Teen dating seminar returns

Cornwall Standard Freeholder

18 March 2009

Posted By DAVID NESSETH, STANDARD-FREEHOLDER

A revived teen dating seminar will look at the mechanisms of relationships under the watch of God, while exploring issues like body image and break ups.

The Youth Ministry Team of the Diocese of Alexandria-Cornwall is inviting male and female teens to take part in the first overnight workshop in nearly a decade that examines the do's and don'ts of dating.

The Dating and Relating conference is aimed at kids in grades, 8, 9 and 10 with older teens in a leadership role.

"Older students will speak about their dating experiences and how they've managed to get by," said Marilyn Bergeron, a youth co-ordinator for the Diocese.

Bergeron said the conference will place an emphasis on chastity.

"It's the way to do it. To wait for marriage," she said.

The event is billed as an opportunity for teens to meet like-minded friends and listen to the witness of older teens in a supportive and fun atmosphere.

Seminarian Kevin McDonald will speak to the teens on the topic of No Matter What, God Loves You.

Bergeron said topics about independence will be important for the teens to hear.

"It's important to feel independent," she said. "You don't always need someone on your arm. Always needing a boyfriend or girlfriend gets people into trouble."

Other workshops include Saying No, Understanding Media Impact or Breaking Up.

Guest speaker Michelle Sage from a youth ministry in London will speak about the advantages of waiting to have sex and explore some of the differences in the ways male and females relate to one another.

Bergeron has invited some of the students who took part in the relationship conferences during the 1990s to assist with the latest one.

The conference will run from March 27 until March 28 at gymnasiums in La Citadelle Catholic Secondary School.

The registration deadline is March 23.

The conference is $25.

To register, or for more information visit www.friendsfaithfun.com.