Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time – Year A (2023)

The readings for the 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time are a call to trust in God. Although our circumstances can be unsettling or frightening, God is always caring for us. The first reading (Jeremiah 20:10-13) Jeremiah trusts in the Lord even though he is being plotted against. The psalm (Psalm 69:8-10, 14, 17, 33-35) expresses hope that God will hear our prayers in times of distress. The second reading (Romans 5:12-15) reminds us that Jesus rescued us even though we are sinners. And in the gospel (Matthew 10:26-33) Jesus tells us “Fear no one” and that we are loved and cared for by God.

So trust, bravery, and hope are good themes for this weekend’s readings. Here are some ideas:

Youth Prayer to St. George for Courage

Pray this intercessory prayer to St. George when you need the strength and courage to resist evil and stand up for what is right. This prayer is written with youth in mind and the types of experiences they have in their daily lives.

Tick-Tock the Crocodile Hunt (VBS or Camp Game)

Tick-Tock the Crocodile Hunt is a very simple small group indoor game for a pirate themed Vacation Bible School or camp. It works best with eight or fewer players. In this game one of the players (Captain Hook), hunts for a ticking crocodile.

Prayer for the Grieving

Grieving the loss of a loved one can be a long process. It is natural for many to turn to God in these times. Although it can also be normal to experience anger, disappointment in God, or a general lack of faith. Don't despair! God is still there. He is waiting for you and patiently allows each of us to grieve in our own way.

Jesus Is With Me

"Jesus is with me. I have nothing to fear." Bl. Pier Giorgio Frassati

Divine Mercy Chaplet

Most Catholic youth are familiar with the rosary, but the Chaplet of Divine Mercy is less well known. The Chaplet is a devotion which reminds us that God is merciful and that we too must show mercy.

A Prayer for Our Nation

It is easy to look at the divisions in our country and the injustices and loose hope. But our merciful God is first and foremost our reason for hope. Let us place our country in his hands.

The Lord Is With Me

But the LORD is with me, like a mighty champion: my persecutors will stumble, they will not triumph. In their failure they will be put to utter shame, to lasting, unforgettable confusion.

Pope Francis’ Five Finger Prayer

Pope Francis' Five Finger Prayer is a way to remember who to pray for. Download a printable PDF of this prayer aid.

A Student’s Prayer to St. Jude Thaddeus

St. Jude is the patron saint of hope and of impossible causes. That makes him a good saints for students when they feel overwhelmed by studies and other demands on their time.

Prayer of Teilhard de Chardin – Patient Trust

This prayer is about waiting patiently for God. It is especially good for high school students and young adults who are discerning a vocation or possible career. We can be impatient about wanting an answer from God during the discernment process and this prayer is a good way to help trust that God will eventually show us where we are supposed to head.

Sea Slime (for VBS or Youth Ministry)

Slime is easy to make and fun for kids to play with. Mix up a batch of sea slime for your ocean themed Vacation Bible School or youth group meeting.