Become a Chastity Speaker

It seems that at every school we visit, a number of students approach us, asking how they can get involved in the line of work that we do. So, here's a little summary of what you can do.

First, pray and fast, asking God to direct the desires of your heart and open the right doors for you. Do not do anything until you take this step of prayer. The best place to pray is before the Blessed Sacrament at church, so take advantage of that if you can.

Then, ask others to pray for you, and for what you are hoping to do. If you wish to grow lukewarm and lose your resolution to reach others with the message of chastity, then by all means, skip this step. If your ministry is a car race, the grace of prayer is the fuel. You can get around the track a few times with a low tank, but you'll never finish what you undertake. When I began speaking on chastity, I sent letters to about one hundred convents of nuns, asking them to pray for all of the students I speak to. If there has been any success in our work, I directly attribute it to their spiritual efforts. Also, make sure to read the book Soul of the Apostolate. It should be required reading for anyone in ministry.

Second, consider your talents, and what you have to offer. Are you a good speaker? Maybe you're timid in front of crowds, but you have a gift for writing. Can you design a web site, or are you a good leader? No matter what your talent, God will be able to put you to work.

Third, consider where you should start. Obviously, begin at the local level. I recommend four places:

1. Your school. You can set up a Pure Love Club on campus, and through this, you'll be able to promote chastity, raise media awareness, speak in classes, and form a good network of friends at the same time.
2. Local youth groups. If any Catholic church in your area has a teen group, get involved. You can help out on retreats, and become a leader-perhaps even a youth minister.
3. Local crisis pregnancy centers. Call every one of the crisis pregnancy centers in your area. Most are Christian, and many have abstinence programs up and running that you can get involved in. Grab a friend, and see how you can help them.
4. Call other people involved in abstinence. Your diocese may have a chastity program, and may be looking for volunteers. By calling the Catholic diocesan offices in your phone book, you may find an open door. Also, try calling the National Abstinence Clearinghouse, at 605.335.3643. They know more than anyone about the abstinence movement throughout the world, and may be able to point you to abstinence movements that are looking for volunteers in your area. They also know of abstinence speaker training conferences where you can learn to better promote the message. Also, contact them at info@abstinence.net and get on thier email list, so you'll stay up to date on the latest news and developments in abstinence education, STDs, legistlation, etc.

Fourth, Study up. In our online store, we have a number of good books and tapes that will give you solid answers to the questions that you will inevitably receive. As Sirach 33:4 says, "Prepare your words and you will be listened to; draw upon your training, and then give your answer." If you get asked a stumper, then follow the wisdom of Sirach 6:13-14, "Be swift to hear, but slow to answer. If you have the knowledge, answer your neighbor; if not, put your hand over your mouth."

Last, if a door does open for you to give a chastity talk, click here for tips on how to deliver it.