PRINCIPLES FOR CHRISTIAN DATING

A Catholic Man's Perspective

As an Introduction

To my Sons • This is cutting in to your XBox time !!

But to my daughter …

My Daughter • • • You need to experience my affection You should expect to be treated chastely and courteously by other men There should be some discussion/enforcement of dressing modestly

Stuff as your Dad • • • • Few relationships are more important than my role with you I am wired to be the Guardian My differing role as you grow older This is not a directive to find a date

Group Dating versus 1 on 1 • • • Safety in #’s (Good) vs. Peer Pressure (bad?) Non-obtrusive observation No commitments

Some Guidelines on Dating • • • Before High School High School After High School • • • Who asks who for a date?

Should you date a Non-Catholic?

• Difficulty in setting ground rules • What about an in-active Catholic?

Danger Zones

Spiritual Practices • • • • • • • Daily mass and Reception of Holy Communion Monthly or even weekly confession Daily Rosary Wearing Brown Scapular and Miraculous Medal Fasting and Self-Denial (Penance) Reading Scripture Daily Praying to know your vocation – Patron Angel of the Youth: St Raphael the Archangel

What’s too far? (Have I sinned?) • • Directly Stimulating Actions Indirect Actions – Impure Intent – Pure Intent – Near Occasions of Sin (or setting the Stage)

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3 Basic things to keep in mind while Dating Never seek out anything solely for the pleasure it brings to us

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Never desire to sin or lead another into sin

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Realize that your boyfriend or your girlfriend is neither a past-time nor a sport

Last Notes • • • • Love at First Sight Pizza Love Electronic Media Savior Complex

That’s it!

For Now …