T H E
N E W
T E E N
M A G A Z I N E
F R O M
10 THINGS I HAVE LEARNED FROM LOSING MY DAD TO A
DRUNK DRIVER WHAT I’M
GIVING UP
FOR LENT
SCIENCE VS. RELIGION Read Ashley’s story on page 8!
Praying THROUGH
BIG
DECISIONS
T H E
A R C H D I O C E S E
O F
A T L A N T A
Dale la
vuelta para
ESPAÑOL
From the Editor
from the
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• Ask Abuela • World Youth Day 2019
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10 things I have learned from losing my dad to a drunk driver
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What I’m giving up for Lent
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Ashley’s Story: Praying through the big decisions
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Greetings from the editor
Welcome Auxiliary Bishop Konzen! I need more time
We are excited to bring to you another issue of The Mark, where you find brave teens sharing their journey of faith to inspire others to continue growing in faith. I invite all of our readers who, during this time of Lent, are offering small gestures of sacrifice to consider a more challenging experience. I invite you during Lent to stand up and become another light in the world of darkness. I invite you to be the one bringing joy in a room of suffering, bringing hope where there is doubt, bringing Christ where only emptiness is felt.
Science vs. religion Many of you might wonder: How can
The adventure of loving God
I do that? The first step is to fully trust
Upcoming movies
do that, the talents your God gave you
and open your heart to Christ. Once you will become visible to the world.
The St. Teresa Project Get inspired by the stories of the teens in
Eduardo’s story: Hope in the busyness
this issue and see that you are not alone.
Too blessed to be stressed
go and leave a MARK in this world!
Sarah Kroger on social justice
The Mark | Archdiocese of Atlanta | Spring 2018
You can count on my prayers. Go now;
Ask Abuela
WORLD YOUTH DAY 2019
ABUELA, IF I’M A GOOD PERSON, WHY DO I HAVE TO GO TO
Who?
Young adults ages 16-35 in the Archdiocese of Atlanta.
when?
Jan. 22, 2019 – Jan. 27, 2019 Even the holiest people need to go to confession, not because they are “bad,” but precisely because they are
where?
good. If you’re living a good life, and trying to be holy, then you’re obviously trying to get closer to God.
Panama City, Panama
THE CLOSER YOU GET TO GOD, THE MORE AWARE YOU BECOME OF EVEN THE SMALLEST THINGS THAT PULL YOU
why?
WYD helps young Catholics connect from around the world!
AWAY FROM HIM. Going to confession allows you to recognize and notice even the small things that can hurt your relationship with the Lord. When you go (even when you are good), you are acknowledging that you need help
how?
to continue living a good, holy life. St. John Paul II went to
The Archdiocese has organized several options, costing $2,600 per person, and including airfare, hotel, events and meals.
confession once a week, and he was the pope! When you go, to confess even the smallest of sins, you’re acknowledging your great need of (and desire for) being close to Jesus.
MIKOLAJN
Register to attend WYD with the Archdiocese of Atlanta at
www.atlyouth.org/world-youth-day. 3
10 THINGS I HAVE LEARNED FROM LOSING MY DAD TO A
drunk driver
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Ten years ago today, my life and those of my family were turned upside down. Ten years ago today, my sister and I lost our dad, my mom lost her soulmate, my grandmother and granddad lost their youngest son — and the world lost a man of great faith, humor and character.
I wanted to take this time to reflect on ten things (in no particular order) I have learned since my father was killed 10 years ago:
FORGIVENESS IS POSSIBLE I never thought I would be able to forgive the man who killed my father. I thought I had lost all hope in humanity, to be completely honest. I have learned that he did not wake up and decide he was going to kill my dad. He didn’t wake up and decide to get drunk, drive a car and kill a man. Yes, he made the choice. No, he is not evil. I have learned to forgive him and his actions.
MY DAD WAS AWESOME
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If I’ve learned anything over the years, it’s that my dad was quite a man. From stories, pictures and faint memories, I know my dad was the life of the party, a man of great faith, the protector of his family and friend to all he met.
Some days are harder than others, but I’ve overcome years of darkness and depression. I believe that there is always light at the end of the tunnel.
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ALWAYS SAY “I LOVE YOU” I know it’s cliche, but do it. If you love someone, say it, because you never know when the last time will be.
IT’S OK TO LAUGH
It has been quite a journey. I have good days and bad, just like anyone would, but I have also learned that there is something much greater beyond this life. My faith has held me accountable in hope of the life to come.
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IT GETS BETTER
If you know anything about me, you know I make intense situations uncomfortable. I laugh about inappropriate things and am not always the most serious when I should be, but that’s OK; it’s how I cope. I think my dad would love to hear me laugh during the tough times and the not-so-tough ones. After all, laughter is the best medicine.
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FAMILY IS EVERYTHING You never know the magnitude of something until it’s gone. Some people may say my family is broken, but it’s not. Yes, I miss my dad each day, and I know my family will never be the same, but us Garger Girls rock!!
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GOD HAS A PLAN When I heard the news, I truly believed God didn’t love me and, to be completely honest, I didn’t love him. Over time, I have learned that this pain I’ve felt is for a greater good. There is something beautiful in suffering and I am ready to spread this with others around me.
MY MOM IS FREAKING STRONG Holy moly, I can’t name a stronger woman of faith. I’ve watched my mom take this suffering and turn it into a life full of unconditionally loving others. No matter what the world throws at her, she’s ready to take it on with open arms.
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THE LITTLE THINGS MATTER
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I have a teeny-tiny box to hold my bracelets that my dad made me when we were at a Family Camp one time. It’s painted yellow and has gold glitter all over it. It doesn’t close and a little more glitter falls off of it each day, but I treasure this little box. Take time to realize what little things have enormous impact in your life — it’ll change your life.
10 IT’S OK TO BE VULNERABLE I hate showing emotion. I hate for people to see me weak, sad, angry or basically anything other than happy. One major thing I’ve learned over the years is ... it’s OK to cry! Being vulnerable is a blessing, and I slowly understand that more and more.
I know these may seem like minuscule lessons, but they have impacted how I choose to love my daily life. I pray that if you are going through/have gone through a time of grief, you can find some comfort in my words. Everyone copes differently, and this is just a piece of my heart that hopefully will resonate with you in some way. And Daddy, I miss you tremendously and constantly. Always my love,
Booty Booty xx atlyouth.org
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/ SOPHOMORE One year for Lent, I decided that I would give up all electronic entertainment. It was the biggest sacrifice that I have made, because the rest of my family did not make the same sacrifice. As a Gen Z child, it is extremely hard to completely go dark for 40 days. Televisions are everywhere, everyone lives through their cell phones and computers and choosing to remove yourself from that world was extremely difficult. I definitely grew close to God through this experience, as the time I usually spent wasting on television and video games was used mostly to pray and reflect. For those who are looking for a real challenge this Lenten season, try sacrificing the thing we depend most on, just as Jesus did for us, by eliminating electronic entertainment and focusing on the word of the Lord.
/ SENIOR About five years ago, I started taking five-minute showers for Lent. I was always taught that a Lenten sacrifice should be about growing spiritually, not breaking a bad habit or making healthier routines. Not that those are bad things, but the whole point of giving something up for Lent is to be united with the suffering heart of Jesus. I picked something that I loved and thoroughly enjoyed — long warm showers — and decided to sacrifice it, much like Jesus sacrificed his comfort for us on Calvary. To be honest, it is hard. It is hard to sacrifice comfort, relaxation and pleasure. But ever since I started giving up long showers, my spiritual life has flourished, as I used the time saved to add a new prayer routine. I have become much more aware of the daily conveniences I always took for granted.
/ JUNIOR This past Lent, I gave up a part of myself that corrupted me. Social media filled me with society’s views on how to live my life and clouded my judgment in all of God’s teachings. As Lent went on, I saw the beauty around me in others’ faces and personalities. God opened new pathways that I had closed off for much of my life. An overwhelming peace filled me for the first time and I regretted why I had let social media control me for much of my life. It did nothing but separate me from the Holy Trinity and my family, what I cared about most. The 40 or so days left me with gratitude for every aspect of my life. I grew closer to my family and I developed a completely new love for Christ!
/ SOPHOMORE Last year, for Lent, I decided to read a chapter of the Bible every day. I started with Matthew and got to read through two or three of the Gospels. Even after Lent, I continued to read the remaining Gospels, and even read Acts and part of Romans. I read the Bible at night, so it was often hard to stay awake or focus. Instead of watching Netflix, I would read a chapter, so sometimes it was a sacrifice on a long day. However, I’m so glad I did. I felt so much closer to Jesus and loved adding something positive to my routine, instead of giving up something!
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/ SENIOR The past few years, I have given up varying levels of social media for the Lenten season. Last year, I gave up all of my social media, and it was a freeing experience for me. I realized after not having all of those distractions for 40 days that I was much too attached to something I once saw as a positive way to communicate with my friends. I replaced the app with my Bible app and started to use it every time I would normally visit Snapchat or any other social media. This experience allowed me to shift my focus toward God in an amazing way and encouraged me to give more time to Jesus and less to social media.
/ SENIOR Last Lent, my youth minister challenged me to give up something that I used daily. I decided to give up both video games and Netflix. I needed to use the amount of time I dedicated to those two things to spend more time with God. Not only did I grow closer to God, but I was able to develop a daily prayer routine that I am able to maintain to this day. Giving up both video games and Netflix were a sacrifice, because I had unknowingly become controlled by and dependent on them, rather than Christ. While it was not easy, I was grateful I stuck with it in the long run. Currently I play video games and watch Netflix, but I do not prioritize them above God, my prayer life or my faith.
/ SOPHOMORE In 2017, instead of giving up something for Lent, I decided to read from my devotional book every day. Even though it was a sacrifice some days to get up early in the morning, I am glad that I did. Reading a devotional each day really helped start my day off in a positive and uplifting way. The devotional really helped me in some of my hardest times and made each day start off a little better. I can’t wait for Lent 2018 and see what God has planned for the future!
/ JUNIOR In freshman year in high school, I decided to give up social media during the liturgical season of Lent. Throughout my beginning months of freshman year, I used social media to get involved in a huge, new school and stay connected with my friends, but I quickly realized that I used it as a crutch to carry out my high school life. This sacrifice is probably one of the hardest things that I have ever done to date. Social media aren’t exactly a certain food or drink that I just abstain from buying; they’re a constant presence everywhere I look. It felt like I could finally dive into my relationship with God without the weights of social media that always seemed to be attached to me. Looking back on this two years later, I’ve realized that this was the time when my faith life truly transformed.
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Story by Kathy Powell | Photography by Enrique Samson
ASHLEY’S STORY
Praying THROUGH
BIG
DECISIONS
“Do you want to go to Mass with me?” It was my older sister who asked. It was a Thursday during Advent in my ninth-grade year. I was surprised — do they even have Mass on Thursdays? Apparently, yes. At our parish, they have Mass each day and an evening Mass on Thursdays and Fridays. I didn’t have a car or any plans, so I went with her. atlyouth.org
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AS A VIETNAMESE CATHOLIC, RESPECT IS A MAJOR TRADITION, ESPECIALLY RESPECT FOR OUR ELDERS.
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From her simple question, we started going together most Thursdays and Fridays. Growing up, I did not have a strong relationship with God and my faith was pretty weak. Going to Mass more than just Sundays led to me praying a lot more. At that time, I had recently started what I thought was just a fun extracurricular activity. I had some friends in Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC), so I joined. JROTC was a whole new thing for me. Through the program, I learned to lead, help and motivate others. I realized that through strengthening others, I was carrying out God’s works. I was very shy, and I never imagined myself going to the military. I would’ve never seen myself leading others because I thought I was not capable enough. Eventually, I started to love what I was doing, and the idea of me in the military was less surreal. By the end of the JROTC Summer Leadership School before my 10th-grade year, I realized I could do this after high school. I could do ROTC in college, join the military and serve in the Air Force. In my traditional Vietnamese family, that was not what was expected from me. I was very scared to tell my parents. As a Vietnamese Catholic, respect is a major tradition, especially respect for our elders. Vietnamese families have a lot of expectations for their kids. It is instilled in me to make my own expectations to be better. My parents were used to the traditional, thinking I would go to college and then come back home. What would they think about me breaking out of that? I was battling my thoughts about
joining the military. I asked my siblings for help. They’re more modern, so they were happy for me and told me to do what makes me happy. I prayed a lot about it. Every Mass during the reflection time after the Eucharist, I had a one-onone talk with God. “God, show me some signs that this is what I should do for my future. What’s next for me if this doesn’t work out?” I have that conversation with God frequently — in church, before school and in math class when I blank out — just talking to God. I talk to God like an actual person in my life. He is. When my sister got busy with work and couldn’t keep driving me to Mass on weekdays, I started my own journal to keep praying. Starting with “Dear God, thank you for my day,” I would sum up my day and everything that
THROUGH THE PROGRAM, I LEARNED TO LEAD, HELP AND MOTIVATE OTHERS. I REALIZED THAT THROUGH STRENGTHENING OTHERS, I WAS CARRYING OUT GOD’S WORKS.”
I was grateful for. I was picking out every little thing that happened that day. I was so thankful, just writing it all down so I could remember it. Journaling helped me to go about my day. Reflecting on what I was grateful for was an eye-opening thing. It made me want to try to make others around me happy, instead of bringing people down. It really hit me that I have a lot to be thankful for and can just be happy. When confirmation class came in 10th grade, I was so happy to go every Sunday. “Please don’t wake up late, I need to go to school!” The class was taught in a different way, with real-life situations. They would break it down, bring in guest speakers and talk about things that were really relevant. The confirmation retreat was the best retreat I’ve ever been on.
It made me even more grateful for what I have. It was a big reflection time for me. I gradually told my parents that I was thinking about the military, to kind of hint it to them as a possibility. I didn’t really have a plan B if my parents said no, which is why I was so nervous to tell them. I don’t really have a lot of things that interest me, so I wanted to show them that I was really dedicated to JROTC and let them see why I want to do this. At first, they were in shock. The military? But they saw me at my awards ceremonies and how involved I was. They even talked to my sergeant and he told them how I’m a good student. They went home and were really proud of me. My whole family has grown closer since my confirmation. My older sister
was my confirmation sponsor and plays a big role in my life. Whenever I have questions about my faith life, I go to her. She always has an answer for me that clicks. Since confirmation, we have deeper conversations now. I’m more open with my parents, both my sisters and my brother now, sharing more personally about what I’m thinking and going through. My parents now support my decision to pursue a career in the Air Force. They go to all of my awards ceremonies. They own a shop and they tell almost everyone because they’re proud of me. My family is always there for me. My relationship with God will continue to strengthen through prayer and helping others. I know I am in good and loving hands.
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“After spending my first term of sophomore year as a student in the Leadership and Society class, I not only learned the skills necessary to succeed as a leader, but I was also enriched with interesting stories and life lessons told by Father Konzen every day. Father Konzen never ceased to bring a smile to my face when explaining his passion for his unique leadership roles as both our school principal and priest. I am extremely blessed to have learned both academically and personally from Father Konzen over my past three years as a Marist student. Thank you so much.”
- Lindsey Reina ‘19
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Say a pray er for Bishop Kon zen and al l of the cler gy in the Archdioce se of Atlanta!
Photos by Marist School
TIME IS AN EXTREMELY VALUABLE RESOURCE, WHICH I DIDN’T REALIZE UNTIL A RETREAT CALLED
Positively Dangerous. I used to believe I never had enough time to have fun and that I would be
plagued with school and work for the rest of my life. I was always working on a school project, preparing a leadership meeting or working a six-hour shift. I slowly negotiated with myself, saying, “OK. This is
ORE I NEED M
my life. I must study and must work
E M I T
in order to be successful.” For a while, I decided that I was OK and that one day I would have the life I wanted. Eventually, my days got really boring. Homework only got more challenging and work continued to be stressful. I believe I finally reached my breaking point in August. A new semester had begun and I had been moved to a different station at work. These changes entailed even more work and more stress. At night, I would go to sleep thinking about the day ahead of me, instead of remembering the day’s success. I repeatedly failed to thank God for all he had done for me. I was blinded to his works and his love. I distinctly remember one of the two things that stop us from having a fruitful relationship with God — apathy. I remember this because this was who I was. I was apathetic. I didn’t take my relationship seriously and it slowly ended up in me feeling trapped in time. I wasn’t moving forward, but I also wasn’t falling back. I
was stuck. At this retreat, I believe I rediscovered how to have a relationship with God. I am certain that this was God’s way of showing me how to handle the obstacles life threw at me. I met some really great friends who share my faith and I was able to participate in an amazing program. Life is still difficult sometimes. I continue to have lots of projects and I still have six-hour shifts,
THOMASVOGEL
but now everything is different. At the end of the night, I am able to thank God for all he has done for me and for my family. I think that all I was missing was a way to reconnect with the plans he has for me. I’m not sure what they By Ronaldo Lopez
are, but I am sure that he will execute them on HIS time and not on mine.
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SCIENCE
vs
T E E N S A S K D R . C H R I STO P H E R C L E M
Why do some people view science and religion as opposing views? Because the views of SOME scientists and SOME religious people are opposed. For instance, if scientists measure one age for the earth, and some religious fundamentalists insist on a very different age based on the Old Testament, they cannot both be right. St. Augustine warned about interpreting Scripture too literally and getting into this exact trouble. On the other hand, some scientists are also what we might call materialist fundamentalists, who forget to leave categories for things that their instruments cannot measure, like the experience of love a child feels for her mother. They wind up with a very distorted and narrow view of the world that is opposed not only to religion, but common sense. Catholics follow St. Thomas Aquinas in our view that the truths we learn from the book of nature through scientific study cannot be opposed to the truths revealed to us by God. If we think they are in opposition, then we have not read Scripture as we should, or we have made a mistake in our application of natural philosophy. Truth cannot be opposed to truth, and the sincere Catholic has nothing to fear from scientific learning; nor is science, properly considered, opposed to the fundamental truths of our faith.
Is there scienti Ic proof for God’s existence? The concept of “proof” belongs more to mathematics than science. In geometry for instance, you can use logic to prove theorems like “the angles in a triangle sum to 180 degrees,” but first you must agree to five principles of plane geometry and accept them on faith. On the other hand, scientists do not develop “proofs,” but rather theories that they test by measuring the world. Theories are the best working understanding of
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s.
religion
M E N S T H E F O L LOW I N G Q U E ST I O N S :
the world that fits the measurements so far, and no one is disturbed if they find a new measurement that contradicts the working theory. In fact, scientists often hope for these disagreements and learn new things from them. Based on this modern way of speaking about “scientific proof,” the answer to the question is “no.” But this is not really too troubling since there is no “scientific proof” of anything! However, there are proofs for the existence of God developed by saints like Anselm and Thomas Aquinas. These are more like the logical proofs of mathematics. In fact, Anselm’s proof was formalized in mathematics by the brilliant mathematician Kurt Gödel, but it takes a deep understanding of the foundations of mathematics even to understand his work.
Can someone believe in evolution and still believe in the biblical creation story? Yes, I myself believe both, but I do not try to learn astronomy, geology or genetics from the biblical story. The author did not need to know or teach those perfectly to communicate the essential messages of the story: We are made by God and our first actions include betrayal and sin against him. The exact manner of the making is treated metaphorically, and not meant to be scientifically descriptive. If I write that “God knitted you in your mother’s womb,” and you correct me because science says you grew from a single cell by mitosis, you are not really disagreeing with me, you are misunderstanding the literary form of my sentence. In the same way, disagreeing with the Genesis account of creation on a scientific basis, or assuming that a scientific theory can be criticized using the Genesis account, misses the point of the story.
J. CHRISTOPHER CLEMENS
Senior associate dean for natural sciences and Jaroslav Folda Distinguished Professor of Physics and Astronomy at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
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the adventure ofGOD LOVING My classmates and I sat down for some coffee and conversation, which I would like to share with you. A friend insisted that in this world what matters is to be good. It does not matter what faith you profess because you had to respect the different perceptions that you have about the truth because, according to her, nobody has the absolute answer. The others applauded her comment and even congratulated her for speaking with such wisdom. Another friend said that religions have only served to divide men and that in the name of God too many injustices have been committed. Then the final statement came. My friend said, “And that is why I prefer not to go to church.�
It was not easy to get out of this conversation, but I felt that the Lord gave me the opportunity to witness to my faith and share a bit of my Christian experience. I am a practicing Catholic. I do not consider myself a saintly person, I have many things to improve, but I am clear that my goal is to reach heaven one day. To do so, I have to fight against my impatience, disorder and sometimes my bad temper. Little by little I have learned about my faith. I have fallen in love with Jesus, with the Blessed Mother, with the testimony of the saints and, of course, with Pope Francis. I wanted to intervene in this group and talk to my friend and the others at the table. I told them that I did not have the truth, but I was sure that Jesus did, because I do not doubt that he is God. I let her know that I agree with her about one point: In the name of misunderstood faith, many mistakes and injustices have been committed. The history of Christianity is not rosy, but we owe this to the imperfections of human beings and not
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God has also given [me] the privilege of being born into this faith, as well as the gift of sharing my beliefs wherever I am.
to Jesus Christ, who came to this world to teach us to love, to serve and to give our lives for our brothers and sisters. Between laughter and some differences, we were able to have a nice conversation. Perhaps with time I will manage to invite this group to have a meeting with my youth minister friend, who has solid arguments, possibly more so than mine. Right now, I am rediscovering my Catholicism. I have an important task, which is to work with greater intensity to know the faith that I say I love. After all, one does not love what one does not know. I also believe that we have to be good because we have to give testimony to Christ with our lives. The kindness my friends spoke about comes from God. I know that the heart of God fits the whole of humanity, Catholics and non-Catholics alike. However, to me, God has also given the privilege of being born into this faith, as well as the gift of sharing my beliefs wherever I am. In this case, it’s while having coffee in the country where I was born and in which I learned from my parents to love God above all things. By Maria G.
UPCOMING
MARCH 28, 2018 Cast: Jim Caviezel, James Faulkner, Oliver Martinez, Joanne Whalley, John Lynch “Paul, Apostle of Christ” is the story of two men. Luke, as a friend and physician, risks his life every time he ventures into the city of Rome to visit Paul, who is held captive in Nero’s darkest, bleakest prison cell. Before Paul’s death sentence can be enacted, Luke resolves to write another book, one that details the beginnings of “The Way” and the birth of what will come to be known as the Church. But Nero is determined to rid Rome of Christians, and does not flinch from executing them in the grisliest ways possible. Visit www.paulmovie.com to learn more!
MARCH 16 It’s the multi-platinum song that brought hope to millions. And next spring, in theaters everywhere, “I Can Only Imagine” will encourage people in a whole new way. The inspiring, incredible, and unknown true story behind MercyMe’s beloved song is the basis for this brand-new movie from the Erwin Brothers (directors of “October Baby,” “Moms’ Night Out” and “Woodlawn”) and producer Kevin Downes (“Courageous”). A gripping reminder of the power of forgiveness, “I Can Only Imagine” beautifully illustrates that no one is ever too far from God’s love — or from an eternal home in heaven. Visit www.icanonlyimagine.com to learn more!
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Who is your saint going the to be? Make a list of all are saints you relate to or n inspired by, and why. The one the to n narrow it dow that speaks the most
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MANFREDO FERRARI
to you!
Pray Claire’s prayer to
St. Teresa
You were a bright light of Christ’s love in so many lives even when you felt
This year is the second year of my confirmation preparation, and that brings one of the most important parts of the journey: choosing a confirmation saint. The choice was obvious for me. St. Teresa of Calcutta, better known to many as Mother Teresa, is someone whom I have looked up to for a very long time. St. Teresa lived her life in the most beautiful, selfless and humble way. She gave her entire life to minister to the poorest of the poor, and she loved abundantly at all times. She stayed steadfast in her faith and trust in God even when it was extremely difficult for her. I aspire to live a life marked by these characteristics that St. Teresa demonstrated.
distant from that love in your own life. Help me when I get caught up in my own interests to remember that the only true way to live is in this service to others. Give me strength to love even when I feel as if all of my strength is gone. Help me to live with a smile on my face and in my heart through every situation as
As a part of the confirmation prep, each of us had to participate in a living saints project to present our saint to the parish. This project was a way for us to get to know more about the saint that we chose, and it required us to dress up as our saint and present what we learned. When I heard this, I was definitely nervous. I have always preferred to stay out of the spotlight, and this project forced me to wander beyond the limits of my comfort zone. Nevertheless, it was something that I had to do, and it turned out to be an incredible spiritual and learning experience. Through this project, I was able to get to know more about St. Teresa. I had the opportunity to learn more about her life and her work in India and beyond. More than that though, choosing a saint to walk with me on my confirmation journey introduced me to the beauty of praying to the saints for their intercession on our faith journey. The saints lived through many of the same ups and downs that we face as Catholics in this world, and they are an incredible source of inspiration. Being able to pray to the saints is such a cool part of being Catholic, and this project helped me to grow in my knowledge and understanding of that. It began my walk with St. Teresa as an advocate for me on my journey to confirmation and beyond. This project also gave me the opportunity to witness the incredible impact that God can have through the simple actions that we take. Part of the project was to write a prayer to our saint to distribute to the people to whom we presented. My grandma, who is my confirmation sponsor, took several copies of my prayer with her to a Bible study and shared a bit of this story as they were discussing the idea of love. She later told me of a man in the group who was moved by the story and the prayer. He shared that the prayer had truly renewed his faith in the young Church. I never expected anything
you showed us all how to do. In times when I doubt and feel distant from God, guide me. Help me to trust in him and to have hope in the future he has planned for me even when I do not understand and cannot see the way. Thank you for the example that you gave me for how to live in love and humility. Guide me to find my own mission field and to serve with steadfast faith and love in that place. Please meet me in my brokenness, and pray for me. Amen.
like this to happen, but the experience showed me how God and the Holy Spirit work through us in incredible ways that we could never predict or create on our own. In many ways, this project showed me how important it truly is to step out of our comfort zone and to try new things. God is so powerful, and he is working through everything that we do, whether we can see that or not. When we walk with Christ everywhere that he places us, he does amazing things through us that are so much greater than the simple actions that we take. This project became something greater than I ever imagined, and God revealed himself to me in a truly beautiful way through it. By Claire
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The Mark | Archdiocese of Atlanta | Spring 2018
My mind is full of ideas. I want to see more, visualize more and experience more. Currently in my senior year of high school, my desire to experience it all quickly fills all seven days of the week. I am busy. During the day, it’s AP classes, numerous clubs and general school responsibilities. One of my clubs is Peer Mediation, in which I serve as president. I consider us to be junior counselors, helping students with their everyday problems as fellow teens with similar hardships and struggles. After school, it’s a different activity every day. I balance my two jobs, being a part of small faith group community and dedicating my time at church with teen ministry and helping lead confirmation classes. I also play upright bass in the church choir. I love to play music that brings energy and encourages people to sing; singing is a form of praying and it opens up their hearts.
Photos by Enrique Samson
I am trying to impact the world and I can’t do that alone. God is always helping me out. He’s got my back. I consider Jesus to be my best friend. Through the years that my family was less involved in church, Jesus was always there for me. Even when I considered myself Catholic, but didn’t go to church Jesus was there. Now that I go to church often, I know on a deeper level that Jesus is always there helping me. In the bad times, the times I get very emotional and cry — he’s there. In the good times, when I’m really happy and enjoying my life — he’s there. He’s everywhere in the simple stuff of my everyday. I’m gracious and thankful for God being present in my life and keeping me safe. Some days when I’m stressing out, God is there to keep me in balance and keep me positive. I make room to pray each night before I go to sleep. God helps me manage my own time and gives me enough hours to get it all done. He makes it work out. I trust him.
They say confirmation is the transformation of becoming an adult in the Catholic community, really just being more mature and shaping yourself up to be a way better Catholic for the Church community. Now that I’m confirmed, I feel more mature and like I have more knowledge of the way it works and how I can help more. As a volunteer in the confirmation program now, I enjoy helping others see the perspective that I see each day living my life with God. I really work to give positive advice to help people sense God in their life. I want to help people out and to do something to change the way that another person can see his or her own life. At low points, you always think everything is going to go bad, but you have to stay positive and hope for the best. I like helping other teens get confirmed with a positive mind-set and not just think, “OK, confirmation is just something I’m doing.” I want it to be a transformational thing that they want to keep doing —
just like those who helped me through my confirmation program made it for me. My Church is now a second home to me. It’s a place where I can connect. I can feel a fading when I don’t go for a few weeks. I miss Jesus in the Eucharist and I get homesick like I would if I’m away from my house for a while. By having faith, believing in our Father and believing in the path he wants me to take, I chose not to give up when things are hectic or unknown. I choose to go forward, to excel and to be the best person for him, my family, friends and others — and me, too. God wants to see you succeed. There’s no reason to think that you can’t succeed. That power of faith and hope has led me here today, still with the same mindset of succeeding and achieving. Always believe, and hope for the best. Believing in yourself is great, but allowing God to help you is far more powerful.
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Most teens struggle with stress. But stress isn’t always a bad thing. God allows us to experience some healthy stress to help motivate, protect and even focus our energy. But sometimes too much stress can lead to worry, fear and anxiety. This is not God’s will for us. In fact, one of the most repeated phrases in the Bible is “Be not afraid.” Easier said than done, right? Here are a few tips to help you manage and cope with stress and anxiety:
1 PRAY THE ROSARY OR CHAPLET OF DIVINE MERCY: When we are stressed or anxious, our minds and heart don’t always turn to God. Prayer in just about any form helps, but the Rosary and Chaplet of Divine Mercy are especially helpful. As your fingers move through the beads, our focus naturally shifts from your worries and stressors to your fingers and prayers. Try beginning and ending your prayer asking Our Lady and St. Faustina to pray for you to be able to trust in God’s grace and experience his peace.
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The Mark | Archdiocese of Atlanta | Spring 2018
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PRACTICE DEEP BREATHING. When you’re anxious, your breathing gets really shallow, which deprives your brain of its natural ability to calm you. Practice taking slow, deep breaths in through your nose, holding them for a couple of seconds and then slowly releasing them from your mouth. Do this a few times and notice how you feel. You can also do this while you’re praying.
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EXERCISE. One of the best things you can do to deal with stress and anxiety is to find a way to get into your body. Whether it’s running, playing sports, yoga or a simple walk, each time you can move your body you’re helping your brain produce good chemicals to combat stress and worry.
JOURNALING. When unhealthy stress turns into anxiety, you may feel out of control over certain areas of your life. The simple act of writing down what you’re worried about helps you to see it more objectively and gain a sense of control over it.
5 Remember, when you’re in your head, you’re TALK WITH A FRIEND OR ADULT WHO WILL LISTEN. Sometimes you just need to hear yourself vocalizing what’s got you anxious to realize how unlikely our fears are. And while a listening ear or good piece of advice might not make your situation or fears go away, it may help you gain a better, less bothersome perspective.
dead. Anxiety and stress feed off of sitting and “stewing” or obsessing. Don’t make it complicated, do something and pray. Doing something as simple as taking the next step on a project; having a conversation; taking a walk; or praying for five minutes can be very helpful in dealing with stress and anxiety. atlyouth.org
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IF WE HAVE NO PEACE, IT IS BECAUSE WE HAVE FORGOTTEN THAT WE BELONG TO EACH OTHER. —ST. TERESA OF CALCUTTA 24
The Mark | Archdiocese of Atlanta | Spring 2018
I went to Catholic school from kindergarten through 12th grade. I remember learning about the Church’s teaching on social justice several times throughout my academic career. I found it interesting, but it was never something that was personal to me. I thought social justice was something I could be a part of from time to time, like volunteering at a soup kitchen or with an organization like Habitat for Humanity. But overall, social justice seemed like a much bigger issue, one for the Church to deal with as an institution. My small life and my decisions as a consumer surely didn’t have that big of an impact on the world, particularly when it came to shopping for clothes. I was completely naive to the fact that by blindly giving my business to certain clothing companies, I was participating in a consumer culture whose main goal is to make as much money as possible, whatever the cost. I knew nothing about these companies’ business practices, let alone how their clothes were made or how they treated their employees. The first time I heard about sweatshops and child labor was when I was in college. I remember stumbling upon a website with a list of 50 or so clothing companies whose practices were found to be “questionably ethical.” I couldn’t believe that some of the major companies I had supported without a second thought were guilty of allowing deplorable working conditions and paying unjust wages. It finally became personal to me. I felt responsible for supporting the immoral actions of these companies. There had to be another way. In 2013, I was invited to go on a trip with Catholic Relief Services (CRS) to Ghana, Africa. It was one of the most influential experiences of my life. Throughout the trip, we had the opportunity to visit several fair trade projects organized by CRS. One of my favorites was a project that employed women to weave baskets and purses. By working with CRS, the women were paid fair wages and provided a clean, safe work environment. They
were able to support their families in a way that was previously not possible. This is the power of ethical trade. Because of the consumer culture in the United States, it’s easy to fall into a habit of buying things just to “keep up with the Joneses.” In the past, clothes were like an addiction for me. I was obsessed with the idea of having all the latest fashion trends. As a result, my closet and dressers were filled with so much clothing that there was no way I could ever wear it all within a year. After returning from my trip to Ghana, my perspective completely shifted. I had witnessed people with just one piece of clothing live with total joy and satisfaction. I started to realize I had an unhealthy attachment to clothing. It’s something I’ve had to fight ever since, even going as far as doing “clothing fasts” where I only wear seven items of clothing for an entire month. The fact is, ethical trade is a pro-life issue. We are all consumers. We all purchase goods, and every single thing we purchase is attached to a human being in some way. As Catholics, we have a responsibility to recognize that where we decide to spend our money effects lives. I will be honest: Shopping for clothing ethically 100 percent of the time is difficult. It’s extremely easy to turn a blind eye to a company’s practice when you’re in need of an outfit quickly. But thanks to the internet, ethical shopping has never been more accessible. It’s not difficult anymore to find a variety of stores that have quality items produced in an ethical manner. By supporting ethical trade, we uphold the dignity of life. We are all a part of the one beautiful, messy, broken body of Christ. When one of us suffers, the entire body suffers. This is not an issue that can be ignored. It must be a part of our daily lives.
By Sarah Kroger
Migration. Human trafficking. Climate change. Ethical purchasing helps address some of the root causes of these growing humanitarian crises. Imagine, for example, someone forced to flee their home due to climate change, thus becoming a climate refugee. This person will be in need of a new and sustainable source of income to avoid vulnerabilities of hunger, further migration and susceptibility to trafficking.
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Estoy tratando de impactar el mundo y no puedo hacer eso solo. Dios siempre me está ayudando. Él me cubre mi espalda. Considero que Jesús es mi mejor amigo. A través de los años en que mi familia estuvo menos involucrada en la iglesia, Jesús siempre estuvo allí para mí. Incluso cuando me consideraba católico, pero cuando no iba a la iglesia, Jesús estaba allí. Ahora que voy a la iglesia a menudo, sé en un nivel más profundo que Jesús siempre está ahí ayudándome. En los malos tiempos, cuando me pongo muy emotivo y hasta lloro - Él está allí. En los buenos tiempos, cuando estoy realmente feliz y disfrutando de mi vida, él está allí. Está en todas partes en las cosas simples de mi vida cotidiana. Soy amable y agradecido porque Dios está presente en mi vida y me mantiene a salvo. Algunos días cuando estoy estresado, Dios está ahí para
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The Mark | Arquidiócesis de Atlanta | Primavera 2018
Fotografía por Enrique Samson
mantenerme en equilibrio y mantenerme positivo. Creo un espacio para orar todas las noches antes de irme a dormir. Dios me ayuda a administrar mi propio tiempo y me da suficientes horas para hacerlo todo. Él lo hace funcionar. Yo confío en él. Dicen que la Confirmación es la transformación para convertirse en un adulto en la comunidad católica, en realidad te ayuda a ser más maduro y te forma para ser una católico mucho mejor para la comunidad de la iglesia. Ahora que estoy confirmado, me siento más maduro y me gusta tener más conocimiento sobre cómo funciona y cómo puedo ayudar más. Como voluntario en el programa de confirmación ahora, disfruto ayudando a otros a ver la perspectiva que veo todos los días
viviendo mi vida con Dios. Realmente trabajo para dar consejos positivos para ayudar a las personas a sentir a Dios en sus vidas. Quiero ayudar a la gente y hacer algo para cambiar la forma en que otra persona puede ver su propia vida. En los momentos bajos, siempre piensas que todo va a ir mal, pero tienes que esperar y mantenerte positivo y esperar lo mejor. Me gusta ayudar a otros adolescentes a ser confirmados con una mentalidad positiva en donde no solo se pasa bien, o la confirmación es solo algo que estoy haciendo por hacer. Quiero que sea algo transformador que quieran seguir haciendo, al igual que aquellos que me ayudaron a través de mi programa de Confirmación lo hicieron por mí. Mi iglesia ahora es un segundo hogar para mí. Es un lugar donde puedo conectarme. Puedo sentir que me debilito cuando no voy por unas semanas. Extraño a Jesús en la Eucaristía y me vuelvo nostálgico como lo haría si estoy lejos de mi casa por un tiempo. Al tener fe, creer en nuestro padre y creer en el camino que él quiere que tome, elijo no rendirme cuando las cosas son agitadas o desconocidas. Elijo avanzar, destacar y ser la mejor persona para él, mi familia, amigos y otros, pero también para mí. Dios quiere verte triunfar. No hay razón para pensar que no puedes tener éxito. Ese poder de fe y esperanza me ha llevado hasta aquí hoy, todavía con la misma mentalidad de éxito y superación. Siempre cree y espera lo mejor. Creer en ti es grandioso, pero permitir que Dios te ayude es mucho más poderoso.
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Esperanza LA HISTORIA DE EDUARDO
EN EL
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The Mark | Arquidiรณcesis de Atlanta | Primavera 2018
Ajetreo
Mi cabeza está llena de ideas.
Quiero ver más, visualizar más y experimentar más. Actualmente en mi último año de High School, mi deseo de experimentarlo todo hace que se llenen rápidamente los siete días de la semana. Estoy ocupado. Durante el día, son clases AP, numerosos clubes y responsabilidades generales de la escuela. Uno de mis clubes en los que participo es mediación entre compañeros, en el que sirvo como Presidente. Considero que somos consejeros jóvenes, ayudando a los estudiantes con sus problemas cotidianos como compañeros adolescentes con las mismas dificultades y retos. Cada día, después de la escuela es una actividad diferente. Equilibro mis dos trabajos, formar parte de una pequeña comunidad de grupos de fe y dedicar mi tiempo a la iglesia con el ministerio de adolescentes y ayudar a dirigir las clases de confirmación. También toco el contrabajo en el coro de la iglesia. Me encanta tocar música que aporte energía y anime a la gente a cantar y cantar es una forma de orar. Abre los corazones.
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Preguntas para la abuelita
Con alegría te traemos un nuevo ejemplar de la revista THE MARK en el que encontraras a jóvenes valientes que comparten sus historias de fe para inspirar a otros a seguir creciendo en la fe. Quiero invitar a todos nuestros lectores que durante este tiempo de Cuaresma están ya ofreciendo pequeños gestos de sacrificio a que consideren una experiencia más retadora. Te invito a que te levantes y te conviertas en
ABUELA, ¿POR QUÉ SI SOY UNA BUENA PERSONA TENGO QUE
una luz en el mundo de la oscuridad. Te invito a ser el que traigas alegría en una casa de sufrimiento, trayendo esperanza donde haya dudas, trayendo a Cristo donde solo se siente el vacío. Muchos de ustedes se preguntarán, ¿Pero cómo puedo hacer eso? El primer paso es
Hasta las personas más santas deben confesarse, no porque sean "malas", sino precisamente porque son buenas. Si estás viviendo una buena vida y tratando de ser santo, obviamente estás tratando de acercarte más a Dios. Y cuanto más te acercas a Dios, más consciente estás de las cosas
confiar plenamente y abrir tu corazón a Cristo.
más pequeñas que te alejan de él. Acudir a la confesión te
Una vez que haces eso, los talentos que Dios
permite reconocer y notar incluso las pequeñas cosas que
te ha regalado serán visibles para el mundo.
pueden dañar tu relación con el Señor, y cuando vas (incluso cuando eres bueno), reconoces que necesitas ayuda para
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Inspírate con las historias de los adolescentes
continuar viviendo una vida buena y santa. Juan Pablo II se
en esta revista y mira que no estás solo.
confesaba una vez a la semana, ¡y él era el Papa! Cuando
Cuenta con mis oraciones. ¡Ve ahora y deja
vas, a confesar incluso los pecados más pequeños, reconoces
una MARCA en este mundo!
tu gran necesidad de (y deseo) de estar cerca de Jesús.
The Mark | Arquidiócesis de Atlanta | Primavera 2018
la aventura de
AMAR A
DIOS Me senté a tomar un café y con algunos compañeros de clase, tuvimos una conversación que quisiera compartirles. Una amiga me insistía que en este mundo lo que importa es ser bueno, que no interesa la fe que profeses, que había que respetar las diferentes percepciones que se tienen sobre la verdad pues según ella, nadie tiene la respuesta absoluta. Los demás, aplaudían su comentario e incluso la felicitaban por hablar
con tanta sabiduría. Otro amigo decía que las religiones solamente han servido para dividir a los hombres y que en nombre de Dios se han cometido demasiadas injusticias. Ahí vino la respuesta final, mi amiga dijo “es cierto por eso que tú mencionas, prefiero no ir a misa”.
No fue fácil salir bien librada de esta conversación, pero sentí que el Señor me daba la oportunidad de dar testimonio de mi fe y compartir un poco de mi experiencia cristiana. Soy católica practicante, para nada me considero una persona santa, tengo muchas cosas por mejorar, pero tengo claridad que mi meta es algún día llegar al cielo, me toca luchar contra mi impaciencia, desorden y a veces mi mal genio. Poco a poco he ido conociendo mi fe, me he enamorado de Jesús, de la Virgen, del testimonio de los Santos y por supuesto, del papa Francisco. Quise intervenir en este grupo y hablarle a mi amiga y sus compañeros, les dije que yo no tenía la verdad, pero estaba segura que Jesús sí, pues no dudo que El es Dios. Le hice saber que estoy de acuerdo con ella en un punto, que en nombre de la fe mal comprendida, se han cometido muchos errores e injusticias, que la historia de la cristiandad no es color de rosa, pero esto se lo debemos a las imperfecciones humanas y no a Jesucristo que vino a María Gómez
Se, que al corazón de Dios le cabe la humanidad entera, católicos y no católicos ...
este mundo a enseñarnos a amar, a servir y a dar la vida por nuestros hermanos. Entre risas y algunas diferencias, pudimos tener una amable conversación, tal vez con el tiempo logre invitar a este grupo a tener un encuentro con un amigo seminarista que tiene sólidos argumentos, posiblemente más que los míos, que hasta ahora estoy redescubriendo mi catolicismo. Me queda una importante tarea: trabajar con mayor intensidad en la fe que digo amar, pues uno no ama lo que no conoce. También creo qué hay que ser buenos, qué hay que dar testimonio con nuestras vidas, pero soy consciente que esa bondad de la que hablaban, proviene de Dios. Se, que al corazón de Dios le cabe la humanidad entera, católicos y no católicos, pero a mi, que me dieron el privilegio de haber nacido en esta fe, también me dan el privilegio de compartir mis creencias desde cualquier escenario de la vida, como en este caso, tomándome un café colombiano, país en el cual nací y en el cual aprendí de mis padres a amar a Dios sobre todas las cosas.
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flip over for
ENGLISH
¿POR QUÉ SI SOY UNA BUENA PERSONA TENGO QUE CONFESARME?
saludos de parte de la editora
EsperanzaAjetreo EN EL