Who Is Saint Peter?

The young people will come to know Saint Peter as a man who possessed strengths and weaknesses.

The young people should be able to explain what Jesus meant when he called Peter the ?rock? on which he would build his Church.

• Bibles
• Paper, pencils

• Guide the young people in an in-depth study of Peter as he is portrayed in the Gospels.
• Invite volunteers to read aloud the following passages. Then ask the young people to identify which strengths or weaknesses are illustrated in each passage.
• Strengths: Matthew 14:22-29 (courage, faith); Mark 8:29-30 (knows Jesus is the Christ); Luke 5:4-11 (humble, willing to admit sinfulness); Luke 22:61-62 (repents); John 6:67-71 (loyal); John 13:6-10 (loving, devoted).
• Weaknesses: Matthew 14:28-33 (weak faith); John 13:6-8 (stubborn, proud); Luke 22:34-60 (betrays Jesus).
• End the activity with a discussion about how Jesus did not choose perfect people to be his disciples. Talk about lessons the young people learned from Saint Peter and how they can apply those lessons to their own calls to be followers of Jesus.

People Smart, Word Smart

Consider conducting the ending discussion as a small-group activity. Then have the young people present their conclusions to the entire group.