The feast day of St. Francis of Assisi is October 4.
The following project ideas suggest some ideas for Christian discipleship for teens in the spirit of St. Francis. Many of the ideas may only whet the appetite for what teens might do in the future in lifelong service.
Share these ideas with your students. Ask them to choose and complete at least one of the projects in the days and weeks ahead.
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Create a theater group that uses songs, skits, personal testimony and the like to witness faith in Jesus Christ. Travel with the group performing before youth groups, school assemblies, religious education classes, civic fairs, and more.
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Youth Service America is an alliance of over 300 agencies designed to provide volunteer opportunities for people from ages 5 to 25. Visit their website and type in your zip code to find out about service opportunities in your area.
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Explore ways to work for solidarity and justice among all people in the world by examining the links at the Catholic Relief Service website. Take the lead in initiating one of the efforts described at your school or parish.
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Research the charisms of a Franciscan community of men or women. Reflect on how you can incorporate these charisms into your life right now. Also note the requirements for a lifelong Franciscan vocation (including as a third order Franciscan). See for example this site with links to particular Franciscan communities for men and women.
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Franciscans International, a non-governmental agency of the United Nations, lists opportunities for youth to volunteer with local and worldwide justice issue. For more information, go to this site.
