Lots of people have been asking me about resources for the Year of St. Paul to use with kids. To be honest, most of the resources I have come across are simply books or articles. Good stuff, but not a lot about activities we can do with kids. Lo and behold, this coming Monday, the chapter I’m teaching is about Peter and Paul telling the world about Jesus! So now I’m searching far and wide for something creative to use! At the same time, I am never hesitant to “re-invent the wheel” if the situation calls for it!

Here’s one idea I’m working on and I invite your help. The textbook has some nice information on Peter and Paul that we can read and I also have a segment of Peter and Paul the DVD that I can show. However, I would like to develop a list of very practical ways that young people can evangelize. I thought I would provide them with such a list, discuss it with them, and then give them some prayerful time to reflect on which of the ways they feel most comfortable with (as well as which ones they think are “corny”). Here’s what I have so far:

• show enthusiasm for your faith (especially when going to Mass and R.E.)
• invite a friend to attend Mass
• pray in a public place (such as making the Sign of the Cross in the cafeteria or in a restaurant before a meal)
• wear a sacramental (a chain, scapular, or pin) and be prepared to talk about it
• display a religious image on your book bag or folder(s) and again, be prepared to talk about it
• make mention of your faith on your Facebook or MySpace page (mention that you go to R.E.; are going to be confirmed this year, etc.)
• get involved in some form of service (above and beyond “required” service hours)
• become involved in a parish activity/ministry and don’t be shy to talk about it with others
• strive to be an example of Gospel values, especially in circumstances in which those values are often not seen
• put a religious ring tone on your cell phone
• end your voice mail greeting by saying “Peace” or “Blessings”
• create an email signature that does likewise
• help someone in need
• include God in your everyday vocabulary
• tell someone you will pray for them
• respond “thank God” or “praise God” when someone shares a success story with you
• display a religious article in your room where friends who visit will see it and be prepared to talk about it
• talk about good experiences at Church or religious education
• invite friends to social functions at your parish and introduce them to the pastor, DRE, catechists, etc.
• when gossip happens, tactfully steer the conversation in a new direction
• send an email to a friend in need assuring him or her of your prayers
• be generous with compliments
• ask someone to pray for you when you are in need
• offer some money to a person in need
• carry a Rosary (or finger Rosary) in your pocket or purse and don’t be ashamed to let it be seen
• write “Jn 3:16″ or some other significant Scripture passage on your book bag or on a folder and be ready to explain what it means
• read an inspirational book while on a trip with friends

I WOULD LOVE TO GET MORE SUGGESTIONS FROM YOU!