Confessions of a Catholic Youth Minister

Growing up in a Catholic family in the 1960's &1970's was a tumultuous time. Growing up in my family was even more so. By the time the 1970's were over, both my parents had died and my life was turned upside-down. Yet, in a relatively short amount of time my parents instilled in me the foundation of faith that would be the spring board into a much deeper faith later in my life. Their devotion to God and to the church, and their moral character have been key examples to me. Their strong devotion to family was an important part of my childhood, and impacted my own devotion to my wife and children.  My parents were pillars in our faith community. They were active members of St. Petronille Church.  My mother was in the CCW and my father worked his way up to a regional post in the Knights of Columbus. They sponsored three parish bowling teams. My mother bowled in a women's league on Tuesdays and my father bowled in a men's league on Friday night. They bowled in...

Growing up in a large Catholic family is a good place to start in youth ministry. Being the youngest of seven in the family is icing on the cake. Growing up down the street from the evangelical Wheaton College was a bonus. Going to 12 years of Catholic school with lukewarm Catholics added to the mix. Being called a hypocrite in college was the fire. Five boys and two girls made for wild times growing up. Having all five boys in one bedroom added to the combustion. What kind of problems could five boys cause? Ordering pizza for the next door neighbor and laughing while it is being delivered. Playing hockey in the basement and leaving dents in the ceiling. Breaking windows while playing baseball in the backyard and playing it so much that we wore out the grass. Breaking a broom while handing out 'birthday spankings'. Fighting in the backyard over fouls during a one on one basketball game. My two sisters were not ones to put up with much shenanigans and they had our family dog...