Session2: Life is Choices Prepared & Presented By Joanna Thurmann

… and try to smile! Sign-in Put Cell Phone Away Get Snack & Drink Gathering Sign-in Put Cell Phone Away Get Snack & Drink Sit by Someone You Do Not Know … and try to smile!

Opening Prayer “My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it will end. Nor do I really know myself... But I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you. And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing.. Therefore will I trust you always though I may seem to be lost... I will not fear, for you are ever with me, and you will never leave me to face my perils alone.” Thomas Merton

Homework Review

About Dynamic Catholic/Decision Point Matthew Kelly In-class & homework http://dynamiccatholic.com/confirmation/view-program/

Decision-making is central to everything we do Why Do Choices Matter? Decision-making is central to everything we do Little choices matter; they lay the foundation for bigger decisions The pattern of choices leads you into one direction or another Dynamic Catholic Session 1.1 (p. 2-5)

Choices Lead One Way…

Or Another…

How can faith help us to make better choices? Discussion What examples of people in real life can you think of who made poor choices or good ones (celebrities, politicians, friends?) How can faith help us to make better choices? Dynamic Catholic Session 1.1 (p. 2-5)

Cherokee Legend An old Cherokee is teaching his grandson about life. "A fight is going on inside me," he said to the boy. "It is a terrible fight and it is between two wolves. One is evil - he is anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego." He continued, "The other is good - he is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith. The same fight is going on inside you - and inside every other person, too.“ The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather, "Which wolf will win?" The old Cherokee simply replied, "The one you feed."

Game Break

VIDEO: Session 1.2 The Best Way to Live Dynamic Catholic Session 1.1 (p. 2-5)

All the Disciples Had Choices… “He went up the mountain and called to him those whom he wanted, and they came to him.” Mark 3:13

Joan of Arc

St Anthony of the Desert

You Also Have Choices…

Rebel against culture for the right reasons Be a Rebel Rebel against culture for the right reasons Culture doesn’t want you to be the best version of yourself; it doesn’t want you to hunger for truth; it doesn’t want you be the best version of yourself …or to develop your spiritual self …or to have a great relationship with God Dynamic Catholic Session 1.4 (p. 20-24)

What Does Modern Culture Want? Power Fame Status Money Consumption To tell you that you’re not good enough Culture enslaves us! Culture says.. .”Just be a good little obedient consumer and don’t ask too many questions.” Dynamic Catholic Session 1.4 (p. 20-24)

What Does God want for You? Joy Peace Love To tell you that you’re loved and perfect in His sight God Frees Us! God says.. .”Just be the Best Version of Yourself.” Dynamic Catholic Session 1.4 (p. 20-24)

Saints Rejected the Vision of Culture for their lives Be a Rebel Saints Rejected the Vision of Culture for their lives Culture wanted St. Anthony to live a life of privilege and wealth as a landowner He discerned that God wanted him to give away his possessions to the poor and to live in the desert Dynamic Catholic Session 1.4 (p. 20-24)

In what ways are we slaves to culture? Discussion In what ways are we slaves to culture? How is culture against God/faith?

Closing Prayer

Oct. 1: Next Session Right After 5pm Mass “What is Holding You Back” Announcements Oct. 25 @ 11:30am: Youth Mass Oct. 1: Next Session Right After 5pm Mass “What is Holding You Back” Homework Watch Matthew Kelly video online & answer questions Read about St Francis and answer questions