A Journal for The Contemporary Church

New and Back Issues

Healthy and life-giving relationships

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Learning to form healthy and life-giving relationships is an essential aspect of all education, firstly at home, and then supported by schools. There is no doubt that the pursuit of individualism and
instant gratification, that is a hallmark of Western culture, can take a heavy toll on our youth. Ironically, despite the revolution in social media and communications technology, too many young
people lack essential skills in personal communication; many can only form fleeting and cosmetic friendships and find themselves unable to manage their feelings or relate to others, particularly in
moments of crisis, loss or anxiety. How sad it is that so many of our young people today feel so isolated and alone that they turn to addictive behaviours and may even consider taking their own
lives. Catholic schools should therefore model and encourage relationships marked by respect, understanding, forgiveness, empathy and selflessness.