The holiday season is upon us, and as parents attending the youth services at St Catherine of Alexandria Parish, we strive to make this time spiritually enriching for our youth and young adults. Here are five tips to help you engage your kids in church activities during December, fostering a deeper connection to the true meaning of the season.

Explore Christmas Bible Stories: Start the holiday season by delving into the beautiful and profound Bible stories that revolve around Christmas. Share stories of the birth of Jesus, the journey of the Three Wise Men, and the shepherds' visit. Discussing these narratives helps children understand the significance of Christmas within the context of their Catholic faith.

Embrace the joyous and miraculous events that transpired, instilling a sense of wonder and awe in your children. Engaging with these biblical tales during Youth Services encourages a deeper understanding of the spiritual aspect of Christmas.

Participate in Christmas Activities at Church: Attend special Christmas activities organized by St Catherine of Alexandria Parish, creating a festive atmosphere for your children. Encourage them to participate in nativity plays, caroling events, or community outreach initiatives. These activities not only celebrate the joy of the season but also reinforce the values of kindness, generosity, and community service taught in Catholic teachings.

By actively involving your children in these events during the holidays, you foster a sense of belonging and community within the Youth Services, making the church a place of celebration and spiritual growth.

Reflect on the True Meaning of Christmas: Take time during the holiday season to discuss and reflect on the true meaning of Christmas with your children. Emphasize the importance of love, compassion, and the gift of giving. Connect these values to the Catholic teachings that guide your family's faith.

Incorporate discussions into your holiday traditions, ensuring that your children understand that Christmas is more than just exchanging gifts – it's a celebration of the birth of Jesus and the embodiment of God's love for humanity.

Create a Nativity Scene at Home: Bring the magic of the Christmas story into your home by creating a nativity scene. Assemble the figures of Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, and the Magi, and place them in a central location. Explain the symbolism behind each figure and the role they play in the biblical narrative.

Building a nativity scene becomes a tangible way for your children to connect with the Christmas story, making it a visual representation of the faith they celebrate during Youth Services at St Catherine of Alexandria Parish.

Attend Midnight Mass Together: Culminate the holiday season by attending Midnight Mass as a family. Experience the serenity and spirituality of the Mass, creating lasting memories for your children. Encourage them to actively participate in the service, whether through readings, singing carols, or taking part in any special activities organized by the church.

Attending Midnight Mass as a family reinforces the significance of Christmas within the Catholic faith and provides an opportunity for your children to feel a sense of unity with the church community.

As we celebrate this holiday season, let's make it a time of spiritual growth and joy for our youth and young adults. Join us at St Catherine of Alexandria Parish, located at 5021A Kawaihau Rd, Kapaa, HI 96746. For more information about our Youth Services and holiday activities, contact us at (808) 822-7900 or visit our website. Let's come together as a community and embrace the true spirit of Christmas.