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‘It is never too late to make the right choices’
archived from: 2013-01-25
by: John Franko

Teens hear Silver Ring Thing message of chastity

Young people got a first-hand glimpse of the powerful emotional and physical consequences of having sex before marriage during Silver Ring Thing presentations Jan. 18 and 19.

More than 650 gathered at Seton-LaSalle High School in Mount Lebanon Jan. 18, and some 325 more were on hand at Quigley Catholic High School in Baden the following evening. The high-energy, multimedia program promotes sexual abstinence until marriage centered on a relationship with Christ. It examines the dangers of sexually transmitted diseases and gives the young people insights into using peer support to promote a chaste life.

The young people then had the opportunity to purchase a silver ring to signify their commitment to sexual purity. Some 314 teens purchased rings. In addition, 31 parents purchased rings as a show of their support.

“They want to believe that this is the way to do it,” said Holly Joy Penzenstadler, associate director of the Department for Youth and Young Adult Ministry. “They want to believe there is something to wait for. They want to believe they’re worth it.”

The program included witness talks by young adults who describe their commitment — and struggles — to live a chaste life.

Chelsea spoke of how she decided to make God’s will her will, and so she put on a ring to show her commitment. She admitted that it isn’t always easy, but she wants to save her heart for the person with whom she hopes to spend the rest of her life.

“This ring represents the respect I have for myself and my future husband,” she said.

Joy told the young people that they may well be ridiculed for their decision to live a chaste life, but true love involves sacrifice. It is a love, she noted, that is shown to us by God.

“I promise you, when you follow his plan it is always worth it,” she said.

But the program also pointed out that there are second chances for those seeking them.

Mackenzie described how losing her virginity made a mess out of her life. But she learned, however, that the past could be forgiven and she could still make a commitment to living every day as Christ had intended. She told the gathering that nothing they can do can stop them from starting over.

“The decision is yours,” she said. “What is your story going to be?”

The message of forgiveness was echoed by Father Michael Zavage, pastor of St. Thomas Aquinas in California and St. Joseph in Roscoe.

He described his quest to find love as a teen. All of us are searching for it, he noted, but some people are living a lie. They are empty and afraid.

But he said God has a plan for us. One in which we will be loved — and love.

When we go to the sacrament of reconciliation, he said, we encounter a God who loves us unconditionally. He asked the young people to seek out a priest in their parish. “Every time we go to confession, Jesus tells us ‘I love you,’” he said.

He added that the Silver Ring program is a sign of commitment to God, and the ring a symbol that God loves us above all.

Christopher Chapman, director of the Office for Elementary and Secondary School Catechesis, said teens try to put up a bold front because they want to seem like they have it all together, but they are still trying to figure things out and they are looking for guidance.

“They want guidance,” he said. “They want clarity. They want encouragement. Silver Ring Thing helps in all of these.”

During the Jan. 18 gathering, Jason Burtt, senior vice president and national director of the Silver Ring Thing, noted that this year’s theme of “Rewind” highlights the way in which we look back on the choices we make.

To live a chaste life calls one to go against the pull of today’s culture, he said. He asked the young people that, when they look back on their lives, will their memories be great, or will they have regrets?

“It is never too late to make the right choices,” he said. A large number of parents accompanied their children to the programs.

Gary Roney, director of the Department for Youth and Young Adult Ministry, noted that it was a good opportunity for them to be evangelized with their children, while being reinforced in their commitment to pass on their values. The Silver Ring Thing is effective, he said, because it presents a “timeless message in a timely way.”

Roney also said teens are searching for honest messages, adding, “Give them the truth and it’s attractive.”

The Silver Ring Thing program was developed in Yuma, Ariz., in 1995 by Denny and Amy Pattyn. The ministry moved to Pittsburgh in 2000. More than 550,000 people have attended the program worldwide and more than 200,000 have received rings as their commitment to live a chaste life.

More information on the Silver Ring Thing is available at www.silverringthing.com, www.mysrt.org (for students), or on Facebook by searching “Silver Ring Thing.” It also can be followed on Twitter.

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