2. “Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. But it did not collapse; it had been set solidly on rock. And everyone who listens to these words of mine but does not act on them will be like a fool who built his house on sand. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. And it collapsed and was completely ruined.” When Jesus finished these words, the crowds were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as their scribes.
-Matthew 7:24-29

3. Basic tips start a youth group
Finalize vision with core
Brand your ministry
Plan out consistency of gatherings (once a month recommended to start)
Pick a day and time to gather
Come up with a theme for the year
Plan an epic kickoff for the beginning of the year
Create a communications plan
Make a basic plan for all of your gatherings for the year
Communicate with religious ed or any other ministries to discuss any possible overlap
Communicate with other parishes about any potential joint events

5. Types of Youth Gatherings
Social – events that are mainly social in nature and are focused on the pre-evanglization stage through fun and community
Catechetical – events that focus on a topic on faith through presenting the topic in am interactive and dynamic way
Issue – events that focus on current issues that teens may be experiencing or questioning
Service – events that provide opportunities for service. These can be incorporated into catechetical or issue nights

6. Sample Calendar Theme: “Rooted”
September: Kickoff Night! – BBQ with backyard games tournament and prizes
October: Catechetical – Rooted in Identity - Who am I? What is my purpose?
Capture the Flag
November: Catechetical Night – Building the Kingdom/Rooted in the Church
Building contest
December: Social Night – Trip to LaSalette
January: Issue Night – Dignity of the Human Person
February: Catechetical/Service – Rooted in Service/Valentine’s Day service project
March: Social Night – Joint social with neighboring parish
April: Catechetical – Rooted in Truth/Q&A Night
Dodgeball
May: Catechetical – Rooted in Prayer
Adoration/Confession
June: Social Night – End of Year bonfire!