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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.
Do you not know that in a race the runners all compete, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win it. Athletes exercise self-control in all things; they do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable one. So I do not run aimlessly, nor do I box as though beating the air; but I punish my body and enslave it, so that after proclaiming to others I myself should not be disqualified. - 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

For The Love of the Game


Sports - it brings people together, it challenges us to better, it teaches us about life and it creates bridges between unlikely groups of people in society. It unites. Sports truly is a gift to society. Most of us would have some experience of sports in our lives. Whether it's in high school, university or at Church even at work! It's undeniable, that particularly in our Australian context, sport is something we really value. It's in our culture and our history!

What we may not recognise or fully appreciate is how much sport can teach us about our faith! Every year, Catholic Youth Parramatta organises a LIFTED Sports Day which brings together youth from parishes and communities. We see it time and time again - many young people coming along and experiencing faith in a different way.

So, with this in mind, let's explore how sports and faith are intertwined. Here is a list of resources we've pulled together which we think may be useful in preparing a youth meeting/session about sports and faith and how it relates to the lives of our youth.  Happy planning!
 
  1. Giving the best of yourself: a Document on the Christian perspective on sport and the human person, from the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life - This document is a quite a long read. We hope you are inspired by the discussion exploring how sport is an integral part of the human experience and how it can teach us about life and faith. 
  2. A Prayer Book For Sports - University of Notre Dame, USA. Here are some prayers for athletes and coaches. These would be great to use before and after games. This is a good resource to have should you decided to organise any sports related events.
  3. Sports and Spirituality - Bishop Barron - This an interesting podcast that you can take short clips from to insert as teachings in your youth session. Bishop Barron uses the analogy of sports and relates to how we can live good Christian lives. 
  4. A message to athletes - The video in this page is an encouraging ad features Pope Francis. You may wish to use it as a way to begin a discussion around the importance of sports and what it can encourage in our world today. 
  5. Catholic Perspectives on Sports - Father Patrick Kelly, S.J. explores how sports is able to help us deepen our faith. 
  6. How do Sport and Faith work together? - EWTN Vaticano - This short video can be used in different ways. You may wish to choose a section that is related to your topic and play it during your meeting. 
  7. Reflection on the Theology of Sports - The World Community for Christian Meditation provides some reflection questions that can be used as discussion starters. 
  8. Youth Participation in Sports: Australian Sports Commission - An informative resource that allows you to see how many young people participate in sport in Australia. 
  9. Nike Ads that Inspire:  Check out these clips that you can begin your meeting with! 
Holy Role Models 
This month, we learn about a courageous man who faced persecution of Christians head on. He surrendered himself physically to be a target of torture. Ultimately, his sacrifice led him to be killed but his fortitude made him a Saint.  According to traditional belief, he was killed during the Roman emperor Dioletian's persecution of Christians. He is commonly depicted in art and literature tied to a post or tree and shot with arrows.
LEARN MORE ABOUT ST SEBASTIAN
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 share with you a resource book with reflections on Sports and Faith. 
A CROWN FOR AUSTRALIA

Be The 7

As we continue on our journey this Year of Youth, have a read through our resource intended to help you spark ideas and new ways of ministry for you and your group. You can download it from the CYP Website OR you can download it by clicking the banner above. 
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Catholic Diocese of Parramatta, All rights reserved.

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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

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