President Russell M. Nelson declared, “Anytime you do anything that helps anyone—on either side of the veil—take a step toward making covenants with God and receiving their essential baptismal and temple ordinances, you are helping to gather Israel. It is as simple as that” (Russell M. Nelson,
“Hope of Israel,” worldwide devotional for youth, June 3, 2018, churchofjesuschrist.org/broadcasts).
Gathering weeks are specific focus weeks dedicated to inviting young adults to Jesus Christ through participation in Institute, Multi-Stake Scripture Conferences and other activities planned for the Gathering Week.
All leaders, teachers and institute students may be invited to focus their efforts to reach out and invite others to gather together during these weeks at each event.
Gathering Weeks will occur 4 times per year. The dates for 2026 will be:
• Monday 26th January – Sunday 1st February
• Monday 13th April – Sunday 19th April
• Monday 20th July – Sunday 26th July
• Monday 19th October – Sunday 25 October
Leaders and teachers reach out to as many potential or struggling students as they can in this week. They will want to use ‘councils’ to their full effect, including YSA Committees and Institute Councils.
• Identify students to invite from S&I Reports
• Work with your teachers and leaders to determine who will invite which YSA.
• Personally invite as many YSA to attend all activities as possible.
• Invite class members to invite one other YSA to attend – fast and pray for success.
• Report your efforts to stake leaders and share success stories.
• Include full-time missionaries in your gathering efforts.
• Invite YSA to attend the Scripture Conference.
• Family Home Evenings.
• Sports activity event.