Sacraments

First Person Stations of the Cross

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This mediation will take youth through the way of the cross. They will see each station as if they were there. The prayers are meant to relate to their own lives. This is appropriate during Lent or even if you will be offering youth an opportunity for reconciliation soon.

Printable copy of First Person Stations of the Cross Download

Opening prayer:

You must have felt so alone as you walked the road to Calvary dear Jesus. Today I ask to accompany you. I want to be united with you on this journey.

The First Station: Jesus Is Condemned to Death

We adore you, O Christ, and we bless You,
Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

I see you standing before Pilate dear Jesus. He is going to sentence you to death. I know I should speak up and defend you. You have done nothing wrong. But I stand here silently, not wanting to draw any attention to myself.

There have been other times when I should have spoken up, but I have said nothing. When my friends were spreading rumors about about a girl in our class, I said nothing to stop them.

Please grant me the courage to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves.

The Second Station: Jesus Takes Up His Cross

We adore you, O Christ, and we bless You,
Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

You stagger as they lay the heavy beam on your shoulders. I don’t know how you can bear it. I should help you, but I don’t. I don’t want to be near your suffering.

The world tells us that suffering is to be avoided at all costs. I avoid sickness, death, old age. When my uncle was sick, I didn’t want to visit him. It made me uncomfortable.

Please give me the strength to assist and accompany the people in my life who are suffering.

The Third Station: Jesus Falls for the First Time

We adore you, O Christ, and we bless You,
Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

You trip on an uneven stone in the pavement and fall. The soldiers yell at you and beat you. I should help you but I don’t. I am afraid that they will be cruel to me also.

I let myself be controlled by peer pressure. When a boy I knew was being bullied online, I looked the other way. I could have done something to help, but I didn’t want to be a target also.

Jesus, please grant me the grace to help those who are being mistreated by others.

The Fourth Station: Jesus Meets His Mother Mary

We adore you, O Christ, and we bless You,
Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

You see your mother. She cries out in grief at the site of you. As you are pushed forward, I see her weeping. I should say something to her, but I continue on instead.

I find grief hard to understand. After my grandfather died, my grandmother wanted to talk about him all the time. It made me uncomfortable, so I avoided talking to her.

Lord, help me to understand that my presence means more to those who are grieving than any words I might say.

The Fifth Station: Simon Helps Jesus Carry His Cross

We adore you, O Christ, and we bless You,
Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

The soldiers grabbed Simon of the crowd and forced him to help carry the cross. I am glad it wasn’t me. I don’t like it when people tell me what to do.

When my mother asked me to clean my room yesterday, I ignored her. I was busy playing a game. And when the game was over, I wanted to watch TV. Doing chores around the house is boring and I try to get out of them.

Jesus help me remember that I have to help carry the weight around our home and help my family.

The Sixth Station: Veronica Wipes the Face of Jesus

We adore you, O Christ, and we bless You,
Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

Your face is grimy and dirty, but Veronica pushed through the crowd so she could wipe it off. She didn’t seem to mind the mess. I think I would have been afraid that some of the filth would get on me.

When I am approached by a homeless person on the street, I am repulsed by their appearance. I could never serve at a soup kitchen. I just don’t like being around people like that.

Jesus, help me see your face in the people I meet who are dirty and ignored by society.

The Seventh Station: Jesus Falls for a Second Time

We adore you, O Christ, and we bless You,
Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

You stumble and fall. You are worn down by the weight of the cross and the beatings. I should go forward and say that you matter, but I continue to hold back.

I find it difficult to encourage people who are struggling or having a bad day. When we were at the store, the girl at the checkout looked so sad. I could have said something nice or just smiled at her, but I didn’t.

Jesus, help me remember that a positive message can make a big difference in someone else’s life, even if I don’t always see it.

The Eight Station: Jesus Meets the Women of Jerusalem

We adore you, O Christ, and we bless You,
Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

I am shocked that you would find the energy to console that group of women. They are nobodies in our society. Why did you bother?

I don’t try to talk to people I don’t know. If they are outside of my group of friends I make no attempt to get to know them better.

Lord, help me to reach out to those around me and offer them my friendship.

The Ninth Station: Jesus Falls for the Third Time

We adore you, O Christ, and we bless You,
Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

You fall yet again. This time it is from sheer exhaustion. I’m not sure you are going to get back up. It doesn’t seem possible that you can keep going. You are in so much pain, but I don’t think I can do anything to help.

Sometimes the problems of this world seem too big for me to solve, so I don’t even try. The few cans of food that I am giving to the food pantry are not going to solve the problem of hunger.

Jesus, teach me that even small acts of kindness can give others the strength to keep going.

The Tenth Station: Jesus Is Stripped of His Garments

We adore you, O Christ, and we bless You,
Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

Your wounds are ripped open as your clothes are stripped away. You stand before the crowd, naked and humiliated. I am unwilling to give up my cloak to you. They would probably take it away and then it would have just been wasted.

I have so many nice clothes and other things. I appreciate them, but they are mine. When I give things away, it is usually clothes or games I don’t use anymore.

Lord, help me to remember that nothing is really mine. All I possess is a gift from you.

The Eleventh Station: Jesus Is Nailed to the Cross

We adore you, O Christ, and we bless You,
Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

I hear the strike of the hammer on the nail and I see your body writhe in pain. They lift you up so the whole world can see your defeat. You seem utterly alone.

Sometimes I like to see other people defeated. When someone who has hurt me is humiliated, I have to admit that I feel a sense of satisfaction. They should feel the kind of pain that they inflicted on me.

Jesus, teach me to love as you love, and to always want what is best for others, even my enemies.

The Twelfth Station: Jesus Dies on the Cross

We adore you, O Christ, and we bless You,
Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

You are gone. The earth seems so empty and silent. Nothing will ever be the same again. I feel all of my hope leaving me as I give into despair.

When I feel alone and hopeless I don’t know where to turn. I forget that you are always with me. You are there in my friends and family and people I meet every day.

Jesus, help me to remember that I am never alone. You provide help when I call out to you.

The Thirteenth Station: Jesus Is Taken Down from the Cross

We adore you, O Christ, and we bless You,
Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

Your lifeless body is removed from the cross and placed in the arms of your mother. You are really gone. It is all over. What am I supposed to do now? I thought I was going to spend the next few years following you and listening to you preach. Now I am lost.

I like having a plan. I know what I want to do for the next few years. When something changes my plans, I get upset. I want to be in control of my own life.

Holy Spirit, please guide me when my plans are disturbed or my path is uncertain.

The Fourteenth Station: Jesus Is Laid in the Tomb

We adore you, O Christ, and we bless You,
Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

Your body is sealed in the tomb. I will never see you again. There are so many things I wish I had said and done differently.

I often regret my words and actions, but I find it difficult to say I’m sorry. I find it embarrassing to apologize to my friends when I have hurt their feelings. And I never seem to make it to confession to say I’m sorry to you.

Jesus, help me know that you are always waiting for me, ready to listen to me and forgive me. Even now, you are patiently waiting for me to come to reconciliation.

Closing Prayer

Jesus, I know our journey does not end here. You have shown us that death does not have the final word. My journey with you is never perfect, but I will keep trying. Help me to remember to continue walking with you when I am at school, at home, and with my friends. I am grateful for your love and grace.

I’m Cured. What’s Next? Reflection and Discussion Questions

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This reflection will help youth consider their response to the graces they receive from our Lord. What do we do when we are healed?

I’m Cured. Whats Next? Reflection and Discussion Questions Download

Today we are going to talk about sickness and healing and recovery.

Have you ever been so sick that you couldn’t get out of bed?
What were some things you missed doing when you were sick? (Youth who have never been that sick can use their imaginations.)
When you recovered and were able to start doing normal activities again, what were the first things you wanted to do?

Being sick is no fun. It saps all of the energy out of us and prevents us from doing many of the things we enjoy.

Read Mark 1:29-39

On leaving the synagogue Jesus entered the house of Simon and Andrew with James and John. Simon’s mother-in-law lay sick with a fever. They immediately told him about her. He approached, grasped her hand, and helped her up. Then the fever left her and she waited on them.

When it was evening, after sunset, they brought to him all who were ill or possessed by demons. The whole town was gathered at the door. He cured many who were sick with various diseases, and he drove out many demons, not permitting them to speak because they knew him.

Rising very early before dawn, he left and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed. Simon and those who were with him pursued him and on finding him said, “Everyone is looking for you.”

He told them, “Let us go on to the nearby villages that I may preach there also. For this purpose have I come.” So he went into their synagogues, preaching and driving out demons throughout the whole of Galilee.
Mark 1:29-39

In this gospel reading, Simon Peter’s mother in law has been really sick with a fever. You have to understand that they didn’t have the type of medicine we have now, so this was a really serious illness.

Did you notice what Peter’s mother in law did as soon as she was cured?

That’s right, she got up and started serving them. I don’t think that would be the first thing most of us would do after our recovery. “Oh, I’m feeling better. I really want to clean the house and serve a meal to a bunch of guests.” (Sarcasm.)

Why do you think Peter’s mother in law responded in this way?

Peter’s mother in law responded to the healing grace she received from Jesus by doing an act of service for him. This was a way of expressing her love and gratitude. Instead of doing something for herself, she chose to do something for Jesus.

Jesus heals us in many ways also. Sometimes he brings physical healing, like he did for Simon Peter’s mother in law. At other times he heals us spiritually, from a bad habit or from a grudge we are holding or from the anxiety of a difficult choice we are facing.

Sometimes we just pray and Jesus heals us. There are also two sacraments related to healing. The sacrament of Reconciliation and Anointing of the Sick.

(If youth have not been taught about these sacraments, you can describe them here.)

We don’t always need Anointing of the Sick, but we do always need Reconciliation. If you haven’t been to confession lately, make a resolution to go sometime soon.

This week, think of how Jesus has healed you in some way. And then consider a small way you can serve him and show your gratitude. Maybe you can be extra nice to your little brother. Make some cookies for an elderly neighbor. Say thank you to your parents when they make dinner for you. Call your grandmother. When we return next week, you can share what you did.

Paper Towel Roll Prayers

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This is a simple idea for a way to remember to pray at home during everyday activities. This would be a good activity for VBS or youth ministry to make and take home with them.

This activity would also fit in with Reconciliation. God cleans up our messes too!

Paper Towel Roll Prayers

Gently unroll the first 20 sheets or so of a roll of paper towels.

Write something to pray about on each sheet. You can use Pope Francis’s Five Finger Prayer or ABC Prayers if you need some inspiration.

Carefully roll the paper towels back up.

Every time you tear off a paper towel, pray for what is written on the towel.

You Are My Beloved – Discussion and Reflection Questions

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This reflection encourages youth to consider how God expresses His love to us as baptized members of His family.

Printable PDF of You Are My Beloved – Discussion and Reflection Questions Download

Sometimes we express our love for our friends and family by saying “I love you.” But other times we use non-verbal gestures to express our affection, such as a smile or a hug.

Consider what we hear about declaring love in Mark 1:7-11:

This is what John the Baptist proclaimed: “One mightier than I is coming after me. I am not worthy to stoop and loosen the thongs of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

It happened in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized in the Jordan by John. On coming up out of the water he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit, like a dove, descending upon him. And a voice came from the heavens, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”
Mark 1:7-11

Wow! The Spirit descended like a dove and God the Father spoke the words “You are my beloved son. In you I am well pleased.” This is an unambiguous statement of the Father’s love for Jesus.

Also think about the Trinity. God the Father is the lover. God the Son is the beloved. And God the Holy Spirit is the love between them, a love which is so strong that it is it’s own person. So when we hear in the gospel that the Spirit descended, this is actually the love being manifest.

How do you feel when your parents express their affection for you?
How do you think the Father’s expression of love affected Jesus as he was starting his public ministry?

Most of us were probably baptized as infants and don’t remember our baptisms. (If anyone in the group was baptized as a child or adult, ask them what they remember.) But even though we might not remember it, it did a couple of really powerful things.

It removed the stain of original sin, making us ready for God to dwell in us. It made us adopted children of God.

It might help to imagine ourselves as infants being baptized. Consider that as the water is poured on our heads, it is like a kiss from God our Father. He welcomes us into His family. He implants in our hearts a desire for closeness with Him. He calls us “beloved”.

So like the dove descending on Jesus, our baptism is a sign of God’s grace and love for us.

What does it mean to you to be called a Child of God?
Do you ever find it difficult to believe that God has called you “Beloved”? Why or why not?
How does God’s love for you impact the way you live in the world and interact with others?
If you knew someone wasn’t baptized, would you be willing to talk to them about what baptism means? Why or why not?

Have some paper and pencils available.

Spread out and write a letter to God about how you feel about being a member of His family. You can write whatever you like. The letter is only for you. Nobody else will see it.

After giving them some time, gather back in.

Sometime this week, read your letter again. Add to it if you feel like you have more to say. After you read it, pray the simple prayer “I am your beloved. I trust in you.”

Be Watchful! Be Alert! – Reflection and Discussion Questions

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This reflection and discussion helps youth understand what it means to be ready for Jesus. How are we preparing?

Download a printable copy of Be Watchful! Be Alert! – Reflection and Discussion Questions Download

Give everyone a pencil and paper. Ask them to write down their answer to this question:

You are throwing a party. You are inviting all of your best friends. What are some of the things you will do to prepare?

Give them a few minutes to write down their answers. Then spend a little time sharing them.

Now follow up with this discussion question:

It is 15 minutes before the party is to start. You are ready. What are you doing?
The doorbell rings. Your guests are starting to arrive. How do you feel? Are you excited, nervous, something else? Why?

When we have somebody we care about coming to visit, we take some time to get ready. Well, guess what? We are starting Advent, which is a season of hopeful waiting. We are preparing to welcome Jesus into our world.

Read Mark 13:33-37:

Jesus said to his disciples: “Be watchful! Be alert! You do not know when the time will come.

It is like a man traveling abroad. He leaves home and places his servants in charge, each with his own work, and orders the gatekeeper to be on the watch.

Watch, therefore; you do not know when the Lord of the house is coming, whether in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or in the morning. May he not come suddenly and find you sleeping.

What I say to you, I say to all: ‘Watch!’”
Mark 13:33-37

When we throw a party, we get everything ready for our guests. Then we wait for them to arrive. In the same way, we should be preparing our hearts for Jesus.

What are some things we can do during Advent to make ourselves ready for the coming of Jesus?
How can prayer help us prepare?
What are some specific things we can do to improve our prayer lives in the next few weeks?
How can acts of service and charity help us prepare?
Can you name some things you can do to help others before Christmas?

One thing we can do is take part in the sacrament of reconciliation. We have this wonderful gift of grace. When we are about to have guests come to visit, we clean our houses. In a similar way, confessing our sins and receiving absolution cleans our hearts and makes us ready to welcome Jesus into our world.

If possible, have a reconciliation service. If not, encourage the youth to go to confession some time before Christmas.

Whoever Eats My Flesh and Drinks My Blood Has Eternal Life

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Jesus said to the Jewish crowds: "I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world."

The Jews quarreled among themselves, saying, "How can this man give us his flesh to eat?"

Jesus said to them, "Amen, amen, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you do not have life within you. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day.

For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink.

Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him. Just as the living Father sent me and I have life because of the Father, so also the one who feeds on me will have life because of me.

This is the bread that came down from heaven. Unlike your ancestors who ate and still died, whoever eats this bread will live forever."
John 6:51-58