Grab some sweets at the delectable candy and ice cream emporium
on the road to the National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton in Emmitsburg,
Md. See the most sacred sites of the Holy Land recreated in the gardens of the Franciscan
Monastery in Washington, just a few blocks from the largest Christian church in
North America — the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate
Conception. Ponder the wisdom of Pope Francis’ historic environmental
encyclical “Laudato Si’, on Care for Our Common Home” while taking a walk in
the woods. All these activities sound a lot better than another hour on Zoom,
right?
In the midst of difficulty lies opportunity, and the diocesan
Office of Youth, Campus, and Young Adult Ministry used the challenge of
conducting youth ministry safely during a pandemic to create Encounters —
faith-based activities to engage young people. Each Encounter is designed to
help families or small groups learn about the faith in a nonclassroom setting.
The Encounters, which can be viewed online or downloaded and printed in English
or Spanish, contain resources on a specific site or activity, accompanied by
reflection questions, additional reading, restaurant recommendations and
suggested side trips to nearby parks and memorials.
For example, the Encounter Black Catholic History module
encourages a visit to St. Joseph Church in Alexandria, the Alexandria African
American Heritage Memorial Park and the Contrabands and Freedmen Cemetery.
While on the go, Encounterers can listen to a Spotify playlist with music from
Servant of God Sister Thea Bowman and podcasts on racism and notable Black
Catholics. Other suggested activities include shopping at Pauline Books and
Media in Old Town and reading the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ 2018
pastoral letter against racism.
Many of the Encounters are mini pilgrimages to nearby places such
as the Cathedral of St. Thomas More in Arlington or the Catholic sites of
“Little Rome” in Washington. But for those who prefer a culinary journey,
Capuchin Brother Andrew Corriente, winner of “The Great American Baking Show:
Holiday Edition,” has provided recipes for snacks associated with different
saints, such as chocolate and rose eclairs for St. Thérèse of Lisieux.
Not all of the places listed in the Encounters are open currently
due to pandemic restrictions, but Kevin Bohli, executive director of the Office
of Youth, Campus, and Young Adult Ministry, hopes these faith-filled field
trips will be an evergreen resource for families and parishes. In addition to
the seven modules available now, his team plans to release more Encounters
soon, including one on sacred Scripture.
“We wanted to create something for families to pull kids off
their screens and for parents to be able to be the ones that are truly passing
on the faith to their children,” he said. “(It’s) something fun that a family
can do together and enjoy learning about the faith through baking or hiking or
whatever it is.”
Find out more
To view the Encounters, go to arlingtondiocese.org/encounters.