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Inspired By You Letters

Faith grows stronger when we take time to notice the people who encourage us. Young people often have mentors, family members, or friends who quietly guide them by their words and example. Sometimes, though, teens do not pause to say thank you or to recognize the role others play in shaping their journey with Christ. This activity gives them the chance to do just that.

Writing letters also helps teens reflect on their own faith. They see how God works through others, but they also realize that they, too, are called to carry the light of Christ. Taking time to put thoughts into words makes their reflections more real. What may have been just a passing thought becomes something they can hold on to.

Another blessing of this activity is that it encourages gratitude. Teens can learn that showing thanks is an important part of discipleship. By thanking someone who inspires them, they not only encourage that person but also deepen their own sense of faith community. Gratitude strengthens both the writer and the receiver.

Finally, writing a letter to themselves gives teens the chance to set spiritual goals. Life moves quickly, and it is easy for faith to be pushed aside. A letter written now and read later can be a reminder of their hopes and their desire to grow in God’s love. It can become a spark that helps them stay close to Christ in the months and years to come.

Letters of Faith and Memory

This activity ties closely to many themes found in Scripture. Paul often wrote letters to early Christian communities. In them, he encouraged, corrected, and reminded them of God’s love. When teens write their own letters, they follow in this same tradition. They practice speaking faith into words, just as the apostles did. Their letters can carry messages of gratitude, encouragement, and hope, much like the letters we read in the New Testament.

It also connects to the Catholic call to remember. In the Old Testament, God often told his people to remember what He had done for them. By writing letters, teens pause to look back on the ways God has worked through others. This helps them see their lives as part of a larger story of faith. It shows them that God is still active today.

In youth ministry, this activity is a way to build stronger community. It encourages teens to recognize how faith is shared and lived in everyday life. It also helps them think about their own future as disciples. By writing to themselves, they set goals rooted in faith. This makes the ministry gathering more than just an event. It becomes a moment of growth, gratitude, and connection to the Church’s story.

Inspired By You Letters Instructions

Materials

  • Stationary
  • Envelopes
  • Pens
  • Stamps

Instructions

First, have each teen write an “inspired by you” letter to a person in their life who has inspired them in their faith journey. Suggestions include parents, grandparents, priests, religious, teachers, friends, coaches, club moderators, Scout leaders, etc. The “inspired by you” letter should include some concrete examples of how this person is an inspiration. Here are some questions to help them:

  • How is this person a model of faith?
  • Is there a challenge this person has faced in life with the help of faith?
  • How is this person involved in their parish?
  • Do you see evidence of the power of the sacraments or scripture in his or her life?
  • Does this person speak about their faith?

The “inspired by you” letter should include a “thank you” for being an inspiration. The teens should take these letters with them and give them or mail them to the person. Follow up in a week to ask them if they have done this.

Next, have each teen write a letter to themselves, to be mailed at a future date. This should be far enough in the future that it comes as a surprise when they receive it, but not so far that the youth minister forgets to mail it. 🙂 Six months to a year is a good time frame. For a Confirmation program, this could be mailed on the one year anniversary of their Confirmation.

For this letter, they should encourage themselves to continue to live their faith and to inspire others. Here are some questions to get them started:

  • Where do I want my faith life to be in a year?
  • What prayer habits or other actions am I starting now that I still hope to be doing in the future?
  • Am I feeling a call to conversion? If so, how will I act on it?
  • Is there some burden I am carrying now that I hope to let go of?
  • Is there a gift from God in my life that I want to remember to be thankful for?
  • How do I hope to grow during my faith journey?

Let the teens put the letters in the envelopes, seal them, and write their names on the envelope. These letters are for their eyes only. And then mail them to them at a future date.

Resources

Unleashing Creativity: The Power of Creative Activities in Youth Ministry

More Youth Ministry Activities

If you enjoyed this activity, you can find many more ideas to use with teens. Our youth ministry activities page has games, lessons, and projects that make faith come alive. These activities are designed to help young people grow closer to Christ while having fun together.

Whether you are planning a small group meeting, a retreat, or a parish event, the youth ministry activities page has resources to help. You will find simple activities that encourage reflection, prayer, and community. It is a great place to get fresh ideas for your ministry.

Social Media Graphics and Bulletin Artwork

Writing Faith Into Words

This image, titled “Writing Faith Into Words,” is now available for download to use in your parish bulletins and newsletters. It is a beautiful way to highlight activities and themes that encourage reflection, gratitude, and growth in faith.

Use it to draw attention to youth ministry programs, Confirmation preparation, or any catechesis that invites people to share their faith journey. Add it to your parish communications to inspire and encourage your community.

Paid subscribers may download a large copy this digital artwork without watermarks, suitable for use in bulletins, social media, newsletters, etc., free of charge by clicking here. You must be logged in as a paid subscriber to access the file.

Only current paid subscribers have the rights to use the artwork.

Questions and Answers

Do the teens have to share their letters with the group?

No. These letters are private. The first letter is meant to be given or mailed to the person who inspired them. The second letter is sealed and sent back to the teen at a later date.

What if a teen cannot think of someone who inspired their faith?

Encourage them to think about anyone who showed them kindness, strength, or love. It could be a teacher, coach, friend, or family member. Sometimes inspiration comes from small acts of faith.

How long should the letters be?

The letters do not need to be long. A few sincere sentences are enough. The goal is thought and gratitude, not length.

When should I mail the letters back to the teens?

Six months to a year works well. If used for Confirmation, the anniversary of the sacrament is a meaningful time.

What if a teen is nervous about writing?

Remind them that this is not about perfect grammar or fancy words. Honest and simple words are best. They should just write from the heart.

Letters of Inspiration and Hope

The Inspired By You Letters activity invites teens to pause and think about who has shaped their faith. Many young people have been guided by parents, grandparents, teachers, or mentors who live their faith in quiet and steady ways. This activity helps teens take notice and express thanks for that influence.

The first letter is written to someone who has inspired them. This builds gratitude and reminds teens that faith is shared through example. Saying thank you strengthens both relationships and faith. It shows that discipleship is about encouraging one another in Christ.

The second letter is written to themselves. This one looks ahead to the future. Teens are invited to encourage themselves to grow in prayer, service, and trust in God. When the letter arrives later, it serves as a reminder of the hopes and goals they had set.

Taken together, both letters help teens see how faith is passed on, lived, and nurtured. This makes the activity a strong tool for youth ministry and catechesis. It highlights gratitude, encouragement, and the work of the Holy Spirit in everyday life.

Your Turn

Try the Inspired By You Letters activity with your group or family. It is a simple way to help teens recognize how God works through others and to encourage their own faith journey. Writing down their thoughts makes their faith more personal and lasting.

We would love to hear how this activity works for you. Share your variations, ideas, or reflections in the comment section. Your insights may inspire other leaders, parents, and youth ministers as they encourage teens to grow in faith and gratitude.

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