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Best of Youth Ministry Access for October
Exploring Vocational Discernment
The recent Synod on "Young People, the Faith, and Vocational Discernment" and "Christus Vivit" emphasized the importance of discernment and vocation in the life of young people. Pope Francis noted that "that all of us, but "especially the young, are immersed in a culture of zapping. We can navigate simultaneously on two or more screens and interact at the same time with two or three virtual scenarios. Without the wisdom of discernment, we can easily become prey to every passing trend." Consider the following sessions and resources for exploring discernment and vocation with your young people.
- Discernment: Living the Mission (HS) by Ted Miles
- Discernment: Becoming the You God Desires (HS) by Catherine Becker
- The Holy Spirit Leads Us to Holiness: Our Call to Missionary Discipleship (HS) by Teresa Arredondo
- Jesus Invites Us to Be Disciples Becoming a Disciple (HS) by Diane Thierer
- God is Calling: What Will You Answer? Thinking about Different Ways to Live Out Your Faith (HS) by Lisa-Marie Calderone-Stewart
- Starting Points of Prayer: Discover Your Spiritual Pathway (MS) by Susan Searle
- Discernment 101: Making Decisions with God (MS) by Teresa Coda
- Walking with Youth: Preparing for the Synod on Young People, the Faith, and Vocational Discernment (Journal Article) by Tom East
- Hearing the Call (HS) by Sr. Eileen McCann CSJ
- We Celebrate Mission, Ministry, and Lifestyle (MS) by Sr. Kieran Sawyer, SSND
- Is God Calling You? (MS) by Sr. Therese Chmura CSSF
- Catholic to the Core: Exploring Catholic Faith Identity (MS) by Tom East
- Our Baptismal Vocation (MS) by Sr. Therese Chmura CSSF
- Vocations: Let's Talk about It! (MS) by Joannie Volesky
- Spin the Wheel, Find your Life? Vocation and Discernment (MS) by Catherine Becker
Respect Life Month
October is considered Respect Life month and an opportunity to further understand, value, and become engaged with building a culture that cherishes every human life.
- Created in the Image of God: Worthy of Respect (HS) by Leota Roesch
- Created in God's Image: A Look at Human Dignity (HS) by Sean Lansing
- Fearfully and Wonderfully Made: Cherishing the Dignity of All People (HS) by Julie Vankat
- Respect All Life 100% (HS) by Denise Heinemann York
- Respect for Humanity: Understanding Catholic Social Teaching (MS) by Susan Searle
October 7 - Our Lady of the Holy Rosary
The feast of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary is celebrated on October 7 and the month of October is traditionally the month of the rosary.
- The Rosary: Familiar Friends Lead Us to Discover the Mysteries (MS) by Jeffrey Kacala
- A Living Rosary: Honoring Mary (MS) by Mary D'Acquisto
- Searching for Mary in My Heart (HSMS) by Rosy Hartz
- The Joyful Mysteries: A Reflection on the Rosary (HS) by Genni Sayers
- The Luminous Mysteries: A One-Day Retreat (HS) by Cheryl M. Tholcke
Celebrating October Saints and Saintly People with Youth
October 1 - St. Thérèse of Lisieux
- Thérèse of Lisieux: The Little Flower, The Little Way (HS) by Robert Feduccia
- Following the Little Way and Praying with St. Thérèse of Lisieux (MS) by Jennifer Haman
October 4 - St. Francis of Assisi
- Praying with Francis of Assisi: The Transitus (HS) by Cheryl M. Tholcke
- Rebuild My House: Preparing and Reflecting on Service with St. Francis of Assisi (HS) by Tom East
- Exploring St. Francis and Community Life (HS) by Lisa-Marie Calderone-Stewart
October 5 - St. Maria Faustina Kowalska
- Celebrating the "Wideness in God's Mercy": Divine Mercy Sunday (HS) by Leota Roesch
- Praying with St. Faustina Kowalska (HS) by Robert Feduccia
- Leadership with... Blessed Pope John XXIII (HS) by Susan Searle
- Blessed Pope John XXIII: The Father of the Second Vatican Council (HS) by Robert Feduccia
- Blessed John XXIII and the Second Vatican Council: We are the Church! (MS) by Susan Searle
October 15 - St. Teresa of Avila
October 18 - St. Luke the Evangelist
- Gospel of Luke: Gospel of Compassion (HS) by Brian Singer-Towns
- The Four Gospel Writers and the Gospels They Wrote (MS) by Lisa-Marie Calderone-Stewart
October 22 - St. John Paul II
- Praying with St. John Paul II - The Habit of Prayer (HS) by Catherine Becker
- Praying with St. John Paul II (HS) by Susan Searle
Beyond Trick or Treating: Celebrating Halloween with Youth
- Light Up the Night! A Halloween Bonfire (MS) by Peter Bierer
- Halloween Zombieland and Zombie Prom! (HS) by Susan Searle
- Light It Up: A Halloween Black Light Party (MS) by Sherry Raspa
- Beggar's Night: A Halloween Alternative (HS) by Sean Lansing
- Trick or Treat: A Halloween Party (HS) by Ann Marie Eckert
- From Jack O' Lanterns to Faith-Filled Heroes: Halloween, All Saints, All Souls (HS) by Tom East
- Frightfully Fun Family Fest: Parent-Teen Halloween Afternoon Gathering (HS) by Christina Semmel
- Project "Halloween" Runway (HS) by Susan Searle
- Trunk or Treat: Welcome all Young and Young at Heart (HS) by Steve Nespor
- The Great Pumpkin: How Christ Lights Our Way (MS) by Genni Sayers
World Youth Day Celebrated in the U.S. - October 25, 2020
"Young man, I say to you, arise!" (Lk 7:14)
In honor of young people and the distinctive gifts they share with our faith communities, our bishops declared that U.S. Catholic parishes and schools will observe World Youth Day annually on the 30th Sunday of Ordinary Time (October 25, 2020). This particular Sunday is intended to highlight the presence, energy, and diversity of youth and is an opportunity for the entire faith community to join in affirming the gifts of the young Catholic Church.
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