7 ways in 7 days to engage with the Olympics

The start of the Olympics is just over a week away and the message from the Catholic Church is: "It's still not too late to get involved!"

As the Olympic torch winds its way around London, Christians across the capital will be getting involved by praying and hosting Olympic-themed events for the community.

Just in case anyone has left it to the very last minute, the Catholic Church has produced a downloadable document with seven simple ideas to connect with the Games.

Some of the suggestions are suitable for individuals, others for group settings, including serving jointly with other churches.

Prayer is the "most practical and powerful way" to serve the Games, the Church suggests.

Other ideas include bringing an Olympic theme to the inside and outside of church buildings, putting on a simple big screen event to show live sporting events, and organising an Olympic-related quiz night for family or members of the local community.

James Parker, Catholic Executive Coordinator for the 2012 Games, spoke of this proposal as follows: “The Games offer the local parish the opportunity to build community in a very practical and tangible way.

"No one is being asked to try and plan anything extravagant in seven days. However, there are small ways in which people can ‘olympify’ what they are already confident doing.

"This is all they are being invited to do.

“In so many areas across Britain, churches are leading the way in putting on celebrations. It is not only important for the Christian community to engage with this unique gathering of the world’s nations, but to be at the forefront of the festivities.”

Download the ideas here