Teen Issues

Dear Paul,

I have low self esteem from past comments made to me. I try not to let them bug me but I can't help it. Do you have any advice?

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Dear Paul,

I was just wondering what our religion says about putting animals down if they are in pain. My family has a pet rabbit which is getting very old, has a broken foot, and is basically in a lot of pain. It makes me sad to see her like that, but I'm not so sure about putting her down either.

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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. The girls remind me of the movie, "Mean Girls". I want to be popular and accepted, but I hate feeling so awful around these people. What should I do? I have to deal with them everyday! - Frustrated

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Why won't God answer my prayer? It was a simple, easy prayer for Him to be able to answer. My sister and I prayed that it would snow for Christmas. We have never experienced a white Christmas. It is really hard to keep praying when I think He is not listening or does not care about me. Read more »

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? Read more »

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?

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Dear Paul,

Can one pick a new Confirmation name? I didn't do a very good job of picking my name... I have no idea why I chose it, really. 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?

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

Thanks for the great question!

As far listening to such music being a sin, let's start by defining sin. While there are many ways to define sin, I want to share with you a couple definitions that can offer some guidance in answering your question. The Catechism of the Catholic Church defines sin as -

"...an offense against reason, truth, and right conscience." (paragraph 1849) Read more »

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

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