Youth Ministry and Technology to Enhance Prayer Time with Free Catholic Apps

Our youth have something in their hand or pocket all the time. It is either a cell phone or an ipod.
This is just part of our changing life styles. Use the technology that is available to enhance prayer time and Youth Ministry.

(Always give instruction on how to stay safe on the internet first! Don't ever think they already know the rules - repeat, repeat, repeat!)

There are many free Catholic apps available to download. Talk to children and youth about what is out there.

My favorite is called Laudate.

It is available for both Android and iOS systems.

Our children and youth are afraid to tell us that they may not know how to pray the Rosary or where to find the Daily Readings. We need to encourage them that it doesn't matter if we pray "right", just that we pray.  Prayer is just a conversation with God.  It is never right or wrong and that there are many forms of prayer.


Laudate app allows us to listen to podcasts of the Daily Reading and Holy Rosary & Chaplets - my personal favorites! These allows us to learn while listening.
You can chose to read.  There are also interactive links and other materials include Confession (Examination of Conscience), Stations of the Cross, Prayers, Catechism, EWTN, Order of the Mass, Liturgy of the Hours - many more.

There are also Free Catholic Books from Amazon that can be downloaded to the devices.

Other free Holy Rosary apps can be found too.

Educating Children and Youth on Safety Practices

 "God is love; therefore, each person is made in the image of love and created to act in love."

That is the first quote in the 'Principles for Child Protection Catechesis' In this document you will find the alignment of Scripture and Catholic teaching that you want to convey.

Teaching children and youth that they are truly a gift from God is the first step to educating them on how to be safe.

The website Netsmartz.org has material to help educate and protect our youth and children. (If you are an parent, educator, DRE or coordinator - teaching materials, worksheets and presentations can be downloaded free.)

The materials are in separate categories that are age appropriate for children, teens and tweens.
 Links to the safety topics covered:

• Basic Internet Safety
• Cell Phones
• Children As Victims
• Cyberbullying
• E-mail, IM & Chat Rooms
• Gaming
• Identity Theft
• Inappropriate Content
• Predators
• Revealing Too Much
• Sexting
• Social Networking

 Children and youth are our greatest resource and and incredible gift. Teaching them how to look for danger and see the warning signs can protect them and help protect others because of the knowledge that was instilled in them.

Mother Mary, pray for us to your Son Jesus to instill in us Grace and guidance. AMEN

Links to Frequently Asked Questions About Lent

Why ashes on Ash Wednesday? What are the official rules for fasting and abstinence? Why do we give things up for Lent? What are the Scrutinies? Should I go to Confession during Lent? Why Palms on Palm Sunday? Why Stations of the Cross? What is the connection with Lent and Baptism? When does Lent end? What is the Triduum? Why are Friday's meatless during Lent? Are Sunday's part of Lent? What does the word "Lent" mean? How is the Sunday Easter falls on determined?