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.
- 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
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
CHAPTER 11
In this
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
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 "