Expert: Charlie B - 11/19/2007

Question
I have two topics to be discussed during a young adult group retreat.

1) Jesus really matters! Personal relationship with Jesus and stories of various saints including Mother Theresa

2) The Catholic Church needs you! Understanding of the church as people of God; vibrant, energetic and dynamic church for young people

I’d like to have 5 or 6 profound discussion questions per each topic.    Through the questions, I want them to learn and think more about the topics.

I appreciate your help in advance.  

Answer
Daniel,
For your first area, you might ask the following discussion questions:
1.  When you are in pain -- as in a stomach ache for example -- do you find yourself calling out to God much more than if you didn't have the pain?  Why is that?
You can't have a personal relationship with Jesus unless you're silent and listening.  In today's world of music, TV, movies and MySpace, how do you ensure you get "quiet time" to truly listen?
When was the last time you cracked a Bible to just read for what it might tell you?  R
Relative to the saints, you might check out www.lighthousecatholicmedia.com and get the Father Callaway talk CD.  You'll want to play it for the youth after listening to it.  There's a number of great conversation stories that inspire as much or more than stories about the saints.  Another idea is to Google Mother Teresa quotes, and give them to the group's to discuss and translate their meaning.
2. Again, I'd reference materials at www.lighthousecatholicmedia.com for excellent examples of how the fatith is dynamic and relevant for the youth of today.  Another idea is to contact Alliance of the Two Hearts who is an Order in Dover, DE, and who conducted a Youth Retreat for 90 youth in NC recently.
Profound Question #1:  What is the meaning and purpose of life?
Charlie
www.breedingtrust.com