Announcing:
Saint Mary's Press winner for the week of June 5, 2009!
Congratulations to Elizabeth Adams!

Elizabeth Adams will receive a copy of Encouraging Words, a $6.95 value.

Every teacher, parent, or volunteer knows the power of positive messages for young people. With this handy box of 24 cards, you are ready for those moments. Keep one at school and one at home, and you will always have an inspiring and hopeful message to pass on to the young teens in your life. Attach it to their homework, give it to them on their way out of class, or put it in their lunch bag. Visit http://www.smp.org/ItemDetail.cfm?ItemNum=3460 to see a list of the messages.

Look Inside: You can find an online sampler of Encouraging Words on the SMP Web catalog. Search for "Encouraging Words," or use this link to go to the product description, http://www.smp.org/ItemDetail.cfm?ItemNum=3460. Then use the "look inside" button next to the cover image to see four of these beautifully designed cards..

Encouraging Words Card Deck
ISBN 978-0-88489-682-1, 25 cards, $6.95
http://www.smp.org/ItemDetail.cfm?ItemNum=3460

Bible Sale Ends Soon!

Fostering Healthy Relationships in Teens
by Ginny Halbur

With all the weddings and anniversaries that take place in June, it is a good time to help teens identify the characteristics of a healthy relationship and those that signal an unhealthy one. Signs of a healthy relationship include the following:

• Both parties in the relationship demonstrate respect for the other person?s unique personality, likes and dislikes, interests, values, and boundaries. No individual should be forced to do anything they are not comfortable doing.
• A mutual trust exists between both individuals. Friendships with others are encouraged rather than treated with suspicion.
• The couple is honest with each other. Even a seemingly small white lie can lead to suspicion and distrust in a relationship.
• Each person is better because of their relationship. The mutual support the couple has for each other allows each person to grow and develop into the most they can be.
• Both parties are able to give and take within the relationship. Not everything in a relationship is equal but one individual should not have to give up all their interests or relationships in favor of the other person?s interests and relationships.
• Each person is able to maintain their separate identity even as they grow in their identity as a couple.
• Both individuals are respectful of the other person?s perspective. Even though there are bound to be disagreements in a relationship, each person should be able to express their feelings and thoughts in a respectful way and without fear of reprisal.

When a relationship causes a young person to become secretive, avoid family and friends, do things they would not normally do, lose interest in activities and pursuits that they use to enjoy, or the person has unexplained physical injuries, these are all signs that she or he may be in an unhealthy relationship. If you suspect a young person is in an unhealthy relationship, it is important to not only be supportive and provide a listening ear but also suggest that he or she speak to someone (such as a parent, school counselor, or parish priest) who can advise him or her or help that person seek professional help if needed.

Gift Pick of the Week

Each week from now through June 26, we are picking a special item from the Saint Mary's Press Gift Boutique and offering a special discount on that item. There will be a new Gift Pick each week on Friday, so check the Weekly E-news each Friday!

This Week's Gift Pick

Silver Cross Necklace
originally $23.95, now $14.95!
This offer ends Thursday, June 7, 2009. While supplies last!

Whether young people want to express their faith out loud or in a more subtle fashion, this rugged-cut sterling silver cross is the perfect way for teens to take a stand for their beliefs.