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Bless Your Children on the Feast of the Holy Innocents
On the feast day of the Holy Innocents, bless your children with a traditional Jewish blessing. Trace the sign of the cross on your child’s forehead when you say the blessing.
Parable of the Talents – Discussion and Reflection Questions
This reflection will help youth consider how they use their gifts and talents to grow the Kingdom of God.
3rd Sunday of Lent – Year A (2023)
The readings for the 3rd Sunday of Lent help us think about our true desires Some possible themes for this weekend are change of heart, baptism, and social justice, especially racism and immigration.
Why Have You Forsaken Me?
In this article from LifeTeen, Carrie Miller explains how alone she felt after the death of her father. Then she expresses how encountering Jesus in adoration helped her heal. And how she came to a deeper understanding of what the…
Palm Sunday
Palm Sunday commemorates Jesus Christ’s triumphant entry in Jerusalem, days before he was arrested and crucified. It is celebrated the Sunday before Easter and is the beginning of Holy Week.
St. Angela Merici
St. Angela Merici is the founder of the Ursuline order of religious sisters. She is the patron saint of the sick, the disabled, and all those grieving the loss of parents. Her feast day is January 27.
Washed Away Prayer Service
This prayer service makes a nice accompaniment to the Sacrament of Reconciliation. It could also be used for a youth ministry meeting about forgiveness or baptism. #YouthMinistry #forgiven
24th Sunday in Ordinary Time
On the Twenty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time, we told we must forgive just as our Heavenly Father forgives us. We remember that God rejoices when we return to Him. His mercy is a gift. We must give up our old…
Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe
This feast day recognizes that Jesus Christ is King of all the universe and encourages us to reflect if He is truly Lord of our hearts. Here are some ideas for youth ministry, religious education, classrooms, and families for this…
St. Nicholas
December 6 is the feast day of St. Nicholas. St. Nicholas was a third century bishop who is the origin of the Santa Claus story. He was known for his generosity and his habit of secret gift giving.
Why do Catholics Pray for the Dead?
On November 2, Catholics observe the Feast of All Souls. This is a day to remember our beloved dead and pray for them. At our parish, there is a table where parishioners can display photographs of their deceased loved ones.…
St. John the Evangelist
St. John the Evangelist was one of the 12 apostles of Jesus Christ. He is the author of the Gospel of John, the Epistles of John, and the Book of Revelation. His feast day is December 27.
4th Sunday of Lent – Year A (2023)
The readings for the 4th Sunday of Lent are about sight and blindness. Some possible themes for this weekend are light and darkness, or how we see ourselves, others, and God.
St. John of the Cross
December 14 is the feast day of St. John of the Cross. He was a sixteenth century mystic and poet who worked with St. Teresa of Avila to reform the Carmelite order.
Melt My Icy Heart Game (for Youth Ministry)
This is a fun game to go with a meeting focused on stubbornness or belief. Or just for fun. Your teens will love it. Each team must try to melt a giant ice cube.
Glow in the Dark Balloons Stomp
Most people working with youth are familiar with Balloon Stomp. This is a twist on the game which uses glow in the dark balloons. It would go well with a GLOW (God Lights Our Way) theme or just any evening…
All Saints Day
November 1 is the Solemnity of All Saints. On this day we remember all who were servants of the Lord while here on earth. We ask that they pray for us so that one day we might join them in…
Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children
January 22 is the anniversary of the Roe vs Wade decision and is designated as the “Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children”. It is a day of prayer and penance.
St. Peter Claver
St. Peter Claver was a Jesuit priest who ministered to slaves arriving in the Caribbean port city of Cartagena. He fed them and treated their diseases and wounds. His feast day is September 9.
Lenten Activities: Give Up Video Games for a Weekend
For many of us, video games have become a way to escape reality and blow off some steam. While this is not necessarily a bad thing, there is a tendency in our culture to spend a lot of time gaming.
Post a Religious Message to Social Media
Some people fast from social media during Lent. This can be a very effective way to regain wasted time. But if you are not fasting from social media, consider posting an inspirational message. This is a really good Lenten practice…
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October 15 is the feast day of St. Teresa of Avila, a Carmelite mystic, and doctor of the Church. Along with St. John of the Cross she worked to reform the Carmelite order which she felt was too lax.
Today, say a simple Advent prayer service together. It doesn’t need to be lengthy. In fact, with very young children, shorter is sometimes better.
Let the Spirit of Advent Visit
Gather for a few minutes to talk about how your advent is going. Talk about the ups and downs of the advent season, what you have done to prepare for the arrive of Jesus, and what you would still like…
The Feast of the Holy Family – Year B (2023)
The readings for the Feast of the Holy Family for Year B focus on the importance of family. So the topics for this weekend could include what it means to be a member of God’s family. Different types of families…
My Soul Is Thirsting for You, O Lord My God
My Soul Is Thirsting for You, O Lord My God – Psalm 63 (Social media graphic)
What Do I Treasure? Activity and Reflection Questions
Jesus often challenged people about their values. The Pearl of Great Price, the Buried Treasure, the Lost Coin are all parables about what is important to us and to our Heavenly Father. He also observed the poor widow, who gave…
December 28 is the feast day of the Holy Innocents. This day commemorates the children who were executed by Herod in fear that the newborn messiah would take his throne.
Lost on a Deserted Island Icebreaker
Lost on a Deserted Island is a fun icebreaker for VBS or youth ministry. Our Vacation Bible School program includes a middle school age group. For this group we create our own program. We always start the first day with…
Do Yardwork for the Elderly in Your Neighborhood
Service projects are a type of almsgiving during Lent. One popular project with teens and younger children is yardwork for the elderly. There might be some leaves left from the fall. Or fallen branches from winter storms. Or just some…
Lent is a time when we explore ways to deepen our prayer lives. A prayer journal is a good way to stay focused during prayer. I find this an especially helpful practice for teens who are trying to develop a…
St. Martin of Tours was a 4th century soldier in the Roman military. He lived during a time when Christianity had become legalized in the Roman Empire. He was a catechumen – one being instructed in the Catholic faith in…
This brief video from Busted Halo answers some basic questions about Lent: What is Lent? What is Ash Wednesday? Why do people have ashes on their heads? Why fast, pray, and give during Lent?
On the Twenty-Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, we reflect on faith. We seek to have the trusting faith of children, who believe that God is always caring for them. The Kingdom of God belongs to those who place their trust…
Wrath and Anger Are Hateful Things Yet the Sinner Hugs Them Tight
Wrath and anger are hateful things, yet the sinner hugs them tight. Forgive your neighbor’s injustice; then when you pray, your own sins will be forgiven.
Put Your Shoes Out for St. Nicholas
December 6, is the St. Nicholas Day. In many cultures the custom is for the children to leave a pair of shoes out when they go to bed on December 5. In the morning, they find that St. Nicholas has…