Establishing romantic relationships can be difficult for young Catholics in the 21st Century, writes Amy Hurle McCann
In his book Love and Responsibility, St Pope John Paul II writes of the challenges, cautioning against using people as a “means to an end”. He emphasises that each person should be treated as “an object of love, not as an object for use.”
In more recent times, this has come to be known as ‘emotional virtue’ – the ‘right ordering’ of our thoughts, actions, and desires, particularly in our relationships.
This attitude towards dating is inherently counter-cultural. We, as young Catholics, are called to be set apart. For if we believe that “I no longer live, but Christ lives in me” (Galatians 2:20), we cannot exist as we did before. We should not be striving to fit into a world where human life is disposable, and the watchword of the hour is ‘pleasure’. Rather we must fix our eyes on Jesus and find our joy in him, for to do so will change our attitude towards those whom we are in relationship with.
It is important to find like-minded peers who understand and respect our desire to live for God.
Youth 2000 is a home for the growing number of young Catholics who want relationships that honour and respect the dignity of the person, and who desire to ‘run the race’ of this life with a spouse whose goal is to help each other get to Heaven.
It is fitting, therefore, that Youth 2000 has an annual fundraising ball for the feast of St Valentine. This year’s soiree is on Saturday, February 8 in Naas, Co. Kildare.
Distinct
The evening is distinct from the organisation’s other retreats, with the aim of raising much-needed funds for the continuous work Youth 2000 does to engage and uplift the next generation of Catholics.
The ball is an evening of fun, food, dancing and fellowship. Most importantly, it is an evening anointed by the Holy Spirit, kicking off the festivities with Mass. This year it is at 5pm in Ballycane Church, Naas. Beginning the evening in this way allows the ‘right-ordering’ the hearts and minds of those in attendance, encouraging them to seek God first.
After Mass, the Ball will be in the nearby Osprey Hotel, Naas. Tickets are €50 and can be purchased on Eventbrite. This is an over 18 event and ID will be required.
For more information visit www.youth2000.ie. There are limited numbers, so don’t miss out on this amazing night of fun and fellowship. If you would like to financially support the amazing work Youth 2000 please email development@youth2000.ie