/library/oar/handle/123456789/53239 2025-11-15T07:46:45Z 2025-11-15T07:46:45Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/53482 2020-04-23T07:45:39Z 2019-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Challenges of fostering relationships in youth groups with digital natives : a reflection through the works of Sherry Turkle Abstract: Today’s youth are digital natives. One of the youth minister’s many roles is to help foster relationships among these young people in youth groups. However, research is showing that a youth minister will encounter various difficulties to foster meaningful relationships among youths who, today, live a large part of their daily lives in a virtual online world. This dissertation reviews the work of psychologist Sherry Turkle, who specializes in the psychology of digital natives. The work highlights at least three significant effects that would challenge youth ministry with digital natives. First, that young people are using the virtual world to explore their identity, creating multiple identities in the process, sometimes leading to an identity crisis and unhappy lives. Second, that young people are using the virtual world to hide from the burdens of feelings and emotions, and to avoid taking responsibility for their lives and actions leading to solitude and stunted emotional growth. This has affected the quality of relationships they have with other people as now, deep meaningful relationships, have turned into mere connections. Thirdly, today’s youth prefer the safety of virtual connection to the more challenging face-to-face conversations. Consequently, these three challenges due to online interaction show that youths are experiencing a disconnection from themselves, from the community around them, and from embodied presence and the physical material reality, due to their spending so much time online. This is also leading to a disconnection from God. In these circumstances the youth minister must act as role model for the young people. He has to help them become aware of their vulnerability to technology, and in turn, help them learn how to grow and foster healthy relationships with their friends and with the community in which they live. Description: M.A.YOUTH MINISTRY

2019-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/53480 2020-04-23T07:40:41Z 2019-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Making disciples on the field : sports and recreation as tools for salesian youth ministry Abstract: According to various authors, sports and recreation can be regarded as very effective tools one can employ in order to shape youths on a spiritual level. This scenario was the focus of such an opus which did mainly focus upon two related and associated aspects. The first aspect is based upon literature findings which explore the idea that sports are more than just about developing competition winners. They are above all an avenue for youths to develop and implement numerous life values as well as experience spiritual well-being. The literature findings also treated Don Bosco’s hope that his own educational method forms an integral part of the Salesians’ holistic programmes of socio-educational activities and professional training. Inspired by these literature findings, the second part of this qualitative investigation includes an in-depth analysis of semi-structured interviews conducted with 6 Maltese Salesian leaders. The interviews aimed at analysing the dynamics of carrying out youth ministry by implementing sports and recreational activities and assess whether Maltese Salesians are currently following the example of their founder and thus putting the preventive system into practice. From the interviews it emerged that sports and recreation can indeed be used to promote the word of God and encourage youngsters to live a good life. It also resulted that the Maltese Salesian leaders are truly working hard to make good use of Don Bosco’s pedagogical approach in their daily mission at the oratories. Description: M.A.YOUTH MINISTRY

2019-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/53479 2020-04-23T07:36:01Z 2019-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Struggle as the locus of spiritual transformation in the writings of Joan D. Chittister O.S.B. Abstract: The human being is bound to struggle from the beginning of life till its end, thus overcoming struggle and emerging stronger is a quest to be conquered. The purpose of this work is to analyse the theme of struggle as the condition which enables growth and spiritual transformation in the writings of Sister Joan D. Chittister O.S.B. Chittister explores various life-changing struggles of life, extracting the gifts which emerge from them. The text in the first chapter delves into the nature of struggle viewed as a human experience from the philosophical and Christian spiritual perspective. The second chapter delineates the process of struggle which is needed for renewal and spiritual growth, and that seeking God during these vulnerable moments of pain, gives hope and peace. The third chapter expounds this search and journey into the deepest selves where there is a profound encounter with God which ultimately leads to permanent change. Chapter four enters into the realm of spiritual transformation where there is hope, wisdom and awareness of oneself and God. Sister Joan Chittister views that this transformation can take place in the most desperate situations. When awareness of God occurs change is possible through growth, wisdom and contemplation. The life experiences enhance personal and spiritual growth, enabling to discover oneself by becoming aware of what is really meaningful and precious in life. In conclusion it is observed that this spiritual transformation helps to keep focus in the daily struggles, as life continuously tests the human being. With this awareness and hope one is able to search deeply within, find meaning and peace and live for the fulfillment of life in God. Description: M.A.SPIRITUALITY

2019-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/53478 2020-04-23T06:43:17Z 2019-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Humanité de Surcroît : Elizabeth of the Trinity’s Christocentric mysticism Abstract: Saint Elizabeth of the Trinity (1880 – 1906) is a contemporary saint whose life was totally devoted to Jesus Christ even before she entered Carmel. Her contemplation of the mystery of Christ’s presence on her first Holy Communion sustained her relationship with him and her deep life of prayer impressed those around her and the nuns of her community. Elizabeth was one of the first to read The Story of a Soul of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux. This work was a decisive factor for her persevering decision to become a contemplative nun in the Carmel of Dijon. The aim of this dissertation is to study the Christological spirituality and mysticism of this French Carmelite of the 20th century. It will be argued that her contemplation of the Mystery of the Incarnation and of the presence of Christ in the Church comes across through every person Elizabeth meets and communicates with through her letters. We will delve into various Christological elements of Elizabeth’s mystical experience, not intending in any way to draw out a linear itinerary but, rather, to examine the different dimensions that make up, so to say, a finished result, i.e. Elizabeth’s mystical experience which flourished fully in the Carmel of Dijon. Elizabeth was an enlightened person in her way of living, and had a strong approach to establish spiritual relationships with whom she communicated. Elizabeth incorporates this in the Eucharist, Christ, and the Trinitarian dimension. Finally, Elizabeth’s profound spirituality challenges the contemporary Christian to be aware of one’s self concept. Hopefully, besides its academic endeavour, this study could also help understand one’s own journey of contemplative, Christic transformation that is at the heart of Carmelite spirituality. Description: M.A.SPIRITUALITY

2019-01-01T00:00:00Z