Grades 1-8 Programs
Bible
"I am the Way"
- “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6-7). Watch this music video by Pat Barrett based on the Gospel verse. What stood out to you? How do you see God as the way, the truth, and the life?
Psalms
- The Catechism of the Catholic Church calls prayer “a reciprocal call between God and the human family,” (2591) and mentions the psalms as prayers that best illustrate how God calls each person into a mysterious encounter with Him. Together reference this family friendly guide to the psalms. Some of the most popular psalms are 1, 23, 51, 119, and 139. What stood out to you?
Parables
- A parable is a short story based on familiar life experiences used to teach a spiritual lesson. Using this guide (Parables of Jesus), you can reference the many parables found in the bible. Three are highlighted below.
- “The Greatest Commandment” and “The Good Samaritan” (Luke 10:25-37) and Discuss what it means to show love for someone using this document as a guide.
- Parable of the Talents
- Grades 1-4: Matthew 25:14-30 and worksheet
- Grades 5-8: Matthew 25:14-30 and discussion questions
- Parable of the Lost/Prodigal Son
- Grades 1-4: Luke 15:11-32
- Grades 5-8: Luke 15:11-32 and discussion questions
The Ten Commandments
- The Ten Commandments – God’s instructions for how to live in relation to God and other people. Make a poster or collage displaying the ten commandments.
What is the Church?
- What does church mean to your family? How might your family be active in our church community? How do you share the Good News with others? Together watch this short video on the church.
Attending Mass as a Family
- “To go to Mass together will be the light of Sunday for a family” Pope Benedict XVI St. Peter’s Square October 2005. Here is a reference guide to the Liturgy of the Word. As a family together share your thoughts using these reflective questions to help you hear and understand the Word of God.
Prayer
- “In prayer, more is accomplished by listening than by talking”, says St. Francis de Sales. Lectio Divina is a beautiful practice of prayer introducing your children to scripture, while learning to listen to God through the gift of the Holy Spirit. Using this document as a guide and the following scripture passage – 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, take some time to pray. What spoke to you from the passage?
Bible Journaling
- Did you know you can spend a little time each day opening up your heart and mind to the word of God and his love for you through Bible Journaling? Grab a notebook, journal, or some extra paper along with your favorite pens, pencils, and art supplies. Reference the daily scripture readings and as you read and reflect, write down your favorite verses or thoughts that come to mind. This is an opportunity for you to be creative so add color and draw to make it your own.
Reading Isn't Enough
- Reading Isn’t Enough – if scripture remains just words on a page, our work is not done. We need to meditate on the message and put it into action in our lives. Only then can the words be “living and effective”. (Hebrews 4:12). Think about the impact of small random acts of kindness and let the Holy Spirit guide you to use your gifts and talent to serve others. Create and decorate a kindness box or jar – every time you help someone, put a small token in your special jar or box (ex: coins in a jar, popsicle sticks in a box, etc.) As it begins to fill, you will see this is a beautiful way to show your gratitude for God’s endless love.
The Bible App for Kids
- This is a free app where bible stories are read aloud as children journey through the bible in an interactive approach. Take some time and look at this as a family. You can download the app on the device of your choice through the App Store.