Children’s Liturgy
SOURCE: 52 Sundays
SOURCE: Adorers of the Blood of Christ
Videos for Children
Animated Bible Stories (Saddleback Kids)
Bible Crafts (Ministry to Children)
Object Lesson Sermons (Ministry to Children)
Videos are from a variety of Christian sources. Use your own judgment and discretion when adapting content for your children.
Children Messages
26th Sunday of Year A
YouTube 
Solving Problems
Discuss a problem that is not being addressed that needs an immediate solution. This can be something at home or in the community. Talk about possible solutions. Pick out one thing that you can do this week. Decide on a time when you will do it together.
SOURCE: OSV Lifelong Catechesis
Handouts for Children
26th Sunday of Year A
SOURCE: SDC
SOURCE: Catholic Kids Bullein
CHRISTIAN
Cut out the two shapes – for best results remove the back outline on the slider.
Use a craft knife to make the four slits on the background or fold the paper if you don’t have a craft knife.
Thread the long slider through the slits and move back and forth
If you want to stop it flying out fold the end up where the dotted line shows.
SOURCE: Jesus Without Language
Read Alouds
26th 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.
THE WORD THIS WEEK
Conversion
SUNDAY READ ALOUD
The Gold Coin
Written by Alma Flor Ada
Illustrated by Neil Waldman
This is truly a grand story of a conversion experience. The primary character in the story by the name of Juan has been a thief for many, many years. So many, in fact that Juan cannot remember a time when he was not a thief. When he tries to steal Dons Josefa’s gold, something very strange begins to happen to him. His skin becomes tan instead of pale, his body straightens from his bent over posture and his mouth begins to smile instead of having its usual scowl. Juan begins to remember another time in his life, a time that was filled with joy and laughter. Set against a Central American background, this is a story of love, faith and the ability to enter into conversion, no matter one’s previous history.
SOURCE: Teaching Catholic Kids
Saying “I”m Sorry”
First Reading: Ezekiel 18:25-28
Opening Question: Has anybody ever told you they were sorry? Sorry about what? Did the words help heal your friendship and make things better?
What would happen if God never created the words “I”m sorry”?
Let”s imagine such a world.
Hearts would never heal, because there would be no way to seal the wounds.
Parents would never hug their children.
Children would run away, and never return home.
Brothers would never call a girl “sister” with love.
Neighbors would live far apart.
The word “best” would never be with the word “friend,”
And the word “friend” would mean “someone you used.”
There would be few roads to other towns or cities,
because no one would want to visit a place they didn’t like.
Peace would be a foreign word, because we would always be at war.
Thank you, Lord, for giving us these two simple words: “I’m sorry.”
Now hearts can mend and love again.
Parents can kiss their children good-night;
Gospel: Matthew 21:28-32
When Eric heard this story in church on Sunday morning, he felt bad. His brother got in trouble at the family picnic the day before, while he lied and didn’t get in trouble.
Eric and his brother were playing “Hide ‘N Go Seek” with their cousins just as the sun was setting at the park. “Eric,” his mother called out, “you and your brother need to clean off our picnic table, so we can leave.”
“Sure, Mom,” Eric called out, but he just kept on playing. He just put off the chore for a little while.
When the sun had set, Eric’s father called out. “Time to go home, Eric!” When Eric got to the car, everyone was silent. Eric soon sensed his brother was is real trouble. Half way home, Eric’s father finally spoke to his brother. “Why did you tell me “No” in front of Grandma and Grandpa when I asked you to clean off the table?” his father asked in anger. Eric’s brother sat looking out the window and said nothing. Finally, his brother mumbled, “I did clean off the table.” No one listened. No one seemed to care.
In church, Eric heard the story and thought about his brother. His brother finally did what his father wanted him to do. But Eric didn’t do what his father wanted and pretended nothing ever happened. Why should his brother get in trouble, while Eric didn’t?
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.
Impossible Escape: A True Story of Survival and Heroism in Nazi Europe
“Impossible Escape: A True Story of Survival and Heroism in Nazi Europe”
By Steve Sheinkin. Roaring Books Press, New York, 2023, 243 pages, Grades 7 and higher.
Vrba’s detailed account of the crimes of Auschwitz is known as the Vrba-Wexler Report. It is sometimes called the Auschwitz Protocol. The Protocol is a gruesome read, but needs to be remembered in the face of Holocaust deniers and the rise of anti-Semitism. Sheinkin is to be commended for writing this important testimony of the courage of those fighting the violent hatred of the Third Reich.
This is not a pleasant book to read, but one of great importance. I hope you get a chance to check it out of the library or to buy your own copy. Highly recommended.
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
26th Sunday of Year A
Young Catholics SOURCE: Young Catholics
SOURCE: The Religion Teacher
Catholic Icing