QUESTION:

What should I do if I have a friend that ran away from home and they are staying at my house? Should I call their parents and say they are at my house or should I just leave it?

ANSWER:

Having a place for a friend to come to in an emergency is a good thing. If a friend is running away because of a dangerous situation at home(assault, abuse etc), going to a friend’s house is fine but, calls to professionals (police, CPS etc) must also be made.

If your friend just doesn’t seem to “get along†with her parents and they fight often, then running away to your place is only a temporary escape. Teens and parents have always been at odds from the dawn of time, what is important to remember is that this is a normal part of growing up and teens becoming more independent.  To have your friend hang out at your place longer than a night is to prolong and delay learning to work out their difficulties with their parents.  Part of growing up is also learning to have difficult conversations, learning to cooperate and finding solutions that work for both parent and teen.

Letting your friend’s parents know that she is safe with you is a good idea so they do not call the police or worry needlessly. Try not to get in the middle of their disagreement, but encourage both parties to talk it out together.  If they really love and care about each other they can work out their difficulties and learn something valuable in the process.

QUESTION:
I feel so isolated when I come to Church. My family doesn’t go to Church so I usually sit by myself. I want to meet new people and sit with them during Mass but I’m very shy. How do I meet new people in our Church community?

ANSWER:

I am sorry you  feel isolated because your family does not attend Mass.

A good way to meet new people is to get involved in some of the many ministries available to people in the Church. This way you will meet new friends and gain new folks to sit by.  If you see anyone that you know at the Mass you attend, just ask if they don’t mind if you join them. Most people are happy to welcome you in and share the pew.  So don’t be shy!

QUESTION:
I get loss during <st1:state w:st=”on”><st1:place w:st=”on”>Mass.</st1:place></st1:state> I usually day dream and when I stop I usually am lost. How do you get un-lost during Mass? How are we supposed to pay attention to Mass? I need help before I stop going to Mass.

ANSWER:

Getting “lost†at Mass is a common complaint that is very easily remedied. There are tons of books on the Mass to help people understand how rich and full of meaning it is.  The more you know, the more fully you can “get into†the Mass. Here are some suggested titles that I have found helpful:

Making the Mass Come Alive- John Hampsch, C.M.F.

Ask the Bible Geek-Mark Hart (pg. 49-62)

Catholicism for Dummies- Trigilio and Brighenti (Chapt. 8 is all on the Mass)

You can also go on-line and find out more to help you know that the time spent at Mass is time well spent and the rewards are a spiritual treasure chest.