Underground Christmas / Navidad Subterranea

What is Underground Christmas?

Jesus tells us “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (Matthew 5:10-12)

Persecution of Christians can be traced historically based on the biblical account of Jesus in the first century of the Christian era to the present time.  Going ‘underground’, inside a small, cramped apartment, small groups of believers studied the Bible and sang hymns. This still happens today in many countries. There are hundreds of unofficial "home" churches in the cities around the world like Beijing, Pakistan, and Iraq. Attendees run the constant risk of harassment, and sometimes detention, by the authorities.

Underground Christmas attempts to bring these difficulties into focus by way of re-enactment of these conditions around the campus of St. Jude Church and School in Chattanooga. Participants grades 5-8 will be put in small groups and have to find their way by deciphering clues, to ‘safe houses’ where they will be given a short preview of different eras of persecution and what Christians have had to face throughout the ages to be able to worship God.

The event includes trying to evade the secret police who are trying to capture the "Christians" and throw them jail for their faith, and various other fun activities that all relate back to the true problems around the world.

This is fun-filled night but also a teaching experience that will end with Mass in a very "underground" fashion. 

Cost is $30 

Click here for registration package

Registration deadline: Dec. 3. (late registrations will not receive t-shirt)

Registration forms and payments should be sent to: 
St. Jude Catholic Church Youth Ministry 
930 Ashland Terrace
Chattanooga, TN 37415