In our youth blog we focused on some teachings from Bob Rice which revolve around this year’s theme.However, by setting up the article the way we did we also gave you, as group leaders, some tools to help prepare your group for the conference.
Why John, whatever do you mean?
As it is written the article could also form the outline for a preparation night which focuses on two great teaching moments:
1) An introduction to the Catechism of the Catholic Church
2) Breaking open the parts and pieces of our theme
A sample meeting using the article and YouTube videos we provided might look something like this
Experience It:
Show Steubenville Atlantic 2010 Promotional Video, if you have a musician perhaps take a few moments to teach the theme song to the people.
Explain that the theme song and logo are based on this scripture passage and talk about Jesus coming to Earth as a human being (aka the Incarnation)
Introduce the Catechism of the Catholic Church by noting that sometimes when we don’t understand something the Church says we can look in the Catechism for answers: demonstrate by looking up the Incarnation in the index
Have them look or read through the relevant passages one at a time and then show video of Bob’s teaching on each section
Talk About It:
In groups (preferably those who will be together at the conference) talk about the various points.Some helpful questions might be:
What stood out from you in those videos?
What do you know about Jesus?
Have you ever experienced God's love? What was it like? How did you know?
What, if anything, is holding you back from experiencing God's love?
Pray It:
To close try teaching the group The Angelus or the Nicene Creed or closing with the ultimate reminder of the Incarnation in the Eucharist either by celebrating Mass or having Eucharistic Adoration.
It’s always a good idea to have snacks and food on hand at the end too.Everyone likes to eat.
