One difficulty with 'principles' is how useful they are in the face of complex moral dilemmas. They are helpful as far as they go, but are sometimes too abstract and general to help in sorting out complex moral questions....
We need not so much to establish a set of abstract principles as to cultivate the kind of character that will act wisely and justly in different situations -- a bit like developing the skill to hit a good tennis shot, whatever angle or speed the ball may be hit towards you....
Virtues are learnt in the same way in which we mostly learn to play football, dance, carve wood or cook --through example and imitation, not logic and principles. We watch those who are already good at these things, experience a desire to be like them, and so we start to copy them. A person of virtue does not have to think too hard about doing the right thing; he or she will do it naturally, without thinking....
The other key point...essential to the cultivation of virtue is the telling of stories.

Graham Tomlin. SPIRITUAL FITNESS: CHRISTIAN CHARACTER IN A CONSUMER CULTURE.

The purpose of integrating contemplative presence in youth ministry is not to turn kids into monks, nor is it to make us experts in contemplative prayer; it is to deepen our awareness of God, others, and self so that we might become fully alive....

Engaging kids solely in contemplative exercises in unnatural, because contemplative prayer does not lead to more contemplative prayer--it leads to authentic action. Activities in the youth ministry are not longer chosen frantically from resource books; instead the youth ministry becomes more responsive to the needs of the youth and the movement of the Holy Spirit. We begin to hold our programs lightly....The ministry becomes something unique and natural to our community, rather than a cookie-cutter "franchise" ministry imported from a mega-church.

Mark Yaconelli. CONTEMPLATIVE YOUTH MINISTRY:PRACTICING THE PRESENCE OF JESUS.