4th Sunday of Easter – Year A (2023)

Filed Under: Feasts Holy Days and Seasons

Sunday, April 30, 2023

The readings for the Fourth Sunday in Easter (Good Shepherd Sunday) for year A remind us that Jesus Christ leads us through the gate of salvation. In the first reading (Acts 2:14A, 36-41) Peter calls all to conversion. The psalm (Psalm 23: 1-3a, 3b4, 5, 6) reminds us that God is always caring for us as a shepherd cares for his sheep. The second reading (1 Peter 2:20b-25) tells us that when we stray, we can return to the Lord. And in the gospel (John 10:1-10) Jesus promises to lead his people to safety and warns us to be cautious about who we follow.

Discussion points for this weekend might include discernment and discipleship. Here are some ideas:

Shepherd’s Voice Game

This game helps youth understand the importance of listening. Each group of sheep must listen to their shepherd's voice and follow it. It also goes well with a lesson on sticking together in community. The group of sheep will find it easier to get home if they stay together.

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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.

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