• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Young Catholics

Youth Ministry, Vacation Bible School (VBS), and Family Resources

  • Resources by Date
  • Resources by Type
  • Resources by Theme
  • Resources by Topic
  • Free Graphics
  • Catholic Gifts
  • Email

19th Sunday in Ordinary Time – Year A (2023)

Filed Under: Feasts Holy Days and Seasons

Sunday, August 13, 2023

The readings for the Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time for Year A show us that God is Lord over all of the earth. In the first reading (1 Kings 19:9A, 11-13A) God tells us that he will provide for all of our needs and give us life. The psalm (Psalm 85:9, 10, 11-12, 13-14) proclaims that God rules the world with kindness and justice The second reading (Romans 9:1-5) explains that Christ is over all. And in the gospel (Matthew 14:22-33) Jesus walks on water to the disciples, whose boat is being tossed in a storm.

This might be a good time to talk about how we can let Jesus be Lord in our own lives. There is also a theme of recognizing God. Here are some ideas:

Ship Wreck Action Game (for VBS or Youth Group)
Ship Wreck is a running game. The game requires a combination of speed, teamwork, and listening skills. So this is one of those games that is not necessarily won by the most athletic team. Some teamwork strategy can really even the odds.
Bail the Ship (VBS or Youth Group Game)
Bail the Ship is a fun large group game. It pits two groups against each other and burns off a lot of energy. I have seen it played at Vacation Bible School and at camp. It's always a lot of fun!
Cork Ship in a Bottle Craft for VBS or Youth Ministry
This is a simple ship in a bottle craft, not the type that takes days and days. It is easy to make. The kids can take it home and use it as a centerpiece for any nautical themed Vacation Bible School or youth group meeting. #ShipwreckedVBS #VBS #YouthGroup #YouthMinistry
Take Courage, It Is I; Do Not Be Afraid
During the fourth watch of the night, he came toward them walking on the sea. When the disciples saw him walking on the sea they were terrified. “It is a ghost,” they said, and they cried out in fear. At once Jesus spoke to them, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.”
Fearful Finds Relay
In this game, players put their hands in a box of unknown substance to find coins. It is a test of if they can overcome their fear of what they might be touching. Be prepared for some funny reactions! There are also some reflection questions at the end.
Do Not Be Afraid – Reflection and Discussion Questions
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.
Keep Your Heart Turned to God Amid the Storm
Having faith means keeping your heart turned to God, to His love, to His Fatherly tenderness, amid the storm. Jesus wanted to teach this to Peter and the disciples, and also to us today - Pope Francis (Social media graphic)

Tagged: Events

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Rate This




Primary Sidebar

St. Thomas Aquinas
Thursday, January 28
St. Thomas Aquinas is a 13th century saint and a Doctor of the Church. St. Thomas was influenced by the philosopher Aristotle and was known to for his logical and reasoned approach to theology.
4th Sunday in Ordinary Time – Year B (2021)
Sunday, January 31
The readings for the Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time for Year B invite us to recognize Jesus and grant him authority in our lives. So possible themes for this Sunday are conversion and magesterium. Here are some ideas.
St. John Bosco
Sunday, January 31
St. John Bosco was a priest and educator. His feast day is January 31. He is the patron saint of editors, school children, publishers, young people, juvenile delinquents, and magicians. 
Feast of the Presentation of the Lord
Tuesday, February 2
The readings for the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord speak of purification and offering. What am I willing to present to God as an offering? What parts of my life do I need to purify? Where am I in need of more holiness? Can I offer some aspect of my own life as the gifts are brought up during the offertory?
St. Agatha
Friday, February 5
St. Agatha lived in 3rd century Italy. She desired to be consecrated to the Lord and remain unmarried and able to be dedicated to a life of prayer. However she had many men who desired her.
God Heals the Brokenhearted
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. He tells the number of the stars; he calls each by name.
 Act today in such a way that you need not blush tomorrow. - St. John Bosco
Act today in a way that you need not blush tomorrow.
This quote from St. John Bosco reminds us to think before we act
Harden Not Your Hearts
Oh, that today you would hear his voice: “Harden not your hearts as at Meribah, as in the day of Massah in the desert, Where your fathers tempted me; they tested me though they had seen my works.”

Popular

Discovery

© 2021 · Young Catholics