DRAPER — High school youth from throughout the Diocese of Salt Lake City were empowered at the 2008 Autumn Catholic Teen Social (ACTS), "Discovering Who We Are," held at the Skaggs Catholic Center Oct. 19. Licensed Clinical Social Worker Cinda Morgan, clinical director of the Wellspring Counseling Center taught the youth how to develop positive neuro pathways in their brains. They learned to turn negative thoughts into positive thoughts. Dan John, track and field and weight training coach at Juan Diego Catholic High School, and former religious education director for the Diocese of Salt Lake City, gave a workshop on building a bridge between Catholics and Mormons. John taught the youth how to be the best person they can be, and to be that same person all the time. The Most Rev. John C. Wester, Bishop of the Diocese of Salt Lake City, in his question and answer session following a Mass he celebrated for the youth at Saint John the Baptist Church, told them to be who they are even if they are called nerds or other names. Bishop Wester was asked what he thinks is the biggest struggle the youth are facing today. "I think it is finding their own voice," said Bishop Wester. "Your parents are telling you one thing, your friends are telling you another. I have been a priest for 32 years, and I have been to too many funerals for young kids who chose to drink and drive or do drugs. Use your head and have courage, and know when to walk away. Jesus loves you so much, the names you are called do not mean a thing." John asked the youth, "How do you know the truth?" John said the word epistemology is a word that divides Mormons and Catholics. Mormons know their religion is true because they feel it in their hearts. They say you can only understand the "Book of Mormon" after you are baptized in the LDS religion. John said the best way to evangelize is to celebrate our religion by praying before a meal and reaching out to those of other religions. "The way you really share your faith is to be a glowing light," said John. "Any chance you have to serve, step up and be the best you can be. Be like Saint Francis of Assisi and evangelize by your actions. Be a beacon of light." Morgan’s workshop was "Discovering the Best Part of You." She said people who are on the upper end of happiness have more antibodies than average. These antibodies reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension, colds and upper respiratory viruses, and infections. There are three components that make us happy. The first is pleasure, or how much we enjoy sensory things. Engagement is second, or how fully we participate with family, in hobbies, in school activities, or with friends. And, finally meaning, or discovering what our personal strengths are and using them. We need to use them to help others and bring joy to others, which will increase our own happiness. "We have to learn to live in the moment and not stay locked in the past," said Morgan. "If you stay locked in the past, you do damage to your cardiovascular system. If you forgive someone, that will have a positive effect on you. If you practice forgiving enough, your immune function and cardiovascular system will improve. The very fact of knowing you can handle forgiving someone is so powerful. Morgan also said smiling and laughter decrease the cortisol, or stress hormone in the body. In his homily Bishop Wester asked the youth if the Catholic Church should speak out on the election. He also asked them if they knew what the issues are that might be affecting them. The youth were well aware of the issues and brought up the economy, the idea of having a Black president, prejudice, taxes, health care, immigration and refugees, the death penalty, education, abortion, apathy, ignorance, the war in Iraq, social security, renewable energy sources, and global warming and its effects. "Jesus said go out and teach the Gospel," said Bishop Wester. "I can’t say who to vote for, but I can say it is wrong to kill, and harm the environment. We should welcome the stranger, have concern for the poor, the vulnerable, and the needy. The voting booth is based on these issues. I am impressed you have these issues in your mind’s eye. Go online and read ‘Faithful Citizenship.’ It will be helpful in knowing how you should vote. I can tell you are wonderful witnesses to God." In the question and answer session, the youth asked the bishop if he was involved in his youth group. He said he entered the seminary when he was 13, so his youth was a little different. He knew he wanted to be a priest in the fifth grade. They also asked him about having music at Mass, receiving the Eucharist if you have not had your First Communion, being invited to go to activities of other faiths. The bishop said it is fine to go to the activities of other religions. Just honor their right to believe what they believe and know we have a different theology. He was asked about the last words Jesus spoke before he died, and suicide. Bishop Wester said suicide used to be called the unforgiveable sin of despair. Now we know suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. He encouraged the youth to talk, even if it is to a stranger. He was asked if there are any unforgiveable sins. He said, no, if you are truly sorry for your sins.
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