Description: A prayerful Lenten experience that uses the film Jesus of Nazareth as well as Scripture and faith sharing to immerse young adults in the events of Holy Week.
Get Ready
- Prep Time: 10-15 minutes of set up, whatever time the facilitator requires to familiarize themselves with the Scripture, film, and technology used to play the film
- Volunteers Needed: One or two people to help provide simple food and beverages, consider having a volunteer elaborate and flesh out the opening or closing prayer. Adding additional voices in prayer, both the physical voices and the different spiritualities can help to reach more young adults.
- Reserve the Space: Meeting room, lounge area or in someone’s home.
- Supplies: Bible for leader, if possible extra Bibles for participants, DVD player with TV large enough for group to see or a projector, DVD copy of Jesus of Nazareth. Note: I used this film instead of the more recent production, The Passion of the Christ, because some individuals struggle with the graphic nature of The Passion. Jesus of Nazareth is found easily online and in many parish libraries and diocesan resource centers. You’ll also want a Prayer Table (suggestions: candle, purple tablecloth, cross or crucifix, any item significant to you your group or your parish’s Lenten Theme).
- Who Is This For: This program is suitable for any young adults.
- When Is a Good Time for This? Evenings, weekend mornings, following Mass on Sunday.
- Publicize the Program: Make use of social media as appropriate and dictated by your parish/diocese statements of use. Putting information in the bulletin and announcements help to let the parish know what is going on with the young adults, but is not always the most effective means of communication.
Prayer for Program Planner: God your sacrifice was all about love. You sent us your son. He lived, suffered, and died for love of your people. Help me to share in that love, to live it, and to express it to the young adults I work with. Amen.
Community Building: As this is a Lenten event, you probably are not going to have a full smorgasbord of snacks and treats. However, offering something simple, especially if the event is in the evening when many young adults will attend immediately after work is a great idea. Perhaps offering soft pretzels and inviting the group to share their favorite Lenten practices is a way to break the ice.
