Click Here for More Information The Gospel According to Matthew: Reflection 1: Ministry Starts with Prayer From Becoming a New Testament Leader: Biblical Reflections for Training Youth Ministry Leaders Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. He fasted forty days … Read more...

Click Here for More Information Thirty-second Sunday of the Year From Sharing the Sunday Scriptures with Youth: Cycle A - Wis. 6:12–16 - Ps. 63:2,3–4,5–6,7–8 - 1 Thess. 4:13–18 - Matt. 25:1–13 God’s Word A major theme of the Scripture readings is “Be prepared.” In the first reading, God’s wisdom … Read more...

Click Here for More Information The Magnificent Seven: Seven Major Lessons of Catholic Social Teaching From Justice and Service Ideas for Ministry with Young Teens Overview This creative strategy challenges the young adolescents to illustrate seven radical social teachings of the Catholic church. By designing a series of posters, the … Read more...

Click Here for More Information Act: Moving from Word to Witness From Total Youth Ministry: Ministry Resources for Justice and Service 1. Begin by reading the following quote: - “Our faith calls us to work for justice; to serve those in need; to pursue peace; and to defend the life, … Read more...

Click Here for More Information The Light of the World: The Church as the Sacrament of Salvation From Leader’s Guide for Primary Source Readings in Catholic Church History (Chapter 30: Primary Source Readings in Catholic Church History) Summary of the Source: Lumen Gentium Lumen Gentium calls all members of the … Read more...

Click Here for More Information Nature Scavenger Hunt From Resources for Outdoor Retreats: Journey into Nature, Journey into the Heart Use “Nature Scavenger Hunt” whenever the group is moving from one location to the next or when the group is taking a hike. This activity was included in the retreat … Read more...

Click Here for More Information Choose Life: Deuteronomy, chapter 30 From Leader Guide for The Catholic Youth Bible® This activity suggests that Moses’ challenge to choose life has meaning to the teenager who at times also faces life-and-death choices. 1. Ask one student to read Deut 30:15–20 to the class. … Read more...

Click Here for More Information Dealing with Times of Spiritual Dryness From Letting Go of the Chaos: Ideas for Addressing Ministry-Related Stress Our Story Patiently persevere and do not let yourself get upset. Trust in God, who does not abandon those who seek him with a simple and righteous heart. … Read more...

Click Here for More Information Being Church and Prayer Service From Understanding Catholic Christianity Teaching Manual Being Church This activity is intended to give the students a sense that the church is people caring for one another and does not consist primarily of buildings or tasks. 1. Divide the class … Read more...

Click Here for More Information Reflection 2: Being in the Zone From More Than a Game: Stories, Prayers, and Reflections for the Student Athlete, Reflection Colleen had a good feeling going into the semifinal game of the soccer league championship. She was confident in her own ability, and she was … Read more...

Click Here for More Information Finding Your Focus From The Confident Catechist: Strategies for the New and Not-So-New Volunteer You are only a few minutes into a session, and already you are struggling to maintain eye contact with the group. Some of the young people are still listening, but many … Read more...

Click Here for More Information Prayer at the Start of Something New From 22 Ready-Made Prayer Services with 100 Extra Prayer Ideas Themes - Sharing your gifts - Don’t hide your gifts! - Celebrating the gifts of youth - Gifted to serve God and others - Recognizing your gifts Suggested … Read more...

Click Here for More Information Hope From Faith Sharing for Teens: Experiences that Connect Faith and Life Scripture: Romans 8:18–25 Overview This faith-sharing experience uses a passage from Romans to address the theme of hope—what it is and what it is not. During the process, the young people are invited … Read more...

Click Here for More Information Back-to-School Blessing: A Prayer Service for the Beginning of the School Year From Holiday and Seasonal Ideas for Ministry with Young Teens Back-to-School Blessing A Prayer Service for the Beginning of the School Year Overview This blessing ceremony celebrates the beginning of school and helps … Read more...

From Living the Works of Mercy: Daring Teens to Change the World CORPORALWORK OF MERCY Objectives to foster in youth a growing awareness of the Catholic Christian call to community to have the participants reflect on the scriptural and traditional understanding of our call to welcome the stranger to inform … Read more...

Click Here for More Information From Justice and Service Ideas for Ministry with Young Teens Overview This strategy suggests a spiritual framework for service activities and some creative ways to engage the young people in outreach experiences that are transformative. Based on the understanding that we become seekers of justice … Read more...

Click Here for More Information Ascension and Pentecost Be God’s Fire: A Session to Explore the Feast of Pentecost From Ministry Ideas for Celebrating Lent and Easter with Teens, Families, and Parishes OverviewThe feast of Pentecost is above all a commemoration of action. It is a celebration of the next … Read more...

Click Here for More Information Media Messages 2: TV Guide From Faith Sharing for Teens: 25 Experiences That Connect Faith and Life Scripture: Psalm 139:1–16,23–24 OverviewWhether for good or bad, television has become the focal point of and gathering place for many families. From cartoons to reality shows, soap operas … Read more...