Begin by dividing the class into small groups of three to four students each. Next, instruct
students to share their “highs,” or positive things that have happened in their lives in the past
week. Encourage students to practice active listening while their classmates are sharing, such
as remaining quiet, nodding, maintaining eye contact, and commenting only when the speaker
is finished. Give students 7-10 minutes to share with one another.

Continue using the same format asking students to share their “lows,” or things that have been
negative or difficult in the past week. Again, remind students to practice active listening and to
respect whatever their classmates share. Give students 7-10 minutes to share with one another.

Tell the students that they will go around the group one more time, this time sharing about their
prayer life. To help them understand what this means, tell them they might address one or more
of the following questions (write them on the board):

 What has my prayer looked like this week?
 When did I pray?
 Where did I pray?
 How often have I prayed this week?
 What did I struggle with while praying?
 What went well when I prayed?
 How do I prefer to pray?

Emphasize that they are welcome to share about their prayer life, no matter what it currently
looks like. Remind them that everyone goes through hills and valleys, and it is natural to have
seasons when it is more difficult to pray. Remind students that we are not here to judge each
other, but rather to lift each other up and to carry our crosses together. We are called to help
one another on our journeys to heaven, and by sharing where we are in our journey, we are
able to support and love each other more authentically and tangibly. Give students 7-10 minutes
to share.

When students are done sharing, explain the benefits of finding an “accountability partner”.
Basically, an accountability partner is a trusted family member, friend, or classmate who checks
in with us to see how often and how well we have been praying. The questions below can be a
great place to start. Print off the following questions and make copies for the students to give to
their accountability partners.

 How is your heart?
 When was the last time you spent time with the Lord in prayer?
 Do you want to go to Mass and confession with me?
 How can I pray for you?

Explain that with an accountability partner, we can check in every day, week, or month.

Prayer can be difficult, and living out our Catholic faith in a turbulent culture is often challenging
and disheartening. Yet, despite the difficulties, we were never meant to do it alone. Christ calls
us to live in harmony with one another and to build faith-filled communities as brothers and
sisters in Christ. By fostering Christ-centered friendships, we are able to encourage one another

as we learn, grow, and fight for our faith every day. Just as Simon helped Christ to carry his
cross, each of us are called to stumble with one another towards eternal life. Christ has gifted us
with community to enter the battlefield together so that one day, we may rejoice with one
another in the Kingdom.

“God sends us friends to be our firm support in the whirlpool of struggle. In the company of
friends we will find strength to attain our sublime ideal.” -St. Maximilian Kolbe

Megan Neuman is an Editorial Curriculum intern at Ave Maria Press. Megan is a senior English major at Franciscan University.