Lesson plans are meant to give a framework for introducing information to youth. Most of these also include reflection questions for small group sharing. These help youth think about how to apply what they have learned to their everyday lives.
Many of these lesson plans also include games, an appropriate prayer, and a challenge for the coming week.
Jesus Teaches Us
Blessings and Woes (Beatitudes in Luke)
This Blessings and Woes lesson plan on the Beatitudes will help youth understand the good and bad things which Jesus warns people about in the Sermon on the Plain from the Gospel of Luke.
Best Ever (The Great Commandment)
This lesson plan encourages youth to consider why Jesus gave us the Great Commandment. What makes it the “best ever” commandment?
My Relationship with God
A Welcome Sight (Seeing Jesus)
The Samaritan Woman at the Well
Where Should We Go? (Following Jesus)
Walking with Jesus: The Road to Emmaus
A Welcome Sight (Seeing Jesus)
This lesson plan on seeing Jesus will help youth think about what it takes to encounter Jesus and also about how really seeing our Lord will change our lives.
Fishy Business (Holiness)
This Fishy Business lesson plan on holiness will help youth understand that the path of discipleship can be full of potholes and twists and turns. God is calling to us to give us the grace we need. We just need to listen to his invitation and respond.
Knight Me! (Christ the King)
This Knight Me lesson plan will help youth understand that Christ must be king of our hearts and lives.
Be Open (Listening to God)
This lesson plan asks us to be open to God. Do we suffer from spiritual deafness? Are we able to hear what God is speaking to us? And are we able to communicate God’s message to others?
I Am With You (Holy Spirit)
This I Am With You lesson plan will help youth understand how the Holy Spirit helps us remember and live the teachings of Jesus.
Servant’s Heart (Serving God)
Help youth realize that serving God should be our priority. Sometimes we forget that and think that God is here to serve us.
Grateful
Help youth understand that we must remember to thank God every day for the blessings in our lives.
Hello. This is Jesus.
Could we effectively introduce Jesus to another person? How would we describe Him? Who is Jesus to us? Amidst the noise of our busy world, let’s take a moment to pause and contemplate our unique relationship with Jesus Christ. This lesson plan steers us towards an exploration of this connection. We’ll delve into introducing Jesus to unfamiliar individuals and into our own relationship with Him.
The Samaritan Woman at the Well
There are several different aspects of the story of the woman at the well which are interesting to reflect upon. Here are some questions for different ways to look at this story. These can be used to help facilitate group discussion or for starters for journaling.
Who Do You Belong To?
This reflection will help youth consider what it means to “belong” to God. Do our lives reflect this belonging?
Emmaus Walk Activity for Youth Ministry
This Emmaus Walk activity is a wonderful way for youth ministry groups to come together and grow in their faith, even in a shorter amount of time. In a two-hour setting, participants can engage in a variety of activities designed to facilitate connection with others, as well as deepen their relationship with God.
Walking with Jesus: The Road to Emmaus
This Road to Emmaus lesson plan focuses on the Gospel story of the Road to Emmaus, where Jesus revealed Himself to two disciples after His resurrection. The object of this lesson is to help youth understand the importance of recognizing Jesus in their daily lives and walking with Him as their Savior and friend. It is designed to help students relate to the story of the Road to Emmaus and find guidance and comfort in their faith.
Where Should We Go? (Following Jesus)
In this lesson plan, we explore the question, “Where should we go?” We learn about the challenges we face in following Jesus and walking by faith. Through reflection, we discuss the obstacles we encounter and the voices that influence us. The lesson encourages us to hear Jesus’ voice and make choices aligned with His teachings. We are challenged to trust in Him, seeking His guidance and forgiveness when we stray. Ultimately, we discover that following Jesus leads to a fulfilling and purposeful life.
Rooted in the Vine: Finding Support in Jesus
This lesson plan emphasizes the importance of staying rooted in Jesus as the true vine. Youth are encouraged to deepen their connection to Jesus and rely on Him for support and strength. Themes of Christian community, prayer and spiritual practices, and bearing fruit as disciples of Jesus are explored.
What Moves You?
This reflection encourages youth to consider how they see the working of the Holy Spirit in their lives. This is a lesson for Pentecost in particular.
Slow Down! (Prayer)
This prayer lesson plan will help youth understand the importance of taking time from our busy schedules to spend time with God. Prayer brings us closer to God and refreshes us
My Relationship with Others
Love Your Enemies (Conversion of Heart)
King of the Hill (Servant Leadership)
Inconsistent Imposter (Hypocrisy and the Church)
Judgement of the Nations (Corporal Works of Mercy)
Give It Your All (Generosity)
This Give It Your All lesson plan encourages youth to consider how we use what we have. Do we use it to make ourselves good or are we generous in giving back?
I Can’t See! (Fault Finding)
This I Can’t See lesson plan on fault finding will help youth understand that they must look closely at themselves and their own weaknesses before criticizing others. It also reminds them that the words they use show what is really in their hearts.
Love Your Enemies (Conversion of Heart)
This Love Your Enemies lesson plan will help youth understand why God asks us to love our enemies. This is very difficult to do, but by changing hearts we can change the world
What Should We Do? (Advice)
This What Should We Do lesson plan on advice will help youth understand that we must go to a trustworthy source when we are seeking answers to our questions.
King of the Hill (Servant Leadership)
This King of the Hill lesson plan on getting ahead will help youth understand that we are not on top in the Kingdom of God. Jesus is the ultimate example of servant leadership.
First or Last?(Humility)
This First or Last? lesson on humility will encourage youth to consider what it means to be humble. Why is humility crucial to discipleship?
Inconsistent Imposter (Hypocrisy and the Church)
This lesson plan will help youth understand that followers of Jesus must live their faith with their actions. Yes, there are hypocrites in the Church. It is made of people! But the Church can still lead us to holiness
Invisible – Seeing Others
This reflection will help youth understand the importance of really seeing others and noticing what is going on in their lives. Sometimes we are so wrapped up in what is important to us that we don’t see the needs of those around us.
Love One Another (Love)
This will help youth consider what it means to love. Love is not a feeling. It is something we must decide to do.
Judgement of the Nations (Corporal Works of Mercy)
Youth consider how they are taking care of those in need and learn about the corporal works of mercy.
Us vs Them
We often tend to associate with people who share similar traits and common interests: people on our sports team, friends who like the same video games, the theater troupe, our fellow choir members, chess enthusiasts, etc. There is nothing wrong with this unless it leads to an “Us vs Them” mentality. We have to remember not to exclude people outside of our usual circle or even worse, treat them unfairly.
What Is Love?
Teens consider how they define love. They also discuss what the is different between liking someone and loving someone.
Together We’re Better
In Matthew 18:15-20, Jesus tells us to point out our friends’ faults. Is that really a good idea? Are we really supposed to point out each other’s sins?
Fake You Out (Popularity and Authenticity)
This plan is for a youth ministry meeting focused on the problem of hiding yourself to seek popularity. Letting our true selves shine will allow us to be the people God created us to be and will lead us to true joy in Christ.
Who’s Your Buddy? (Friendship)
This plan on friendship helps teens understand that they shouldn’t try to go it alone on their faith journeys. Good friends who support us in faith are a blessing.
Parables
A Tale of Two Sons (The Prodigal Son)
All In! A Lesson Plan on Risking It All
The Savvy Steward – A Lesson Plan on Wealth
Actions Speak Louder than Words
Modern Day Version of The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant
A Tale of Two Sons (The Prodigal Son)
This Tale of Two Sons lesson plan on the parable of the prodigal son will help youth understand that followers of Jesus cannot just view freedom and duty from the world’s point of view. The generous father shows us how to live these in the context of love.
All In! A Lesson Plan on Risking It All
The parables of the Pearl of Great Price and the Treasure teach us important lessons about what is truly valuable. Jesus challenges us to think about what matters to us and our Heavenly Father. In our faith, we explore the idea of risking it all to receive something truly valuable from God. This means being willing to let go of worldly desires and trust in God’s plan for us.
The Savvy Steward – A Lesson Plan on Wealth
This lesson plan on the parable of the dishonest steward will help youth understand that we must have a healthy relationship with wealth and materials goods. They cannot become more important than the Lord.
Parable of the Talents
How do we use our gifts and talents to grow the Kingdom of God?
Actions Speak Louder than Words
The “Actions Speak Louder than Words” lesson plan focuses on aligning actions with words, using the parable of the two sons from Matthew 21:28-32. It’s designed for youth and beyond, prompting reflections on integrity, trust, and commitment. This universal message, rooted in Catholic theology, encourages individuals to bridge the gap between intentions and actions, fostering positive change in themselves and their communities.
Modern Day Version of The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant
Comprehending the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant can be tricky for today’s youth, given its historical backdrop. To bridge this gap, a contemporary adaptation involving soccer captain Mike offers relatability. Mike’s commitment wavers, mirroring the parable’s essence. His compassion towards his ailing grandmother stands in stark contrast to his indifference towards teammate Joe during a moral quandary. Thought-provoking talking points trigger introspection on challenging forgiveness scenarios, both giving and receiving. The central theme of healing and releasing strikes a chord with the parable’s narrative. This modern parallel presents a call for adolescents to release animosity, striving for reconciliation – a pertinent challenge.
The Parable of the Ten Virgins
In this parable, Jesus asks us to be prepared and ready.
Party Planning in Paradise
The Parable of the Wedding Feast makes us think about how God desires us to be with him. It is up to us to accept or reject His invitation and to prepare ourselves for the event.
Trials and Tribulations
Scary Stuff (The Second Coming)
Have No Anxiety (Trusting God)
Trust in Jesus: The Way, The Truth, The Life
What Are You Afraid Of? (The Storms of Life)
What Is Joy? (Joy vs Happiness)
Scary Stuff (The Second Coming)
This lesson plan on the second coming of Christ will help youth understand that we don’t need to be scared of the time when Christ comes in glory at the end of time. But we do need to be prepared.
Unwelcome (Rejection)
This reflection helps teens understand that even Jesus was rejected. And it was by those who were close to him. What does Jesus teach us about rejection?
Superpowers (Courage)
This Superpowers lesson plan will help youth understand what it means to be clothed in power. Like the first disciples, we need the superpower of courage.
Have No Anxiety (Trusting God)
This lesson plan explores the theme of anxiety and how trust in God can bring peace and freedom. Through engaging activities and discussions, participants will delve into Scripture, reflect on Catholic teachings, and practice gratitude as they learn to have no anxiety and find solace in their faith.
Trust in Jesus: The Way, The Truth, The Life Lesson Plan
As followers of Jesus, we are not alone in navigating the challenges and distractions of modern life. By trusting in Jesus’ guidance and teachings, we can find direction, purpose, and hope for the future. With the promise of eternal life as a reward for our faith and trust, we can draw inspiration from Jesus’ words to live fulfilling and abundant lives, guided by his constant presence in our lives.
What Are You Afraid Of? (The Storms of Life)
This reflection encourages youth to consider how faith in Jesus brings peace during the storms of life.
What Is Joy? (Joy vs Happiness)
This reflection will help youth think about the difference between joy and happiness. Even when life is difficult, we can still find joy through our faith in Jesus Christ.
Overcoming Fears: Finding Strength in Jesus’ Resurrection
This lesson plan will inspire youth to live fearlessly with faith in Jesus’ resurrection power. The lesson begins with an flashlight ghost story to grab attention, followed by a scripture reading from the Gospel of Matthew that assures us of Jesus’ triumph over fear. Engage in small group discussions to reflect on the disciples’ experiences. Explore how Jesus’ presence strengthens and comforts us, and discover the role of prayer and the sacraments in overcoming fears.
Do Not Be Afraid
This is a guided meditation on fear and trust in God. Its scripture focus is Matthew 14:22-33, when Jesus walks on water during the storm. This activity focuses on how we can be driven by fear, but with trust in God we can walk in faith. Some reflection questions are included for after the meditation.
Rescue Me! (Hardship)
This reflection encourages youth to consider that Jesus never promised us a life free from hardship. But he doesn’t expect us to try to survive on our own. He wants to help us.
Faith
Little Children (Childlike Faith)
This lesson plan on childlike faith will help youth think about why Jesus tells us to be like little children.
All Things Visible and Invisible
Consider what it means to believe in something which can’t be seen. How do we know it is real?
Are There Pets In Heaven?
Think about what heaven will be like and who and what might be there. Do I need my dog or cat in heaven in order to be happy?
Planting Seeds of Faith
This reflection encourages youth to think about how they need to pay attention to their faith to help it grow.
Seeing Salvation
Recognizing God is important. Youth will consider what signs indicate that God is near.
Where Is God?
This reflection encourages youth to consider how they experience God’s presence in their lives.
The Paschal Mystery
What Is My Cross?
This lesson plan explores Matthew 16:21-27, aiming to make “taking up your cross” relatable for teens practically. It emphasizes sacrificing for others through daily actions, not grand gestures. It can be used with or without Stations of the Cross. The goal is to demystify the concept, making it tangible. Whether discussing daily challenges or using the Stations of the Cross, the lesson helps teens understand dealing with their day-to-day challenges.
Dying to Live
Jesus tells us that unless a grain of wheat dies and falls to the ground, it will remain just a grain. Help youth consider the question of how death can lead to new life.
The Empty Tomb
Imagine yourself at the discovery of the empty tomb. How will you respond? Based on the resurrection account from the gospel of Mark, which is read at the Easter Vigil Mass.
Illuminate My World Jesus
This reflection will help youth understand why Jesus is the “Light of the World”. Jesus Christ is the ultimate revelation of the heart of God.
Where Have You Been? (The Passion of Jesus Christ)
Reflect on the sentencing of Jesus. It is written to go with the Passion from the Gospel of Mark, which is used in Year B. It works well if one person reads the scripture and another reads the meditation.
Discipleship
Lip Service (The Spirit of the Law)
Better Together (Working Together)
Laborers in the Field (Evangelization)
I’m Healed. What’s Next? (Our Response to Grace)
Lip Service (The Spirit of the Law)
Do we really follow Jesus or do we just pay Him lip service? This lesson plan will help youth understand the importance of seeing the heart of God in the spirit of the law.
For Love or Money (Wealth)
This For Love or Money lesson plan on wealth will help youth consider how material possessions and wealth can be an obstacle to discipleship.
Better Together (Working Together)
This Better Together lesson plan on working together will encourage youth to consider their motives. Are we trying to exalt ourselves or Jesus?
Feed My Sheep (Service)
We are all called to care for each other. Christian service involves sacrifice, but Jesus is there to strengthen us.
Who Are You? (Identity)
The question which was asked of John the Baptist: “Who are you?” There are many ways we can identify ourselves. How does our faith impact our identity?
Abandon Your Nets
Help youth understand what they need to leave behind in order to have the freedom to follow Jesus.
Caesar Vs. God
How do our duties as citizens and our call to discipleship overlap with each other?
Laborers in the Field (Evangelization)
Inspire and equip Catholic youth to be effective witnesses to the love of God and to share the message of the Gospel with others. Through a combination of scripture, reflection, discussion, and practical tools and strategies, this lesson plan seeks to provide youth with a strong foundation for evangelization and the confidence and skills to be effective laborers in the field.
What Are You Looking For?
Youth reflect upon what they really desire in life and if their desires are aligned with the path of discipleship.
I’m Healed. What’s Next? (Our Response to Grace)
What is our response to the graces we receive from our Lord? What do we do when we are healed?
Spreading the Gospel to the Whole World (Evangelization)
The Gospel reading from Mark 16:15-20 emphasizes the importance of spreading the message of salvation to everyone, as Jesus commands his disciples to go out and proclaim the good news to every creature. It challenges Catholics to reflect on their responsibility to share their faith with others, and to consider the best way to communicate the message of salvation with those around them.
Who Has Authority? (Magisterium)
Help youth think about who they give authority to in their lives. Who do teenagers listen to?
Good vs Evil
All Together Now (Racism)
Racism can be a difficult topic to discuss with teens. It is popular to think that we are “color blind”. But the fact is that the playing field is not level and that minorities do not have the same advantages as the majority. This lesson plan on racism introduces the topic of institutional racism.
Armor of God (Spiritual Warfare)
This Armor of God lesson plan will help youth understand that God gives us everything we need to enter into spiritual warfare and fight in the battle of good vs. evil.
Get Behind Me Satan (Avoiding Pain)
This lesson plan asks us to think about the difficult decisions we have to make. Why does Jesus say “Get behind me Satan”? Avoiding pain can be a temptation when it stands in the way of discipleship
Sacraments
Taught By God (The Authority of Jesus and the Eucharist)
Loaves and Fishes (The Eucharist)
What Does Amen Mean? (The Eucharist)
Baptized as Beloved Children (Baptism)
Beloved (Baptism)
This Beloved lesson plan will help youth understand that baptism brings us into life as members of our Heavenly Father’s family.
Taught By God (The Authority of Jesus and the Eucharist)
This lesson plan on the authority of Jesus will help youth consider what it means to be taught by God. And how does that impact our view of the Eucharist?
Does It Last? (The Eucharist)
This lesson plan on the Eucharist will help youth understand that the material goods of this world will pass away. In the end, our union with Jesus Christ in the Eucharist will last. Scripture reference: John 6:24-35
Loaves and Fishes (The Eucharist)
This Eucharist lesson plan will help youth understand that God provides for all of our needs. He especially cares for our spiritual needs through the gift of Himself in the Eucharist.
What Does Amen Mean? (The Eucharist)
The purpose of this lesson is to help young people understand the importance of their response, “Amen,” when they receive the Body and Blood of Christ. It aims to deepen their appreciation and understanding of the Eucharist, with a special focus on the significance of the Great Amen.
The material covers various themes, including truth, scripture, reverence, care, and reflection. It encourages participants to reflect on their own understanding of the meaning of amen.
This teaching plan is designed for use in youth ministry to assist adolescents in strengthening their faith and understanding of the Eucharist.
Baptized as Beloved Children (Baptism)
This lesson plan has the goal of helping young people understand and reflect on God’s love for them through the sacrament of baptism. It includes several activities, such as an opening activity centered around non-verbal love gestures, a scripture reading from Mark 1:7-11, small group reflection questions, a personal letter writing challenge, and a closing prayer.
The lesson plan aims to help youth view themselves as beloved children of God and encourages them to respond to His love in their everyday lives. Additionally, the lesson plan draws on the teachings of the Catechism of the Catholic Church to provide a deeper understanding of the sacrament of baptism and its importance.
What Is in Your Church? (Distractions at Mass)
Help youth consider why they are at mass. Is their church a place where they meet God? Or is it something else? Do we bring the things and cares of the world into church and let them distract us from God?
How Can I Get Clean? (Reconciliation)
This reflection will help youth understand that only Jesus can make us clean. And he wants to do it. All we need to do is ask.
Scripture
Mountain Time (Mountains in the Bible)
This Mountain Time lesson plan on mountains in the Bible will help youth understand the significance of the many references to mountains in scripture. We will discuss why mountains are seen as a place to encounter God and think about how we can go to the mountaintop.
Divine Reading (Lectio Divina)
This Divine Reading lesson plan on Lectio Divina will help youth understand the importance of prayerfully reading the Bible to understand how God is speaking to each of us personally through His word.
God Feeds His People (Bread and Manna)
Through the ages, God has desired to feed us. There are several prominent examples in the Old and New Testament, before the institution of the Eucharist at the Last Supper, of God physically feeding us.
Special Days and Seasons
In the Desert (Prayer, Fasting, and Almsgiving)
What Are You Waiting For? (Advent)
Be Watchful! Be Alert! (Advent)
Ups and Downs (Transfiguration)
What Is Love? (Good Shepherd Sunday)
In the Desert (Prayer, Fasting, and Almsgiving)
This In the Desert lesson plan on prayer, fasting, and almsgiving will help youth understand the connection between the temptation of Jesus in the desert and Lenten focus on spirituality, sacrifice, and service. Youth will come to understand why we give things up for Lent.
Blessed Bearer (Visitation)
This Blessed Bearer lesson plan on evangelization will help youth understand that Our Blessed Mother is an example of how to evangelize in the visitation to her cousin Elizabeth.
Follow That Star (Epiphany)
Following Jesus means giving our whole selves over to him and leaving behind anything which is hindering us.
What Are You Waiting For? (Advent)
John the Baptist’s message was that “One mightier than I is coming after me.” Some things are worth waiting for.
Be Watchful! Be Alert! (Advent)
What does it mean to be ready for Jesus? How are we preparing?
Ups and Downs (Transfiguration)
The Transfiguration will help youth think about the ups and downs of life. Sometimes we are in a really great place, but eventually we have to come down the mountain.
What Is Love? (Good Shepherd Sunday)
Jesus the Good Shepherd shows us the nature of sacrificial love. Love is more than just a warm fuzzy feeling. It is an intense desire for the well being of another.
Have a Birthday Party for the Church (Pentecost)
Pentecost is, of course, the birthday of the Church. Introduce this idea at your youth ministry meeting by having a birthday party for the church. Then use the reflection questions to help your teens go deeper into the idea of how they are sent to share the good news, just like the disciples.
Repent and Believe! (Lent)
Discuss what it means to repent. “What do I need to change to become closer to Jesus?”
Holy People
Our Lady of Lourdes
This our Lady of Lourdes lesson plan focuses on the messages of Our Lady. At the end, you will find some reflection questions
Mother Mary (The Wedding at Cana)
This Mother Mary lesson plan on the Wedding at Cana will help youth understand the role of Mary as our mother and an intercessor for us. We will also discuss the importance of the phrase “Do whatever he tells you”.
Cry Out (St. John the Baptist)
This Cry Out lesson plan on St. John the Baptist will help youth understand who this prophet was and the role he played in making the way for Jesus.
Fiat
What did Mary’s fiat (“let it be done”) mean and to how can we say yes in today’s world?
Why Do Catholics Pray to Mary and the Saints?
Why do Catholics pray to Mary and the saints? This lesson plan will help youth understand that it is like asking a friend to pray for you. And it points out that prayer is not the same as worship.
Leave a Reply