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Introducing Catholic Youth Parramatta's
ELEMENTS

“Elements” is a new online initiative by Catholic Youth Parramatta which offers content for youth ministers to use in their respective parishes, schools and movements. It will be distributed monthly.
We look forward to seeing how Elements grows with you. If you wish to discuss the content of this initiative further, contact Qwayne on qwayne.guevara@parracatholic.org.

"Lent comes providentially to reawaken us, to shake us from our lethargy."
- Pope Francis

A Lenten Special

It's that time of the year again when we take time to prepare for Easter. Ash Wednesday begins a time of reflection and deeper prayer. The 40 days of Lent represents the 40 days Jesus spent in the desert. It is where He prepared for what was to come. Lent calls us to unite ourselves with Jesus. As a symbol of this, we are first asked to participate in Ash Wednesday where ashes are placed on our foreheads. It is supposed to represent repentance (turning away from sin) and humility. During the time of Lent, Catholics are called to focus on three practices: Fasting, Praying, Almsgiving. These three practices allow us to draw closer to God and grow to understand the significance of Good Friday and Easter. You can learn more about these three practices here: http://www.catholic.org/lent/story.php?id=54465.

There are many resources that are available online. We have pooled them together to assist you in your preparations for youth this month. See below. God bless your Lenten Season!

Resources

xt3 Lent Calendar: This promotional video encourages journeying with the Xt3 Lent Calendar that can be downloaded on to your phone
Lentsanity: The Fellowship of Catholic University Students have developed a series of comedic videos and other great resources that makes Lent interesting for young people
RedeemedOnline : #ShareJesus resources are found here to help you and your youth group journey through Lent. This year it is a reflection series on the Gospel of Mark

Videos

Explanation of the Lenten Season: This clip breaks down Lent and provides a great overview of why Lent exists
Cartoon of Jesus in the Desert: a video compilation of images that show Jesus' 40 days in the desert. Great for reflection
Explanation of Lent in 3 minutes: A quick video about Lent by Busted Halo
Where is Lent in the Bible?: A clip by Fr Mike talking about Lent. This is a good conversation starter for your youth night

Stations of the Cross

Parramatta Diocese Resource: This great booklet provides a reflection for each station that can be used as a guide for your parish, school or community
Way of the Cross created by Australian Young Christian Workers/Students: This resource includes activities that can be used for young adults between 18 and 30
LifeTeen Resource for Teens: Short reflection points that could be used at a youth group meeting to prepare for Good Friday and Easter
Station of the Cross for Children: PDF Version and PowerPoint Reflections for your younger youth

Lent Ideas: sometimes it is hard to find something new to give up for Lent. Check out these ideas.

Holy Role Models
She is a Doctor of the Church who passed away at the young age of 24. She lived a life of simplicity recognizing that God is pleased with our little acts done with great love. St Therese of Lisieux models a life of surrender to God and commitment to being a gift to others.

LEARN MORE ABOUT ST THERESE OF LISIEUX

Photographers Wanted
During the Year of Youth, we are working on a project to bring to life the stories of our young people. If you or you know someone who would be interested in being mentored, contact us and we can get you working with our team.

GET CONNECTED

Prayer
Prayer is an essential part of your meetings. In this section we suggest a prayer or a creative way to engage in prayer to encourage young people to deepen their prayer lives. This may include songs, guided prayers or meditations. This month we link you to a website which list a variety of different prayers to inspire you and your young people during the Lenten Season.

LENTEN PRAYERS FOR REFLECTION

Get Involved or Take Action!

We are making the great walk again this Good Friday. We are inviting all young people to come along. Prepare yourself and your group for a night of prayer and pilgrimage as we journey with Jesus through a series of reflections.

EVENT PAGE LINK HERE

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Catholic Youth Parramatta – 51-59 Allawah Street, Blacktown NSW 2148

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Catholic Youth Parramatta - Agency for Youth - Catholic Diocese of Parramatta · 51-59 Allawah Street · Blacktown, NSW 2148 · Australia

Introducing Catholic Youth Parramatta's ELEMENTS

A Lenten Special

Introducing Catholic Youth Parramatta's
ELEMENTS