Sacred vs. Ordinary Spaces

Sacred or Silly?

This quick game will help your group loosen up and have a few laughs before diving into the lesson. It also gets them thinking about the difference between what is sacred and what is ordinary or silly.

Have everyone stand up. You, the facilitator, will read out different places or situations. After each one, they have to decide if it’s “Sacred” or “Silly.” If they think it’s sacred, they sit down. If they think it’s silly, they stay standing. You can move quickly and keep the mood light.

Examples to Read Aloud:

• A church during Mass
• A gym locker room
• Your grandma’s living room
• A wedding ceremony
• A theme park
• A classroom during prayer
• The kitchen table at dinner
• A soccer field before a game
• A movie theater

You can mix in a few super funny ones to keep it fun:

• A bathtub full of rubber ducks
• A pizza party in your garage
• A dance-off in the kitchen

After a few rounds, you can let the group sit and ask a few quick questions.

What made something feel sacred to you?
Did any examples surprise you?
Do you think something can be both silly and sacred at the same time? Why or why not?

That was a fun way to start thinking about different spaces in our lives. Some places feel special right away, and others feel more casual or just for fun. But what makes a space feel different? Is it the place itself, or what happens there?

Today we’re going to look at a moment when Jesus got really serious about how people were treating a sacred space. He didn’t laugh or joke about it. He acted quickly and boldly. It might even surprise you how He responded.

Let’s read a passage from the Gospel of John. As we listen, think about what Jesus wanted people to understand about the Temple. Then we’ll talk about what this means for us today—and how we treat sacred spaces in our own lives.

Read John 2:13-22 (Cleansing the Temple), the Gospel for the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica.

Since the Passover of the Jews was near, Jesus went up to Jerusalem.

He found in the temple area those who sold oxen, sheep, and doves, as well as the money-changers seated there. He made a whip out of cords and drove them all out of the temple area, with the sheep and oxen, and spilled the coins of the money-changers and overturned their tables, and to those who sold doves he said, “Take these out of here, and stop making my Father’s house a marketplace.”

His disciples recalled the words of Scripture, Zeal for your house will consume me.

At this the Jews answered and said to him, “What sign can you show us for doing this?”

Jesus answered and said to them, “Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up.”

The Jews said, “This temple has been under construction for forty-six years, and you will raise it up in three days?”

But he was speaking about the temple of his Body. Therefore, when he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this, and they came to believe the Scripture and the word Jesus had spoken.

John 2:13-22

Let’s start with the Gospel story where Jesus gets angry in the Temple. This surprises a lot of people. We usually picture Jesus as calm, gentle, and kind. So why was He so upset? It’s because people were turning the Temple into a place for business, not worship. They were selling animals and changing money right in the Temple area. Jesus saw that they had forgotten what the Temple was for. It wasn’t just another building. It was a sacred space, meant for prayer, sacrifice, and meeting God. That’s why Jesus flipped tables and told them to stop. He cared deeply about honoring God’s house.

Now think about this: If Jesus felt that strongly about the Temple, what does that say about how we should treat our own sacred spaces today? For Catholics, the church is our most sacred space. It’s where we celebrate the Mass. It’s where the Eucharist is present. That means Jesus is truly there. So, when we enter a church, we aren’t just stepping into a building. We’re entering a holy place, just like the Temple in the Gospel.

Let’s compare walking into a church with walking into a store or a gym. In a store, we’re usually thinking about what we want to buy. In a gym, we’re focused on exercise or sports. We might be laughing, talking, or playing music. That’s normal in those places. But in a church, we come to worship, to pray, to be quiet and still with God. The space is different, and how we act should be different too.

But sometimes, we forget that. Sometimes people talk loudly in church, look at their phones, or treat the space like any other place. That’s easy to do, especially if we’ve been going to the same church for years. But Jesus reminds us not to treat sacred places like they’re just ordinary. We need to be careful not to lose our sense of reverence.

You might wonder, why do Catholics kneel, genuflect, or stay quiet in church? These actions are signs of respect. When we genuflect, we’re bending one knee to honor Jesus in the tabernacle. When we kneel, we’re humbling ourselves before God. When we stay quiet, we make space to listen and pray. These things help us remember where we are—and who we are there to see.

So what makes a place sacred? Is it just about the building? Not really. A building becomes sacred because of what happens there. A church becomes sacred because it’s where we celebrate the sacraments, especially the Eucharist. It’s where we gather as God’s people to pray and worship. God’s presence makes the space holy. And our love, reverence, and attention to Him help keep it that way.

But here’s something else to think about—God doesn’t just live in churches. He wants to be part of all our lives, not just the “church part.” That means He can be with us in our homes, classrooms, and even on the soccer field. When we pray before a test or invite God into our friendships or family life, those places become sacred too. They might not look like a church, but God is there when we turn to Him.

So yes, we need to treat churches with deep respect. But we also need to carry that same attitude into the rest of our lives. Every space can be touched by God—if we let Him in. And when we do, we become more aware of His presence all around us.

Sacred space isn’t just about buildings. It’s about how we see the world and how we choose to live in it.

In small groups, give everyone a chance to share. Remind the youth that this is a respectful space. No one is forced to speak, but everyone’s thoughts are welcome. Listen to each other without interrupting. Be open and honest. There are no “wrong” answers. These questions are meant to help you think more deeply about sacred and ordinary spaces in your own life.

• Why do you think Jesus was so upset about what was happening in the Temple?
• Have you ever walked into a church and felt something different? What did you notice?
• How do you think God wants us to act when we are in a sacred space like a church?
• Have you ever seen someone treat a church like an ordinary place? How did that make you feel?
• Why do you think we kneel, genuflect, or stay quiet in church? What do those actions mean to you?
• Can you think of a time when you felt close to God in an ordinary place, like home or school?
• What are some ways we can invite God into our everyday spaces?
• How does knowing that God is everywhere change how we live each day?
• What is one thing you can do this week to show more respect in a sacred space?
• What is one way you can make your home or school feel more holy?

Here’s your challenge for the week: treat the spaces around you like they matter to God. Start with church. When you walk in, pause and remember that you’re stepping into a sacred space. Genuflect slowly and say a short prayer. Try to stay quiet and focused during Mass, even if your mind starts to wander. Show with your body and actions that you know Jesus is truly there.

Now bring that same attitude into your daily life. Pick one ordinary place—maybe your room, your school desk, or your locker. Take a moment each day to invite God into that space. You could say a short prayer there or put a small reminder of your faith nearby, like a cross or a saint card. When you do this, you’re saying, “God, you’re welcome here.” And that changes everything.

Let us take a moment to quiet our hearts. Let’s put away distractions and be still in God’s presence. We are going to close with a prayer. You can pray silently or out loud, whichever feels right to you.

Lord Jesus,
You showed us that your Father’s house is holy. You were filled with love and respect for the Temple, and you taught us to treat sacred places with care. Help us to do the same when we enter your churches. Teach us to kneel with meaning, to listen with our hearts, and to pray with love.

Thank you for being present in the tabernacle. Thank you for the gift of the Eucharist. Help us never to take your presence for granted.

We also thank you for the ordinary places in our lives—our homes, schools, sports fields, and hangout spots. Help us remember that you can be with us in those places too. When we pray, show kindness, or choose to do what’s right, we make those spaces holy.

Jesus, help us this week to be more aware of your presence. Let our words, actions, and choices show that we belong to you. May our hearts become little temples where you are always welcome.

Thank you for the gift of the Church, for our parish, for our friends here, and for the whole Catholic family around the world. Help us to support one another and grow together in faith.

We ask all of this in your holy name. Amen.

Themes

• Respect for sacred places: Catholics believe some places are holy because God is present there. Churches are where we gather to worship and receive the sacraments. We should act with care and reverence in these spaces.
• Jesus and the Temple: Jesus showed that sacred places matter when He cleared the Temple. He called it His Father’s house. This reminds us to treat holy spaces with deep respect.
• God’s presence in church: The Eucharist is at the center of our worship. Jesus is truly present in the tabernacle. That is why we kneel, pray, and stay quiet.
• Holy actions matter: Our actions in church show what we believe. Bowing, genuflecting, and being silent are ways to honor God. These habits teach us reverence.
• Not just another building: A church is different from a gym or store. It is a place set apart for God. We should not treat it like any other space.
• Reverence teaches faith: When we act with reverence, it helps others see the church as a holy place. It also helps our own hearts grow in love for God. What we do shapes what we believe.
• God in everyday life: Even though churches are special, God can be with us anywhere. We can invite Him into our homes, schools, and sports. He wants to be part of our daily lives.
• Prayer creates sacred space: When we pray, we welcome God. A quiet moment of prayer can turn any place into a holy one. God meets us wherever we open our hearts.
• Jesus cares about worship: Jesus didn’t stay silent when the Temple was disrespected. He acted to protect what was holy. He invites us to do the same today.
• Our bodies are temples: St. Paul says our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. That means we are sacred too. We should honor God by how we live.
• Sacred means set apart: A sacred space is not ordinary. It is meant for a holy purpose. That’s why we use churches for worship and not for casual things.
• Community in sacred space: The Church is the Body of Christ. When we gather in a sacred place, we come together as a family of faith. That unity is part of what makes the space holy.

Background Material

In the Catholic faith, sacred spaces are places where God is present in a special way. The most important sacred space is the church, especially during Mass. This is where we gather as the Body of Christ to worship, pray, and receive the Eucharist. Jesus is truly present in the Eucharist, so a church is not just a building. It is holy. Catholics treat the church with care and respect because it is God’s house.

In the Gospel of John (John 2:13-22), we see how seriously Jesus takes the idea of sacred space. He drives out the people who were buying and selling in the Temple. He says, “Stop making my Father’s house a marketplace.” Jesus was not angry just because people were doing business. He was angry because they were not treating the Temple as a holy place. This shows us that sacred spaces are meant for worship, not for personal gain or distraction.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us of this truth. It says, “Visible churches are not simply gathering places but signify and make visible the Church living in this place, the dwelling of God with men reconciled and united in Christ” (CCC 1180). This means the church building is not just for people to meet. It is a sign that God is with us. When we enter a church, we are stepping into a place where heaven and earth meet.

Catholics have many signs of respect when they enter sacred spaces. We genuflect toward the tabernacle. We dip our fingers in holy water and make the Sign of the Cross. We stay quiet. These actions help us remember that we are in God’s presence. They also teach us to have a spirit of prayer and reverence.

At the same time, the Catholic Church teaches that God can be found outside of church too. God is present in our homes, schools, and sports fields. When we pray, love others, and live as disciples, we make those places holy as well. But there is still something different about sacred spaces. A church is consecrated for worship. That means it is set apart for a special purpose. We are invited to treat it with extra care.

In 1 Corinthians 3:16, St. Paul says, “Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?” This shows us that we, too, are called to be holy. If we are temples of the Holy Spirit, then we should live in a way that honors God. Just as we respect the church, we should also treat our bodies and lives with respect.

This lesson helps youth see the deep meaning of sacred spaces in the Catholic faith. It helps them understand why we treat churches differently than other places. And it also shows that all parts of life can become holy when we live with faith.

Music Suggestions

• Holy, Holy, Holy/God with Us by Matt Maher
• Lord Prepare Me (Sanctuary) by Oasis Worship
• Doxology by Passion and David Crowder Band

More Youth Ministry Lesson Plans and Reflections

If you’re looking for more free resources, explore our collection of youth ministry lesson plans and reflections. These lessons cover a wide range of topics, including Scripture, sacraments, prayer, and moral choices. Each plan includes discussion questions, activities, and prayers to help young people grow in their faith.

Whether you’re a teacher, catechist, or youth minister, these materials can support your efforts to engage youth in meaningful conversations about their relationship with God and others. All resources are free and easy to use in various settings.