Youth and Faith
Being young and Catholic today can sometimes feel a bit challenging. There are so many voices, influences, and expectations in the world that it’s easy to feel unsure or overwhelmed. But your faith journey truly matters, it’s real, personal, and something to grow in at your own pace. Here at St Paul’s, we’re right beside you. We notice your questions, your interests, your strengths, and your dreams for the future, and we’re here to support and encourage you every step of the way.
Welcome... This is for YOU!
Whether you’ve grown up going to Mass every Sunday, you’re just curious about the faith, or you’re finding your way back after some time away, you’re in the right place. At St Paul’s, we want you to feel completely at home and to know, without a doubt, that you are loved and valued.
This page is written by devoted Catholics of St Paul's, specifically for Catholic teens, guided by the teachings of the Church as presented in the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC).
Faith isn’t something you “finish” at Confirmation, it’s a lifelong journey, full of discovery, questions, and growth. We’re here to walk with you, to support you at your own pace, and to help you find honest answers to the questions that matter to you.
What Do Catholics Actually Believe? (The Big Picture)
The whole Catholic faith can be summed up in the Apostles’ Creed and the Nicene Creed we say at Mass. Here’s the core:
- We believe in one God, the Father who created everything.
- We believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, who became man, died for our sins, rose again, and will come again.
- We believe in the Holy Spirit, who makes us holy and guides the Church.
- We believe in the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting.
The Four Pillars of the Faith (CCC 13)
Everything the Church teaches rests on four pillars – think of them as four corners of your faith house:
- The Creed – What we believe
- The Sacraments – How we meet Jesus
- The Moral Life (Ten Commandments & Beatitudes) – How we live
- Prayer (especially the Our Father) – How we talk to God
The Sacraments – Your Superpowers
The seven sacraments are real encounters with Jesus. They give you actual grace, spiritual rocket fuel.
- Baptism – You’re already in the family.
- Confirmation – The Holy Spirit seals you like a soldier for Christ.
- Eucharist – Jesus, truly present, body, blood, soul and divinity (CCC 1374).
- Confession – Delete button for sin. Use it often (CCC 1455-1458).
- Anointing of the Sick – Healing when you’re seriously ill.
- Marriage & Holy Orders – Vocations of service.
“The Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life.” (CCC 1324)
Living It Out: Morality, Relationships, and Real Life
Being Catholic isn’t just rules, it’s freedom to become the best version of yourself, what may seem restrictive is actually liberating.
Sex, Dating & Chastity
The Church’s teaching is clear: sex is awesome, beautiful, and belongs inside marriage between one man and one woman (CCC 2353, 2360-2363). Porn, 'hook-ups', and cohabitation hurt you and the people you love. Chastity is the superpower that lets you love for real.
Mental Health, Anxiety & Depression
Faith doesn’t magic away mental health struggles, but Jesus walks with you in them. Talk to Fr. Stephen or a trusted adult, or a Catholic counsellor. You are never a burden, you are loved just the way you are, perfect in the eyes of the Lord.
Social Media & Identity
Likes ≠ Worth. Your dignity comes from being made in the image of God (CCC 356-357). You are loved infinitely before you even open Instagram.
How to Pray (Even When You’re Busy)
- Morning Offering – Give your whole day to God (30 seconds).
- One decade of the Rosary on the bus (5-7 minutes).
- Examen at night – 5-minute review of your day with Jesus.
- Silence – Just sit with Jesus in a church or on your bed for 10 minutes. No words needed.
How to Ask Questions & Wrestle with Doubt
Doubt is normal, in fact it is healthy and helps refocus our thoughts. Even saints had it. Here’s how to handle it:
- Name the question honestly. Write it down.
- Take it to Jesus in prayer – literally talk to Him about it.
- Ask a priest or youth leader – no question is stupid.
- Read the Catechism – search the exact topic on vatican.va (it’s surprisingly readable).
- Talk to Mary – she always leads you to her Son.
Where to Go Next – UK Catholic Youth Resources
- St Paul's Parish – start here!
- Youth 2000 – youth2000.org (weekend retreats, prayer festivals)
- CAST (Catholic Association for Secondary Teachers) resources
- Flame Congress – biggest Catholic youth event in England (Wembley Arena)
- Kenelm Youth Trust (Birmingham) – kenelmyouthtrust.org.uk
- SPEC (Westminster) – retreats for young people
- Catholic Chaplaincies at uni – find yours early!
- One Hundred Fold – Catholic gap year programme
Hotlines & Help (You’re Not Alone)
- Childline – 0800 1111 (anything at all)
- Samaritans – 116 123
- Catholic Mental Health Support – catholicmentalhealthproject.org.uk
- Talk to Fr. Stephen, confidentiality is absolute in Confession.
Final word: Jesus is madly in love with you, exactly as you are right now. He’s not waiting for you to “get it all together”. He’s already running towards you. Take one tiny step today. He’ll do the rest.
(St Augustine)