Children Activities for 2nd Sunday of Easter (Year C)
Curated children’s ministry resources and sermons (object lessons) for Sunday Readings from SermonWriter, Ministry-to-Children, Religion Teacher and other sources.
Curated children’s ministry resources and sermons (object lessons) for Sunday Readings from SermonWriter, Ministry-to-Children, Religion Teacher and other sources.
The readings for Divine Mercy Sunday tell of Jesus Christ’s incredible love for us and his willingness to display his care for us. The first reading tells of how God works wonders through his children. The second reading tells of how God revealed his mysteries to us. And in the gospel we learn of how Jesus lovingly convinced Thomas that he was truly risen.
The first reaction of the disciples to appearance of Jesus was fear, not joy. After all, they hid because they were afraid of the authorities. Out of fear, Thomas became cynical at the reports of the Risen One. Yet, even their fear led to faith.
Have you ever hid because you were afraid? What happened? Discuss these questions with your family. Then share John 20:19-31. How did Jesus help them to overcome their fear? How can he help us? End the discussion with a prayer and a sign of peace.
THE CATHOLIC MONTESSORI WAY (8:14) – Six Divine Mercy Montessori activities that you can do with your toddlers and preschoolers in your Catholic home!
PRINCE OF PEACE CATHOLIC CHURCH (19:25)
Use your own judgment when including and adapting these lessons in your children’s ministry.
KIDSWISE (3:45) – Kidswise presents a story stick story of Jesus’ appearances post his resurrection. Firstly to ten of his disciples and then to Thomas, who doubts his resurrection (John 20).
TICIA M (1:44) – Teaching kids how to study the Bible with the 5W’s Doubting Thomas
MINISTRY TO CHILDREN (14:52) – In these crafts, consider the story of Thomas and the importance of having faith, even when we can’t see God physically. “Seeing is not believing glasses” remind children to trust with their hearts. An “evidence bag” includes a Bible bookmark and cross as reminders of our assurance that our faith is true. And a “saved by grace” door handle recounts the story and recalls the importance of Christ’s sacrifice.
DOLLAR STORE CHILDREN’S SERMONS (5:24) -This video is presented by John Stevens, a Lutheran (ECLA) pastor.
Text: John 20:19-31
Dollar Store Item: Easter Egg, and Super Hero Mini Figure.
Take Away: We have been given new life! Our tombs have been opened!
SOURCE: SUNDAY CONNECTION (LOYOLA PRESS) – All Rights Reserved
SOURCE: SUNDAY CONNECTION (LOYOLA PRESS) – All Rights Reserved
SOURCE: SUNDAY CONNECTION (LOYOLA PRESS) – All Rights Reserved
Catechist Background and Preparation
Primary Session
Intermediate Session
Junior High School
“Blessed are those who have not seen, but have believed.”
SOURCE: LECTIONARY RESOURCES (RCL Benzinger) – All Rights Reserved
CATHOLIC KIDS MEDIA (7:34) – Doubting Thomas and Divine Mercy (2022)
Use your own judgment when including and adapting these lessons in your children’s ministry.
OTCC KIDS (5:04) – Children’s Message | Doubting Thomas
Objects suggested: Driver’s license or other photo ID card
EXCERPT: Does anyone ever ask you for identification? It happens to me all the time. When I go into a store to buy something and I want to pay for it with a check, the cashier takes my check and then asks, “May I see your driver’s license please?” Why does the cashier need to see my driver’s license? The answer is quite simple. The cashier wants to see if I match the picture on the driver’s license. Am I really who I claim to be?
There may be other times when you will be asked for identification. You may need a picture ID to get a library card. You might even need a picture ID to sign up for youth soccer. Many schools are now requiring students and teachers to wear a picture ID at school. Almost every day we are asked to prove that we are who we say we are.
On the Sunday that Jesus rose from the grave, he appeared to a group of his disciples. One of the disciples, whose name was Thomas, was not with them. When the disciples told Thomas that they had seen Jesus and that he was alive, Thomas said, “I won’t believe it until I see it with my own eyes. I want to see the nail-prints in his hands and put my hand in the place where the spear was thrust into his side.”
Coloring Page › Maze › Group Activities › Fill in the Blank › Word Search › Crossword › Jumble
Objects: None.
EXCERPT: Do you know what people today call Thomas? He was one of Jesus’ disciples but today people call him “Doubting Thomas.” On the first Easter day, the day God made Jesus alive again, the disciples got to see Jesus and talk with him. But Thomas had not been there that day. So when Thomas came back to the other disciples, they told him, “Jesus is alive again! We saw him.” How do you think the disciples said that? Did they have slow, sad voices: [use a slow, draggy voice]“Jesus is alive again. We saw him”? How do you think they sounded when they told Thomas? Who can say “Jesus is alive again. We saw him” like the disciples might have sounded. [let as many children as would like to demonstrate with excited voices].
Objects: A Fragrant Rose
EXCERPT: Can you think of things you can’t see, but you know them to be true? The first thing that may come to mind is the wind. We can’t see the wind, but we believe the wind is real because we can see it rustle through the grass, move the leaves on trees, and feel the breeze on our cheeks.
Think about the fragrance of a rose. That is something we cannot see, but when we put our nose into the flower and sniff we are certainly aware that the wonderful scent is real.
How about love? You can’t actually see love; you can only see the results of love. Think about the people who love you and what comes from their love. Your mom and dad care for you everyday and provide what you need so that you will be happy and safe. Love feels like a very real thing, doesn’t it, even though we can’t see it?
Sermon Writer: Children’s Sermons – All Rights Reserved | © 1997-2020 Richard Niell Donovan; Click on title to read entire sermon.
FIRST READING
SECOND READING
GOSPEL
SOURCE: Markkula Center for Applied Ethics at Santa Clara University; “Build. Plant. Grow.” = a free faith formation resource which aligns with the Liturgical Year of the Roman Catholic Church. The accompanying video is NOT associated with Markkula Center.
SOURCE: Worshiping with Children: A blog by Carolyn C. Brown, a Certified Christian Educator in the Presbyterian Church USA (PCUSA).
Opening Question: If you could plan the perfect day, what would it be like? What would you do? Who would be with you? Where would you go? What would the weather be like?
In the story for the first reading, James shared a field trip experience with his class mates. They became united in their excitement and their stories of the field trip. In a small way, this was like the excitement and purpose the early Christians felt united in faith.
Bridging Question: Have you ever enjoyed an early Spring morning? What happened?
In the story for the gospel, Taya enjoyed the perfect morning, despite her brother’s grumpiness. She felt at peace and full of energy, just like the followers of Jesus must have felt when Jesus first appeared to them.
Closing Question: How can you enjoy this day? How can you spread your joy to others?
Use your own judgment when including and adapting these lessons in your children’s ministry.
SHAREFAITH KIDS (3:45)
BIBLE BLOCKS (2:01) – This video is about doubting Thomas, the disciple who said he wouldn’t believe Jesus was alive unless he put his finger in the nail holes and his hand in Jesus side.
SUPERBOOK EPISODES (2:41) – Dubious Thomas