For questions, message Sherie on Remind, ClassDojo, email at [email protected] or call/text (765) 427-8199
faith stories lessons
1Families should have received a packet of the Faith Stories leaflets, but if you want online access, click HERE. Be sure to download the version appropriate for your child's age (younger or older).
After completing this week's lesson in the leaflet, sign onto your child's profile on Class Dojo. Click "Activities" to see assigned prompt, then submit your response! After we see your response, it will post to your child's portfolio.
ASSIGNMENTS:
Due October 23 - Domestic Church lesson below
Due October 30 - Faith Stories: Who is Jesus
Due November 6 - All Saints/All Souls lesson below
Due November 13 - Faith Stories: Jesus is Born
Due November 20 - Incarnation lesson below
Due Dec. 4 - What is Advent lesson below
Due Dec. 11 - St. Nicholas lesson below
Due Dec. 18 - Christmas lesson below
- Christmas Break -
Due Jan. 8 - Faith Stories: Friends of Jesus and watch video (younger: Adventure Catechism Lord's Prayer / older: What is Really Means to Pray the Lord's Prayer)
Due Jan. 15 - Faith Stories: Zacchaeus
Due Jan. 22 - Faith Stories: Mary & Martha
Due Jan. 29 - Faith Stories: Parables
Due Feb 5 - Faith Stories: The Son Who Ran Away
Due Feb. 12 - Virtue lesson below (plus optional Valentine resources)
Due Feb. 19 - Faith Stories: The Man Who Stopped to Help
Due Feb. 26 - Faith Stories: The Miracles of Jesus (NOTE: Lent materials going home soon!)
Due March 5 - Faith Stories: Bartimaeus AND introduce the season of Lent to your child and choose your Lenten commitments - I've included a lesson/resources below that you might find helpful. Lent devotionals coming in the mail soon!
Due March 12 - Faith Stories: The Special Picnic
Due March 19 - Faith Stories: Last Days of Jesus AND watch video (younger: Adventure Catechism: What is Original Sin? / older: The Meaning of Original Sin) Also, check out this playlist of the events of Holy Week from Saddleback Kids for bible story visuals! BONUS: Catholic Heroes: Story of St. Patrick and St. Patrick coloring sheet
- Spring Break -
Due April 9 - Faith Stories: Arriving in Jerusalem AND watch video (younger: What is Holy Week & Easter? / older: Skit Guys: Palm Sunday)
Due April 16 - Faith Stories: How Jesus Died AND watch video (younger: What is Redemption? / older: Skit Guys: Good Friday) Check out more optional Holy Week and Easter activities below!
-Easter Break-
Due April 30 - Faith Stories: Jesus is Alive
Due May 15 - Internet Safety (see below)
*LAST FAMILY SESSION RESCHEDULE TO MAY 22ND*
SAFE PROTECTION EDUCATION/INTERNET SAFETY
*Parents, To be in compliance with the diocesan requirement for Safe Protection education of youth, please complete a safety presentation with your child/ren by May 15. Post the completed activity on Class Dojo.
Geared toward kids approximately:
Kdg-Grade 5 - NetSmartz Cloud Quest (younger children may need parent assistance)
Ages 9 and up- Be Internet Awesome: Interland Games (complete at least 2 games)
After completing this week's lesson in the leaflet, sign onto your child's profile on Class Dojo. Click "Activities" to see assigned prompt, then submit your response! After we see your response, it will post to your child's portfolio.
ASSIGNMENTS:
Due October 23 - Domestic Church lesson below
Due October 30 - Faith Stories: Who is Jesus
Due November 6 - All Saints/All Souls lesson below
Due November 13 - Faith Stories: Jesus is Born
Due November 20 - Incarnation lesson below
Due Dec. 4 - What is Advent lesson below
Due Dec. 11 - St. Nicholas lesson below
Due Dec. 18 - Christmas lesson below
- Christmas Break -
Due Jan. 8 - Faith Stories: Friends of Jesus and watch video (younger: Adventure Catechism Lord's Prayer / older: What is Really Means to Pray the Lord's Prayer)
Due Jan. 15 - Faith Stories: Zacchaeus
Due Jan. 22 - Faith Stories: Mary & Martha
Due Jan. 29 - Faith Stories: Parables
Due Feb 5 - Faith Stories: The Son Who Ran Away
Due Feb. 12 - Virtue lesson below (plus optional Valentine resources)
Due Feb. 19 - Faith Stories: The Man Who Stopped to Help
Due Feb. 26 - Faith Stories: The Miracles of Jesus (NOTE: Lent materials going home soon!)
Due March 5 - Faith Stories: Bartimaeus AND introduce the season of Lent to your child and choose your Lenten commitments - I've included a lesson/resources below that you might find helpful. Lent devotionals coming in the mail soon!
Due March 12 - Faith Stories: The Special Picnic
Due March 19 - Faith Stories: Last Days of Jesus AND watch video (younger: Adventure Catechism: What is Original Sin? / older: The Meaning of Original Sin) Also, check out this playlist of the events of Holy Week from Saddleback Kids for bible story visuals! BONUS: Catholic Heroes: Story of St. Patrick and St. Patrick coloring sheet
- Spring Break -
Due April 9 - Faith Stories: Arriving in Jerusalem AND watch video (younger: What is Holy Week & Easter? / older: Skit Guys: Palm Sunday)
Due April 16 - Faith Stories: How Jesus Died AND watch video (younger: What is Redemption? / older: Skit Guys: Good Friday) Check out more optional Holy Week and Easter activities below!
-Easter Break-
Due April 30 - Faith Stories: Jesus is Alive
Due May 15 - Internet Safety (see below)
*LAST FAMILY SESSION RESCHEDULE TO MAY 22ND*
SAFE PROTECTION EDUCATION/INTERNET SAFETY
*Parents, To be in compliance with the diocesan requirement for Safe Protection education of youth, please complete a safety presentation with your child/ren by May 15. Post the completed activity on Class Dojo.
Geared toward kids approximately:
Kdg-Grade 5 - NetSmartz Cloud Quest (younger children may need parent assistance)
Ages 9 and up- Be Internet Awesome: Interland Games (complete at least 2 games)
*FOR ALL YEAR: Here are some grade level prayers that you can regularly work on with your child (I've also included in your family's packet). I did not write these, but thought it might be a helpful resource. These are not strict requirements, but prayers to work on. Don't drill them into your child, but include them in your routine (wake up/bed time, meal times, in the car, when someone is having a bad/good day, when something big happens to your family, etc.) to help them internalize them and appreciate them. Take care to also incorporate spontaneous heart prayer so that your kids may become comfortable with freely calling out to God with anything and everything. One suggestion might be to begin with heart prayer (Lord, thank you for... I'm sorry for... I'm feeling... please help... or whatever you want to say) and conclude with a memorized prayer like the Glory Be, Our Father, etc. It doesn't have to be perfect or long. Do what works well for your family!
May FAMILY SESSION: FAMILY PLAY
Parents, before you begin these activities with your kids, please
LISTEN TO THIS TALK and take a look at this HANDOUT ON FAMILY PLAY. (These are for parents only, not the kids.)
In short, this lesson is about cultivating joy in your family life, especially by having fun together.
**HERE'S THE LESSON. Here's some MORE IDEAS of activities you could do instead. Have fun with it!
EXTRAS:
Family Faith Summer Kit
Family Fun in the Summer
Here' some more tips for cultivating joy in your family.
LISTEN TO THIS TALK and take a look at this HANDOUT ON FAMILY PLAY. (These are for parents only, not the kids.)
In short, this lesson is about cultivating joy in your family life, especially by having fun together.
**HERE'S THE LESSON. Here's some MORE IDEAS of activities you could do instead. Have fun with it!
EXTRAS:
Family Faith Summer Kit
Family Fun in the Summer
Here' some more tips for cultivating joy in your family.
RESOURCES FOR LENT
Parents, check out this Lent Preparation Checklist to get the Lent juices flowing. I would also encourage you to update your family prayer table for Lent. See some Lenten display ideas here! Also, watch your mail in the coming weeks as I will be sending you Lenten Family Devotional that you may enjoy using this Lent!
Ash Wednesday Masses: 7:30am and 9:30am at St. Wendel, 6:00pm at St. Francis Xavier
Holy Week Masses:
Holy Thursday 6:30pm at St. Francis Xavier
Good Friday 3:00pm at St. Francis Xavier
Easter Vigil 8:00pm at St. Francis Xavier
Easter Sunday 8:15am at St. Wendel Hall and 10:00am at St. Francis Xavier
Confessions: 6:00-7:00pm at St. Wendel on Tuesday evenings (Mar. 8, 15, 22 and Apr. 5). Other times by appt.
Living Way of the Cross & Soup Supper - Monday, Apr. 4 at 6:00PM at St. Francis Xavier
Optional Holy Week Activities:
Holy Week is the most important time of year for us as Christians. HolyWeek@Home and Catechist Cafe gathered some activities that will help you and your children move through the week thoughtfully, prayerfully, and with some fun.
Pick and choose from the options based on the ages of your children and what appeals to you. Ideas are listed on the most relevant day, but you can do them whenever you would like.
What is most important this week is for you to be present to your children, say you love them, talk to them about faith, and pray with them.
*********************
Resurrection Eggs - You will need 12 plastic eggs and an empty egg carton. Go HERE to see how to make them and the fun ways to use them.
Bake Hot Cross Buns - Traditionally eaten during Holy Week and especially Good Friday, these sweet, doughy rolls are topped with a cross. Read the history HERE.
Stations of the Cross - Version for Younger Children - Way of the Cross for Kids - Brother Francis Stations of the Cross - Virtual Stations of the Cross (older kids)
You might also consider doing something special for Easter Sunday as well, such as making Resurrection Rolls or watching a movie about Jesus' Resurrection, like Brother Francis: The Power of the Resurrection! or Veggie Tales: Easter Carol, or printing this Easter coloring page for their baskets.
Here are the Saddleback Kids Easter Story videos found in each of the prayer services from the HolyWeek@Home site:
Triumphal Entry - Palm Sunday
Jesus' Sacrifice - Palm Sunday and Good Friday
Jesus Washes the Disciples Feet - Holy Thursday
God is With Us - Easter Sunday - summarizes entire Easter season story
A LESSON ON LENT:
BONUS! Here is a Lenten Calendar that you can use to countdown the days until Easter. You can personalize it by writing in your own plans, sacrifices, feast days, birthdays, etc. You can mark the days of Lent off as you go by coloring in each day, drawing X’s on each day, or by marking each day with a sticker.
- Opening Scripture: Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert. He fasted for forty days and forty nights, and afterwards he was hungry. The tempter approached and said to him, ‘If you are the Son of God, command that these stones become loaves of bread.’ He said in reply, ‘It is written, ‘One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes forth from the mouth of God.’ (Matthew 4:1-4)
- Today we will be exploring the season of Lent. As a family, discuss: What is Lent? What is is preparation for? What do we do differently for Lent?
- Watch:
- Younger Children: Brother Francis: Let's Learn about Lent
- Older Children might prefer: Catholic Central: Lent or Fr. Mike Schmitz: Preparing for Lent
- Discuss:
- How can giving things up during Lent help us get closer to God?
Answers will vary, but may include making an offering and keeping a promise to God to grow in faithfulness; uniting our sacrifices to Jesus’s Sacrifice as a prayer and to unite ourselves with Him; and growing in discipline so we will be stronger to avoid sin. Also, eliminating distractions that may keep us from prayer, and it is a way to express sorrow (and offer reparation) for sin. - Besides giving things up (sacrifice), two other important things we should focus on during Lent are prayer and good works. How can we put those into practice during Lent to get closer to God? Think of specific things you can do. Answers will vary. Check out this list of ideas!
- How can giving things up during Lent help us get closer to God?
- Activity - You have spent much of this lesson thinking about ways you personally can grow spiritually during Lent. Remind your children that their acts of penance are also wonderful, loving offerings to God. On a blank sheet of paper or on the "Lenten promise" sheet, they should write down their intentions. If there is time, they can color it, as well, and students should be encouraged to display it somewhere during Lent, as a reminder and encouragement of their spiritual goals and promise.
- Consider incorporating some of these activities into Lent this year!
- Together pray the closing prayer: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
BONUS! Here is a Lenten Calendar that you can use to countdown the days until Easter. You can personalize it by writing in your own plans, sacrifices, feast days, birthdays, etc. You can mark the days of Lent off as you go by coloring in each day, drawing X’s on each day, or by marking each day with a sticker.
LESSON: VIRTUES (DUE FEB. 12)
Note for Parents: As Catholic families it is important to draw upon the virtues of our faith. These virtues are the four Cardinal Virtues: Prudence, Temperance, Courage and Justice. The three Theological Virtues: Faith, Hope, and Charity. As we grow in virtue, we grow closer to Christ. Use this time together as a family to become aware of the virtues you may already practice within your home and to work on growing together in them.
*Resource: "Natural Born Virtues" This a video that explains the virtues and ways to encourage them in your children.
BONUS! Saint Valentine Day is coming soon, so your kids might enjoy the Story of Saint Valentine or You Don't Know Jack about Saint Valentine and these Saint Valentine cards and coloring pages: Saint Valentine and Saint Valentine with couple. What virtues does he display? :)
*Resource: "Natural Born Virtues" This a video that explains the virtues and ways to encourage them in your children.
- Scripture: If one loves righteousness, whose works are virtues, [Wisdom] teaches moderation and prudence, righteousness and fortitude, and nothing in life is more useful than these. (Wisdom 8:7)
- Begin by considering, “What makes a good person?” or “What makes a good Catholic?” Brainstorm some words. Most of the words they will come up with are what we call “virtues.” There are many virtues, but there are seven major virtues, that other virtues come from, which we need to live holy lives and be faithful to God. That is what today’s lesson will cover.
- Watch: Adventure Catechism: What are the Virtues or Catholic Central: Virtues
- Discuss:
- What are virtues? Good habits that help us be holy
- What does “cardinal” mean (when it comes to virtues)? “Of great importance,” or “main” – other virtues come from the cardinal virtues
- The virtues are gifts from God; we should pray for them. Why is it also important to practice them? We must pray for virtues because they are gifts from God, but by practicing the virtues, we can make them grow. We become stronger in the virtues the more we work on living them. We should continue to pray for God to strengthen them in us, as well.
- Faith, hope, and charity are called the theological virtues. Prudence, justice, fortitude and temperance are called the cardinal virtues. How are the theological virtues and cardinal virtues different (as groups)? The theological virtues are related directly to God, and help us grow spiritually. The cardinal virtues flow from the theological virtues and they specifically guide our behavior. This is why the cardinal virtues are considered the main moral virtues.
- Activity: Choose an activity to review the cardinal and theological virtues.
- Virtue Sorting activity -match the word with the definition
- Mini booklets (PreK-3rd) - talk about each of the virtues as you cut and color your own mini books
- Virtues Worksheet (5th-8th) - reflect on the importance of the virtues and create your own poster. If you complete this activity, you can skip the last activity.
- Choose one or two virtues and discuss as a family who displays these virtue best within your home.
Discuss: Who do you think displays the virtue of ______ best? How do they display this virtue? When do you see this virtue come out in them most? How does it make you feel when this person shows this virtue? How can you grow in this virtue? - Activity: Create a card and write a letter to that person, thanking them and telling them how you see this virtue in them. (Younger children can draw pictures). OR have your child choose one theological virtue and one cardinal virtue (younger children can choose just one virtue) and have them draw examples of the virtues, of someone living the virtues. OR complete Virtues cereal activity.
- Closing prayer: Holy God, we praise and thank you for inviting us to share in your holiness. Inspire us to live with virtue so that your power will be known through our lives. We ask this prayer through Christ our Lord. Amen.
*Optional Coloring page
BONUS! Saint Valentine Day is coming soon, so your kids might enjoy the Story of Saint Valentine or You Don't Know Jack about Saint Valentine and these Saint Valentine cards and coloring pages: Saint Valentine and Saint Valentine with couple. What virtues does he display? :)
advent/christmas lessons
THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT
LESSON: CHRISTMAS (DUE DEC. 18)
Parents: check out these ideas for celebrating Christmas for the entire season, not just the day. Also, here is a Blessing for the Family Christmas Tree that you might do, as well as The Legend of the Candy Cane that you can share with your family.
Continue with your Advent Wreath prayers.
EXTRAS:
December 12 is the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, watch: Juan Diego-Messenger of Guadalupe
Coloring pages:
Nativity
Christmas Tree
Baby Jesus Puzzle
LESSON: CHRISTMAS (DUE DEC. 18)
Parents: check out these ideas for celebrating Christmas for the entire season, not just the day. Also, here is a Blessing for the Family Christmas Tree that you might do, as well as The Legend of the Candy Cane that you can share with your family.
Continue with your Advent Wreath prayers.
- Opening Scripture: And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us, and we saw his glory, the glory as of the Father’s only Son, full of grace and truth. (John 1:14)
- Today we will be exploring the meaning of Christmas. As a family, discuss: What is something your family does to celebrate Christmas?
- Watch: Brother Francis: O Holy Night, The King is Born: What Christmas is About or The Christ Child: A Nativity Story
- Discuss:
- What does Christmas celebrate?
Think about how wonderful it is that God's Son stepped down out of Heaven to become Emmanuel, God with us; He took on flesh while still being God! He was the Son of God, fully God, and the Son of man, fully man. He came to live. He came to die for our sin. He came to rise again and will return! God gave the gift of his son on Christmas, and so we are happy and grateful that we get to have a relationship with Jesus! Think about how much God loves us. Think about how much he loves you! - In addition to the things you do on Christmas day, what are some other things you do on the days after Christmas? What are some things your family can do to celebrate the entire Christmas season, not only December 25? (If you would like to propose some new ideas, check out the handout in the note to parents above)
- What does Christmas celebrate?
- Complete one of the activities:
- “Nativity Escape Room” (Email Sherie for download)– Geared toward kids 8 years and older. Younger students can still participate, but they may need some help from older students or parents.
- Read Matthew 1:18-24. Since a stable was the only room for the Holy Family, Joseph probably made the manger-crib as ready as he could. Build your own Nativity scene. You might use playdough, objects around the house, or do it "gingerbread house" style with candy (how to video here). Then complete this matching activity to see how much you know about Christmas.
- Submit a picture of one your completed activities on ClassDojo.
- Close in prayer: Gracious God, You brought Jesus to us in the midst of very ordinary people and animals. Let us remember who we are called to be in our own world today. Help us to find ways to bring Jesus into our own families, friendships, and schools. We ask for your help and guidance in our lives and thank you for the many blessings that you bestow upon us. Amen.
EXTRAS:
December 12 is the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, watch: Juan Diego-Messenger of Guadalupe
Coloring pages:
Nativity
Christmas Tree
Baby Jesus Puzzle
SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT
LESSON: SAINT NICHOLAS (DUE DEC. 11)
Parents: Note that this lesson has a service component. You may want to browse some of the service ideas below to determine what you want to do ahead of time. You are not confined to these ideas if you have other ideas for service to do with your child. Also, Monday, Dec. 6 is the actual St. Nicholas day. It is tradition to have children put out their shoes or stockings the night before to receive treats the next morning. If you want to do this tradition, here are some treat ideas and here.
LESSON: SAINT NICHOLAS (DUE DEC. 11)
Parents: Note that this lesson has a service component. You may want to browse some of the service ideas below to determine what you want to do ahead of time. You are not confined to these ideas if you have other ideas for service to do with your child. Also, Monday, Dec. 6 is the actual St. Nicholas day. It is tradition to have children put out their shoes or stockings the night before to receive treats the next morning. If you want to do this tradition, here are some treat ideas and here.
- Jesus told his followers that they must love one another, and do practical things to show this love. One of the key times when he said this was on the day before his death, now remembered as Holy Thursday (John 13:1-20). A close follower of his called James later wrote: My brothers, what good is it for someone to say they have faith if their actions do not prove it? … Suppose there are fellow human beings who need clothes and don’t have enough to eat. What good is there in your saying to them, ‘God bless you! Keep warm and eat well!’ if you don’t give them the things they need to live?—James 2:14-16
- Watch: Saint Nicholas: The Real Story of the Christmas Legend (just until 5:50 when the reader gets to the "Dear Grownups" letter)
- Bishop Nicholas became a saint and now we know him as Saint Nicholas. Many children call him Santa Claus. We remember Saint Nicholas because of his kindness and the generous gifts he gave to others. We remember Saint Nicholas on December 6. This day comes a few weeks before Christmas. One reason we give gifts to one another at Christmas is to remember the kindness Saint Nicholas had for those around him.
- Watch: Who is Santa Claus?
- Discuss how to be a St. Nicholas – helper for others:
- When St. Nicholas knew someone needed help, he tried to do something about it. Can you think of someone you know who needs help? What can you do for this person?
- Can you think of anybody like Nicholas living today?
- What were some of the wonderful things St. Nicholas did to help other people? Why do you think he did these things? How can you bring the spirit of Nicholas into Christmas this year?
- Choose a Service Activity: St. Nicholas was known for his giving spirit and we want to take that into the season with us. Here are some ideas.
- Have the children make cards, write letters, draw pictures, or make artificial flowers to send to people who are shut-in or living in nursing homes.
- Collect food or clothing items to donate. You could check out the list of needs at Borrowed Hearts or Ozanam Family Shelter or United Caring Services or St. Vincent de Paul.
- Doing good deeds in secret: Encourage children to think of examples of good deeds they can do at school and at home. Discuss how these secret deeds make both the doer and the recipient feel. Hang a stocking next to a container with paper “gold coins.” Every time a child does a secret good deed, a gold coin is put into the stocking. The coins may be either blank, or a short phrase may be written on the coin. Deeds may be counted and reported at the end of week or on Christmas.
- Consider creating a box for Operation Christmas Child. You can build a shoebox online and have your child choose what to go in the box.
- Optional: Activity Sheet or Coloring Sheets. Your kids might also enjoyed watching Nicholas: The Boy Who Became Santa.
- Closing Prayer: God of joy and cheer, we thank you for your servant, the good bishop Nicholas. In loving the poor, he showed us your kindness; in caring for your children, he revealed your love. Make us thoughtful without need of reward so that we, too, may be good followers of Jesus.
FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT
Get out your Advent Wreath and, if you’d like, have your kids help you decorate it. (If you don't have one, we have extras you can have, so just let me know!) For the first weekend of Advent (Nov. 28), you will bless it and begin praying with it every day. Here are some Advent Wreath Prayers, or you might find your own. Also, choose a daily devotion or use these Advent Faith Conversations for your family. I encourage you to find something you like, and try to incorporate a simple daily reflection each day this Advent season for your family.
For more family activities for Advent, check out these resources.
Get out your Advent Wreath and, if you’d like, have your kids help you decorate it. (If you don't have one, we have extras you can have, so just let me know!) For the first weekend of Advent (Nov. 28), you will bless it and begin praying with it every day. Here are some Advent Wreath Prayers, or you might find your own. Also, choose a daily devotion or use these Advent Faith Conversations for your family. I encourage you to find something you like, and try to incorporate a simple daily reflection each day this Advent season for your family.
For more family activities for Advent, check out these resources.
LESSON: WHAT IS ADVENT (DUE DEC. 4)
- Opening Scripture: The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world came to be through him, but the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, but his own people did not accept him. But to those who did accept him, he gave power to become children of God (John 1:9-12A)
- Review with your child the meaning of the season of Advent. Ask your children, “What is Advent?” Let them respond and see what they already know. You may correct any errors, but don’t worry about getting into too much detail yet. The rest of the lesson will do that. You’re just assessing what they already know, and getting them thinking about the topic.
- Watch:
- Elementary Children: Jesus is Coming!
- Older Children might prefer: Advent in 2 Minutes and Fr. Mike Schmitz - True Meaning of Advent
- Discuss: How does the Advent wreath help us pray during Advent?
The wreath reminds us of God’s everlasting love, and as we light more candles, we prepare to celebrate Jesus, the Light, coming to the world. There are readings and family prayers we can pray around the Advent wreath. - Discuss as a family, what are some things your family can do during Advent, to prepare for Christmas?
Be sure to emphasize the spiritual character of the season, and distinguish it from Christmas. - Activity: Plan for Advent Acts of Love! This Advent, as you prepare to celebrate the birth of our Lord, each day you will be giving Jesus a little gift. It could be a prayer, a sacrifice, or a kind act. On the attached calendar, write down what you will do each day to show love to God and others. Come up with your own ideas or check out these acts of love or these ideas. For example, perhaps one day you will pray the Rosary; on another you may read the Bible for 10 minutes; maybe you will give up television one day; on another you might do your sister’s chores. Each morning of Advent, check your calendar and perform the act on that day. You may repeat your ideas, and remember, these are offerings to Jesus.
OR try this variation: To really make this a craft will take some extra prep, but can make for more visual impact. Cut out strips of paper, one for each day of Advent– violet (purple) for each day of weeks one, two, and four; and rose (pink) for each day of week three. Children write the date on one side of the strip of paper, and their Advent activity on the other side. Then they staple them, in order, linked together like a chain, with the date on the outside and their activity hidden on the inside of each link. Then, each day of Advent, students unhook one link, see what they will be doing that day to prepare, and as Christmas gets closer, the chain gets smaller.
A simpler variation: Cut the activities into strips and put them in a basket. Draw out an act of love to complete each day. Put completed acts in a manger to be "straw" for Jesus or a gift box to present to Jesus on Christmas day. - Optional Advent Wreath Coloring Page
- Together pray the closing prayer: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
lesson: the incarnation (due nov. 20)
- Opening Scripture: For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God sent the Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him. (John 3:16, 17)
- Tell your child that in this session you will be studying the Incarnation, which is God becoming Man. We are talking, of course, about Jesus. Jesus became human in Mary’s womb and nine months later, at the first Christmas, He was born.
- Watch:
- Elementary Children: Adventure Catechism: What is the Incarnation
- Older Children: Fr. Mike Schmitz - Why Did God Take on Our Humanity? Then read The Incarnation handout.
- Discuss:
- Why was God willing to become human? Why was it important?
He was willing to become human because he loves us. He wanted to save us from sin and bridge the gap between God and us. Through his life, death and resurrection, we can have a relationship with the Father. - What are some things that we experience as humans, that Jesus can understand, since He experienced them as a human? Why is this helpful?
Jesus experienced human emotions – happiness, sadness, etc.; physical needs – hunger, exhaustion, etc.; human relationships – friends, family, enemies, even betrayal. He is a model of holiness and can help us know how to live and be more like him. - What are some things you can think of that Jesus did, that show that He is God? Some that show He is human? Answers will vary. Some may include: God – miracles, rose from the dead, gave us the Eucharist, started the Church, etc. Human – He ate, became tired, was born into a family, wept at the death of Lazarus and over Jerusalem, etc.
- Why was God willing to become human? Why was it important?
- Activity:
- Read the following Scripture passages with the students: Matthew 1:1-16; Matthew 9:18-26; Matthew 17:1-8; Mark 6:31-32; Luke 5:17-26. Each passage refers either to Jesus’s Divine Nature (God) or His Human Nature. Have the students identify and discuss which nature is reflected in each passage. (VIEW ANSWER KEY HERE)
- Optional: Complete one of the following: color page or word search
- Closing Prayer: Write your own prayer of thanksgiving to Jesus.
All Saints/All Souls Lesson (Due Nov. 6)
- Opening Scripture: The souls of the just are in the hand of God, and no torment shall touch them. They seemed, in the view of the foolish, to be dead; and their passing away was thought an affliction and their going forth from us, utter destruction. But they are in peace. (Wisdom 3:1-3)
- Do you know why we celebrate Halloween on October 31? (It is the day before All Saints Day.) If the children are not sure, say: I will give you a hint. Write “All Hallow’s Eve.” Say: This is where the name Halloween comes from. Do you know what hallow means? (holy) Say: A hallowed person is another name for a saint. We call October 31 All Hallow’s Eve because it is the eve of All Saints Day, which is November 1. It is the day the Church celebrates with all the people who have died and are now with God in heaven. We go to Mass and remember that all these holy people are happy with God. We also have a day to pray for all those who have died and who may not yet live fully in God's presence. This day is called All Souls Day, which is November 2.
- Let's learn about the connection between these special days.
- Younger children watch: Brother Francis All Saints Day and All Souls Day
- Older children may prefer to watch: The Communion of Saints and How Does the Catholic Church Declare Official Saints? and review the Handout: Life Everlasting
- Discuss:
- Everyone who has lived and died in Jesus’ love is a saint. Some of these people are members of our family, our friends, and our neighbors. We do not know the names of all the saints. Some of these people were so much like Jesus that after they died, the Church said they were definitely in heaven. Do you know the names of some of these saints? (Answers will vary.)
- Why is it important to learn about Saints? Answers will vary, but the Saints can inspire us and pray for us. They are role models and people we can look up to and learn from their experiences. There are Saints from every type of background, with many different interests and talents, so we can all find Saints whom we relate to and connect with.
- To meet a few of the saints, complete this activity:
- Help your children understand that we are all saints-in-the-making. Say: Saints are people who love Jesus and share his love with others. We can all live like the saints even while we are still on earth. What is one way to live like a saint at home? at school? in your neighborhood? When the children have given examples, say: God calls each of us to be saints. We become saints by doing things like those we just mentioned. Then when we die, we will live with God in heaven.
- Activity: Choose a favorite saint and complete the activity below.
- Closing Prayer: Help us, Jesus, to be like you, to be the saints we’re made to be. And to one day come to heaven and be with you eternally. Amen.
Suggested activity for Home Altar/Prayer Space: Identify your loved ones that have passed away and write their names or put their pictures up to remember to pray for them throughout the month of November. Or visit the cemetery to leave flowers on graves and pray for the dead, both at the cemetery, and your own beloved dead. For ideas, go HERE.
Here is one prayer we Catholics pray for the souls in purgatory: Eternal rest grant to him [her], O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him [her]; May his [her] soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
OCTOBER Lesson: domestic church (due oct 23)
PARENTS: This lesson may take a little pre-planning. Take a look at the prayer activities below ahead of time, so you are prepared when you begin with your child.
- Opening Scripture: You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength. Take to heart these words which I enjoin on you today. Drill them into your children. Speak of them at home and abroad, whether you are busy or at rest. (Deuteronomy 6:5-7)
- Today’s lesson is about the Domestic Church – what is the Domestic Church, what do you think that is? Domestic Church means our family, and how families are meant to be a place where God is honored, and faith is nurtured.
What really helps lay that foundation is a good marriage.
Q: Do you know the purpose of marriage? (Raise children to love Jesus, and help each other's spouse become better/holier people who love God)
Our Church teaches that Matrimony is a sacrament of service – service to God, to the community, and to the members of our family. The family should be a place of love.
Q; What are some things you enjoy doing with our family? (It could be anything – vacations, going fishing, playing games, etc.)
Q: What are ways we all pray, worship God, or grow in our Faith as a family?
As we watch this video, let's think about new ways we can grow in faith as a family… - Watch Brother Francis: Domestic Church or older children might prefer The Domestic Church.
- Discuss: What are some things we can do as a family (that you don’t already do) to grow in faith, and worship God?
- Activity: To help you grow in your love of God and faith as a family, build your own prayer space or home altar at home:
- Check out these tips for How to Design a Home Altar or read the Catholic Icing Blog. (Note: we will continue to add to this space throughout the year)
- Choose a prayer to try with your family/child. Here are SOME IDEAS.
- Together, decide on a way you can be intentional about incorporating more prayer in your daily family life.
- Closing Prayer: (over your prayer space) God, we pray these prayer items will serve as a symbol of our family’s love for one another and for you. We give thanks we are able to work together to create beautiful things. May they inspire our faith and increase our desire to grow closer to You. Amen.