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CATHOLIC KIDS BULLETIN

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SERMONS 4 KIDS – GOSPEL

Mary Visits Elizabeth

Objects suggested: A beautifully wrapped Christmas gift.

Today is the last Sunday before Christmas. Are you getting excited? I am! What are some of the things that you look forward to at Christmas — besides opening presents of course? What are some of the family traditions your family has? (Give the children time to share.) The thing I remember most about the Christmases of my childhood is our family get-together. We almost always went to my Grandmother’s house and had a big family get-together. It was often the only time during the year when I got to see some of my aunts, uncles, and cousins. We had so much fun visiting, eating, and playing games. In my mind, one of the very best things about Christmas is celebrating the birth of Jesus with family.

Our Gospel reading today tells what happened after God sent the angel Gabriel to tell Mary that she was going to have a baby and that she would name him Jesus. Can you imagine how Mary, a teenager engaged to marry a young carpenter, must have felt to hear news like that? After she recovered from the shock, the Bible tells us that Mary hurried to the home of a relative, Elizabeth, to tell her the news. Elizabeth was also expecting a baby and the Bible tells us that when she heard Mary’s greeting, the child leaped in her womb and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.

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RELATED ACTIVITIES

Crossword
Coloring Page
Word Search

SOURCE: SERMONS 4 Kids – All Rights Reserved

SERMON WRITER – GOSPEL

Magnify the Lord

By Lois Parker Edstrom

Objects suggested: Magnifying glass and objects that would be interesting to view when magnified such as a leaf, blade of grass, print in a book, a bug.

It is fun to look at ordinary things through a magnifying glass. The magnifying glass makes an object appear larger. We can see details we didn’t know were there. A magnifying glass helps us get a closer look at things.

Let’s take some time to see what we can discover. See how the print in this book gets larger as you pull the magnifying glass away from the page? Look at your fingernails and hands through the magnifying glass. Do you see anything that surprises you? (Provide various objects that would interest children.)

The word “magnify” has two meanings. It means to make things larger, as when we look through a magnifying glass, and it also means to “praise” or “give thanks.”

In the Bible, as we read about the birth of Jesus, we learn that Mary felt joy because she had been chosen to be the mother of Jesus and she gave thanks to God. She said, “My soul magnifies the Lord” (1:46). “My spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior…” (1:47).

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SOURCE: Sermon Writer: Children’s Sermons – All Rights Reserved | © 1997-2020 Richard Niell Donovan; Video added by SermonPrep.org

SERMON WRITER – GOSPEL

Magnify Your Joy

By Lois Parker Edstrom

Objects suggested: Magnifying glass and objects to view through the glass.

Christmas is coming and we celebrate the birth of Jesus. Christmas is also a time to think about his mother, Mary.

Mary was chosen by God to be the mother of our Lord, Jesus Christ. What a special honor.

Mary felt blessed to be chosen to give birth to this special child and she said, “My soul magnifies the Lord” (1:46). “My spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior…” (1:47). What do you think this means?

Let’s start by talking about the word, “magnify.” Perhaps we can understand what Mary meant by looking through a magnifying glass. What happens? Yes, things appear to be bigger. You can see things more clearly. You can see things that you are unable to see without the magnifying glass. (During this time ask the kids what they notice as they view various objects.)

SOURCE: Sermon Writer: Children’s Sermons – All Rights Reserved | © 1997-2020 Richard Niell Donovan; Video added by SermonPrep.org

CATHOLIC KIDS BULLETIN

Teacher and mom, THERESA, creates Kids’ Bulletins, a resource for Catholic kids about the readings for Sunday’s Mass every week. More resources from Theresa can be found at Teachers Pay Teachers website. Click on image/text to download entire bulletin for your children.

Society of Christian Doctrine

Speak, Lord — Sunday Worksheet

SDC is a society of lay catechists that started in Malta in 1907. Worksheets can be downloaded and printed for use during Sunday Mass or handed out to children at school prior to the weekend. They are also used by parents who download them to use with their children at home.

DIOCESE OF SALFORD

Wordsearch

Feel free to copy and paste it into your parish publications.

Clipart  © McCrimmons used with permission. All rights reserved; Text  © 2018 Diocese of Salford Office for Liturgy

CATHOLIC MOM

Crossword Puzzle

Gospel Reading, Sunday Coloring Page,Lesson Plans, Mass Worksheets, Crossword Puzzle, Word Search

YOUNG CATHOLICS

This Week’s Resources

The readings for the 4th Sunday of Advent Year C focus on hospitality, history, and family. In the first reading we learn that the Messiah will be born in Bethlehem. The psalm begs “Rouse your power, and come to save us.” In the second reading we hear that what God really desires is for us to do his will. In the gospel, Mary visits her cousin Elizabeth and Elizabeth recognizes that Mary is carrying the anointed one.

Resources for the 4th Sunday of Advent Year C

SOURCE: Young Catholics: Posts related to upcoming Sunday Mass readings and feast days for saints

Family Activities

SOURCE: Our Sunday Visitor: Lifelong Catechesis

FEATURED VIDEO

Creche Blessing

SAINT JOHN VIANNEY CHURCH (2:28) – Creche Blessing at St. John Vianney Parish Very Rev. Edwin Kornath Rev. Alex Nwosu

ADORERS OF THE BLOOD OF CHRIST

We Can Give the Gift of God’s Love

Review the process of coming to this Sunday: The signs of the coming of the Son of Man, John the Baptist, Mary and Elizabeth. Talk about all the ways the children have prepared for Jesus’ birth. Then point out the significance of the angels, shepherds, creation, being sent away from the inn, as well as Mary, Joseph and Jesus’ humble beginnings. Remind the children to be thankful for the presence of their loved ones even as much as they are appreciative of their presents.

SOURCE: Children’s Liturgy

Word Sunday

God’s Surprises

Children’s Readings

Opening Question: What’s the biggest surprise you’re ever had? Why was it a big surprise?

In the story for the first reading, tall but shy Antonio surprised everyone, including himself, as he won the spelling bee. Bethlehem, the small, shy hamlet, would surprise everyone as the birthplace of the most important person who would ever live.

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Bridging Question: Who’s the most important person in your family on Christmas when you open presents? Why?

In the story for the gospel, small Sally intervened in a dispute and became the surprise leader at school. Mary became a surprise leader for a simple decision she made. Like Sally, she was the last who became the first.

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Closing Question: This Christmas try to make someone else first. Not because they are the youngest or the oldest or the smartest. Make them first because you love them. Isn’t that the best Christmas gift you could give them?

Word Sunday

Share the Hail Mary

Gabriel greeted a young virgin with the words: “Hail Mary, full of grace! The Lord is with you.” (Luke 1:28) With this news, Mary traveled to her cousin’s house. When she arrived, Mary was greeted with the words: “Blessed are you among women. And blessed is the fruit of your womb.” (Luke 1:42) These two greetings form the basis for the Hail Mary, the popular Catholic prayer that honors the Mother of Jesus.

On this Christmas Eve, take a few moments and pray the Hail Mary as a family. Our Savior was born because Mary said “Yes!” There is no better reason to honor her than for her simple act of faith.

SOURCE: Word-Sunday.com All materials found in word-sunday.com are the property of Larry Broding (©1999-2021). Viewers may copy any material found in these pages for their personal use or for use in any non-profit ministry. Materials may not be sold or used for personal financial gain.

FEATURED VIDEO

Hail Mary, Full of Grace

CATHOLIC STORIES FOR CHILDREN (3:18) – Hail Mary, Full of Grace is an animation to help teach the Hail Mary prayer. Catholic Stories for Children helps young Catholics have a strong love of neighbor and God through joyful stories.

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CATHOLIC ART TEACHER

St Nicholas Advent Week 4

ADVENT 4 FOR GRADE 2 (12:00) – This week we are going to draw a very special saint whom we know as Santa. He is St. Nicholas and he is the patron saint of little children. So come draw with me this lovely saint and pray we have a wonderful Christmas. St. Nicholas pray for us.

RECOMMENDED: Resources for Catholic Educators

FEATURED VIDEO

What are the Advent “0 Antiphons”?

THE RELIGION TEACHER (3:58) –At the end of the Advent season (December 17-23) we have the opportunity to pray in a special way using the “O Antiphons.” The O Antiphons are a series of prayers from the evening prayers (Vespers) of the Liturgy of the Hours. The word “O” serves to address someone. In this case, we address our prayers to Jesus Christ in various titles. An antiphon is a short prayer said or sung before or after a Psalm. The O Antiphons are the short prayers said along with the Magnificat, the words that the Blessed Virgin Mary proclaimed during the Visitation with her cousin Elizabeth. They are also often proclaimed along with the Alleluias of daily Mass in the week leading up to Christmas.

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What is Gaudete Sunday? 3 Things to Know about the 3rd Sunday of Advent

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Christmas Tree Symbolism & Meaning

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SUNDAY CONNECTION

Mary Visits Elizabeth

Gospel Reading:

Mary visits Elizabeth, who sings praise to Mary and her child.

Making the Connection

Grades 1,2, and 3:  Younger children are learning about trusting others and being trustworthy. Hearing how others trust God can support them in learning to trust God. Mary and Elizabeth both trusted in God’s promise that Mary would become the mother of Jesus.

Grades 4-6:  One way that older children learn to trust God is by witnessing the ways others in their lives trust God. In the story of Mary’s visit to Elizabeth, we find an opportunity to observe ways in which people show their trust that God’s promises will be fulfilled.

Grades 7 and 8: Young people are still learning how to put the events and circumstances of their lives into perspective. One way we can help them learn to do this is to teach them to look for and recognize God’s action in their daily lives.

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SOURCE: SUNDAY CONNECTION (LOYOLA PRESS) – All Rights Reserved

MISSION BIBLE CLASS

THE LITURGY CENTRE

Images from the Readings

Reflection for 8-12 Year Olds

• Who was the man who appeared in the desert? Tell the children a little about how John was specially chosen by God (Luke 1:5-17), and about John’s family relationship with Jesus. Mention Mary’s visit to Elizabeth.
• What did he tell the people to do?
• Show a map of the places John began proclaiming his message. How did John travel?
• What does John mean where he speaks about filling in valleys and straightening roads for the coming of the Lord?
• What can children do?

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SOURCE: the Liturgy Centre, Catholic Diocese of Auckland

WEEKLY READ ALOUD

STORY FUN WITH MR. M (11:29) – “To be great is not to be higher than another, but to lift another higher.”

The Tower

The Tower is the story of a young man who wishes to be great and who decides that in order to accomplish this, he must be above everyone else. He builds a tall tower, but in living above the rest of his villagers, he finds that he is very isolated. After awhile, he is visited by a bird who tells him about a person even the birds look up to. The young man climbs down from his tower to meet this person, and finds that the person is a small old woman who spends her time feeding the birds. The woman explains to the young man that to be great is not to be higher than others, but to lift others higher.

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.

Virtue of the Week

Humility

Micah 5: 1-4a

The prophet Micah announces that the humble place of Bethlehem-Ephrathah will be the birth place of the Messiah. Throughout his life, Jesus will often say that the least will be the greatest, and this is the theme for this reading and the other readings for this Sunday. The word humility is not often heard in today’s society, perhaps because it is easily misunderstood. The word itself comes from the Latin word humus, which means to be grounded and to see oneself as fashioned by the Creator. Humility is clearly evident in the life, work, and words of Jesus. It is therefore fitting that in this reading we learn that the humble place of Bethlehem is chosen as the place where the Messiah will come to the world.

Hebrews 10: 5-10

The writer of the letter to the Hebrews speaks about Jesus as a humble offering to God. This offering is made through the sacrifice of Christ on the Cross. Jesus consistently embodied the virtue and essence of humility in both his life and his death. As followers of Jesus, we are called to make humility an essential part of the way that we think, speak, and live.

Luke 1: 30-45

The two women in today’s Gospel are clearly people with great humility. Mary travels to visit Elizabeth, who greets her by saying: and how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? Elizabeth’s words show her humility in that she recognizes the roles that she and Mary will play in the history of salvation. These humble women will give birth to two of the greatest people to walk the Earth, and will raise them to be people of great humility.

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.

ACTIVITY of the Week

The Fish Bowl of Humility

Step One: In a large fish bowl or large clear bowl, place paper fish cutouts with quotes about humility written on them. Below are a few suggestions:

• A great person is willing to be little. -Ralph Waldo Emerson
• Being humble means that we are not on earth to see how important we can become, but to see the difference we can make in the lives of others. -Gordon B. Hinckley
• Pride is concerned with WHO is right. Humility is concerned with WHAT is right. -Ezra Taft
• True humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less. -C.S. Lewis
• Every person you meet knows something that you don’t; learn from them. -H. Jackson Brown
• Without humility there can be no humanity. -John Buchan
• A true genius admits that he/she knows nothing. – Albert Einstein
• None are so empty as those who are full of themselves. – Benjamin Whichcote

Step Two: Have the students choose a fish from the bowl and ask them to think about what the phrase means and how they can apply it to their own lives.

Step Three: Provide the students with colored paper and have them design and cut out their own fish with a humility phrase. Use these fish to decorate a bulletin board.

What could you do today?

One of the most important ways to learn and practice humility is to be able to apologize when you have done something wrong or said something hurtful. Another way to practice humility is to say “thank you”, especially to those who do a lot for you and are not often appreciated for their efforts. Think about a list of people in your life who do a lot to help you and others, but who are often not seen or appreciated. This might be the custodian at your school who makes sure that the school is clean and safe, your parents and grandparents, your teachers, or your neighbors and friends. Make a list and then make a special effort to try to thank these people as often as possible.

DOWNLOAD LESSON (PDF)

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.

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