Youth Column

Each month one or more of our youth writes a column observing what is going on in the lives of modern teenagers, the Church and the world, and offering reflections on the Christian life and faith. Through this series of columns, we hope to connect you with the lives and brilliance of our young people; to offer reflections on our ongoing congregational life and mission; and to invite further reflection and deeper discipleship. We welcome comments and suggestions. The words of our young people here are an invitation to continue the conversation!

Valuing the Ordinary in a Pandemic

Thomas Lautenbach July 23, 2020

Over the past few months, I have been isolated at home with my immediate family. We have, for the most part, stayed at home and been with each other. COVID-19 has changed the way we live as a family. We have had our fair share of fights and arguments, as does every family. Still, we also have begun new traditions and have grown together. We began to walk both our family dog and my sister's dog every night after dinner. It is refreshing to get outside and be with the people you love. I look forward to this every day because it allows me to forget about schoolwork or my internship and focus my energy on my family.

The Purpose of Faith in Apocalyptic 2020

Katherine Hattersley June 23, 2020

2020 has certainly been a wild ride. We've faced threats of a second Cold War with Iran, coronavirus, quarantine, and now protests and riots about racial inequality are happening around the world. It feels as though we are living through a chapter in one of my high school history textbooks.

Corona as a Senior

Jill Getty May 28, 2020

Hi, I’m Jill Getty. I am a senior at Radnor High School, and I think it’s fair to say that this school year has not gone as my classmates and I expected. When the school year began in September, I was thrilled about what was supposed to be one of the best years of my life. I looked forward to senior classes, my final sports seasons, and college decisions. Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 outbreak, my life as a senior has been flipped upside down.

What We Have Lost, and What We Have to Gain

Jack Odiorne and Katherine Hattersley April 30, 2020

In this week's issue, high school senior Jack Odiorne reflects on the troubles of online high school classes and his views on the future in an open letter to his advanced placement psychology teacher. Jack, like many of us, expresses distress and resignation toward the sudden changes that we've all had to face, giving a senior's point of view on the current state of our online school systems.

Coronavirus and Easter: Is it still the same?

Katherine Hattersley April 12, 2020

Growing up, Easter was one of those holidays that I looked forward to. Every year, a church, a playground, or even Villanova University, would host an Easter Egg Hunt open to the public, something I can guarantee almost every child looks forward to. The promise of candy and searching through flowers and fresh grass on a beautiful spring day was always something that made Easter special. Not to mention the stunning Easter Sunday services, the happy, uplifting hymns, and the fun Easter clothes. Easter has always been a holiday that was especially joyful. It was a breath of fresh air (both literally and metaphorically), after emerging from the dark Lenten season and the end of winter. It signified not only the rebirth of Jesus but also the rebirth of nature, as all the flowers, plants, animals and insects rebounded after a cold winter. But this year will be different.