Gospel for the Mass: 9/8/13- Luke 14:25-33

*Be sure to check out Gospel for the Mass Year C page right below the header for other days that you need Gospel for the Mass activities.


Disclaimer: The posts below contain links to other websites and the content of these sites are evaluated before they are included. These websites can change without warning making links inactive and/or the content altered. We have no control over other websites and we are not responsible for the content that they post.




Luke 14:25-33



Activities

catholicmom.com- Click on the month. Scroll down to the date for Coloring Page, Mass Worksheet, Crossword Puzzle, Word Search, etc.

Theresa at catholickidsbulletin.blogspot.com will post a link to an activity sheet that coordinates with the Catholic Mass. There will be pictures and activities each week to help little kids understand and appreciate the Mass. Most weeks, she will also highlight a Saint whose feast day falls within that week or a liturgical symbol they can watch for at Mass.

sadlierreligion.com- Scroll down to Gospel Reflection, Discussion Questions for the Gospel, and Proclaiming Faith Activities

loyolapress.com- Background on the Gospel and activities for groups and families

4catholiceducatiors.com- Resources on the Sunday Readings

sermons4kids.com- Counting the Cost object lesson with coloring page, group activities, puzzles, worship bulletin

sermons4kids.com- Making Choices object lesson with coloring page, group activities, puzzles

sundayschoollessons.com- What Does It Mean to Follow Jesus lesson with questions and answers

bible.org- The purpose of this lesson is to help you understand the term “disciple” and show operationally the distinct characteristics of such a person. Worksheet provided.

word-sunday.com- Randy’s Important Decision (scroll down to Gospel)

textweek.com- Lectionary, Scripture Study and Worship Links and Resources



Coloring

sermons4kids.com- I will follow Jesus. He is God’s son.

sermons4kids.com- I want to follow Jesus. He is God’s son.

churchhousecollection.blogspot.com- 4 coloring pages posted



Crafts

sermons4kids.com- Counting the Cost & Making Choices group activities (crafts)

kidssundayschool.com- Bee Thumb-body with Jesus

kidssundayschool.com- Helping Hands (change this craft to fit your needs)

Followers Footprints- Students decorate T-shirts with footprints. (Bible Story Crafts & Projects Children Love by Group Publishing, page 64)

mumx6xanga.com- Following Jesus Flip Flops (hang on the wall craft)



Games

sermons4kids.com- Counting the Cost & Making Choices Group Activities (games)

Play Follow the Leader, but have the students follow and do everything Jesus does.

Toe Service- Change this game to do a verse from Luke 14:25-33. (The Really Big Book of Bible Games, page 206)

Only Jesus- Children will review what they know about Jesus and realize that only God’s son could do the things Jesus did. (The Encyclopedia of Bible Games for Children’s Ministry, page 117)



Puzzles

sermons4kids.com- Word Search

joanyedwards.com- Word Search

sermons4kids.com- Word Shape

sermons4kids.com- Decoder

sermons4kids.com- Crossword

joanyedwards.com- Crossword



Worksheets

comingtofaith.com- Following Jesus

comingtofaith.com- Witnesses to Jesus

comingtofaith.com- Following the Way

bible.org- This is a careful look at Scripture and what it means to be a disciple. You are encouraged to look up the following verses and see the characteristics of a disciple.

Gospel for the Mass: 9/1/13- Luke 14:1, 7-14

*Be sure to check out Gospel for the Mass Year C page right below the header for other days that you need Gospel for the Mass activities.


Disclaimer: The posts below contain links to other websites and the content of these sites are evaluated before they are included. These websites can change without warning making links inactive and/or the content altered. We have no control over other websites and we are not responsible for the content that they post.




Luke 14:1, 7-14



Activities

catholicmom.com- Click on the month. Scroll down to the date for Coloring Page, Mass Worksheet, Crossword Puzzle, Word Search, etc.

Theresa at catholickidsbulletin.blogspot.com will post a link to an activity sheet that coordinates with the Catholic Mass. There will be pictures and activities each week to help little kids understand and appreciate the Mass. Most weeks, she will also highlight a Saint whose feast day falls within that week or a liturgical symbol they can watch for at Mass.

sadlierreligion.com- Scroll down to Gospel Reflection, Discussion Questions for the Gospel, and Proclaiming Faith Activities

loyolapress.com- Background on the Gospel and activities for groups and families

4catholiceducatiors.com- Resources on the Sunday Readings

sermons4kids.com- Left Out object lesson with group activities, coloring page, puzzles, worship bulletin

sermons4kids.com- All Puffed Up object lesson with coloring page, group activities, puzzles, fill in the blanks, etc.

sundayschoollessons.com- Jesus Invites Everyone to the Table lesson with questions and answers.

sundayschoolresources.com- Don’t Play Favorites activities

kidssundayschool.com- This activity will have the children going away feeling great about who they are, and it will help them see how the power of our Lord can help them accept others for who they are.

randomactsofkindness.org- Random Acts of Kindness lessons, crafts, activities, etc.

goodcharacter.com- Lesson and activities on respecting others

baptist-church.suite101.com- Teaching Christian Kindness
Preschool Bible Lesson Ideas and Sunday School Activities

textweek.com- Lectionary, Scripture Study and Worship Links and Resources

tonychestnut.com- Kindness Counts: Exploring Random Acts of Kindness
A curriculum for “The Book About Tony Chestnut”

theiamprogram.com- The Kindness Tree

pbs.org- A Kindness Tree

pinterest.com- Kindness Projects

goodcharacter.com- Being Friends for grades K – 5
This page is from the teaching guide for the video "Being Friends" in the video series You Can Choose! Even if you aren't showing this video there is a lot of useful material here, though you may wish to change some of the wordings or omit a few items.


Kindness Coupons- This is a great idea for kids to give coupons to perform an act of kindness. Kids can print out the great coupons that will tell you they are volunteering to pull weeds in the garden, mow the grass, or perhaps do the dishes.

familycrafts.about.com- Printable Coupons. Blank ones also available.

lds.about.com- Coupon book that you can make

4men1lady.com- Kindness Cards to print out



Coloring

sermons4kids.com- Luke 14:11

silk.net/RelEd/- Everyone Who Humbles Himself Will Be Exalted and Sit at the Lowest Place (gifs)

christysclipart.com- Kindness coloring page

sermons4kids.com- Showing Kindness Towards Others

sermons4kids.com- Happy are those people who are fair, who do what is right at all times. (Psalm 106:3)



Crafts

sermons4kids.com- Left Out group activities (crafts)

sermons4kids.com- All Puffed Up group activities (crafts)

associatedcontent.com- Making a Chain of Kindness

associatedcontent.com- Cups of Kindness

daniellesplace.com- Scroll down to: Plant a Little Kindness Plant Marker

thebestkidsbooksite.com- Scroll down to: Suggested Craft Projects. Several are listed there.

crayola.com- Circle of Kindness

crayola.com- Heart Suncatchers

crayola.com- Kindness Calendar Quilt



Games

sermons4kids.com- Left Out group activities (games)

lessonplanspage.com- 5 Up: A Game to Build Classroom Community and Enhance Self-Esteem

The Really Big Book of Bible Games:
After You- page 218
All Strung Up- page 219

Life Size Kindness- This game will help the children discover Jesus was kind and instructed us to be kind to others. (The Encyclopedia of Bible Games for Children’s Ministry, page 120 & 121).

Serving Up Acceptance- Students will display acceptance of each other through an active praise game. (The Encyclopedia of Bible Games for Children’s Ministry, page 127).

What Do You Stand For?: Character Building Card Game by Barbara A. Lewis


Get to The End of the Line (Review Game)

Introduce game- When you are in a line, where is the worse place to be? Let’s find out.

Have a list of review questions from past Bible stories or lessons. Line up all the students against the wall. Ask each student one question. If they answer incorrectly, they sit down at their seat. If they are correct, you say, “Get to the End of the Line” and they move and stand at the end of the line. Ask the next student in the line a question and the game continues. The last student standing is the winner.

Limbo- The student that can go the lowest wins!

thefunplace.com- Scroll down to: Tiddly - Button Golf (moderate)

The Catholic Toolbox- Random Acts of Kindness (file folder game)



Puppets

pbskids.org- Feeling Left Out



Puzzles

Playing Favorites- Look at these pictures. Which children are humbling themselves? Which children are playing favorites toward others? Color the humble children. Put an X through the selfish children. (Big Puzzles for Little Hands: Jesus’ Life and Lessons by Carla Williams, page 61)

sermons4kids.com- Dot-to-dot

sermons4kids.com- Word Search

sermons4kids.com- Word Search

joanyedwards.com- Word Search

sermons4kids.com- Decoder

sermons4kids.com- Decoder

sermons4kids.com- Word Shape

sermons4kids.com- Crossword

sermons4kids.com- Crossword

joanyedwards.com- Crossword



Worksheets &Quizzes

sermons4kids.com- Fill in the Blanks

teacherscorner.net- Writing prompts

dollarphilanthropy.typepad.com- Sharing is Super worksheet

Fortnight For Freedom (June 21 – July 4, 2013)

The U.S. bishops have called for a Fortnight For Freedom, a two-week period of prayer and action, to address many current challenges to religious liberty, including the August 1, 2013 deadline for religious organizations to comply with the HHS mandate, Supreme Court rulings that could attempt to redefine marriage in June, and religious liberty concerns in areas such as immigration and humanitarian services.

My husband and I was fortunate enough to go to the Opening Mass (June 21, 2013) at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Baltimore, Maryland (Archbishop William Lori, Celebrant) and the Closing Mass (July 4, 2013) at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington D.C. (Donald Cardinal Wuerl, Celebrant and Homilist). Celebrating Mass with so many people was awe-inspiring. It was an experience I will never forget!

Catholic Lesson Plans For Teens

As requested, FREE Catholic lesson plans for small group study or classroom covering a variety of issues for today's teens.


usccb.org- Junior High and High School Catholic lesson plans

loveourcatholicfaith.com- Roman Catholic Confirmation Program
This confirmation material is based on reflections on Holy Scripture and the 1994 Catechism of the Catholic Church. It was developed over three years of preparing teenage candidates to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. Through Group Discussion and Class Activities, this program can help Catechists teach from the Catechism of the Catholic Church in a way that reaches our teenagers.

catholicfaitheducation.blogspot.com- Principle of Catholic Social Justice lessons

4catholiceducators.com- Lesson plans for Catholic Faith Education

lifeteen.com- Great resources for use in any youth ministry environment! Lessons posted as well!

catholicreligionteacher.com- 7th and 8th grade activities

thereligionteacher.com- Great lesson plans by Jared Dees
What Is The Church Lesson Plan, The Liturgy of the Eucharist Lesson Plan, The Liturgy of the Word Lesson Plan, Liturgical Year Lesson Plan and Flash Card Activity, Moses Lesson Plans, Habemus Papam! Pope Francis Lesson Plan, Papal Conclave Lesson Plan, Valentine’s Day Object Lesson: Making Jesus Our Valentine, @Pontifex Lesson Plan on the Pope, Introduction to the Catechism Lesson Plan, Jesus as a Boy in the Temple, The 7 Gifts of the Holy Spirit, New Testament Lesson Plans, Ash Wednesday, “And With Your Spirit” Lesson Plan (New Roman Missal), Hocus Pocus! A New Roman Missal Lesson Plan, Genesis Creation Stories Lesson Plan, Post Confirmation Lesson Plan, Rite of Confirmation Lesson Plan, Feast of the Epiphany in the Modern Day- Lesson Plan Activities, Catholic Thanksgiving Day Lesson Plans on the Eucharist as “Thanksgiving”, Teaching the Mysteries of the Rosary to Elementary Students, etc.


If you know of any other lesson plans online for Catholic teens, please comment so I can add the link to the list!

Are you a lurker?

This is a post for all you lurkers out there. You know who you are. Don’t try to hide behind a “not me” expression on your face. We see right through it and we want you to come out, come out, where ever you are.

According to Blogs as Virtual Communities: Identifying a Sense of Community in the Julie/Julia Project by Anita Blanchard states that lurkers are people who regularly read blogs but do not leave comments.

So how many lurkers are there out in cyber space? Blanchard says that lurkers may comprise the vast majority and they get none of the attention they so rightly deserve because they do not comment on blogs.

You don’t want to end up at Lurkers Anonymous and have to go through a 12 step program that will make you feel embarrassed and forever labeled as a “lurker”.

Believe it or not, we want to here from you. Your comments DO matter. So why don’t you tell us a bit about yourself- who you are, where you’re from, what you do, what you like the most and what you would like to see on this blog. This will also help you to get to know some of the other lurkers and will even give you a few hits to your blog if you have one.

It’s now time to come out of the blog lurker closet and give us a holler. You’ll be glad you did!

Finding Faith in Art: Loyola Press Celebrates Creative Expressions of Faith

*Loyola Press is launching a new online series called Arts and Faith. As the name suggests, it celebrates the many ways people express their faith and find God through the visual and performing arts—including catechetical ideas.


A religion teacher who prays while singing opera. A lieutenant in Afghanistan who brings spiritual healing to soldiers through artwork. A young dancer who uses movement to interpret Scripture. A Jesuit who studies Mexican drug ballads to find God’s presence. These are a few of the fascinating stories we’ll be bringing you in Loyola Press’s new series, Arts and Faith.

Arts and Faith is a collection of stories from Catholics around the globe who demonstrate the inspiring—and surprising—ways art expresses and deepens their relationship with God.

The special series kicks off on LoyolaPress.com with daily articles, videos, slide shows, and more from four categories of interpretive art: Music, Dance, Drama, and Visual Arts.

Arts and Faith covers a wide scope of the personal and public ways faith is shared. A catechist explains why and how arts and crafts should be used in the classroom. A 20-something describes his ministry of playing the organ at multiple parishes every weekend. A faith formation leader reflects on how she prays a form of the Examen through photography. Whether you’re a catechist, an artist, or a creative soul, you’re sure to find inspiration and meaning in the stories you’ll read.

The stories in Arts and Faith capture snapshots of how spirituality is explored, revealed, and ultimately, celebrated in our faith communities. We hope these 40+ stories inspire you to tap your own talents to express your faith through sewing, sculpting, design, fashion, cooking, collage, spoken word, photography, poetry, modern dance, and so on.

As our series illustrates, you don’t have to be a Monet to participate in the arts. Jump in, explore the stories, and share the creative ways you’re expressing your faith!


Arts and Faith is online now, but the first installment of stories begins on May 15th.

8 Reasons to Go to Mass

Here is a great article by Thomas Lickona

"Mass is boring." "I don't get anything out of Mass — why should I go?" "Why can't I just pray alone?" These are common feelings, especially among young people but among many adults as well. How should we respond.

catholiceducation.org- 8 Reasons to Go to Mass

Gospel for the Mass: 5/26/13- John 16:12-15 and The Most Holy Trinity

*Be sure to check out Gospel for the Mass Year C page right below the header for other days that you need Gospel for the Mass activities.


Disclaimer: The posts below contain links to other websites and the content of these sites are evaluated before they are included. These websites can change without warning making links inactive and/or the content altered. We have no control over other websites and we are not responsible for the content that they post.




John 16:12-15 and The Most Holy Trinity



Activities

catholicmom.com- Click on the month. Scroll down to the date for Coloring Page, Mass Worksheet, Crossword Puzzle, Word Search, etc.

Theresa at catholickidsbulletin.blogspot.com will post a link to an activity sheet that coordinates with the Catholic Mass. There will be pictures and activities each week to help little kids understand and appreciate the Mass. Most weeks, she will also highlight a Saint whose feast day falls within that week or a liturgical symbol they can watch for at Mass.

4catholiceducatiors.com- Resources on the Sunday Readings

sadlierreligion.com- Scroll down to Gospel Reflection, Discussion Questions for the Gospel, and Proclaiming Faith Activities

loyolapress.com- Background on the Gospel and activities for groups and families

sermons4kids.com- The Unseen Power object lesson with coloring page, group activities, puzzles

sundayschoollessons.com- The Holy Spirit Brings Us Together lesson

word-sunday.com- Tony’s Best Friend lesson (scroll down to Gospel)

kidssundayschool.com- A Heart for Jesus
The Holy Spirit can reach our heart no matter how much we may have sinned.

The Catholic Toolbox- Holy Trinity references and lessons, coloring, crafts, games, puzzles

textweek.com- Lectionary, Scripture Study and Worship Links and Resources



Coloring

sermons4kids.com- John 16:13

faithfirst.com- Download and print the activity. In the heart, list the three Persons of the Holy Trinity. Cut out the heart and keep it as a reminder to pray in the name of God the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.

first-school.ws- Dove coloring page

apples4theteacher.com- Peace Dove coloring page



Crafts

sermons4kids.com- The Unseen Power group activities (crafts)

sundayschoollessons.com- We Celebrate the Three in One of the Holy Trinity

catholicicing.com- Holy Trinity Craft

apples4theteacher.com- Hanging Trinity Shamrock

orientaltrading.com- Holy Trinity Photo Frame Craft Kit

orientaltrading.com- Trinity Lucky Shamrock Ornament Craft Kit

chrisitanpreschoolprintables.com- Shamrock Trinity Craft

carolbrookebooks.files.wordpress.com- Holy Trinity Shamrock Craft

christianpreschoolprintables.com- Shamrock Heart Craft
This is a fun way for older children to learn the song "3 in 1" which is sung to the tune of "Are you sleeping, Are you sleeping....brother John" Children cut out the hearts, and the stem. Fasten them together with a brad, and then adhere the stem to a popsicle stick.



Games

sermons4kids.com- The Unseen Power group activities (games)

books.google.com- Listen Up (Jesus Sends Power From God)
This game will help kids remember to listen for the Holy Spirit. (The Encyclopedia of bible Games for Children’s Ministry, page 105).

kidssundayschool.com- Guided in Truth
Children have fun trying to duplicate a pattern of blocks hearing only verbal commands. The unseen Holy Spirit guides us in truth, if only we listen.

The Catholic Toolbox- Holy Spirit File Folder Game
Work your way around the board and answer questions about the Holy Spirit. For 2nd grade on up. There are a lot of choices and possibilities for this game.

The Catholic Toolbox- Holy Trinity Ring Toss (scroll down to this under games)

The Catholic Toolbox- Holy Trinity File Folder Game (scroll down to this under games)



Puzzles

sermons4kids.com- Maze

sermons4kids.com- Spiral

sermons4kids.com- Word Search

joanyedwards.com- Word Search

joanyedwards.com- Crossword

Book Review: The Catholic Children’s Bible by Saint Mary’s Press

Recently I received an email from Saint Mary’s Press asking if I might be interested in checking out and reviewing for my readers their new Catholic Children’s Bible and app for iPad. Alas, I do not have an iPad so I cannot review their app, but I was more than happy to review their Catholic Children’s Bible.

I have seen Bible story books for young children and I use one with my first grade CCD students. I wondered what The Catholic Children’s Bible had that would make it different and suitable for children. When The Catholic Children’s Bible arrived, I was not disappointed. I was amazed by what it contained. It is the first complete children’s Catholic Bible that is written just for children to learn about our faith and it also helps develop young readers reading skills.

*Be sure to click on the pictures below to make them larger.


Saint Mary’s Press has really taken the child’s point of view when they designed this book. Children will be able to easily locate Bible passages and stories by the color coordinated sections and tabs. These colorful tabs are also visible from the side of the book allowing children to find what they want quickly. They also kept early readers in mind as well by using larger print, child engaging fonts, more spacing between lines, colorful column dividers, bold and colorful text, etc. This makes it easier for children to read and they can do it on their own.




Included are all 73 books of the Good News Translation Catholic Edition Bible. This 2,000 page Bible is designed for second, third, and fourth grades and packed with countless ways to make it easier for your child to understand and comprehend the Bible.


• Easy to understand directions on how to find a Bible passage.
• Explains how the Bible is divided into 73 different books.
• Pronunciation key
• Introductions to the Old and New Testaments
• One page introduction for each book of the Bible explaining the central theme of the book and also highlights the feature stories that are in the book.






The Catholic Children’s Bible also has 125 featured stories which highlight key Bible passages. These featured stories are a shorter version of the Bible story and are two pages long.


These stories include:

• Colorful illustrations and borders that children enjoy and want to see more.

• Bold text vocabulary words with definitions.

• Understand It!, Live It!, and Tell It! sections help children understand the story.


Understand It! section explains what the children just read.

Live It! section helps children to relate the story to their lives with fun activities and prayers.

Tell It! section uses pictures that help children retell the story in their own words.




In the back of the book are Prayers and Bible Helps. It includes:

• Bible Pictures
• Bible Time Line
• Bible Lands in Old Testament Times
• Israel in Old Testament Times
• Bible Lands in New Testament times
• Israel in New Testament Times
• Catholic Practices
• Catholic Prayers (including the Rosary)
• Bible Passages for Special Times



The Mother Test

The Catholic Children’s Bible would be a great addition for your home to be used at story time at night with your children or as Bible study. Having your child read for story time will be a delightful change. It will enable further participation and comprehension and also help improve their reading skills. Children will also want to read it on their own because they will find it geared just for them and they will learn more about our faith.


The Kid Test

Will it pass the kid test? Will children like it as much? To find out I took it to CCD to see what my students thought.

My 1st grade CCD students are quite familiar with a Bible story book I use in class, but when I first opened the Catholic Children’s Bible they immediately found it colorful, interesting, and easy to understand. They really enjoyed the Understand It!, Live It!, and Tell It! sections.

My students also liked reading from it and asking other students questions about the story. Seeing my students become more involved and wanting to learn about our faith was so rewarding.


Conclusion: The Catholic Children’s Bible has been kid tested, mother approved. This children’s Bible is great to use with your child at home and in the classroom because children want to use it and enjoy learning from it.


*I received a free copy of The Catholic Children’s Bible in exchange for my honest review of this product. All opinions expressed are my own.

Gospel for the Mass: 5/12/13- John 17:20-26

*Be sure to check out Gospel for the Mass Year C page right below the header for other days that you need Gospel for the Mass activities.


Disclaimer: The posts below contain links to other websites and the content of these sites are evaluated before they are included. These websites can change without warning making links inactive and/or the content altered. We have no control over other websites and we are not responsible for the content that they post.




John 17:20-26



Activities

catholicmom.com- Click on the month. Scroll down to the date for Coloring Page, Mass Worksheet, Crossword Puzzle, Word Search, etc.

Theresa at catholickidsbulletin.blogspot.com will post a link to an activity sheet that coordinates with the Catholic Mass. There will be pictures and activities each week to help little kids understand and appreciate the Mass. Most weeks, she will also highlight a Saint whose feast day falls within that week or a liturgical symbol they can watch for at Mass.

4catholiceducatiors.com- Resources on the Sunday Readings

sadlierreligion.com- Scroll down to Gospel Reflection, Discussion Questions for the Gospel, and Proclaiming Faith Activities

loyolapress.com- Background on the Gospel and activities for groups and families

sermons4kids.com- We Are One object lesson with coloring page, group activities, puzzles, quizzes

sermons4kids.com- That May Be The One object lesson with coloring page

kidssundayschool.com- Do You Believe?
An activity to compare how easily children believe in things they cannot see to show how they can believe in an unseen God.

textweek.com- Lectionary, Scripture Study and Worship Links and Resources



Coloring

sermons4kids.com- John 17:20-21



Crafts

sermons4kids.com- We Are One group activities (crafts)



Games

sermons4kids.com- We Are One group activities (games)


Introduction to game: What was Jesus doing in this gospel reading? (He was praying.) Do you know your prayers? Let’s find out!

The Catholic Toolbox- Name That Prayer File Folder Game (scroll down for this)
The objective of the game is to get to FINISH first by answering questions about prayers.


Review others prayer with these games:

The Catholic Toolbox- Act of Contrition (look under games)

The Catholic Toolbox- Apostles Creed (look under games)

The Catholic Toolbox- Glory Be (look under games)

The Catholic Toolbox- Grace Before Meals
Grace Before Meals worksheet and/or game (scroll down to this)

The Catholic Toolbox- Hail Mary (look under games)

The Catholic Toolbox- Nicene Creed (look under games)

The Catholic Toolbox- Our Father/Lord’s Prayer (look under games)



Puzzles

sermons4kids.com- Word Search

joanyedwards.com- Word Search

sermons4kids.com- Jumble

sermons4kids.com- Crossword

joanyedwards.com- Crossword



Quizzes

sermons4kids.com- Multiple Choice

sermons4kids.com- Fill in the Blanks