How to Make Teen Friends Who Are Catholic

Catholic teens can meet like-minded individuals at youth group.

Finding people who share common interests and religious beliefs is easier if you know where to look. Start with your local church. Many Roman Catholic parishes have youth groups that bring like-minded young people together. If not, your diocesan office can offer suggestions. Schools sometimes have clubs that cater to a variety of religious beliefs. Many Catholic youth organizations also provide online information for Catholic teens interested in connecting with others.

Instructions

1. Grab a phone book and find a Catholic church in your area. Disciples Now is a web-based ministry for Catholic teens. Members suggest teens contact the youth ministry office in their diocese for advice if no youth group exists at their church. A diocese without a youth ministry office still has a chancery office where someone can help. Call the chancery office to express your desire to meet other Catholic teens.

2. Become a member of Life Teen. Visit the organization's website. It offers a search function to help find the Life Teen ministry closest to you. The international Catholic youth group helps teenagers learn more about their faith and provides many socializing opportunities. Life Teen offers summer camps, youth conferences and parish-based youth ministry programs to bring Catholic teens together.

3. Connect with Catholic teens at your school. Ask a guidance counselor for help. Many schools offer a variety of extracurricular activities, including religious-based clubs.

4. Start your own Catholic youth group if none exist in your area. Speak with a priest, deacon or secretary at your local church about introducing you to other teens who regularly attend mass. Advertise your search for Catholic teens in the church bulletin or request an announcement during Mass.

5. Volunteer with other teens. The Office of Catholic Youth for the Archdiocese of Toronto, Canada, provides online resources for Catholic teens interested in connecting with others. Youth involved in parish service initiatives meet others while benefiting their communities. Ideas for service range from parish clean-ups and fundraisers to clothing and toy drives.

References

• Disciples Now: Q&A Since You Asked
• Prepared Catholic: Starting a Catholic Youth Group from Scratch
• Office of Catholic Youth for the Archdiocese of Toronto: Service Ideas for Parish Use

Resources

• About Life Teen: Youth Ministry