3rd Sunday of Easter – Year A (2023)

Filed Under: Feasts Holy Days and Seasons

Sunday, April 23, 2023

The readings for the 3rd Sunday in Easter for Year A encourage us to truly walk the path of discipleship. In the first reading (Acts 2:14, 22-33) Peter boldly proclaims the Good News. The psalm (Psalm 16:1-2, 5, 7-8, 9-10, 11) reminds us that God will guide us along the path of life. The second reading (1 Peter 1:17-21) explains that Jesus Christ died so we could have new life. And in the gospel (Luke 24:13-35) two disciples encounter the risen Jesus on the road to Emmaus.

So discipleship, fellowship, and letting God lead are themes for this weekend. Here are some ideas:

Go to a Prayer Labyrinth

A prayer labyrinth is a circle with a path in it which you walk while you pray. The purpose of the labyrinth is to facilitate prayer. Several Catholic retreat centers in our area have prayer labyrinths on their grounds. They can be really effective for some youth with Autism or ADHD.

Guide Me to Heaven Game for VBS Or Youth Ministry

This is a game which helps youth understand the importance of clear instructions and helping each other stay on the right path. It goes well with a meeting focused on friends or the teaching of the Church.

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St. Agnes of Rome was born in the year 291. Many eligible young men sought to marry her. But she saw herself as the spouse of Jesus. When she continued to resist, she was condemned to death and was martyred at the age of 13.

The readings for the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time for Year B invite us to be transformed by the call of Jesus. So possible themes for this Sunday are evangelization, vocations, and discipleship.

January 25 is the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul. St. Paul's encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus converted him from a persecutor of Christians to a fully committed follower of Jesus.

January 26 is the feast day of Sts. Timothy and Titus. St. Timothy is the patron saint of stomach ailments. St. Titus is the patron saint of the United States Army Chaplain Corps.

The Yes No game is a fun activity for your youth group or youth ministry meeting. It can be tied in with teaching by reminding us that we need to say "Yes" to God. It also works well with a meeting focused on our Blessed Mother, whose "Fiat" ("let it be done") in answer to the Angel Gabriel at the Annunciation was an affirmation in her complete trust in the Lord.

Getting to Know You Bingo works well as a VBS game or a youth group game. This set of 20 bingo cards can be used with youth group or Vacation Bible School.

Today's activity from Young Catholics is a printable puzzle of the Ten Commandments. A key is also provided, in case you are not an expert in cryptography. :-)

St. Patrick's Breastplate is a prayer for protection and guidance. Christ is always with us providing us strength and wisdom.

Pentecost is right around the corner. Since the dove is often used as a symbol of the Holy Spirit, making origami doves can be a fun craft for kids on this holy day.