On Friday, February 28, 2025, the MYP hosted a new day called MYP Lenten Pretzel Event at Holy Trinity Church in Whitestone, NY. The event was rectored Tom Leavens, and the Team Members were Diana Roach, Cathy Bishoff Weinbaum, Eileen Haggerty, Megan McComiskey, Mary Leavens & John Fodera.
The theme was created to prepare the teens for upcoming Lenten season. The icebreaker was a “Pretzel Challenge,” with the goal for the teens to bite away to the middle part of the pretzel & leaving the outer rim unbroken. The teen with the pretzel closest to perfect was the winner.
Diana Roach gave a talk, “What Is Lent?” She explained the roots of Lent, and challenged the teens to think of ways to prepare for season. The teens then participated in stations set up around the room that focused on fasting, giving & praying.
The fun part of the evening was making pretzels, and the teens were able to make their own. Eileen Haggerty explained why pretzels are a symbol of prayer and the origins of where that came from.
After reciting the “Pretzel Prayer” together, the evening concluded with a Prayer Service where the teens were assigned scripture readings and petitions to share with the group. The pretzels were fully baked and ready at the end of the service and the teens were able to enjoy them!
This was a great event for our teens: it was fun, always moving, created community & nourishment—and prepared the teens to make personal, attainable goals for the Lenten season.