SEPTEMBER 12th-Brick House
The goal for this Night was to reveal the big picture of God's overall plan and where sin fist in the picture. The talk reaffirmed how the 10 Commandments and the Golden Rule are blue prints in God's plan. We discussed moral choices and how good choices connect to the 10 Commandments and a strong "foundation". We looked at how Jesus came to complete the 10 Commandments not to change them. Connecting the Law of Moses (Old Testament) and the Law of Christ (New Testament) and how the two give us the basis of how to life from now on. During small group the kids rewrote the 10 Commandments into their own words.
SEPTEMBER 19th-Whistle While you Work.
The goal for this Night is to recognize the Beatitudes as the foundational principles behind all moral teachings of the Church and how these Beatitudes ultimately fulfill our natural desire for happiness. We will look at how our culture is obsessed with feeling good and being happy, the stop at nothing to get rid of pain, make our lives comfortable and avoid inconvenience of any kind. We will look at how many teens (and adults) make moral decisions with these goals in mind. How we figure happiness lies right behind the next purchase, boyfriend/girlfriend, or magic pill. We will take a deeper look at how Jesus gives us a path to true happiness. During small groups each group will have a Beatitude to examine more closely and be able to share with the large group concrete ways that their Beatitude can be lived out.
SEPTEMBER 26th-No Strings Attached.
The goal for this Night is to help teens redefine how they think of human freedom and free will and to give them an opportunity to see that they choose between good and evil, between eternal life and death and between being bound by sin and the freedom of righteousness. To help them see that their conscience and the Holy Spirit are here to help them us their freedom in the right way. We will take a look at how our lives resemble Pinocchio with the Master Builder. During small group time each group will have to go through an obstacle course and then go over small group questions.
1) What stuck out to you from the Drama? (there is a skit tonight too)
2) What are the strings of sin that bind you?
3) Why is it difficult to avoid or resist the strings of sin?
4) What is one thing that you are going to do to break free from sin and to avoid the near occasion of sin? (this one reminds me of the ACT OF CONTRITION)
OCTOBER 3rd-Let's Meet a Saint
Tonight we will get to know St. Francis better. Our guest speaker will be Kay White. I am anxious to get the kids excited about the Saints and the Whole Mystical Body. This is one of those areas we as Catholics get questioned about and to be able to confidently answer questions from peers always feels so GREAT.
OCTOBER 10th-The Road Less Traveled
Tonight we will get some clear-cut rules for good moral decision-making and practice at applying these rules. They will be given scenarios that they need to make choices about. In the culture we live in that teaches "Whatever feels good do it" our kids need definition. (Let me tell you these are some tough scenarios and will really be relatable to kids). We will also look at the Seven Deadly Sins. Do you know them? If not ask your Teen they can help. During small group time we will be able to discuss the decisions made and go over some questions.
1) Have you ever been faced with a tough moral decision?
2) What is the hardest part about doing the moral thing?
3) Who in your life can help you when you are faced with these decisions?
OCTOBER 17th-Grandma's Teeth
This night is to define sin in all its components and discuss the pattern of temptation that leads to sin. During a skit they will be able to see the deception of Satan and how Satan can distort our image and tempts us into sin with others. The teens will have the opportunity to offer up their sins and come to the foot of the cross in prayer after small group time. During small group time the kids will have time to discuss their own struggle with temptation and sin.
***We hope you will encourage your teen to take advantage of the Sacrament of Reconciliation shortly after this night. ((I have expressed my hopes about Reconciliation with the kids already. My hope is that they become at ease with this Sacrament because it most definitely returns us to God and I know I feel so much joy after Reconciliation))
OCTOBER 24th-It's a Jungle Out There
This night is to build community and have a great time. Up to this night we have jumped right into lessons and our kids love to eat and laugh. During the past weeks during small groups they have gotten to know each other and these nights bond friendships. This is not just a free for all, we have organized activities and prizes. If you would like to help we can always use more "Jungle animals"
NO LIFE NIGHT OCTOBER 31st
NOVEMBER 7th-Let's Meet a Saint
St. Therese of Lisieux "The Little Flower" It is my hope that they can learn that they too do Saintly things in Life. We are a holy people, it what they need to be reminded of. It has always been interesting to me that our kids, all of us for that matter live up to what is expected of us. Time permitting I hope to have the Litany of the Saints (still pretty close to All Saints Day)