Book Club for Catholic Teens

Reading helps teens grow in faith. A book club is a fun way to do this. It can help teens learn more about God and the Church. They can talk about what they read and share their thoughts. This helps them understand their faith better.

A book club also helps teens make friends. They can meet others who share their faith. They can support each other and grow together. This makes their faith stronger.

Reading good books can inspire teens. It can show them how to live as good Catholics. It can help them face challenges in life. Books can teach lessons that are useful every day.

Below you will find many tips to help you start a book club for Catholic teens. We will give you steps to follow. This will make it easy to organize and run your book club.

Select books that teach about the Catholic faith. Look for stories about the lives of the Saints. These stories show how to live a holy life. They can be very inspiring for teens.

Choose Christian fiction for your book club. These books tell stories with Catholic values. They can be fun to read and easy to relate to. Examples include “The Chronicles of Narnia” by C.S. Lewis and “The Winged Watchman” by Hilda van Stockum.

Pick spiritual classics. These books have been loved for many years. They can help teens grow in their faith. Examples include “The Imitation of Christ” by Thomas à Kempis and “The Story of a Soul” by St. Thérèse of Lisieux.

Here are a few more book suggestions to get you started:

• The Great Divorce – This classic by C. S. Lewis takes readers on a bus ride through the afterlife. The reader visits both hell and heaven, helping promote discussion about good and evil.
• The Hobbit – This is J. R. R. Tolkien’s classic which shows how a seemingly small and meek person can find the courage to fight evil. It is much shorter and easier to read that Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings trilogy.
• Ender’s Game – This book by Orson Scott Card will help teens consider how they consume information and decide what is true. It could be a good lead into a further discussion of social media and how we discern what to do with the information which is presented to us.
• The Screwtape Letters – This is another classic by C. S. Lewis which also examines the nature of good and evil. This one will prompt a discussion about how we are tempted and how things which might seem good can also lead us astray.
• I Choose God – This book is a collection of stories from teenage Catholics. It tells of hope and faith. These are testimonies of how we can find a deeper meaning and purpose in life by practicing the Catholic faith.
• Tattoos on the Heart – This is the true story of Fr. Greg Boyle and his work with gang members in Los Angeles. Through a series of antidotes, Fr. Boyle illustrates how compassion for those on the margins of society we can transform lives.
• Bible in a Year or Catechism in a Year – If teens prefer listening to reading, these podcasts are a great option.

Make sure the books are age-appropriate. They should be easy to understand and interesting for teens. Avoid books that are too difficult or too boring.

Ask for recommendations for your book club from other youth ministers. They may know good books that have worked well in their groups. You can also ask your parish priest or a trusted Catholic educator.

What are your favorite books for a Catholic teen book club? Add your suggestions to the comments below. By choosing the right books, you help teens grow in faith and enjoy reading.

• Decide how often to meet. Choose a book club schedule that works for your group. You can meet weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly. Pick a time that is good for everyone.
• Plan how long each meeting will be. One to two hours is a good length. This gives enough time to talk but is not too long.
• Set clear goals. Think about what you want the teens to learn. Your goals can be understanding the faith better, building friendships, and growing in prayer. Write these goals down and share them with the group.
• Make a schedule. Plan which book to read each month. Break the book into sections. Plan to discuss one section at each meeting. This makes it easier to manage.
• Choose a location. Find a comfortable place to meet. It can be at the church, a home, or a cozy cafe. Make sure it’s a place where everyone feels welcome.
• Plan the meeting format. Start with a prayer. Then discuss the book. Use prepared questions to guide the discussion. End with a closing prayer.

• Promote the book club in your parish. Announce it at Mass. Include it in the church bulletin. Ask the priest to mention it.
• Use social media. Post about the book club on your parish’s Facebook page or Instagram. Create simple flyers and share them online.
• Talk to teens directly. Mention the book club at youth group meetings. Explain why it’s fun and helpful. Encourage them to join.
• Ask teens to invite friends. Personal invitations work best. Teens are more likely to come if their friends are there too.
• Visit religious education classes. Speak to the students about the book club. Hand out flyers with the meeting details.
• Put up posters in the parish. Use bright colors and clear information. Place them where teens will see them, like the entrance or the hallways.
• Reach out to parents. Send an email or letter explaining the book club. Parents can encourage their teens to join and can help spread the word.

• Read the book ahead of time. Make sure you know the book club material well. This helps you lead the discussion better.
• Prepare discussion questions. Think of questions that will get the teens talking. Ask about their favorite parts, characters, and what they learned.
• Plan activities. Choose activities that relate to the book. This can include drawing, writing, or small group discussions. Keep them simple and fun.
• Create a welcoming environment. Set up the meeting space so it’s comfortable. Arrange chairs in a circle. Have snacks and drinks available.
• Gather materials. Bring copies of the book, pens, and paper. Have a Bible on hand for reference. If you need any props for activities, get them ready too.
• Pray for guidance. Ask God to help you lead the group. Pray for the teens to have open hearts and minds.
• Send reminders. Remind the teens about the meeting a few days before. Use text messages, emails, or social media.

• Start with an opening prayer. Ask God to bless the meeting and guide the discussion. This sets a positive tone.
• Encourage everyone to share. Make sure each teen feels comfortable to speak. Ask open-ended questions that need more than a yes or no answer.
• Listen carefully. Show interest in what each teen says. Nod and make eye contact. This helps them feel heard and valued.
• Connect the book to Catholic teachings. Relate the story to Bible passages, Church teachings, or the lives of saints. This makes the discussion more meaningful.
• Ask follow-up questions. If a teen shares a thought, ask them to explain more. This keeps the conversation going.
• Respect different opinions. Teens may see things differently. Encourage respectful discussion. Remind them that everyone’s view matters.
• Keep the discussion on track. Gently steer the conversation back if it goes off topic. Use your prepared questions to guide the discussion.
• End with a closing prayer. Thank God for the time spent together. Pray for the teens to take what they learned into their daily lives.

• Include journaling. Ask teens to write about their thoughts on the book. They can share their favorite parts or what they learned. This helps them reflect.
• Plan art projects. Have teens draw scenes or characters from the book. They can also create posters with quotes or themes. Art helps them express their ideas creatively.
• Do service projects. Find ways to connect the book’s message to helping others. This can include collecting donations or volunteering. It shows how to live out the faith.
• Organize group discussions. Break into small groups to talk about different parts of the book. Then come back together and share. This lets everyone have a voice.
• Host movie nights. Watch a film related to the book’s theme. Discuss how the movie and book compare. This adds a fun and different way to explore the story.
• Create games. Make trivia questions about the book. Play in teams to see who remembers the most details. Games make learning fun and competitive.
• Invite guest speakers. Ask a priest, nun, or knowledgeable parishioner to talk about the book’s themes. They can offer new insights and answer questions.
• Plan social events. Have a picnic, potluck, or ice cream social. This helps build friendships and makes the group feel closer.

• Offer rewards. Give small prizes or certificates for attendance at the book club. Recognize their effort in front of the group. This motivates them to keep coming.
• Provide snacks. Teens enjoy eating together. Have snacks and drinks at each meeting. This creates a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
• Rotate leaders. Let different teens lead parts of the meeting. This gives them a sense of ownership. It helps them feel more involved.
• Plan special events. Organize occasional fun activities like a movie night, game night, or field trip. These events make the group more exciting.
• Get feedback. Ask teens what they like and what could be better. Listen to their suggestions and make changes. This shows you value their input.
• Communicate regularly. Send reminders about meetings and activities. Use text messages, emails, or social media. Keep the group informed and excited.
• Show appreciation. Thank the teens for coming and participating. Acknowledge their contributions and efforts. This makes them feel valued.
• Build friendships. Encourage teens to get to know each other. Plan icebreaker activities and social time. Strong friendships keep them connected to the group.

A Catholic teen book club helps teens grow in faith. It builds friendships and encourages reading. It also makes learning about the faith fun.

Choose good books. Plan your meetings well. Invite members with enthusiasm. Prepare carefully and lead engaging discussions. Use fun activities to keep interest. Encourage teens to keep coming back.

By following these steps, you can create a successful book club. This will help teens in your parish deepen their faith and enjoy reading. Don’t wait. Start your book club today and see the positive impact it can have.