A couple of weeks ago Pope Benedict XVI gave a talk to a group of students on the meaning of Christmas. Here’s part of that speech and what I think is a great reflection heading into Christmas for anyone who works with teens: Benedict XVI, Address to students December 15, 2011 What does Christmas mean to me? Is it really important for my life, for the building up of society? There are many persons in our time… who ask whether we are to expect something or someone; whether
I’m not saying it’s time to break into “Old Lang Syne” yet, or anything like that, but we are less than a month away from a new Liturgical Year in the Church (November 28th is the First Sunday In Advent). Advent is a great time of preparation for the second coming of Christ and celebration of Lord’s birth in Bethlehem.
As we are entering into the beginning of the church year with Advent, I was reflecting on ways to truly prepare the Way and not get caught up in the worldly frenzy. Somehow, “Black Friday” sounds more like a plague rather than the time we should be using to prepare for Advent. Therefore this Advent season, I would like to pass on to you one of the jewels I have learned to live by: KISS – “Keep It Simple Sweetie.” I would like to offer some tips you can use to keep Advent simple and prepare
It is that time of year again… lists, shopping, wrapping, trying to figure out the perfect gift for every person in your life. For youth ministers, here’s the million-dollar question: What do you get the most dedicated Core Team on the planet on a youth ministry budget? How do you honor those who give up their Sunday nights, their weekends and their evenings so teens can be led closer to Christ? With your limited time (and even more limited budget), you want to make it a meaningful and useful
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Objective: The goal for this session is to give the middle school youth an opportunity to grow in community and celebrate Christmas together. Overview: Social Nights are a great way to engage the middle school youth. These nights not only break up the catechesis during the semester, but they give the Core an opportunity to practice relational ministry. Social nights also give each of the youth an opportunity to get to know others in their community. They are able to build relationships and friendships. Social
Goal for the Life Night: Help teens understand the purpose of Advent and what Christ is calling them to as they prepare for Christmas. This night will give them practical, concrete ways to pray the four weeks of Advent. Life Night at a Glance: This night is a great way to introduce the season of Advent and help teens prepare for the coming of Christ. The first half of the night is spent celebrating the new liturgical year by having a New Year’s party. The party should get the teens excited and
Spotlight Magazine is part of Life Support that provides readers with articles, updates, issue Life Nights, social Life Nights and much more! This valuable resource helps youth ministers and Core Members stay “plugged in” to the current trends in ministry and youth culture. Below is a list of what you’ll find in this issue. Table of Contents Faith in Motion: Incorporating service into your youth ministry program Ministry Spotlight: Catholic Relief Services 40 Service Ideas for Your Life
“Either we live the liturgical year with its varying seasons of joy and sorrow, work and rest, or we follow the pattern of the world” ~ Helen McLoughlin Goal for this Retreat This retreat will allow teens to discover how God’s time and our time are connected through the Liturgical Year. They will come to better understand and appreciate the wisdom of the Church and the totality of the Catholic journey as presented through the Liturgical Year. Through the liturgical cycle, this retreat will