Youth : OPINION : The Pope: ‘A Symbol of His Faith’
TEMA BELL
Catholic, 13, Gardena
The Pope is the highest figure in the Catholic church. I think it’s a privilege he’s coming. I didn’t get a chance to go to Denver because our organization’s only been around a year and we’re not financially together. I really wanted to go because the last time he came (to America) I wasn’t a Catholic.
The church really reaches out to teens like me. There are retreats and we hold a special Mass on the last Sunday of the month where we get to usher and read the Bible verses. We have different activities, like we had a lip-sync show to raise money for a building and provide money for the church.
Right now, we have this summer day camp. We’re working, volunteering and getting a lot of leadership lessons.
Like my church, I don’t believe in birth control. Abstinence until you’re married; that’s the best thing you can give your husband.
RYAN SPANGLER
Mormon, 15, Camarillo
I think the Pope is a good, kind man who wants the best for his church. I don’t agree with everything he stands for.
To keep me (feeling involved) my church, like a lot of churches, has youth groups. We have fun things like camping. It’s nice to have a group of friends who can be an influence, be a good example.
There’s even a special program across the country called EFY, or “Especially for Youth,” where you get to go to Santa Barbara or Idaho or Brigham Young University in Utah and I think to Florida and Alaska for even more fun activities.
Our leaders also set up programs to do with our families: “father/son camping” or “daddy/daughter activities.”
A lot of my views (on social issues) are the same (as the Catholic church’s). I’ve been reading that a lot of youth are for abortion. But I’m against it. And I’m not for condoms being passed out. My idea is for abstinence, waiting for marriage.
DAMON PRESSMAN
Jewish, 16, Van Nuys
Being Jewish, I don’t know much about how the Pope works. I see him as a token or symbol of his faith.
Right now, I’m here working at a Jewish community center. I’m the teen representative on the (center’s) board. It’s not too religion based, not a lot of study or praying. It’s just teens being together as Jews helping the community. A bunch of us here came for child care and started teen programs.
We’re training baby-sitters so all of our members will have someone to use they can trust. Another program we plan is a community cleanup.
On social issues, I think (the Catholic church) is overblowing things. They are still in the Dark Ages.
LARA LAGOS
Catholic, 18, Anaheim; will be attending UC Riverside in the fall
I’m very envious of all those people who get to meet the Pope. He is the heart of our religion. And I believe this Pope has a good heart. He tries to direct us and how Catholics live their lives. However, for me, and a lot of my friends, the real teaching and guidance comes from the local level. Our priest is very instrumental in helping us with the problems young people face. While I believe it’s important for the Pope to be the ambassador of peace for the church, how I feel about my church comes more from my relationship with my priest.
EUGENE HUNT
17, Fontana
I really don’t know too much about him (the Pope). But I really don’t see that much difference between him and those other preachers on TV. They all seem to know how you should run your life, but they’re out committing the biggest sins. I really don’t think he can tell me anything. I know what’s good and I know what’s bad. And that’s really what we all should be concerned with.
MARY ALICE PEREZ
Lutheran, 18, Orange
The Pope is an important figurehead for all Catholics and for Christians in general. He’s a positive role model, which is what we need more of. There are a lot of things the Pope says that I agree with. For instance, the issue of abortion. I agree with what the church preaches. On the other hand, when I talk to my Catholic friends, the general feeling I get is that there is a lot of confusion about the teachings of the church. They seem to want to know more about their faith and what it’s about. They have some problems with church doctrine and feel that there must be more explanation about why certain things are the way they are. I know a lot of people who say they are Catholic but don’t know anything about their religion.
JAY NGUYEN
Catholic, 16, Norwalk
A lot of my friends went to see the Pope. I wish I could have gone, but I couldn’t. The Pope is our spiritual leader. There seems to be a lot of negativism toward the (Catholic) church these days. And I know the church has its problems. But it takes nothing from me and my religious beliefs. One of the reasons I’m a Catholic is because the church is not wishy-washy. The Pope is a very loving man. But he will not bend his beliefs to accommodate the trends and fads of today. The Pope, who is the church, must remain a solid anchor.