Rachel Penate - LifeTeen.com for Catholic Youth Archive

(Don’t) Tap to Buy: Consuming With Care

If I were to take a hard look at my day, I would notice a few things: what I often complain about is usually something I want in excess, not a need that isn’t being filled. For example, “I don’t have ANYTHING to wear” basically translates to “I want to buy new clothes because I’m bored by the ones in my closet.”

Don’t Overthink it: the Simplicity of Prayer

by Rachel Penate

I was always told that prayer was important but whenever I showed up in prayer, I walked away perplexed and frustrated. I knew that I was missing something, but it took that very raw and awkward moment in my life to realize this: I was overthinking prayer.

Expectations vs. Reality: Letting God Into Imperfection

by Rachel Penate

It is amazing to think of the many moments of my day I allow frustration over feeling like I’m not in control to get the better of me. I often allow my expectations for perfection to affect my attitude, and ultimately my gratitude.

Seeing Beyond the Poop: Mary’s Perfect Love

by Rachel Penate

These images of Mary that peer in from the stained glass windows and stand stoically as a statue in the corner are indeed accurate and true. But, what we see is only the exterior.

Dear Hailee Steinfeld: We’re More Than “Most Girls”

by Rachel Penate

I just needed to speak from my unsettled heart because you missed the mark on one simple, yet essential thing: we succeed as women when we stop categorizing ourselves — when we stop the comparison all together.

You Don’t Need to be Old to be a Saint

by Rachel Penate

Sainthood isn’t just for the old or religious!

When Girls Fight: How to Deal with Lady Drama

by Rachel Penate

She had to say something that would hit you at the core, that would cause you to re-discover everything you are self-conscious about. And, before you can stop it, you find yourself caught in the middle of a full-on girl fight.

A Teen’s DIY Guide to Starting a Small Group

by Rachel Penate

Sometimes though, in order to welcome in the community God has in mind for us, we need to put in a little work on our end.

The Martyrdom of St. Stephen is a Perfect Reminder of Why Jesus Came

by Rachel Penate

As much as I don’t want to look at the face of death in this beautiful time, St. Stephen’s story is as much a story of hope and faith as any other, and I’m impressed by the lessons we can learn from this first incredible saint.

The 10 Books You Should Read this Christmas Break

by Rachel Penate

I read not just to be entertained, but to grow – to learn from the admirable characteristics of heroines, to avoid the mistakes of villains.

Life Teen

Blog