but in recent years I have come to see it as a great opportunity to evangelize, to share with someone about the most important person in my life: Jesus Christ.

Saint Quotes: St. Augustine on Lust

By Life Teen | February 18, 2012

“By Lust I mean that affection of the mind that aims at the enjoyment of one’s self and one’s neighbor without reference to God. Lust indulged became habit, and habit unresisted became necessity. There is no remedy so powerful against the heat of concupiscence as the remembrance of our Savior’s Passion. In all my difficulties I never found anything so efficacious as the wounds of Christ: In them I sleep secure; from them I derive new life.” – Saint Augustine, Father and Doctor of the Church

What to Give Up for Lent: 25 Creative Ideas

By Life Teen | February 17, 2012

Are you looking for something unconventional to offer up for Lent? We asked Life Teen missionaries and our friends on Facebook for cool stuff they’ve done in the past. This is what they shared.

What to Give Up for Lent: 20 Weird Ideas

By Life Teen | February 17, 2012

Ready to move beyond just giving up chocolate? Last year we gave you 25 Creative Ideas for Lent. This year, we wanted to expand upon that list. Except, if you know us, you know we like to make things a bit . . . well . . . more interesting. So here’s a list of weird things to do for lent. The best part is that even though they’re a bit odd, they will actually help you to be holy! Don’t eat the last bite of your food Park at the very back of the parking lot Put a popcorn [...]

Why Do Catholics Believe the Pope is Infallible?

By Life Teen | February 16, 2012

The word “infallible” does not mean that the Pope is perfect. It also does not mean that the Pope knows everything. Instead, infallibility only applies when the Pope speaks about solemn, official teachings on faith and morals, and he can’t ever change, add, or subtract Christian doctrine.

He only helps define or explain what we already believe, and he doesn’t do it on his own. The infallible teachings of the Pope are the result of many years – sometimes hundreds of years – of consultation with the other bishops and theologians of the Church. He is, in effect, voicing the belief of the whole Church.

Relationship: The Answer to Jesus vs. Religion

By Brian Kissinger | February 15, 2012

I have to admit I’m a bit late on this one. I realize that the whole “Jesus vs. Religion” showdown is sooooo last month, but I think it’s worth taking another look at.

Who hasn’t thought at one point or another about how great it would be to just have Jesus without all the rules and lists of things we’re supposed to do? Why do we need all the rules? Why can’t we just have Jesus without all the obligations? Sure, Jesus spoke often about the importance of following His commands (Luke 8:21) but why do we even need religion then? Why do we need labels and definitions? Why can’t we just be close to Him and not worry about all the details?

Sunday, Sunday, Sunday: 02/19/2012

By Mark Hart | February 14, 2012

God doesn’t play Words with Friends. Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time: Is 43:18-19, 21-22, 24b-25; Ps 41:2-3, 4-5, 13-14; 2 Cor 1:18-22; Mk 2:1-12

Dating Disasters: Confessions of a Catholic Single

By Mary Bielski | February 14, 2012

I always have the worst dates.

Seriously, the movie How To Lose a Guy in Ten Days has nothing on me. My dating disasters have been frequent and broad in their range of humiliation: I have been taken to the hospital, spilled my drink over my date’s new couch, called the guy by the wrong name, got lost and stuck in a ditch, and laughed so hard I choked on my meal nearly causing the waiter to perform the Heimlich.

And you wonder why I am still single?

But wait there’s more. Here are my top two worst date experiences.

Not Cool, Nicki Minaj

By Eric Porteous | February 13, 2012

Dear Nicki Minaj,

I want to begin by letting you know that I don’t know much about you. I don’t listen to your music. I don’t know your background, and I even had to look up how to spell your name. I think you performed at the Super Bowl this year, but last night, watching the Grammy’s, was probably my first real introduction to you. And if it’s important to make a good first impression, with me, you failed.

To say that I was offended by your performance is an understatement, and I really don’t want to go back and re-live it again, so I’m not going to get into any specifics. What I do want you to know is something all of us Catholics believe.

What a Guy Really Wants in a Girl

By Aaron Hostetter | February 13, 2012

In high school, I played football and ran for track and field. As a young man just coming into my faith, it was tough to see and hear the guys talk about women in a way that was so degrading. It forced me to question what the truth was. I was learning about God and His plan for us, but what the other guys were saying was completely contradictory to what God was saying.

I got to a point where I looked at what society was telling me would make me happy regarding women: sex, popularity and partying; and I asked myself, “Is that it? Is this as good as it gets in life?”

There was something inside me that wasn’t satisfied with that. There was a burning in my heart for so much more. I knew that God had greater plans.

Don’t Be Boring: Creative Date Ideas

By Natalie Aleman | February 12, 2012

Are you looking for some creative date ideas to do with a special someone this month? Valentines day is right around the corner and why not celebrate in a fun and creative way?

There is no reason why you cannot make this date the Best. Date. Ever.

Say “Goodbye” to boring because here are some ideas to help spark your imagination.

Be Quiet!: God Speaks and Heals in the Silence

By Annie Asmussen | February 11, 2012

Turning off my cell phone was difficult. So was not listening to music, not having conversations (except 1 hour a day with a spiritual director), internet, and everything for eight days . . . but it was so worth it because I was able to pray in a way I never have before. I asked God more questions than I ever have in my life. And I heard him speak in the silence of my heart during my eight-day silent retreat. The first few days of the retreat, the silence hurt because I was forced to think about and work [...]

I’m Lost: Understanding How Men and Women Communicate

By Mark Hart | February 10, 2012

Also, eye contact is important. How many times does the person you’re speaking to feel they have your undivided attention? Turn off screens – get away from them. Eye contact is the quickest and simplest way to acknowledge Christ in the other.

Now, if you’re having a “conversation” through a screen, ask yourself if that’s the best medium to be using to have that conversation. Words can be misread and mistaken. Do you ever text just “because you don’t want to get into a long conversation?” Go the extra mile. Don’t text when you can call. Don’t call when you can sit face to face. Don’t sit face to face and have your mind in another area code. A huge part of authentic communication is emotional presence, not only physical presence.

You’re Capable of More Than You Think

By Eric Porteous | February 9, 2012

And you know what was most amazing? On Sunday morning, January 15, 2012, when I got to the start line, do you know what I saw? Several thousand other people just like me. People of all ages, sizes, and body types were out there to see if they had what it takes. And, after a grueling 5 hours, 6 minutes, and 44 seconds, I crossed the finish line. I had what it took, and you do too.

I’m not saying that running a marathon is for everyone, but we all have “marathons” in our lives, and it’s time we put fear and excuses aside.

Why be a Summer Camp Staff Missionary?

By Life Teen | February 8, 2012

Each summer for the past 10 years Life Teen has helped teens have the best week of their life. However, the experience of summer camp would never happen without the joyful service of hundreds of college-aged faithful Catholics. This summer, we’re asking you to consider being a summer camp staff missionary. Let’s be honest here for a second. We really need men to join. We get lots of female applications but we need more balance at camp. Plus, older men in the faith make great role models to younger teens and middle schoolers. There’s only one week left to get [...]

Don’t Sit So Close to Me

By Christina Mead | February 7, 2012

One of the things I hate about flying is the discomfort and awkwardness of sitting very close to a stranger for 4 or more hours (the typical length of one of my flights).

I’m an introvert, but I’m not anti-social. I like talking, but I hate small talk – which is what plane conversations often are. (For me, at least)

It’s my luck to always get stuck next to: the creepy, flirty man, the smoker or perfume over-doser who gives me a headache, chatty Cathy who ignores the book in my lap, and many others who have left me with the opinion that I’d rather sit alone.