St. Patrick's Day (March 17th) and Celtic Christianity

*In the Celtic tradition there is a belief in an “anam-cara” or soul friend. For a fuller explanation see anam-cara-the-friend-of-your-soul link or Anam Cara - Soul Friend link . You could ask the youth if they feel it is important to have an anam cara or soul friend in their life. What sorts of things would they find an anam cara helpful to talk with? What qualities would they look for in an anam cara?

~Two of the most beloved Christian figures in Ireland are St. Brigid and St. Patrick. One activity you can do is to weave a St. Brigid’s cross. You can find easy instructions here at St. Brigid cross instructions link . You can also find information on the legend of how St. Patrick used a shamrock to teach about the Trinity here at Shamrock legend link

* Just for You ~ If you’re interested in doing further reading about soul friends pick up a copy of the late John O’Donohue’ book Anam Cara. It is widely available in bookstores, libraries and on-line. Or pick up another resource book on Celtic Christianity or being a soul friend. Soul Tending by Jennifer Youngman is another good resource book especially for those working with older youth and young adults. It is available to borrow here: Resource Centre Library link . The Godbearing Life: The Art of Soul Tending for Youth Ministry by Kenda Creasy Dean and Ron Foster also comes highly and personally recommended. You can also borrow it at Resource Centre Library link.

~For a truly in-depth look at what Celtic Christianity believes see Celtic Christianity background link.