Children’s Liturgy
SOURCE: 52 Sundays
Videos for Children
Animated Bible Stories (Saddleback Kids)
Bible Crafts (Ministry to Children)
Object Lesson Sermons (Ministry to Children)
Children Messages
21st Sunday of Year A
YouTube 
Who is Jesus?
As a family, discuss the many different names for Jesus, such as Redeemer, Prince of Peace, Good Shepherd, Friend, etc. Which name for Jesus do you like best? Why? Which name for Jesus do you like least? Why?
Create a collage that tells about Jesus. Cut pictures, words, or symbols out of magazines or newspapers and paste them on a paper plate. Display the collage in your home as a reminder of who Jesus is for your family.
SOURCE: OSV Lifelong Catechesis
Handouts for Children
21st Sunday of Year A
SOURCE: SDC
SOURCE: Catholic Kids Bullein
SOURCE: Sermons4kids.com
Read Alouds
21st Sunday of Year A
Build.
Plant.
Grow.
Santa Clara University
Sunday Index for children ages 5-13
Using each lesson plan, directors of religious education, school teachers, and parents can:
- Use the recommended key discussion points when reading weekly messages with your children.
- Read aloud a classic picture storybook linked to the moral virtue in the weekly readings.
- Manage creative activities including arts and crafts, games, and gardening projects.
- End with a reflection activity using a case study and a prayer.
![Read Aloud Story - The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi [Diversity & Culture]](https://sundaymassreadings.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/maxresdefault-1074.jpg)
THE WORD THIS WEEK
Identity
SUNDAY READ ALOUD
Our name is an essential part of our identity. In The Name Jar the reader is introduced to a young girl who recently arrived in the United States from Korea. Her Korean name is Unhei (pronounced Yoon-hye), which means grace. She feels awkward about it it after experiencing some teasing on her bus ride to school. When asked her name in the classroom she says she hasn’t decided on an American name. Thus, the children in the classroom establish a Name Jar containing all kinds of suggested names. As the story progresses, Unhei comes to understand the importance of her name from conversations with her mother and grandmother. With the support of her friends and family Unhei chooses to keep her own name and uses the beautiful name stamp given to her by her grandmother.
SUNDAY CORRELATIONS
SOURCE: Teaching Catholic Kids
Who Is Jesus?
First Reading: Isaiah 22:19-23
In King David’s court, two boys grew into men: Shebna and Eliakim. Both were friends at first. They fought side by side in the army. And they kept peace in the court as guards.
Soon, however, Shebna began to show his true self. All he cared about was himself. He built himself up. “See what I can do,” he seemed to say to get people’s attention. Shebna worked hard, but only to get promotions. Anytime he could, he would put others down.
At first, the strategy worked. Shebna became head of the court guards. He controlled who the King would see. But, he figured he could charge people money to allow them to see the king. So, he made money. Then, he got greedier. Precious items began to disappear under his guard.
Unlike Shebna, Eliakim was honest. He never stole, never charged people money to see their leaders. Eliakim was tough, but fair. Eliakim was a good soldier.
What do you think happened to Shebna and Eliakim?
Gospel: Matthew 16:13-19
People are sometimes like mirrors. They tell you what you need to know, not what you want to know. If you have a messy face, they will tell you. If you have a frown instead of a smile, they will tell you that. If you have a talent that you don’t notice, they will surprise you with that information.
Sally didn’t like looking in mirrors, because she didn’t think that much of herself. She didn’t think she was cute, when in fact, she was very cute. She didn’t think she was smart or talented, when she had a lot of talent. When people gave her a compliment, she would always say “Ah, it’s nothing.”
Without meeting her, people would think Sally was shy, but she wasn’t. In fact, she was friendly. She would much rather focus on the talents and looks in others than herself. She admired and looked up to other people, her parents, her family, friends, even strangers. She always complimented others on their looks, abilities, and friends. If you ever heard Sally speak, you would remember, “Wow! You were great at…” And she was sincere about it.
With a personality like hers, Sally was well liked. She knew lots of people, because she listened to others, complimented them, and made them feel good about themselves. Sally was like a mirror that reflected all the good things in others, and everyone liked to look at themselves in that mirror.
SOURCE: Word-Sunday.com – All materials found in word-sunday.com are the property of Larry Broding (Copyright 1999-2022). Viewers may copy any material found in these pages for their personal use or for use in any non-profit ministry. Materials may not be sold or used for personal financial gain.
A Gift for Nana
“A Gift for Nana” by Lane Smith.
Random House, New York, 2022, 40 pages, Grades K-3.
This delightful read-aloud should be shared by grandparents and their grandchildren. It is a sweet story and the illustrations draw readers into the book. Primary school children will especially enjoy the book.
If you are looking for a delightful book to share with your grandchildren, this is the one. I enjoyed Rabbit’s quest to find the perfect gift for his Nana. Readers will particularly enjoy the comforting ending. I hope you like the book as much as I have. Enjoy!
SOURCE: Southern Nebraska Register, Catholic Diocese of Lincoln (The image and link to the video embedded above are not part of Terrence Nollen’s review.)
Catechist Resources
21st Sunday of Year A
Young Catholics CAUTION: Young Catholic site contains advertising that some may consider inappropriate/offensive.
SOURCE: Young Catholics
Pflaum Gospel Weeklies - Faith Formation Program SOURCE: PFLAUM Gospel Resources
Teaching Catholic Kids 
The Religion Teacher | Catholic Religious Education 
The Religion Teacher | Catholic Religious Education SOURCE: The Religion Teacher
Catholic Icing