Chapter 1
Download the Apostles' Creed below for the following activity.
- Make copies of the creed as needed.
- Cut creeds into strips and place in envelopes,
one creed per envelope.
- Invite teams of children to solve the creed
puzzles by putting the strips of paper in the correct order.
Click
here to download "Apostles' Creed"
Chapter 2
Use the following information sheet to help the children learn to look up
scripture references in their Bibles. Make copies and distribute as needed.
Click
here to download "How to Find a Scripture Reference in Your Bible"
Chapter 3
The link below is to a scripture passage telling the story of Samuel as
it appears in the lectionary. Write the scripture citation on the chalkboard.
Point out that the citation includes two separate sets of verses. Then share
this story with the children.
Click
here to download "The Story of Samuel"
Chapter 4
The Nicene Creed expresses what we believe about God. Using the Nicene Creed,
the children can solve creed puzzles as they did in chapter 1.
- Make copies of the creed as needed.
- Cut creeds into strips and place in envelopes,
one creed per envelope.
- Invite teams of children to solve the creed
puzzles by putting the strips of paper in the correct order.
or
- Distribute copies of the Nicene Creed to the
children.
- Ask them to name three similarities between
the Nicene Creed and the Apostles' Creed.
- Then ask the children to name three differences.
Click
here to download "Nicene Creed"
Chapter 5
In this chapter, the children learn about the prophet Isaiah. Use the link
below to expand the lesson and teach the children about four prophets.
Click
here for instructions for "Exploring the Prophets"
Chapter 6
Chapter 6 introduces miracle stories. Use the list
below to help you and the children recall some of the miracle stories of
the New Testament. You might like to invite teams of children to each
choose a miracle story and then prepare and perform a skit.
Click
here to download "Miracle Stories"
Chapter 7
In this chapter, the children learn about the death and resurrection of
Jesus. In their textbooks, the children see stained glass
windows for three of the Stations of the Cross. This is an appropriate
time to give the children an opportunity to make their own stained glass
windows.
Click
here to download "Making Stained Glass Windows"
Chapter 8
In this chapter, the children learn about the Holy Spirit. Follow these
simple steps to help the children create tableaus of the story of Jesus
promising the Holy Spirit.
Click
here to download "Creating Tableaus"
Chapter 9
In this chapter, the children learn about Jesus, the good shepherd. This
is an appropriate time to introduce the children to Psalm 23. Pray it slowly
so the children can think about the words. Discuss each of the four parts
of the psalm, asking the children what they think the psalm is saying to
them.
Click
here to download "Psalm 23"
Chapter 10
In this chapter, the children learn that the Church is the people of God
and they read about the communion of saints. This is an appropriate time
to take the children to visit your church. On this visit to the church,
look for art such as, stained glass windows, statues, and paintings that
honor Mary and the saints. Discuss the name of your parish and what that
name means for the people of the parish.
Chapter 11
In this chapter the children learn about the liturgy and the liturgical
year. Invite a liturgical minister to talk with the children about their
role.
Click
here to download "Inviting a Guest"
Chapter 12
In this chapter, the children learn about the sacraments. This is an appropriate
time to review the parts of the mass with the children.
Click
here to download "Reviewing the Parts of the Mass"
Chapter 13
In this chapter, the children read the story of Jesus feeding the large
crowd of people. This is an excellent time to help the children learn that
there are people in their parish who bring the Eucharist to people who are
unable to attend Mass.
Click
here to download "Learning about Eucharistic Ministry to the Homebound"
Chapter 14
In this chapter, the children learn about the sacrament of Reconciliation.
This is an appropriate time to take the children to church to visit the
reconciliation chapel.
Click
here to download "Visiting the Reconciliation Chapel"
Chapter 15
In this chapter, the children read about Jesus healing Jairus' daughter.
This is an appropriate time to have the children make cards for the sick
or homebound of your parish.
Click
here to download "Making Cards with Healing Messages"
Chapter 16
In this chapter, the children learn about the Sacraments at the Service
of Communion. Use the chart below to help the children understand Holy
Orders.
Click
here to download "Understanding Holy Orders"
Chapter 17
In this chapter, the children learn about what it means to be made in God's
image. This is an appropriate time to pray Psalm 139 with the children.
You may want to have the children make prayer cards with Psalm 139 on them.
Use the children's translation of Psalm 139 below.
Click
here to download "Psalm 139"
Chapter 18
In this chapter, the children learn the Beatitudes. After you and the children
have completed the chapter of the text, lead the children in a guided
meditation.
Click
here to download "Leading a Guided Meditation"
Chapter 19
In this chapter, the children learn that the Holy Spirit helps them to make
good choices. This is an appropriate time to learn the prayer to the Holy
Spirit. You might like to have the children make prayer cards.
Click
here to download "Prayer to the Holy Spirit"
Chapter 20
In this chapter, the children learn about the Ten Commandments. This is
an appropriate time to help them become more familiar with all ten of the
commandments. Follow the directions below to play a game that helps the
children memorize the Ten Commandments.
Click
here to download "Ten Commandments Quiz Game"
Chapter 21
In this chapter, the children learn about the first three commandments.
The first commandment teaches that God is number one in our lives. Consider
following the directions below and holding a pep rally for God!
Click
here to download "Holding a Pep Rally for God"
Chapter 22
In this chapter, the children learn about fourth, fifth, sixth and ninth
commandments. Follow the directions for commandment skits to help the children
better understand the commandments.
Click
here to download "Preparing and Sharing Commandment Skits"
Chapter 23
In this chapter, the children learn about the seventh, eighth and tenth
commandments. Follow the directions for commandment skits to help the children
better understand the commandments.
Click
here to download "Preparing and Sharing Commandment Skits"
Chapter 24
In this chapter, the children learn the Nicene Creed. Follow the directions
below for a puzzle activity that helps the children become more familiar
with this prayer.
Click
here to download "Assembling Nicene Creed Puzzles"
Chapter 25
In this chapter, the children learn about prayer. On page 353 of the Catechist
Guide, they read about pilgrimages. Follow the directions below and invite
a guest who has been on a pilgrimage to talk to the children.
Click
here to download "Inviting a Guest"
Chapter 26
In this chapter, the children learn about Jesus and how he taught us to
pray. This is an appropriate time to ask the children about people in
their lives who have taught them to pray. Follow the directions below
to pray a litany for those who have taught the children to pray.
Click
here to download "Honoring Those Who Taught Us to Pray"
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