Children’s Liturgy

FEATURED VIDEOSHeidi WitteMary Jo ColeHoly HeroesChildren of God Catholic
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Each week, Mrs. Cole presents the Sunday Gospel using a Bible Bag, props and prayer to encourage kindness, love, respect, honesty and the Golden Rule in children. She is a lawyer, wife and mom who teaches Sunday School music at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church in Minnesota.
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Parables of Jesus for Kids

Videos are from a variety of Christian sources. Use your own judgment and discretion when adapting content for your children.
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Rapper Brandon Wells explains the parable of the workers in the vineyard
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EVERYDAY CAN BE A SUNDAY — Have you ever heard the saying ‘actions speak louder than words’? Well, in the bustling streets of Jerusalem, Jesus told The Parable of the 2 Sons that brings this idea to life. Imagine yourself there as we dive into Matthew 21:28-32. This parable isn’t just a tale from the past; it’s a timeless lesson about how our actions and our willingness to change can speak volumes, especially in the eyes of God.

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Children Messages

26th Sunday of Year A

OSV Lifelong Catechesis

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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.

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SOURCE: OSV Lifelong Catechesis
SERMON ONE

What Do You Think?

Suggested Objects: Dishpan, soap, dirty dishes, sponge, dish towel

Suppose your mother asked you to wash the dishes and you said, “No,” but later decided to do it.

Now suppose that your mother asked your younger sister to wash the dishes and she said, “Yes,” but didn’t do the work.

What do you think? Which child did what the mother asked? Yes, the first child eventually did the dishes.

Which child most pleased the mother? Neither one of them did because they were both disobedient.

Jesus uses a similar story, in the Bible, to make us think about obedience. There are people who say, “No” and choose not to accept God’s love and there are those who say, “Yes” and then don’t put God first and live the life God intended for them.

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SOURCE: Sermon Writer

SERMON TWO

Who Is In Charge?

OBJECT SUGGESTED: Write the word authority on a poster board. Draw or attach pictures cut from magazines or found on the internet to depict a parents, teachers and policemen. (May use other examples in the lesson such as a minister, a doctor, or a judge.)

Let’s talk about the word authority and discuss what it means.

A person of authority has the power to direct the actions of others. In other words, a person with authority has the power to tell others what to do. That person decides what needs to be done and expects others to follow those directions. We can say that the person with authority is the person who is in charge.

Can you think of examples of “in charge” people?

How about in your home? Your parents have the authority and power to decide what is best for the family. They are able to give you guidance and direction to help you grow and be a loving member of your family.

Who has authority in your school? Yes, your principal and teachers are in control of what happens at school; how the students should behave and what you are expected to learn while you are there.

Policemen have authority to make sure everyone obeys the law. They can stop drivers who are speeding, give fines and penalties to people who break the law.

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SOURCE: Sermon Writer

SERMON THREE

Which One Pleased Jesus?

Object suggested: None

Every Saturday, Kyle and Kelly had chores to do. One Saturday, their dad asked Kyle to mow the lawn right after breakfast. Kyle hated mowing the lawn. He said, “No, I don’t want to do that. It makes me sneeze.” Later that morning, though, he felt bad about his disobedience so Kyle went outside and started up the mower and got the job done before lunch. When he came back from work that day, Dad thanked Kyle for mowing the lawn after all.

The next Saturday, their dad told Kelly to mow the lawn. Kelly said, “Sure, Dad. I’ll mow it as soon as I put my breakfast dishes away.” But Kelly had a lot of other things she wanted to do that day so she never did get around to mowing the lawn. It was late when their dad got back from work and saw the un-mowed lawn. Do you think their dad was disappointed to see that the grass hadn’t been cut? (Allow the children to respond.)

Which of the twins actually did what their father asked? (Allow the children to respond.) Yes, Kyle was obedient.

The following Saturday was Dad’s day off. Kyle and Kelly knew that Dad planned to take them to the park for the morning. However, because the grass had grown up so tall, he mowed the lawn instead. Afterwards, he joined the twins and their mom for a glass of lemonade. He told them this story from the Bible.

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SOURCE: Sermon Writer

Handouts for Children

26th Sunday of Year A

CATHOLIC

HOME

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.

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.

FIRST READING

Ezekiel 18: 25-28

Ezekiel speaks to the people of Israel and encourages them to mature in personal accountability and to assume responsibility for their lives. Speaking for the Lord, Ezekiel calls on the Israelites to a conversion of heart, to take responsibility for their own decisions and realize that they have the power and opportunity to change anything bad in their life to good. This same fact will be seen in today’s gospel from Saint Matthew. Conversion of heart is an on-going process for any of us who would loyally and faithfully follow Christ Jesus.

Markkula Center for Applied Ethics at Santa Clara University, Copyright © 2023 http://www.scu.edu/character

SECOND READING

Philippians 2: 1-11

Saint Paul stresses the oneness among believers and pleads for this unity among Christians. In essence we are all called to conversion of heart and mind. When Saint Paul speaks against being caught in selfishness and vainglory, we recognize that this calls us to what traditionally has been known as “dying to self.” In the process of dying to self we enter into a conversion experience which allows something different to grow in union with the other. Notice that conversion is a process, which indicates time and patience. It is like a living thing that needs to be nurtured, cared for and attended to daily.

Markkula Center for Applied Ethics at Santa Clara University, Copyright © 2023 http://www.scu.edu/character

GOSPEL

Matthew 21: 28-32

In today’s gospel we see a clear illustration of a change of heart of the first son spoken of in the parable. Theconversion experience is illustrated by the fact that the son, although at first saying no, decides to go and do as he is asked to do. Jesus will continually speak to the fact that there is a primacy of deeds over words. This story is told to send a message to the Pharisees and, for that matter, anyone who does not practice that which they speak. Congruency of words and deeds are essential to living the Christian life. The text of the gospel continues to contrast the second son’s change of heart with the priest’ failure to respond to the conversion of tax

collectors and prostitutes.

Markkula Center for Applied Ethics at Santa Clara University, Copyright © 2023 http://www.scu.edu/character

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SOURCE: Teaching Catholic Kids

Word-Sunday
Children’s
Reading

by Larry Broding

Index


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;

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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?

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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.

Children’s Literature
Bookshelf

Reviews by Terrence
Nollen

Diocese of Lincoln

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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.

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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