I like this...

I've just seen this on CatholicYouthMinistry.com... The pope spoke to a group of students a few weeks ago about the meaning of Christmas. Here's a snippet of what he said:

What does Christmas mean to me? Is it really important for my life, for the building up of society? There are many persons in our time… who ask whether we are to expect something or someone; whether we must look for another messiah, another god; if it is worthwhile to entrust ourselves to that Child whom we find in the manger between Mary and Joseph on Christmas night…

We do not need a generic, indefinite god, but the living and true God, who opens the horizon of man's future to the prospect of a firm and sure hope, a hope that is rich with eternity and that permits us to face the present in all its aspects with courage…

God is not far from man, but has descended and has become flesh (John 1:14), that man might understand where to find the solid foundation of all things, the fulfillment of his deepest longings: in Christ (cf. post-synodal apostolic exhortation "Verbum Domini," 10). Patience is the virtue of those who entrust themselves to this presence in history, who do not let themselves be overcome by the temptation of placing all hope in the immediate, in the purely horizontal perspective, in technically perfect projects, but which are far from the deepest of realities, that which gives the human person the highest dignity: the transcendent dimension, being a creature in the image and likeness of God, carrying in the heart the desire of ascending to him.

[Source]

The Catholic News site (which is great, if a little sparse in content) has another movie review podcast, this time talking about the 1999 film Mary, Mother of God.

"In the film, there's quite a lengthy sequence where Mary travels from Nazareth and she's greeted by Elizabeth. It's fairly literal - it uses the Gospel text - so it brings to life in a genial way, especially with the strength of the two actresses, a very famiiar story. For people who pray the Rosary, it's a contemplation of the Mystery of the Rosary the Visitation. So as we prepare for Christmas, it's very much an Advent story and enables us to move into the mind of Mary as she is pregnant and travels to Bethlehem to give birth."

Have a listen...

A few days ago, we posted some Christmas Youth Group games from Churchleaders.com. Well, here are some more... enjoy :)

ChurchLeaders.com has two Christmas games for you to use: Fruitcake Mayhem and Living Christmas Tree. Give 'em a go and let us know what you think...

Personally, I get stuck in a bit of a rut where icebreaker games are concerned (Squirt, boom-chick-a-boom etc...) so it's always good to hear about some new ones. 

While we're on the subject of new games, if you know of any let us know...

Another lovely resource from IgniterMedia...

The NDCYS website has a report about the recent Advent Retreat at the Briars. It includes a brilliant video which is worth watching. 

The Briars (that's the youth centre) Advent Retreat was the first ever thing I did in Catholic Youth Ministry, almost exactly twelve years ago. It was an exciting time for me, and the open retreat programme in Nottingham Diocese was - and remains - very, very strong. Their Advent retreat had a huge impact on the young people that went along, and continues to get great results.

Well done to all concerned - I hope the team have a happy and relaxing Christmas!

Lovely...