Last month, some of the teens started a poster of Christian songs that they really liked that other people can add to. This got me thinking about how much the music and media we consume influence who we are as people. Music is a very big part of my faith journey, and can connect teens to their faith in a new way. It is an excellent way to pray as well!
Take some time this month to listen to one of the playlists below or create your own "Prayer Playlist." This is something you can listen to whenever you want or need a moment of prayer. It could even become your go to in the car on the way to school!
FORMED On Demand is a subscription service offering access to thousands of studies, films, audios, and ebooks. Discover great digital media from over 40 of the best Catholic content producers including the Augustine Institute, Ignatius Press, the USCCB, Catholic Answers, EWTN, St. Paul Center, Marian Press, Sophia Press, Knights of Columbus, FOCUS, and many more. Through its online platform and free mobile apps for iOS and Android, FORMED has helped individuals and communities know, love, and share their Catholic faith.
Sign up for a FREE week to see all of the amazing things this resource has to offer. After that it is only $9.99/month.
Why I recommend it
Teens are digital, and learn in online platforms all the time for school. Who doesn't like to sit down and watch their favorite shows on Nexflix or Hulu. Formed is just another way to put the Catholic faith right into the hands of our teens. Some of their favorite speakers from events like the National Catholic Youth Conference are on there and have so much wisdom for our kids. The Y Disciple program (seen in the second trailer below) is a great resource for learning and engaging teens in conversations about their faith on topics that really matter to them. Add some of the shorter videos to your families evening prayer routine, or use them to start your own little faith sharing group among friends. This resource puts so much into your hands and is well worth the cost. Our kids are online anyway...give them something worthwhile to read and listen to!
And hey...there are some pretty great resources for adults on there too! Check it out for your family today!
Fall is in the air! Here are some ideas for service for this time of year:
Instead of asking for candy when you trick-or-treat, ask for a donation of canned food items for Caring Hands Food Pantry and help to stock their shelves.
We all have a neighbor or older person in our communities that just can not get out and take care of their lawn anymore. Get some friends together, grab a few rakes, and make someone's day!
Help with the Fall Gala at SSJP. Help is needed with set up Friday night, serving the meal Saturday, baking desserts for the bake sale and manning the goodies table. The dates are October 12-14th.
Make a fleece tie blanket and donate it to Central Iowa Shelter and Services. They have many people sleeping outside of their building during the winter and could distribute these warm gifts to those in need. Join our Life After Fifty group making blankets Nov. 15th and 16th in the Parish Hall.
Look for bins in your schools to donate winter gear to students in need in our own community. Every donation helps.
Join us for an afternoon of service on October 20th as part of the Boldly Sent Weekend. Contact Liz to get signed up!