Forming Our Youth continued: Catholic Dating

Each month we've been highlighting a virtue related to the Forming Our Youth marriage-building parish building block.  We must form young people in the beliefs and virtues necessary for healthy relationships.  A recent article "A Parent's Guide to Courtship: Tips for Holy Catholic Dating" by Lori Hadacek Chaplin was featured in the June 2-15 edition of the National Catholic Register.

Chaplin writes that "From personal experience, I don’t regard the kind of dating where some guy comes by to take my daughter out for several hours on a Friday or Saturday night conducive to her earthly happiness and well-being — or the happiness of her eternal soul."

Chaplin further outlines:

• The Problem with Dating: "The modern dating scene sets our sons and daughters up for repeated emotional pain, all in the name of casual fun or entertainment."
• Dating vs. Courtship: "Before the advent of the car, couples got to know each other in the context of their family circles, otherwise known as courting. There was a measure of seriousness involved because couples were trying to discern marriage."
• Marriage in Mind: "Begin a relationship with the end in mind."

Chaplin's closing advice suggests that "Parents once again need to take an active role in helping their children choose a suitable spouse and to provide safeguards to protect their children’s virtue and their future happiness."  > Read the full article

What do you think?  Share your thoughts and links to other articles on the same topic.