Just like the men in this parable, each one of us have been given our very own talents by God. He wants us to use them for good and to grow our talents - He wants us to use our special gifts for the purpose that they were meant.
[Jesus] said:
3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Beatitudes and All Saints Day Colouring Sheets
Here is a simple art craft idea which you can purchase for a small fee from Catholic Icing. Use this as an opportunity to teach your child about a saint whose name starts with the same letter as theirs!
15 Then the Pharisees went out and laid plans to trap him in his words. 16 They sent their disciples to him along with the Herodians. “Teacher,” they said, “we know that you are a man of integrity and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You aren’t swayed by others, because you pay no attention to who they are. 17 Tell us then, what is your opinion? Is it right to pay the imperial tax[a] to Caesar or not?”
18 But Jesus, knowing their evil intent, said, “You hypocrites, why are you trying to trap me? 19 Show me the coin used for paying the tax.” They brought him a denarius, 20 and he asked them, “Whose image is this? And whose inscription?”
21 “Caesar’s,” they replied.
Then he said to them, “So give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”
Discussion Questions:
Below is a video that tells the same story about the wedding banquet, but is taken from the gospel of Luke. While the version is slightly different to todays gospel reading, it conveys the same message.
28th Sunday in Ordinary Time - Parable of the Wedding Banquet Activity Sheets
Angel of God,
my guardian dear,
To whom God's love
commits me here,
Ever this day,
be at my side,
To light and guard,
Rule and guide.
Amen.
Here is a free printable angel craft idea which you can use to decorate your house with on this feast day!
Discussion Questions:
Discussion Questions:
25th Sunday in Ordinary Time - Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard
Here is a lovely little prayer from ministrytochildren.com which highlight this Sunday's Gospel reading.
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!
Discussion Points:
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:
Peter Declares That Jesus Is the Messiah - Colouring Pages & Worksheet
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:
20th Sunday in Ordinary Time - The Faith of the Canaanite Woman Colouring Page and Activities
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:
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.
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.
19th Sunday in Ordinary Time - Jesus Walks on Water Colouring Sheets & Activities
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:
Here is a simple 3D craft idea focused around today's readings. For the free template and instructions follow the link here.
Activities sheets for 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Miracle of the Loaves and Fish Activity Sheets
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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:
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.
Corpus Christi Sunday Children's Activity Sheets: Activities for Corpus Christi Sunday
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:
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.
Holy Trinity Sunday Children's Activity Sheets: Activities for Holy Trinity Sunday
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:
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 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.
Pentecost Sunday Children's Activity Sheets: Download Here
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:
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.
Ascension Sunday Children's Activity Sheets: Download Here
After watching the video, read the Gospel story with your children. Afterwards, discuss the story with them to deepen their understanding. Use questions like:
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?
Sixth Sunday of Easter Children's Activity Sheets: Download Here
After watching the video, read the Gospel story with your children. Afterwards, discuss the story with them to deepen their understanding. Use questions like:
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.
Fifth Sunday of Easter Children's Activity Sheets: Download Here
After watching the video, read the Gospel story with your children. Afterwards, discuss the story with them to deepen their understanding. Use questions like:
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.
Fourth Sunday of Easter Children's Activity Sheets: Download Here
Begin by reading the Gospel story with your children. Afterwards, discuss the story with them to deepen their understanding. Use questions like:
Arrange a scavenger hunt, either inside your home or in the backyard, with the following items:
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.
Third Sunday of Easter Children's Activity Sheets: Download Here
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:
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
Divine Mercy Sunday Children's Activity Sheets Download Here