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PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

At the time of this writing it is the Lenten season, a time of deep reflection, although I expect by the time you receive this issue of the Reality, Easter will have passed.

As I reflect on my own spiritual failings, I cannot help but think about the failings of our Canadian society as a whole, especially in guiding our children. What are we doing to foster respect for life and a strong sense of duty, responsibility, and accountability?

Consider how our young people are bombarded with secular television programs and music promoting blatant or perverse sexuality. Consider how religious and traditional values are belittled by so many media spokespersons. Consider how little concern is shown for human life and how abortion is simply an option, often the option most recommended when a young unmarried woman becomes pregnant. Consider how our schools, through distorted and perverse sex education programs, are undermining traditional morality. Consider how young people are being made aware daily of deep-seated corporate and government corruption. Consider how even the government of the day is suggesting that marijuana should be "decriminalized", even though it is a fact that smoking pot has serious negative effects on academic achievement.

Is it any wonder that our youth are so cynical? Is it any wonder that so many of them rebel, sometimes violently, against a society which they know, instinctively, is flawed? Is it any wonder that the depression and suicide rate for our youth has skyrocketed? Young people are inherently idealistic. Instead of fostering good, solid values, which would provide the basis for satisfying, productive lives, we are allowing our children to be dragged down into the mud.

What can we do? Good question. As a parent of six children, I am well aware that we cannot isolate our young people from the world outside. All we can do initially is try to impart the best values possible and pray that these values stick. But there is more.

We adults can do our best to change society - a tall order, to be sure, but not impossible if we work together for change. For example, if enough people send letters of protest to the sponsor of an unsavoury television program, the company involved may very well remove its sponsorship. If enough people lobby their Members of Parliament, those members just might vote in conscience against anti-family legislation promoted by their party. If enough people actively work for pro-family candidates in the upcoming election, the whole of Parliament could be changed for the better.

We should encourage our children to do volunteer work for good causes. Helping others is a great way to build self-esteem. We should also make sure our children are well informed about issues of the day, and try to get them involved in the political process. Not only is this a positive way to channel their energies, it also sends the message that we can help to make the world a better place.

Most of all, we must be positive in our own attitudes, even when it seems there is little to cheer about. Young people pick up on negative feelings. They need to be reassured that life really is worth living. I would also suggest that even if youngsters seem to "shut off" when God and religion are mentioned, don't give up. Keep gently reminding them that God has a special purpose for each and every one of them, and that they are loved. They need this reassurance!

God bless!

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