Teen Issues

Can I please punch the mean kids in my class?  They drive me crazy. I try to be friends with them from time to time, but just end up more frustrated and hurt. Heather gives practical tips for understand mean kids and specific steps for changing your attitude toward them so no punching is necessary.

Why won't God answer my prayer? It was a simple, easy prayer for Him to be able to answer. It is really hard to keep praying when I think He is not listening or does not care about me.

How do I discern whether or not I'm called to religious life or the priesthood? I think I'm called to marriage, but sometimes I also think that God might be nudging me toward religious life. If I get really open, I'm scared God will absolutely call me to religious life or the priesthood! What should I do?

Dear Heather,
Sometimes I wonder if I might be homosexual. I sometimes have those thoughts and am attracted to other boys. Does this mean I must be gay or is it possible to not be gay and still have some thoughts about it.  I don't think I am, but do not know anymore.  I feel strange having the thoughts, but maybe this means I was born gay.  What do you think? Read Heather's clear, three points to help teens understand such a situation.

Can one pick a new Confirmation name? I wish I had picked the name of my favorite saint, but at the time I thought it was not a pretty name. Am I allowed to fix this poor choice?

Is listening to music that had curse words and other bad things considered a sin?

I have gay friends. Is it okay or Catholic to support my gay friends?

I've been sexually abused. What should I do?  Carolyn guides this young person through the steps that lead to healing and hope.

Dear Paul, A good friend recently died that I cared for dearly, in fact, he and I were dating. Can I contact him? Paul offers the good, effective ways to communicate and warns against the surprisingly dangerous ways of trying to contact the deceased. Do you know the difference?