Don't Water It Down

A CNS news brief notes the comments of a University of Maryland student to attendees at the National Symposium on Adolescent Catechesis:

Asked what advice she would give on teen faith formation, the University of Maryland student and member of Our Lady of the Fields Parish in Millersville told the 100 attendees there: "Don't water it down." The response drew audible gasps, and even applause, from the gathering of academics, educators, youth ministers, bishops, catechists and other leaders.

I love the way her comment "drew audible gasps." I admit that I don't know the best way to reach youth with the message of the gospel. But I do know that watering down the message to make it more appealing is counter-productive.