Seminary Gathering Weeks 

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). 

What are Gathering Weeks? 

Gathering weeks are specific focus weeks dedicated to inviting youth to Jesus Christ through participation in Seminary & Institute.  

Who is involved?  

All leaders, teachers and seminary students may be invited to focus their efforts to reach out and invite others to engage in seminary during these weeks. 

When do they occur? 

Gathering Weeks will occur 3 times per year. The dates for 2026 will be: 

1. February 16-22 

2. July 20-26 

3. October 5-11 – invite potential S1 students for the following year. 

Ideas for Gathering Weeks: 

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 Ward and Youth Councils. 

• Identify students to invite from S&I Reports 

• Work with your students and leaders to determine who will invite which youth. 

• Personally invite as many youths to attend Seminary as possible. 

• Invite class members to invite one other youth to attend – fast and pray for success. 

• Report your efforts to stake leaders and share success stories. 

• Include fulltime missionaries in your gathering efforts (see page 27) 

Ideas for Class During Gathering Weeks: 

On a ward or stake level: 

• Seminary devotional, or Sacrament program (approved by bishop) 

• Guest teacher: on a particular day or for a particular topic 

• Bishopric cook breakfast for seminary students 

• Have a theme for the week and use posters or social media – along with reels 

• Q&A panel discussion or Doctrinal Mastery activities and challenges 

• Finish the end of the week with a testimony morning/evening (outdoors perhaps) 

Invite Students

Invite a Friend