Recently, a colleague shared the following Youth Night Outline with me and asked if it could be used at his parish. I told him, yes.... just line up objectives from the The Diocese of Youngstown Curriculum for Catechesis. Using Scripture with Lectio Divina processing and praying the Apostle's Creed area always good things to do with youth! With just a quick glance, I thought that the following objectives that could be covered within the session with a few tweaks: HS 1.24 HS 3.6 HS 3.7 HS 3.16 HS 3.34 HS 3.53 After watching the video, you could also include HS 4.23 HS 4.24 HS 4.26 HS 3.52 Look it over and tell me which other objectives you might include? What would you do differently to make this session work better for the teens in your ministry setting? (Please use the COMMENT button to add your thoughts and ideas.) Youth Night Acts of the Apostles Purpose of the Night This youth night is designed to give the teens a better knowledge and understanding of the Acts of the Apostles. Our Church is built upon the witness of these very first apostles and we can learn a lot from them. We can obviously learn about the development of church teaching, but more importantly, we can learn how to apply their witness into the witness of our lives. Supplies needed Bible for each small group Paper and pencils for each small group Random items (see below in Preparation) Environment The environment for this night should depict the importance of witnessing, both by the apostles and saints, but also modern day witnesses. Display pictures around the room of apostles and saints. Also, include some signs with Scripture verses and quotes pertaining to witnessing. Also put up some pictures of witnesses today. These can be well known people, or simply just individuals in our everyday lives. At the front of the room, place an open Bible on a table and large cross with red cloth draped over it symbolizing the blood of the martyrs. Preparation Snacks/fellowship time (20 minutes) Before diving into the topic, have snacks or even a meal available for the youth as they arrive. Play fun music while youth are coming in. Allow them time to socialize with their friends as well as to meet any new people. Be sure to have yourself as well as any core team mingle among the kids and reach out especially to anyone who may be new. This time would also be a good time for any announcements as well as announcing any birthdays. Small Group Skits (20 minutes) Divide the youth into small groups. Gather a bunch of really random items and place the items at the front of the room. Examples of items can include stuffed animals, a role of tape, a golf club, or a coffee filter. Have a representative from each group select three items. Each group will act out the story of Pentecost found in Acts 2:1-4. They will have to incorporate their three items in some way in the skit. Also, each group will act out their skit in a different genre. Genres can include documentary, western, sci-fi, silent film, sitcom, talk show, news broadcast, musical, etc. Write the genres down on separate pieces of paper and have the groups each select one at random. Give the groups about 10 minutes to create their skits and then gather them back to present them. Introduction of the Topic (5 minutes) Transition the youth into the main space to begin the night. The youth minister will begin by introducing the topic of the Acts of the Apostles. Explain briefly the importance of the early apostles and their witness in the early church. Proclamation Proclamation verse: “But you will receive power when the holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” – Acts 1:8 Opening Prayer (5 minutes) Reading (Acts 1:6-9) A Reading from the Acts of the Apostles When they had gathered together they asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” He answered them, “It is not for you to know the times or seasons that the Father has established by his own authority. But you will receive power when the holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” When he had said this, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him from their sight. Prayer Heavenly Father, We come before you this day in thanksgiving for the witness of the early Apostles. Lord, come into our hearts during this time that we might be inspired by their witness to live for you in our everyday lives. We ask this in your name. Amen. (Optional) If you have a musician who can begin the night with a praise and worship song, that could be used as the opening prayer Explanation Video: “Evidence” (5 minutes) (This video can be found on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oPHe51B7Z00) Teaching (10-15 minutes) Choose a speaker to talk to your group about this topic and its importance in our lives. The speaker can be the youth minister, a core member, a parish priest or deacon, a guest speaker, or anyone who you feel may be qualified to speak on the topic. You can use the outline below to provide some thoughts for this talk. Processing the video: The importance of being a witness - When watching this video, how did it make you feel? What was going through your head as this girl was on trial and what were your thoughts on the verdict? Can you relate to the video at all? - Now obviously, it is not illegal to be Catholic in our country today. However, there are a number of obstacles that we face in our everyday lives that make it difficult to witness to our faith. The witness of the Apostles - In Acts 1:8, just before Jesus ascends to heaven, He stood before His apostles and said “But you will receive power when the holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Jesus makes a promise to His Apostles that they will receive the Holy Spirit and will become witnesses to the faith. - In Acts 2:1-4, we read of the event of Pentecost where the Holy Spirit comes upon the Apostles and inspires them to fearlessly go out and proclaim Christ to the world. The Acts of the Apostles gives us a glimpse into the mission of the apostles following in the footsteps of Christ. - We hear a number of miraculous occurrences such as the conversion of 3000 people by the apostles right after Pentecost (Acts 2), Peter healing to crippled man (Acts 3), Philip converting the Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8), Paul restoring a dead man to life (Acts 20), as well as so many more things. On top of this, we also hear of so many stories of heroic virtue as the apostles stopped at no cost to follow the will of Christ which eventually lead to martyrdom for most. Our own witness in our lives - In our own lives, we can learn a lot from the apostles and can apply much of what they said and did in our very own life. It’s hard to be a witness. It’s hard to publicly stand up and follow Christ fully in the midst of everything that goes on. Often times, we can feel like we are on trial, just like in the video. - However, Christ has commissioned us just as He commissioned His disciples. He speaks those same words to us that we find in Acts 1:8 – “But you will receive power when the holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” The Lord is with us and He freely gives us His Holy Spirit to inspire us to carry out His will. Let us not be afraid to listen to Him and witness to Him in our lives. Application Small Groups (15-20 minutes) Lectio Divina Each person in the group will receive a slip of paper with the Scripture passage below on it and a pencil. The group leader or one of the youths should read the passage aloud. Take about 30 seconds to silently think about it. Have it read again. Take about a minute to silently meditate upon it and encourage the group take notes or underline key words that might stick out. Have it read one final time and then begin to discuss. Acts 1:6-8 – “When they had gathered together they asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” He answered them, “It is not for you to know the times or seasons that the Father has established by his own authority. But you will receive power when the holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Small Group Questions o Was there a word or phrase from this passage that really stood out or jumped out to anyone? o What is the meaning of this passage? o What does Jesus mean when He says “you will be my witnesses”? o How do His followers ultimately respond to that call of being a witness? o In our lives, we all have the same call to go out and be witnesses in our everyday lives. What does it mean to witness to the faith? o Jesus calls us to witness to our faith by leaving behind everything we have and spreading the gospel around the world. Some have taken this call quite literally and have become missionaries to foreign countries or other extreme callings. For those of us (the majority of Christians) who do not have this calling, how can we witness to the faith in everyday life? o How can we be a witness in our school, on our sports teams, within our groups of friends, or within our families? o Why is witnessing to the faith so important? What benefit is there for us? o What are some practical ways in which we can witness to our faith today? Celebration Teen Witness (5 minutes) Gather the whole group back together and invite one of your youth, preferable an older one who is maybe a junior or a senior to share a brief personal witness on how their life has been impacted by the Lord and how they have been called to live out their faith. Meet with them ahead of time to go over their witness. While writing their witness, have them pray with Acts 1:8 to see how their own life can relate to that of the apostles. Closing prayer (5 minutes) If possible, transition the group into a separate space to close out the night. The ideal location would be in the church if available. Invite the youth to quietly make their way in and have a seat. The youth minister should take a minute to prayerfully recap the whole night. After the recap, take some time to enter into some silence and allow the youth to voice any intentions they have. Close with reciting the Apostles Creed:. I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of Heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ, His only Son Our Lord, Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into Hell; the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into Heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God, the Father almighty; from there He shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body and life everlasting. Amen ==================================== By the way, did you know that the Curriculum can be found online (you do not only have to view it in the office of your pastor of Director/Coordinator of Religious Education! You can download a copy or just view it online whenever you wish.) http://catechistcafe.weebly.com/curriculum-for-catechesis.html catechistcafe.weebly.com/curriculum-for-catechesis.html
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A few thoughts gathered for the Office of Religious Education in-service tomorrow "Reaching Out In Mercy to Those with Special Needs") 1. Meeting with one-on-one with parents/guardians, both, if possible. Questions to ask: 1. What are your child’s interests? 2. Are there any sensory needs or dislikes that we should know about? 3. Is there anything that your child finds upsetting or uncomfortable? 4. Is an aide required? (Sibling, parent, or professional care-giver?) Will the aide, if an adult, be willing to complete the Diocesan Child Protection Policy steps to be present with youth? Assure them you are honored to be part of the team with them and appreciate their patience as you and team members learn some of the things necessary. Together, create a file that outlines any specific needs the student has, including medical issues, behavioral issues, or psychological issues. 2. Meeting one-on-one with the teen (and parents or aide) so s/he can get to know and feel comfortable with you. Ask: What are your interests? Ask: What are your concerns, if any? Try to find a specific way the teen can be of service at your Church (i.e. if s/he is good at singing, pair him/her with your VBS music group to help; if s/he has great computer skills, then ask him/her to work with a team to create a PowerPoint prayer service for a youth event, etc.) 3. Check your facilities to see if any alterations need to be made to better accommodate the youth with different abilities (may also want the parents to check with you as they will have additional insights and suggestions.) Consider access to rooms in use, restroom facilities, doorways, outdoor activity terrain, etc. 4. Ask if any of your youth ministry team members have experience or expertise in working with youth with disabilities? You may be surprised at the wealth of expertise available at your parish when you consider:
Would they be willing to either work directly with the teen or train someone else how to assist the teen? 5. Prepare your team members/catechist/volunteers – see what resources they may need to be able to comfortably integrate the youth. Good news: Because of the main-streaming trend in school systems, most of our teens will already be fine with members of differing abilities… So that will help! You may find teens very willing to volunteer to be a buddy with the new teen to assist at an event. Keep lines of communication open with the teen, his/her parents, and your team members. What additional suggestions would you have to add? In 2014, Our Sunday Visitor (OSV) surveyed a number of youth ministers in the USA and asked them to define effective parish youth ministry. It is important to take time every year or so to reflect on this question, as the answers change a little with each generation. Consider that every 5 years you have a whole new batch of teens with which to serve. How might YOU answer that question? OSV then created this list from the responses: Effective Ministry with Youth is Personal ◗ It calls teens to a personal relationship with Christ, helping them understand the Catholic Faith, first and foremost, as an intimate relationship with Christ and his Church, more than a mere list of rules. ◗ It seeks to meet teens’ hunger for intimacy by building meaningful relationships within the youth group and parish. ◗ It creates small, faith-sharing groups, where teens can learn to let themselves be known and where adults can more readily listen to the teens’ struggles and questions, witness to Christ through their actions and help teens identify their gifts and charisms. ◗ It doesn’t presume the struggles of iGeneration teens in general are the struggles of one group of teens in particular. It listens, then responds. ◗ It reaches out to teens as individuals, issuing personal invitations to participate in events and not just relying on Facebook invites. ◗ It recognizes that it takes time to build relationships and earn trust, so it seeks to maintain continuity by retaining effective youth ministers and volunteers. Effective Ministry with Youth is Sacramental ◗ It helps teens engage more fully and fruitfully in the Church’s liturgy. ◗ It provides regular opportunities throughout the year for confession. ◗ It brings teens to a face-to-face encounter with Christ in the Blessed Sacrament, providing them with ample time for silent prayer and reflection in Eucharistic adoration. ◗ It seeks to include parish priests in as many events and activities as possible. ◗ It seeks to help the whole family, not just individual teens, encounter Christ more fully in the Church’s sacramental and liturgical life. Effective Ministry with Youth is Formative ◗ It forms teens in the teachings of the Faith, helping them grow in their knowledge of Church doctrine through effective catechesis. ◗ It forms teens in Christian prayer, teaching them what prayer is, how to pray, and providing them with opportunities to pray both as part of a community and on their own. ◗ It forms teens in Christian living, helping them see how the teachings of the faith are applied to the circumstances of everyday life. ◗ It forms teens relationally, teaching them how to build friendships, listen to others, make sacrifices and communicate who they are in face-to-face interactions. ◗ It forms teens culturally, helping them better understand how to use technology and discern messages in the media. Effective Ministry with Youth is Challenging ◗ It doesn’t treat teens as the parish work force, including them in parish events simply to do the set-up and clean-up work. ◗ It doesn’t treat retreats or youth group events as items on the pre-confirmation checklist. ◗ It addresses the hard questions and hard issues teens face. ◗ It doesn’t water down the Church’s teaching or soft-peddle the Christian faith. ◗ It issues specific challenges relevant to teens’ lives, calling on them to stop watching pornography, avoid gossip, not cheat in school, be kind to those who others abuse, date chastely, dress modestly, give to the poor, support their parish and help their parents. ◗ It never wastes time. It strives to make every activity, even games and ice-breakers, purpose-filled. ◗ It encourages them to serve the less fortunate in person, going on mission trips, organizing activities that bring them in contact with the local poor and taking them on visits to hospitals and nursing homes. (See full article in which this information was included: _ https://www.osv.com/OSVNewsweekly/Story/TabId/2672/ArtMID/13567/ArticleID/14409/Plugging-teens-into-the-faith-A-how-to-guide.aspx ) It seemed like a pretty good list to help us all reflect on our youth ministry offerings. Do you agree? Anything you would chance in this list? Anything you would add to this list? How are the opportunities for teens in your parish related to these elements? I am looking forward to gathering with about 150 others on March 10, 2016 to preview a new movie that supposes what Jesus may have been like as a seven year old. (If you are reading this post prior to this date, you can check for information on joining us at: http://youngstownoyyam.weebly.com/the-young-messiah-premiere.html After that date, just look for the resources linked towards the end of this post.) As the Gospel of Matthew chapter two ends, after hearing about the magi visiting baby Jesus, we read that Joseph received a dream that it was safe to return "home" so they set out from Eqypt to Nazareth. Then chapter three begins with John the Baptist preaching in the desert and Jesus approaching as a man. What happened in between? Luke adds one story of Jesus at age 12 preaching in the temple. Then, only these words before he appears before John the Baptist: 51 He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them; and his mother kept all these things in her heart. 52 And Jesus advanced [in] wisdom and age and favor before God and man Mark and John do not even discuss Jesus as a child. So, what are we to think about Jesus and a child and a teen? The Holy Spirit leaves that to us I suppose as the Church focuses on the importance of in incarnation (God becoming man as a boy born in Bethlehem), Jesus' ministry, and the Pascal Mystery. But as humans, we may just wonder about the in between time.... Anne Rice did when she wrote the book Christ the Lord: Out of Egypt. And now the book has been adapted as a movie entitled "The Young Messiah." They describe it as follows: Remaining true to the character of Jesus revealed in the Bible, The Young Messiah film is an inspirational story about the childhood of the Savior for the whole family. When the mystery of Jesus’s divinity begins to unfold in His early years, He turns to His parents for answers. But Mary and Joseph, in an effort to protect their child, are afraid to reveal all they know. How do you explain the ways of the world to its Creator? How do you teach the Teacher? How do you help the Savior who came to save you? Follow the young Messiah as He and His family take the dangerous journey from Egypt to Nazareth and on to Jerusalem—where His true identity and profound destiny are revealed. I look forward to seeing what someone envisioned this time of growth, discovery, anguish, joy, family-time, relationships, and faith for Jesus. It will be interesting to see how someone imaged Mary and Joseph as parents. I pray that the movie deepens an appreciation for the Holy Family and the wonder and awe for each family members acceptance of God's plan for their lives. If it is done as well as I hear it is, we may be recommending that youth groups and/or families with teens get out to see the movie. There are already discussion guides available for your use at the parish or to share with families for home-catechesis. Catholic Youth Study Guide/Lesson Plans: http://youngmessiahresources.com/Websites/youngmessiah/Blog/5368158/tym_discussion_guide_youth.pdf Catholic Study Guide for Families with Youth http://youngmessiahresources.com/Websites/youngmessiah/Blog/5368158/tym_discussion_guide_family.pdf Discussion Guide (for adults) http://youngmessiahresources.com/Websites/youngmessiah/files/Content/5376800/tym_discussion_guide_hq.pdf Perhaps more will be added by the promotional company: http://youngmessiahresources.com/ Even if you do not see this movie, it can be fun to pull some of the scripture reflections and discussion questions out for use in your youth and family ministry programs. Lenten blessings to you as you reflect on Jesus in your own life. May you continue to claim him as messiah (young or old or ageless!) Hold a post-VBS session each day for your teen volunteers --
Yes, I know this adds on time to your day after a busy morning with the kids, and could cost some money to offer lunch (or dessert, if lunch is part of VBS) for your teens to stay around for a discussion -- but consider that this can provide some opportunities for the components of community life, prayer/worship, catechesis and evangelization time for the teens, and only take a little extra effort from you (or other youth ministry leaders.) Suggestions for the gathering -- 1. Grace before lunch (or over dessert) 2. Ask highs and lows of the morning 3. Discussion Option A: Scripture sharing - You can utilize the readings of the day (http://usccb.org/calendar/index.cfm?showLit=1&action=month) (Do simplified Lectio Divina style of proclaiming the reading, asking each person to share a word or phrase that speaks to them, ask if they are willing to share why that word or phrase, re-read the Scripture), Option B: go deeper into the VBS theme of the day.....utilize The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth or the Catechism of the Catholic Church 4. Spontaneous prayers of petition and thanksgiving 5. Go in peace, until the next morning! Voila! You just did children’s ministry and youth ministry in about a half a day If you decide to do this, please let me (Cindee) know how is went and if would do it again! Of course, you could also do this with ALL your volunteers, which would provide some Adult Faith Formation as well... 1/4/2016 Follow Up from a Large Event (NCYC, DYC, retreat, March for Life, Mission Trip, etc.)Read NowDuring the last workshop round at the 2015 National Catholic Youth Conference, I participated in a "What Now" session with teens and adults from the Archdiocese of Dubuque. A pastor, youth minister and 4 youth shared their experience of the previous NCYC and how they took the energy and learnings back to their parish. They then invited all participants to consider what they may do after leaving NCYC.... and invited them to select one of the following areas in which to focus: What do I want to work on after NCYC? - Improve prayer life - Improve charitable actions - Grow YM at parish - Teach others about the faith - Liturgical ministries - Be more active in parish in general - Overcome challenges in life - Improve relationships Teens gathered in small groups around each of these areas and brainstormed ways they can take action back home. I thought this was a GREAT way to start bridging the experience with some practical ideas, and that while this was NCYC specific at the time, how it can easily be adapted for any large event. Consider it when you are busing back from the March for Life, or before leaving your retreat, or after attending the next Diocesan Youth Convention (DYC) or mission trip. (It is also not too late to gather your NCYC participants, if you went, to do this activity... after spending a little time reminiscing about the General Sessions, Camp Techakwitha, Prayer rooms, and break-outs, then ask them how they would like to build upon the experience in the New Year!) I have often seen that a "mountaintop experience" can have a tremendous impact on a young person. We may want to be like Peter, James and John at the Transfiguration who wanted to build a tent and stay there (Matthew 17).... but we must go back home and rejoin our 'regular' lives at school, work and with family and friends. However, pulling from another chapter of Matthew's Gospel (13), the large events are opportunities to sow seeds. If the seeds of the experience are not nurtured and fed, they quickly die... we must help our young people tend to the seeds so that they can bear great fruit for the individual, but even for our faith communities! "But the seed sown on rich soil is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields a hundred or sixty or thirtyfold.” (Matthew 13: 23) Idea for discussion: HOW DOES YOUR FAVORITE CHRISTMAS SONG CONNECT TO CHRISTMAS? Ask each teen to consider their favorite Christmas song, and how it connects to the holiday. (This means they may have to think a little harder about how "Santa Clause is Coming to Town" intersects with the Nativity than "Silent Night" does!) Have a couple of your own ready to go to start the conversation.... Have them share in small groups, and let the groups pick one to share with the larger group. Challenge to add - as one teen says the name of a song, challenge the others to write down an many lyrics as they can... (shows the influence of music, and possibly how we can 'hear' without truly listening... after the song is presented, discuss any words or phrases they do not understand. Look up any you do not know to share the answers the following week!) Ones that are easily tied to the Nativity could include:
What others would you/your teens add to the list? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ This can easily be adapted for use with YOUNG ADULTS (and you can probably have them play the songs from their cell phones for all to hear) and for FAMILY MINISTRY by asking families to work together as a small group. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ One quick personal reflection on "Mary Did you Know?" and "Breath of Heaven" I recently read one article critiquing the theology of the first song, but I have to say that it was a transformational song for me along with "Breath of Heaven"... these two songs gave me a deeper respect for Mary, the Mother of God. Before reflecting upon the lyrics, I pretty much glossed over level of sacrifice and pain that Mary may have experienced in her saying "YES" to God via Gabriel. These two songs helped me to relate a bit more to the humanity of this young girl who once walked the earth. Perhaps I did did not before give her credit for having emotions, except for when I envisioned her crying during the Stations of the Cross. Since I have not experienced pregnancy, I never really thought much about how she could have felt which Jesus grew in her womb. Since I have not given birth, I had not really considered the physical pain being paired with emotional concerns for his health and safety and well-being even though she KNEW he was God's own son. However, especially in the second song, I learned that doubting or questioning are not the important aspect of the story... faithfulness is! Even IF Mary wondered if she were worthy, she remained faithful. Even if Mary didn't completely comprehend how Jesus would suffer as a young adult, she new He was in God's hands and she just needed to do what God called her to do, Who God called her to be. Isn't that we are all asked? While my epiphany moments began after first hearing "Breath of Heaven" back in 1992, I still pause each Advent to deepen my appreciation and work on my own openness to God's call in my life. ********************************************************************************************* Lyrics: "Mary Did You Know" (originally by Mark Lowry (lyrics) and Buddy Greene (melody)) Mary, did you know that your Baby Boy would one day walk on water? Mary, did you know that your Baby Boy would save our sons and daughters? Did you know that your Baby Boy has come to make you new? This Child that you delivered will soon deliver you. Mary, did you know that your Baby Boy will give sight to a blind man? Mary, did you know that your Baby Boy will calm the storm with His hand? Did you know that your Baby Boy has walked where angels trod? When you kiss your little Baby you kissed the face of God? Mary did you know.. Ooo Ooo Ooo The blind will see. The deaf will hear. The dead will live again. The lame will leap. The dumb will speak The praises of The Lamb. Mary, did you know that your Baby Boy is Lord of all creation? Mary, did you know that your Baby Boy would one day rule the nations? Did you know that your Baby Boy is heaven's perfect Lamb? The sleeping Child you're holding is the Great, I Am. ********************************************************************* Breath of Heaven(CHRIS EATON, AMY GRANT) I have travelled many moonless night Cold and weary, with a babe inside And I wonder what I've done Holy Father, you have come And chosen me now To carry your son I am waiting in a silent prayer I am frightened by the load I bear In a world as cold as stone, Must I walk this path alone? Be with me now Be with me now Breath of heaven Hold me together Be forever near me Breath of heaven Breath of heaven Light up my darkness Pour over me your holiness For you are holy Breath of heaven Do you wonder as you watch my face If a wiser one one should have had my place But I offer all I am For the mercy of your plan Help me be strong Help me be Help me Breath of heaven Hold me together Be forever near me Breath of heaven Breath of heaven Light up my darkness Pour over me your holiness For you are holy Breath of heaven Hold me together Be forever near me Breath of heaven Breath of heaven Light up my darkness Pour over me your holiness For you are holy Breath of heaven Breath of heaven Breath of heaven I love this idea 'borrowed' from Catholics Mobilizing: An Advent Jar What’s an Advent Jar you ask? Well, it’s just like an advent calendar, except you use a jar and Popsicle sticks. This is a creative and fun way to incorporate prayer, scripture, service and family time into your Advent journey as a family (or with roommates or even alone). For this project you will need: Mason Jar 26 Large popsicle sticks (the ones that are like tongue depressors) – colored ones are best 2” Wide Ribbon ½” wide ribbon Fine tip Sharpies Glue dots Starting with a clean, empty mason jar, cut the wide ribbon long enough to wrap completely around the jar with a bit extra on the ends to fold over. Fold over one end of the wide ribbon about an 1/8 of an inch. Using glue dots or double sided tape, adhere the large ribbon to the jar. Cut the ½” ribbon long enough to wrap around the jar with enough extra to make a bow. Place the smaller ribbon so it lays over the wider ribbon and tie it around the jar using a bow to secure it. Once the jar and ribbon is done, it is time to make your advent jar popsicle sticks. Using a fine tip sharpie families (or roommates or even an individual, as I did) should select 26 things – either from the list below, or they can make their own – that they can do throughout Advent. Write one thing on each stick and place it in the jar. Each morning, take 2 seconds before running out the door to grab a stick and make that your goal for the day. Or if your family (roommates) gathers for dinner take the stick out before diner and talk over dinner about doing that item for the day. If you draw one that you can not do that day, simply place it back and draw another. 1. Say a prayer for someone who is sick or lonely 2. Drive around the neighborhood to look at Christmas Lights 3. Go out to the town’s annual tree lighting 4. Go to Church this Sunday as a family 5. Do something nice for some who you may not always like 6. Bake Christmas Cookies and listen to Christmas music 7. Read a favorite Christmas story together as a family 8. Decorate the Christmas tree as a family 9. Baking cookies for Santa – make extra to give to neighbors or those who are homeless 10. Read the Nativity story – Luke 2:1-14 11. Send a letter to a family member that lives far away 12. Set up the Nativity 13. Pray Psalm 25 together as a family 14. Write a note to a family member telling them one thing you are thankful for – about them! 15. Offer to help with a chore that is not normally “yours” 16. Make a Christmas Card for your favorite teacher and give it to them 17. Say a prayer at dinner for all those who are hungry 18. Do a kind act for a neighbor 19. Read the story of St. Nicholas whose Feast Day is celebrated during Advent 20.Make 5 Christmas cards and deliver to a hospital or nursing home 21. Make hot chocolate and watch a Christmas movie as a family 22. Pray the joyful mysteries of the Rosary as a family – dedicate your prayers to those who go without 23.Collect change for 5 days – the entire family collects all their extra change each day – donate what you collected to an organization that helps those who are sick. 24.Pray for those who do not have families during this holiday season 25.Wrap presents for friends and family 26. Write your own ideas..... (Could also write carious Scripture verses on each stick to help you remember to include the Bible in your daily life!) I found green and red craft sticks at Dollar Tree (40 for $1) as well as ribbon and a jar...so this can be done very inexpensively and can be used from year to year! Happy Advent! Looking for a way to support your teens at a time when they will be likely be open to Divine Inspiration? Here is one: Pencils with Prayers - prepare a prayer before taking a test (like the one pictured) and add a new, sharpened and ready-to-go #2 pencil. This would be great for your high school teens to do for the 8th graders in the Catholic school before high school placement tests, or have Confirmation students prepare for the high school students before any of their tests. Or have an adult club or ministry work on this for the teens. There are so many possibilities for getting people involved in preparing them! Then, for distribution, consider the options: going into the 8th grade classrooms, or distributing at youth ministry event, or have them in baskets after Mass for pick up as families leave. If you have done this or something similar, please tell us about it in the comments. One month after my pilgrimage to Philadelphia, I am still processing the experience. There were many blessings! After the lovely drive across Pennsylvania (even if I did not enjoy that long tunnel with construction going on), I participated in the Catholic Parent Revival on Wednesday, September 23 at St. Peter the Apostle Parish (which also houses the National Shrine of St. John Neumann, where his body now lies in state, enclosed in glass under the altar.) We listened to personal witnesses of married couples who integrated faith into raising their children. Thanks Jenni and Steve Angrisano, Maggie and Bob McCarty, and John Angotti. We were also invited to talk with fellow participants and pray for each other. To read more about the parish/shrine, visit: http://www.stjohnneumann.org/parish.html To learn more about CPR, visit: http://www.strongcatholicfamilies.org/cpr/ You can also watch a recording of the CPR session that took place the next night near Philly: http://livestream.com/OCPLiveStream/24-CatholicParentRevival and know that Dave Schmidt, Director of Pro-Life, Marriage and Family and I have discussed adapting the program to support families here in our diocese, so look for more on that in 2016. On Thursday, after an educational visit to ther Liberty Bell and Independance Hall (hey, when in Philly...), where we saw the preparations for the Papal visit that would take place there days later, we went to the World Meeting of Families and were fortunate enough to see Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, Archbishop of Manila, speak with such passion and joy. He discussed how we all have wounds and hurts, which can be great opportunities to rely on God. These woulds also help us to better witness to the saving power of God to others. You can watch a recording of his session, and several other session from the WMOF on their website: http://www.worldmeeting2015.org/the-latest/congressvideos/ These recordings are great for those who were not there to be inspired and learn from the sessions, and serve as great reminders for those who were there. (You may need to be patient as they begin or fast forward to the speaker you want to hear/see.) It was interesting to see how many vendors and organizations exhibited at the WMOF. Some of the same I see at youth ministry events, lay ministry conferences and education convocations, while others were new to me. It is reassuring to know that there are so many resources around wanting to support the Domestic Church! On Friday, I met up with the busloads of Youngstown folks who traveled with Wednt to see the theatrical production of "Joseph." Oh my goodness, the Sight and Sound Theater truly invests in the productions there, with support sound and staging. Also, real animals! The show also gave me new aspects of the Joseph story to ponder. If you are ever in the Lancaster, PA area, this is a worthy investment. Visit their website at: https://www.sight-sound.com/WebSite/home.do We then enjoyed family-style dinner at the Hershey Farm Restaurant and Inn near the theater. What a fun evening discussing the play and to upcoming weekend plans with folks from Blessed Sacrament Parish (and others on the bus from there!) Saturday brought the Festival of Families. This meant creative planning for transportation and packing for the day, but it was all worth it. Security lines moved along smoothly, over 3,000 port-a-pots were available, food vendors lined some streets, and jumbotrons helped those of us without tickets enjoy the entertainment, pray along, and view the parade. I decided to settle in with a busload from the Solon area at JFK part near the Love Sign. There, we were fortunate to see Pope Francis go by in his Popemobile TWICE! It was amazing! (The picture above gives you one glimpse of my view.) On the jumbotron, we enjoyed: Nigeria/Igbo Community @ St. Cyprian Viva Mas Mutya Philippine Dance Company St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Community Oscuro Quintet Everything Fitz Joe Castillo Jackie Evancho (not sure why some Disney songs, but sounded lovely) Matt Maher American Dance Wheels Sister Sledge (We are Family!) Jim Gaffigan (a few family-themed laughs) MC Mark Wahlberg The Philadlephia Orchestra Comments and pray by the Holy Father Aretha Franklin The Fray Andrea Bocelli (oh, that Lord's Prayer was fantastic!) Juanes (although, I will admit, we started to head to the train station during his performance, nothing against him, it was just getting late!) You can read more about some of these performers at: http://www.worldmeeting2015.org/papal-center/festival-of-families/ We (we being most often my sister, Jenn, by the way, who traveled with me) went to the Cathedral where there was a temporary grotto dedicated to Mary, Untier of Knots, who is one of Pope Francis' advocates. They had strips of cloth on which to write the situation or people suffering with "knots" that need untied. These clothes were then hung around the grotto (or being knit into a tapestry, as you can see in the photo below of the woman at work.) It was a powerful place of prayer. Sunday brought a lot of time to meet people from all around the globe as I chose the wrong side of the city to enter (retrospect, hundreds of thousands of us did not know at the time what was going on as security checkpoints were moving very slowly, being closed, redirecting people to another checkpoint, etc. for hours... while on the north side, they seemed to get inside in 30 - 120 minutes.) We gave up after a few hours, but not before meeting lovely faith-filled people from many states and countries. We also clapped along and sang a bit. While I did receive text messages from friends who made it inside, we watched the parade from ComCast Center (where I was interviewed by a Philly paper and while misquoted, they spelled my name right, ha!), then settled in for a while near JFK Park. It was an interesting juxtiposition to have thousands sitting and sitting, attentive to a jumbotron while some vendors still tried to peddle their wares. Latter, we paused near City Hall and the thousands of Catholics who had celebrated Mass there, before heading back to the train station. It wasn't the day I planned or hoped for, and I really didn't fell like I was part of Mass, but I was very much part of a larger community that made the best of the situation and were singing and responding and celebrating! Oh, I almost forgot, I also did my best to watch some of the coverage of the Holy Father addressing various audiences. I LOVED the address to the Congress. To have selected such different Americans to help make his points was inspired. It was challenging and motivating. Thank you for bringing forth some of the teachings and words of Abraham Lincoln, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Dorothy Day and Thomas Merton. I also watched Pope Francis as the prison. Watching a work of mercy on TV was awesome. If you missed (or want to read to review) any of the Holy Father's addresses or Homilies, know that theey are posted on the USCCB site at: http://www.usccb.org/about/leadership/holy-see/francis/papal-visit-2015/2015-papal-visit-speeches-homilies.cfm They also have a few on video to watch at: http://www.usccb.org/about/leadership/holy-see/francis/papal-visit-2015/papal-visit-2015-video-on-demand.cfm I am sure that aspects of the pilgrimage will continue to occur to me, as the messages I heard and images I saw sink deeper into my soul. THANK YOU to everyone who has allowed me to share some of my story, and for those who have shared their experiences as well as that helps me consider additional insights! In any event, may we all be blessed by the visit of the Holy Father to our country. I'll end this post with the final words of Pope Francis at the Closing Mass in Philadelphia: Anyone who wants to bring into this world a family which teaches children to be excited by every gesture aimed at overcoming evil – a family which shows that the Spirit is alive and at work – will encounter our gratitude and our appreciation. Whatever the family, people, religion or region to which they belong! May God grant that all of us may be prophets of the joy of the Gospel, the Gospel of the family and family love, as disciples of the Lord. May he grant us the grace to be worthy of that purity of heart which is not scandalized by the Gospel! Amen. |
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*** Note: The Office Blog is now inactive, but posted for continued reference as needed (6/30/21) ***Cindee Case, MPSFormer Director of the Diocese of Youngstown Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry (2/2002 - 6/2021) Archives
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