Children's Catholic Fun Activities
Roman Catholicism has ancient Christian roots and a rich tradition of prayer, scripture interpretation and Church teachings. Learning about the Catholic Church can be an adventure into history and mystery. Tap into the sense of celebration that is part of Catholic worship and faith by exploring the sacraments and historical figures that are integral parts of what it means to be Catholic. Reputable Catholic resources offer children brilliant imagery and age-appropriate lessons about their faith centered around the liturgical calendar.
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Prayer
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Children often kneel in prayer with such humility. Teach children a simple, yet meaningful prayer. Kneel with children to model a humble meeting with God and to experience the peace that can come when praying with a child. For example, as Prayer Flowers reports, you can repeat this morning prayer with your child: "Dear Jesus, help me with this day; watch me while I play. Bless my family and my friends. Keep me safe and when I need you; help me to pray. Thank you, Jesus, for this day. Amen."
The Popes
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Papal authority is a central element of Catholic belief. Engage children in activities to teach them about the popes through the history of the Catholic Church. Print coloring pages with information about the current and former popes. Read about Pope John Paul II who led the Church of Rome from 1978 to 2005. Teach children about his life and ways to honor him. For example, the Catholic Moms website suggests offering a Mass for the Holy Father and performing the Stations of the Cross for the intentions of John Paul II.
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Articles of Faith
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The Apostle's Creed forms part of what Catholics believe. Take children on a journey through the Apostle's Creed to open their eyes to the wonder of what the creed means to Catholics. Recite, "I believe in God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth." Then raise your arms to the sky and say with the children, "Everything I see, the earth, the sky, the sea, are gifts of God to me." Lead a child through the Apostle's Creed with reverence for God's blessings and the gift and sacrifice of Jesus Christ, suggests Victor Hoagland, C.P., in Children Learn to Pray.
Creation
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Catholics believe that the Creation narratives in Genesis 1 and 2 reveal God's immense love for human beings and all of created reality. Combine a picnic with a trip to the zoo. Sit in a park among the trees with birds singing in the sky. Show a child the sky and the trees standing tall against it. Read from Genesis 1:6-7 and 11. Tell the child with wonder in your voice that God made all these things with love. Visit the zoo and stop to read from Genesis 1:20 and 24 when God filled the water with fish, the sky with birds and the earth with "wild animals of all kinds." Take pictures of the animals and save them in a miniature album with verses from Genesis for the child to look at from time to time.
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References
- Photo Credit dome du vatican image by PASCAL BOUFFAY from Fotolia.com
