Sunday Resources for Children
25th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Gospel: Matthew 20:1-16
Discussion Questions:
- This Gospel shows us that God is a generous God - how?
- Does does it mean for the last to be first and the first to be last here on Earth and in Heaven?
- How can we be grateful for what God gives us instead of complaining or being envious of what others get?
Colouring Pages and Worksheets
25th Sunday in Ordinary Time - Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard
Articles for Families
Previous Sundays Resources
23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time
Gospel: Matthew 18:15-20
Here is a lovely little prayer from ministrytochildren.com which highlight this Sunday's Gospel reading.
Children’s Prayer
Dear God,
Help us to resolve our arguments
To remember your grace
And to have good relationships
Thank you for your forgiveness
Help us pass it on to others
Thank you for your love
We love you, God!
In Jesus name, Amen!
Colouring Pages and Worksheets
22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time
Gospel: Matthew 16:21-27
Discussion Points:
- Why was Jesus upset at Peter for him not wanting Jesus to die?
- Why did Jesus say to Peter "you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.”(Matt 16:23)?
- What was so important about Jesus dying for us and rising again on the third day?
- How can we take up our cross and follow Jesus?
Colouring Pages and Worksheets
21st Sunday in Ordinary Time
Gospel: Matthew 16:13-20
This Sunday we read of Peter's great declaration that Jesus is the Messiah - "the Son of the living God" (Matt 16:16), sent to save mankind. In return, Jesus gives Peter the keys to the kingdom of heaven.
Discussion Points:
- Why do you think Jesus ask his disciples, “Who do you say I am?” (Matt 16:15).
- The word Peter means rock in Greek. Notice how Jesus initially calls him Simon and the later calls him Peter? "I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church" (Matt 16:18)
- When Jesus gave Peter the keys to the kingdom of heaven and said, "whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven” (Matt 16:19), Jesus was giving him a great power of leadership and appointing him as the first Pope of the Church.
- What does Jesus mean by, "whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven” (Matt 16:19)?
- Who are Peter's successors here on Earth?
Colouring Pages and Worksheets
Peter Declares That Jesus Is the Messiah - Colouring Pages & Worksheet
20th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Gospel: Matthew 15:21-28
In this Sunday’s gospel reading we hear of a Canaanite woman who please with Jesus to “have mercy” (Matt 15:22) and heal her daughter. Jesus does not respond right away to the woman’s cries, but she is persistent in her request. Jesus states that He was sent only for the “lost sheep of Israel” (Matt 15:24) and that “it is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.” (Matt 15:26) – meaning, to minister to someone other than to the children of Israel (the Jews). But this does not sway or discourage her faith in Jesus and His ability to show mercy even if she is a Canaanite. Jesus therefore says, “Woman, you have great faith!” (Matt 15:27). We see therefore that through her unwavering faith and trust in Jesus, her “request is granted” (Matt 15:27) and from that moment He heals her daughter.
Below are some discussion points to assist you as you reflect on the readings as a family:
- Do you remember a time when it seemed to take a while before Jesus answered you?
- What happened when the Canaanite woman kept her faith strong in Jesus?
- Can you see how Jesus has love and mercy for all of us?
Colouring Pages and Worksheets
20th Sunday in Ordinary Time - The Faith of the Canaanite Woman Colouring Page and Activities
19th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Gospel: Matthew 14:22-33
Today's Gospel follows directly on from last Sunday's Gospel reading with the multiplication of the loaves and fish. Here we hear about Jesus walking on water and learn about having faith in God.
After reading through the Gospel, you may like to discuss it as a family. Here are some suggested discussion points and questions to ask:
- Why was Jesus going away to be alone?
- Just as Jesus took time to spend in prayer we also should make time for this in our day.
- Why were the disciples afraid?
- Do you see how Jesus tells them to not be afraid and to take courage because He is with them? Remember also that when we are afraid we can always pray to Jesus to give us comfort and courage.
- Why did Peter go meet Jesus on the water?
- When did Peter begin to sink?
- Who do we place our trust in?
Jesus Walks on Water Crafts
Craft 1
This is a simple free craft idea which allows you to move Jesus along the water toward the boat. For another similar colour and craft project, check out the activities in the Colouring and Activities section below.
Craft 2
This fun craft and treat option for this Sunday gives a great visual for Jesus walking on water. Click here for the activity idea. You may also like to make the blue jelly in a larger pan and print out the boat with the disciples in it and then Jesus separately. There are some great colouring sheet and cut-out options for this in the Colouring Sheets section below.
Colouring Pages and Worksheets
19th Sunday in Ordinary Time - Jesus Walks on Water Colouring Sheets & Activities
18th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Gospel: Matthew 14:13-21
In this Sunday’s gospel (Matthew 14:13-21) we read about the miracle of the multiplication of the loaves and fish when Jesus fed the crowd of 5,000. Read through this passage with your children and then have them watch the video as well if you like. As you discuss the gospel together as a family you may like to talk about the following points:
- How did Jesus take care of all his followers?
- Have them imagine what a crowd of 5,00 looks like, then ask them why it is so amazing for Jesus to have fed that many people.
- Do you see how great Jesus’ love is us?
- Why did Jesus say a prayer of thanks before he handed out the food?
- Do you also say a prayer before your meals?
Miracle of the Loaves and Fish Craft
Here is a simple 3D craft idea focused around today's readings. For the free template and instructions follow the link here.
Colouring pages and worksheets:
Activities sheets for 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Miracle of the Loaves and Fish Activity Sheets
Subscribed to Formed yet?
Holy Family is pleased to offer all Parish families a complimentary subscription to the wonderful online resource Formed.org
Formed pulls together the best in Catholic movies, children’s programming, audio dramas and books, we provide a trusted and engaging entertainment alternative in support of a Catholic lifestyle. It also has a complete range of Bible studies and documentaries, from leading Catholic experts will help you grow in understanding your faith.
Now with apps for all devices including smart TVs, a wonderful alternative to Netflix.
Subscribe for free online today here.
Corpus Christi Sunday
Gospel: John 6: 51-58 -The Living Bread
This Sunday is Corpus Christi Sunday, a day on which we should honour the Most Holy Body and Blood of Jesus Christ and acknowledge his Real Presence in the Eucharist. After watching the video, reread the Gospel story with your children. Discuss the video and Gospel with them to deepen their understanding. Use questions like:
- Why does Jesus tell people to eat his flesh and drink his blood?
- Why were the Jewish people upset about this?
- What is Jesus’ promise for those who eat his body and drink his blood?
- What does this tell us about the Eucharist that we can receive when we go to Mass?
Host and Chalice Craft or True Presence Craft
Catholicicing.com offers quite a few resources that centre around the Body and Blood of Christ and Christ’s True Presence in the Eucharist. We are featuring two of Lacy’s crafts today, the first of which is free and the second which cost’s $2 to download. I think that the second resource is even better than the first but I wanted to make sure that we always have free options.
Craft 1: The first craft is to create a host and chalice and will require black paper, yellow paper, white paper, pencils, scissors, glue stick, glitter glue, and a Jesus sticker or printed picture. Find instructions here. This craft is free.
Craft 2: The second craft is a print-out that looks like Jesus from one angle and a monstrance from the other angle to help children learn about the Real Presence in the Eucharist. Once printed, all you need for this craft is colouring pencils or crayons, glue, and scissors. Find instructions here. This craft costs $2 to download.
Colouring pages and worksheets:
Corpus Christi Sunday Children's Activity Sheets: Activities for Corpus Christi Sunday
The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity
Gospel: John 3: 16-18 -For God So Loved the World
After watching the video, read the Gospel story with your children. Discuss the video and Gospel with them to deepen their understanding. Use questions like:
- How do we know that God loves us?
- How did Jesus save the world?
- How is the Holy Spirit involved in God’s plan for us?
Draw a Holy Trinity Shield
Today is the solemnity of the Holy Trinity. Watch this short video by Lacy from Catholic Icing to learn how to draw a Trinity shield and learn about the three persons of the Holy Trinity along the way. Check out the video for the step-by-step instructions that are easy enough for everyone to follow! All you need are coloured texters or pencil crayons and paper.
Colouring pages and worksheets:
Holy Trinity Sunday Children's Activity Sheets: Activities for Holy Trinity Sunday
Pentecost Sunday
Gospel: John 20: 19-23 -Jesus Appears to His Disciples
After watching the video, read the Gospel story with your children. Discuss the video and Gospel with them to deepen their understanding. Use questions like:
- Why did Jesus say “peace be with you”?
- What happened when the disciples received the Holy Spirit?
- Why do you think Jesus gave the disciples the ability to forgive sins?
Family Pentecost Celebration at Home:
Take a look at this resource from the United States Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. It outlines prayers and activities for celebrating Pentecost at home. This celebration highlights the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Find the instructions here.
Pentecost Cake:
Pentecost is considered to be the birthday of the Church, so why not make a birthday cake to celebrate this occasion. On Pentecost we celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and their followers, and the beginning of their mission to make disciples of all nations. Try this recipe and blog on Catholic Icing, this is something that your children can help you prepare and decorate. Lacy shares her recipe for strawberry cake because red is the liturgical colour of Pentecost and because the sliced strawberries look like flames -the tongues of fire that rested on the heads of the disciples. Find her recipe and blog post here.
Colouring pages and worksheets:
Pentecost Sunday Children's Activity Sheets: Download Here
Ascension Sunday
Gospel: Matthew 28: 16-20 -The Great Commission
After watching the video, read the Gospel story with your children. The Great Commission was the last set of instructions that Jesus gave to his disciples before he ascended into Heaven. Discuss the video and Gospel with them to deepen their understanding. Use questions like:
- What are some of the things that Jesus asked his disciples to do?
- How can we teach others about Jesus and make new disciples?
- What does it mean that Jesus is with us always, even after his ascension?
Ascension Craft:
Try this free printable Ascension Sunday craft, the page is not in English but the pictures have clear instructions. All you need is the print-outs, scissors, glue, a hole punch, string or yarn, and something to colour with. This craft will help your child visualize what Christ’s ascension might have looked like. Find the steps here and scroll down to find the pages you need to print.
Colouring pages and worksheets:
Ascension Sunday Children's Activity Sheets: Download Here
Sixth Sunday of Easter
Gospel: John 14: 15-21 -The Promise of the Holy Spirit
After watching the video, read the Gospel story with your children. Afterwards, discuss the story with them to deepen their understanding. Use questions like:
- Who is the Advocate that the Father sends? What does the Advocate do?
- How can we show Jesus that we love him?
- How do you keep the commandments?
Holy Spirit Dove Craft:
Check out this Holy Spirit Dove Craft from Catholic Icing. Few supplies are needed and they’re really easy to make. You can simply make the dove, or you can attach the gifts of the Holy Spirit to learn a little something extra. Find the craft instructions here.
After completing the craft with your child talk to them about the Holy Spirit. Who is the Holy Spirit? What are some of the different forms that the Holy Spirit takes in the Bible?
Colouring pages and worksheets:
Sixth Sunday of Easter Children's Activity Sheets: Download Here
Fifth Sunday of Easter
Gospel: John 14: 1-12 The way, the truth, and the life
After watching the video, read the Gospel story with your children. Afterwards, discuss the story with them to deepen their understanding. Use questions like:
- What has Jesus prepared for us?
- What do you think that the place Jesus has prepared for us will be like?
- How can we see God the Father?
- What do you think it means that Jesus is “the way and the truth and the life?”
Dream House Activity:
Print out the picture below and ask your child to design their dream house by filling in the rooms with whatever they want. Ask them to consider who is there? What are they doing? What things are in each room? How would having this house make you feel? When they have finished ask them what they think the Father’s house is like. Discuss with them how being in heaven with God will make us so much happier than any of the things they put in their house.
Colouring pages and worksheets:
Fifth Sunday of Easter Children's Activity Sheets: Download Here
Fourth Sunday of Easter
Gospel: John 10: 1-10 -The Good Shepherd
After watching the video, read the Gospel story with your children. Afterwards, discuss the story with them to deepen their understanding. Use questions like:
- How is the Good Shepherd different than the robber?
- What are some things that Jesus did during his life to show us that he is the Good Shepherd?
- What are some things that we can do to recognize Jesus' voice in our lives?
- What do you think it means that Jesus is the 'gate' for the sheep?
Cardboard Tube Sheep Craft:
Help you child construct a sheep using the instructions on this page. Explain to them that this sheep symbolizes them and they are under the care of Christ, the Good Shepherd. Discuss with your child why it is important that Jesus is the one who shepherds us instead of someone else (Jesus loves us, he knows each of us by name, he protects us, he will never abandon us, he is willing to die for us). Ask your child what it might be like if we had a bad shepherd instead of Christ.
Colouring pages and worksheets:
Fourth Sunday of Easter Children's Activity Sheets: Download Here
Third Sunday of Easter - 26th April 2020
Gospel: Luke 24: 13-35 -The Road to Emmaus
Begin by reading the Gospel story with your children. Afterwards, discuss the story with them to deepen their understanding. Use questions like:
- What kind of attitude did Cleopas and the other disciple have before they realized Jesus was with them?
- Why do you think they didn't believe in Jesus' resurrection?
- What made them realize that Jesus was the stranger? How did they react?
- How can we recognize that Jesus is with us in our daily lives?
Scavenger Hunt Activity
Arrange a scavenger hunt, either inside your home or in the backyard, with the following items:
- A crucifix or cross to symbolize Jesus' death
- A rock to symbolize the stone that was rolled away from the tomb
- Bread because they finally recognized Jesus when he broke bread with them
- A feather to symbolize the angels that the women saw at the tomb
- Glasses/sunglasses to symbolize that their eyes were opened
- An image of a heart to symbolize that their hearts were burning when Jesus spoke to them
- Sandals to symbolize their journey from Jerusalem to Emmaus
- White towel/fabric to symbolize the burial garments that Christ left in the tomb
- A Bible to symbolize Christ opening the scriptures to the disciples
- An image of a sad face to symbolize how the disciples felt before they recognized Jesus
Once your child(ren) have found all of the items discuss the meaning of each one and help them understand how it fits into the Gospel story.
Colouring pages and worksheets:
Third Sunday of Easter Children's Activity Sheets: Download Here
Divine Mercy Sunday
Gospel: John 20: 19-31 -Doubting Thomas
Begin by reading the Gospel story with your children. Afterwards, discuss the story with them to help them understand it. You could ask questions like:
- Why was the door locked where the disciples were meeting together? (They were afraid of the Jewish leaders and they thought that Jesus was dead and that he wouldn’t rise from the dead, they were worried that they might be killed too)
- Who came to see them and how did they react? (Jesus appeared amongst them in the locked room and they were overjoyed to see him)Who wasn’t there when Jesus came?
- How did he react when the other disciples told him Jesus had come to them? (It was Thomas and he did not believe the other disciples when they told him that they had seen Jesus. He said, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”)
- Do you think that Jesus was upset with Thomas? (Jesus loved Thomas and he wanted him to believe as well so he allowed Thomas to see and touch his wounds. It doesn’t seem like he was angry with Thomas but he taught Thomas that faith shouldn’t rely on sight. He said “blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.”
- Do you think that Thomas still doubted after that? (No, Thomas became a great missionary to India. In fact, one of the greatest evidence of Jesus’ resurrection from the dead was the change in the disciples from hiding in fear behind locked doors, to being fearless missionaries and martyrs for Jesus. They knew the truth, and they were no longer afraid of anything.)
Brainstorming Activities
Challenge your child to think of three examples of things that they believe in even though they cannot see them (examples could include: love, good, evil, emotions, gravity, atoms, air, the universe, heat, cold, thoughts, justice, etc.) Then ask them to explain how they know these things exist even though they cannot be seen. They should provide examples. For instance, a child might know that a parent’s love exists because of all of the ways a parent cares for them, the feelings they experience when with them, the parent displaying affection with hugs and kisses, etc. There are many signs that point us towards something that exists even when we can’t see it. Afterwards discuss with your child how we can know that God exists even though we can’t see him. You could draw on examples like the fact that the universe exists as well as each of us, the beauty of creation, the Bible, the testimony of others who have experienced the love of God, the teachings of the Church, our encounter with Christ in the love of others, miracles, God’s answer to prayer in our own lives, etc. Ask your child to provide an example of a time that
Colouring pages and worksheets:
Divine Mercy Sunday Children's Activity Sheets Download Here