Hello all! Last week started off the beginning of our Youth Ministry year in our parish, and I volunteered to be a catechist for 7-8th graders. I was wondering if any of you have any experience with this age group, and could suggest some activities. We are using the textbook, "Living Our Faith", the one about God. Last week we did a "getting to know you" session, but this week we are jumping into the textbook! If no one has any activity ideas, I would certainly appreciate it if you guys could pray for me, I really want to reach these kids and help them deepen their faith, but I can't do it without His help! Thanks

Amy

-- Amy (amy20013@hotmail.com), October 07, 2003

Answers

In my opinion, show them videos of movies Jesus, and bible (an old one on the old testament, from creation to Abraham), moses (ten commandments is a good one) and saint's biographies like St Francis'(maybe a little too hard for them to understand), Don Bosco's (especially for children of that age)and Dominic Savio's (again for children of that age).

Young people are fascinated by visually being able to listen and explore, and these videos should make them interested, and give them valuable lessons, and it is very good when everyone is together as a group while watching. It would be good if a big screen or a projector is used. After watching each movie, you could explain to the children on things they did not understand, the reasons etc.

On Jesus - movies like Jesus of Nazerath (4 volumes) are more serious and accurately portraying. They might find it boring until they are old enough. The most popular movie of Jesus with children, is one which is translated in a lot of languages, where the person has a dark blonde and short hair.

The movie bible on the old testament should give them a thirst to read more in the bible, and to understand the things better. It is a must have. Ten commandments continues on with Moses, which should keep them interesting (there is a better one than ten commandments, but I forgot the name). On moses there is also an animated film called Prince of Egypt, which is very good, at at times even increases the holiness of the atmosphere.

St Francis' biography could be a little more deep than children of that age would understand, but his humility and the miracles should make them interested in him more. Dominic Savio and Don Bosco are must have for these children.

Other activies are, you could make dramas by children on different sections of the bible, old testament and new testament. For example you could divide the group into sub groups, where all members are to be participated, and each group should be given a subject to play the drama. For example the parable for the prodigal son.

You could also arrange small quizzes, where you give the students a particular chapter from the bible (old and new) and tell them to read that part and come to the quiz, and give out small prizes to the winners. You could add in general but simple questions about catholicism. For example, arrange the following order from top to bottom - cardinal, pope, bishop, archbishop, deacan, priest. Like that.

Then there should be a section where you could answer there simple questions about faith, heaven, hell etc in a simple way. You could organize painting competitions from basic to advanced, where you could tell them to portray Jesus, or say a subject - for example, Jesus and his disciples are on the boat in the middle of the ocean, and there is the heavy storm, Jesus is sleeping and the disciples are trying to wake him. Or the part when Peter walks through the water to get to Jesus.

If possible, you could tell them about the saint(s) of the particular day when you meet according to our calender, give them a short explanation of their life etc.

You could give them small assignments where they are to make up a prayer by themselves where they have to either pray for a particular problem, or to express thanks to the Lord.

If possible, occasionally, you could add music by teaching them to sing a good christian song, which they know generally. If possible, the kids themselves could play the simple instruments required.

It would be very good if a priest would come and visit the group, and provide his blessing and teachings (nothing better than the smile of the priest of God), and if that happens every time it would be great but it may not be possible. It could also remove their thoughts that a priest is a very strict and to be feared individual :) Perhaps he could be the one who gives small prizes or sweets etc.

Also it would be great to remind them of the natural opposite sex attraction that they will have, but how to control the temptation to do evil, and and the process of dangerous dating. Tell them about real love is different, and how to weild arms against the evil that may tempt them at this particular age. Try to make them understand that it is not "cool" to do certain things that they can with their freedom. Understanding must begin here, or it might be too late for someone to help if they get into trouble.

It would help them a lot if they are taught that personal sufferings do not matter, because the Lord always watches over them. They shouldn't worry too much over exams and homeworks and other things that strain them. This way they could be strainless while being in the group and concentrate on faith, with a clear and happy mind. They should not feel bored or as if they are wasting their time.

Taking them from the closed room to the open side in the outside, occasionally, would be great too. It would be great help for them if they could tell their parents of these activities and their accomplishments, and if the parents feels happy and give them small treats.

-- Abraham T (lijothengil@yahoo.com), October 07, 2003.