Children’s Liturgy
SOURCE: 52 Sundays
Making Connections
Grades 1-3
27th Sunday of Year A
Younger children are learning how to follow the rules of those in legitimate authority. Understanding that rules are not arbitrary and unfair but rather teach us how to live good lives can be helpful to younger children. Jesus teaches us that when we follow God’s Word, we help build up his kingdom.
Grades 4-6
Few of us take correction well. Children, in particular, can be less than gracious when corrected by others. Today’s Gospel presents us with an opportunity to consider how we respond to God’s word as it is sent through his messengers.
Grades 7-8
Young people at this age are sensitive about acceptance and rejection. In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus tells a parable that illustrates how we often reject God’s giving himself to us.
SOURCE: Loyola Press: Sunday Connection
Videos for Children
CATHOLIC
GENERAL
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
27th Sunday of Year A
GENERAL
Object Lessons
Bible Crafts for Sunday school
Kristin Schmidt holds a Master’s degree in teaching (from Biola University) as well as one in theology (from Concordia University). She currently serves at the Epiphany Lutheran Church in Castle Rock, Colorado.
YouTube In this message, children will hear the Parable of the Tenants from Matthew 21. The basics of the Gospel lesson are explained, with emphasis on the importance of God’s loving patience. He sacrificed His Son, and always gives us second chances when we make mistakes. The good news of salvation is for ALL who believe, if only we accept it.
CATHOLIC
Theresa, a mom in Canada who is happy to share this resource to help children learn the truth and beauty of the Faith.
Feel free to use the puzzles and/or comics separately, but acknowledgement of the source would be appreciated. –
READ MORE
SOURCE: Catholic Kids Bullein
Second Chances
In today’s parable of the tenants, the landowner gives his tenants a second chance. Have a family discussion about second chances. At the end of the discussion, have each member write down one anxiety that he or she is trying to relieve. To symbolize their being given a second chance, have family members tear their papers into little pieces and throw them away or burn the papers in an appropriate place.
Today’s parables teach about God’s justice. God’s justice calls us to be caretakers of this world and all its gifts. Talk about the importance of stewardship of the earth’s resources. Begin by taking a walk or drive to look for signs of good stewardship and signs of poor stewardship. Who is responsible for taking care of the earth’s resources? What can we do as a family?
SOURCE: OSV Lifelong Catechesis
Family Rules
27th Sunday of Year A
In an ideal household, family members know the rules and follow them consistently. Even the most conscientious among us, however, sometimes needs to be reminded of the rules and their importance. How we respond to such correction reveals our true character. In today’s Gospel Jesus exposes the religious leaders for their failure to heed God’s messengers. It is an opportunity for us to consider how we respond to those who are God’s messengers today, calling us to correct our ways and return to the way of the Lord.
SOURCE: Loyola Press: Sunday Connection
GENERAL
Richard Niell Donovan, a retired Disciples of Christ clergyman, published Sermon writer for more than two decades. When Dick died in 2020, his wife, Dale, has graciously kept the website online free of charge.
Children sermons have been written by
Lois Parker Edstrom
Dell Smith Klein
Dr. Carol J Miller
Dr. Dan Wuori
Handouts for Children
27th Sunday of Year A
CATHOLIC
Theresa, a mom in Canada who is happy to share this resource to help children learn the truth and beauty of the Faith.
Feel free to use the puzzles and/or comics separately, but acknowledgement of the source would be appreciated. –
READ MORE
SOURCE: Catholic Kids Bullein
SOURCE: SDC
GENERAL
The point of this parable about the bad tenants is where this craft resides. We see the rejected prophets becoming the very stones that God’s kingdom is being built upon. It ties into the idea of Jesus as the cornerstone but also that the contribution of those beaten, stoned and killed prophets gave in their service as God’s messengers.
SOURCE: Jesus Without Language
Read Alouds
27th 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
Perseverance
SUNDAY READ ALOUD
Lou Gehrig: The Luckiest Man
Written by David A. Adler
Illustrated by Terry Widener
Lou Gehrig’s perseverance is legendary. During fourteen years as a first baseman for the New York Yankees, he played in a record 2,130 consecutive games, earning himself the nickname the Iron Horse.
Lou loved baseball and considered himself a very lucky man even though on his thirty-sixth birthday he was diagnosed with a very rare disease, ALS (Amytrophic Lateral Sclerosis). This story is inspirational and is by far one of the best illustration of a spirit of perseverance.
SOURCE: Teaching Catholic Kids
The Wild and The Prejudiced
First Reading: Isaiah 5:1-7
Opening Question: Have you ever seen someone mess up a good party? Or, someone mess up a good school project? What happened?
Edith loved her doll house. When she first got the house, it was very plain. But, over time, she and her father decorated the house, added to it, and furnished it. When Edith placed her dolls in the house, it looked like one of those houses found in a magazine. The house was just perfect!
Then, her cousin Rachel came to visit. “Can I play with your dolls?” Rachel asked. Edith agreed. Then, there was a phone call for Edith. When Edith returned 10 minutes, her room was a mess, her dolls were everywhere, her precious doll house was broken in two places.
“What happened?” Edith gasped.
“I was just playing,” Rachel said, as if nothing happened.
“Help me clean up!” Edith screamed at her cousin. Slowly they put all the dolls away. But Edith noticed…
Bridging Question: What is prejudice? Why is prejudice wrong?
Gospel: Matthew 21:28-32
Jose, David, and Chuck were friends, but they were all different. Jose was born in Venezuela and was Catholic. David was born in New York and was Jewish. Chuck was born in Chicago and was African-American. The boys were as close as friends could get. They played in school, after school, and on the weekends.
One day, the boys were riding their bikes by the railroad bridge. Suddenly, Chuck stopped, while the other boys rode on. Soon the others turned around to find their friend. As they rode up to Chuck, they saw he was fighting back the tears. The boys turned to see what Chuck saw. Words of prejudice against African Americans. Words of violence.
“Why do people hate?” Chuck asked. No one had an answer for Chuck.
That night, all three friends had the same discussion with their parents. Why did prejudice exist? The parents had the same answer. Prejudice begins when people…
Closing Reflection: Pray for people who hate. Pray for your enemies. Pray all can become like one family some day.
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.
“Nebraska: The State of Volleyball”
“Nebraska: The State of Volleyball”
By Lincoln Journal Star.
Lincoln Journal Star Books, Lincoln, Neb., 2009, 111 pages, Grades 7-11.
The book describes the remarkable depth of community support the Huskers receive throughout the state. Little girls are interviewed and tell of their desire to imitate their heroes on the Husker team. What a powerful and positive story. Coach Cook is quoted repeatedly, complimenting the people of Nebraska for being so supportive of the volleyball program.
When you get finished with the book, it is easy to see why women’s volleyball in Nebraska has the pull it does on Nebraska fans. As the writers of the Journal Star also point out, virtually every woman playing for Nebraska graduates from college. Remarkable.
Since the publication date is 2009, an updated edition would be useful. But if you are looking for a book that tells the history of women’s volleyball in Nebraska, this is for you. The writing is first rate and the photos are exciting. I hope you get a chance to read this informative book.
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
27th Sunday of Year A
Young Catholics SOURCE: Young Catholics
SOURCE: The Religion Teacher
