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Seasonal Activities
Catechetical sessions are one component of a complete ministry to, with, and for young adolescents. We've included some additional ideas for service projects, community building, prayer opportunities, and retreats to help you grow a total young adolescent ministry.
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Seasonal Activities
Pass the Bag: A Biblical Affirmation Exercise
Most young teens love to hear good things about themselves, but many rarely get that chance. This affirmation exercise familiarizes them with scriptural values, increases their vocabulary, and builds their self-esteem. |
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Let Your Light Shine: An Overnight Retreat on Self-Esteem
This overnight retreat on self-esteem invites the young people to explore their
own personal gifts and encourages them to share those abilities with others. The
retreat emphasizes the light of Christ in our life, the special people who bring us
closer to Christ, and the ways we can be the light of Christ for others. |
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A Place at Our Table
This strategy is intended to raise awareness of the reality of hunger in our nation
and world. Creating a place mat for their family's dining table allows the young
people each to take home a vivid reminder of the scandal of starvation and
malnutrition in a world of plenty. Their families are challenged to respond by
making a place at their table and in their life for those who struggle with hunger. |
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Mercy Works: The Hands-on Gospel
This activity uses a hand motif to make a connection with the corporal works
of mercy as listed in Matthew's Gospel. The young teens are challenged to find
ways to practice each of those Christian actions. A tangible end result, a wreath
of hands, serves as a visible symbol of the acts of service performed by the
young people. |
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Jesus Jingles
The young people turn famous commercial slogans into advertisements for God.
This strategy draws on the participants' knowledge of media and their creativity
with language.
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You're Respect-a-Ball
The young people toss around a beach ball while telling one another why they
are worthy and deserving of respect and kindness. This activity is a good way to
help young teens understand the concept of respect and how respect differs
from compliments.
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Birthday Blessings
The ideas on this handout can be used to invite God into the birthday celebrations
in your home. The activities offer suggestions for a variety of birthday
blessings to do in a family setting on your son's or daughter's birthday.
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