Club gives girls many challenges

Elizabeth Stiffen loves to be "Challenged."

She's on the teen leadership team of the Challenge Girls Club, a group of girls, 10-16, at Immaculate Conception Church in Glenville.

They gather monthly to make friends, learn about leadership, pray and find practical support from their peers.

'Sweet and easy'

"I really liked how caring and nice everyone was, and how there was no tension. Everyone bonded right away," said Bethy, 14, of her first experience with the club. "All the girls are so sweet and easy to get along with."

The meetings include Bible study, discussions of cultural issues faced by teen girls and projects.

For example, the Challenge Club organized a Eucharistic procession at St. Anthony's Church in Schenectady and a costumed presentation of "Christmas Through The Ages" for the Glenville parishioners.

Fashion advice

The group also hosted a Pure Fashion Show, highlighting how teens can dress modestly "while still being really fashionable," she said.

"A lot of work went into figuring out what we had to do for the fashion show. It was fun," Bethy said, adding that the girls also raised money to pay for a performance by Janelle, a Christian pop star.

The teens also did a walkathon to collect money to support vocations, and are currently working on a project to bring awareness to the parish about the activities of priests and religious.

Advantages

Bethy said of her experience with the group, "It's really important to learn the Word of God and Catholic values in a forum where [teens are] having fun together.

"If I'm having a hard time or arguing with my friends, the girls are so caring and so giving. If you need help with anything or have any questions or aren't quite sure about something, there's always somebody there."

Bethy said she has learned quite a bit about her faith and religion from the club, including the Bible study, which has made weekly Mass more interesting.

"I understand the Gospel readings, and I'm more able to participate at Mass," she noted. "Your life can be really happy if you have a strong relationship with Christ."

(The Challenge Clubs are sponsored by the Catholic World Youth Network. Girls attend local meetings, as well as national leadership conferences, regional retreats and camps aimed at helping the girls increase their faith and confidence.)

(11/16/06) [[In-content Ad]]