Description: This program includes three, 1 1/2-2 hour small group sessions that connect the infancy narratives and scriptural passages about Jesus entering the world to the Church’s teaching on migration.
Get Ready
- Prep Time: If you’re using this with a group that doesn’t already meet weekly, you’ll want to start advertising several weeks in advance. The holiday season gets busy and people will need to hold the dates. Otherwise, plan 30 minutes to prepare for each weekly session.
- Volunteers Needed: No additional volunteers are required. (TIP: If you wish to attract married couples with children, you may want someone to volunteer to host this in his or her home.)
- Supplies: Pens, copies of handouts, Bible, Advent wreath/candle, matches, ability to play reflective music, and YouTube videos (see details in Help section below)
- Reserve the Space: This program is intended for small groups of four-12 people. Select a space that is adequate but cozy. This could be a meeting space in the parish or someone’s home.
- Ideal Group Size: Four-12. This is designed so that people will commit to all three sessions.
- Who is this for? All young adults. If you wish to attract those with children, try hosting in someone’s home or providing babysitting.
- When is a good time for this? Weeknights during Advent. Try to select the same night three weeks in a row.
- Publicize the Program: Personal invitation is key! Consider standing and inviting young adults to participate after Mass. You might also consider embedding some kind of sign-up form on your website.
Prayer for Program Planner: Speak, yourself, on behalf of the dumb, on behalf of all the unwanted; speak, yourself, pronounce a just verdict, uphold the rights of the poor, of the needy. (Proverbs 31:8-9)
Community Building: This program helps to connect young adults to the migrants in the community, thus building the larger community. It also builds commitment and sharing among young adults. To enhance the community building aspect, you may wish to invite young adults to go out to dinner or to bring a dish to share before you meet.
