Find a Brother/Sister Group. (#0105)
Eric Gallagher2019-08-30T14:52:59-05:00Oftentimes groups are separated by sex. If you're a guys only group, consider inviting a girls group to be your sister group. You can plan to do things together at [...]
Game: Johnny Whoop. (#1006)
Eric Gallagher2019-08-30T14:58:22-05:00Johnny Whoop is a game that involves having the youth ‘figure out’ the rules. You start by showing them the way to do it and then having them learn how. I’ve [...]
Video: Validation (#1005)
Eric Gallagher2019-08-10T19:48:08-05:00This is a classic and light-hearted video that can inspire quite a bit of conversation on how our actions and attitude can influence others.
Shadow a Sacristan. (#0104)
Eric Gallagher2019-08-30T20:33:36-05:00Meet with a Sacristan (the person who assists with setup and cleanup for Mass) and ask them to go through the things that they do before, during, and after each [...]
Play a Board Game. (#0099)
Eric Gallagher2019-08-30T15:17:22-05:00Another simple idea that sometimes people just need permission to do. Have everyone in the group bring their favorite board games and play as many as you can. Or start [...]
Bring Your Biggest Role Model. (#0098)
Eric Gallagher2019-08-30T15:20:16-05:00Have a night where each person brings someone that they look up to. Spend time sharing about how they met, why they brought them, etc. You can still do a [...]
Have a Bonfire. (#0091)
Eric Gallagher2019-08-30T15:23:55-05:00This is truly one of the most simple traditional "activities" for groups to enjoy each others others. Have your group hang out around a fire pit with some simple snacks [...]
Visit and Tour a Convent or Monastery. (#0090)
Eric Gallagher2019-08-30T15:30:52-05:00Take your group on a trip to visit a convent or monastery. Most homes for religious have information on how to schedule a visit on their website. Ask your Diocesan [...]
Set up a Snack Schedule for the Group. (#0089)
Eric Gallagher2019-08-30T15:26:50-05:00Put together a schedule that expects the individuals in the group to provide snacks at various times. Be sure to discuss what's expected. Keep it simple and affordable for all [...]
Make a Group Covenant (#0095)
Eric Gallagher2019-09-01T03:10:45-05:00Many groups have found success in regards to commitment and accountability when they sign a group covenant. Essentially what a group covenant is, is a set of agreed upon behaviors [...]
Plan a wedding. (#0086)
Eric Gallagher2019-08-30T15:50:18-05:00Talk about what is needed to plan a wedding. Invite a priest to come in and share their experience with couples and marriage preparation. They can also bring their "checklist" [...]
Learn about finances. (#0097)
Eric Gallagher2019-08-30T15:52:42-05:00Knowing how to give, save, and spend are very important human qualities that many youth are not taught in the home. Being good stewards of the money God gives us [...]
Go to a movie. (#0096)
Eric Gallagher2019-08-30T15:55:12-05:00It's the little "human" things like this that we often neglect. Find a good movie at the theater and go together. Go out for ice cream or something afterwards. Invite [...]
Visit a funeral home. (#0088)
Eric Gallagher2019-08-30T16:00:08-05:00Ask a funeral home if they would be willing to give your group a tour, explain the process they go through when someone dies and have time for the group [...]
Have a potluck. (#0094)
Eric Gallagher2019-08-30T15:57:31-05:00Whether or not you have a group of adults or youth, have a potluck and invite all of the family members as well. Make it simple night with a little [...]
Study an Advanced Care Directive. (#0093)
Eric Gallagher2019-08-30T16:02:09-05:00Typically every big hospital provides a template and forms for an Advanced Care Directive. Talk about end of life, difficult choices in area of medical treatment, etc. Bring in a [...]
Go bowling. (#0077)
Eric Gallagher2019-08-30T16:09:40-05:00Be sure to invite parents, other groups, or friends if you want to get to know some others. Invite your Pastor!
Visit the Bishop. (#0081)
Eric Gallagher2019-08-30T16:07:05-05:00Email the office of the Bishop and request that your group get to meet with him for a short time (10-15 minutes) to meet him, ask him a few questions, [...]
Teach proper dining etiquette. (#0083)
Eric Gallagher2019-08-30T16:19:55-05:00This may seem a bit ridiculous but imagine one of your students meeting having dinner with someone they are interested in dating and "ruining it" because they lack good manners [...]
Interview an engaged couple. (#0085)
Eric Gallagher2019-08-30T16:21:52-05:00Ask your Pastor about a good engaged couple that your group could meet with. Have the couple come and talk about their faith and how they are preparing for marriage. [...]
Learn how to change a tire on a car. (#0082)
Eric Gallagher2019-08-30T16:26:49-05:00Bring a car mechanic in to show it in great detail. Have the youth in your group actually go through their cars and make sure they have everything they need [...]
Learn about each other’s families. (#0080)
Eric Gallagher2019-08-30T16:29:18-05:00Take some time to ask questions about each other's families. This is great especially for new groups or if you feel like you don't really know your group yet. It [...]
Learn how to change the oil in a car. (#0076)
Eric Gallagher2019-08-30T16:32:30-05:00This is a great human formation opportunity. Knowing how to change the oil in your own car can save you a lot of money over a lifetime. If you don't [...]
Go on a seminary visit. (#0072)
Eric Gallagher2019-08-30T16:35:13-05:00Many diocesan vocations offices offer visits. Join their offerings or plan your own! Be sure to connect with the seminary beforehand to ensure they are available to give you a [...]
Have an affirmation session. (#0071)
Eric Gallagher2019-08-30T16:37:11-05:00This can be an incredibly powerful activity, especially at the end of a retreat or trip together. Pass out a sheet a paper for each person and have them write [...]