Grace Thompson
There are a variety of events and activities that can help Catholic kids learn about their faith and develop their spirituality. These include celebrating feast days, such as the Feast of St. Augustine and the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord, engaging in crafts and games with a Catholic focus, visiting shrines and chapels, and participating in family nights with Catholic movies and faith-based discussions. During Holy Week and Lent, there are also specific activities to help children understand and commemorate the death and resurrection of Jesus.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Games | Uno, Monopoly, Mexican train dominoes, Left Center Right, Bible editions of Apples to Apples, Outburst, Scrabble, and the Solomon’s Temple board game |
| Crafts | Decorating grocery bags, making and decorating summer calendars, making homemade wind chimes, decorating windows with the name and symbol of the saint of the day |
| Food | Making pretzels, pancakes, Day of the Dead cookies, strawberry cake, homemade bread |
| Learning | Learning about the Catholic faith, learning about God's love, learning about saints, learning about the mission of saints, learning about forgiveness, learning about the lives of saints like St. Kateri Tekakwitha, St. Maria Goretti, St. Ignatius of Loyola, learning about the Eucharist, learning about prayer, learning about mercy |
| Activities | Going grocery shopping, celebrating feast days of saints, studying the Bible, watching movies, visiting a shrine, basilica or pilgrimage site, visiting a perpetual adoration chapel, researching and planning a trip to a religious site, observing the night sky, making an outdoor prayer space, celebrating Thanksgiving |
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What You'll Learn
- Family games night: play Uno, Monopoly, dominoes or create your own Bingo game with saints
- Movie night: watch a film like 'Mary Poppins Returns' and discuss the values portrayed
- Crafting: make summer calendars, decorate grocery bags, or make homemade wind chimes
- Cooking: bake pretzels, Day of the Dead cookies, or strawberry cake for Pentecost
- Outdoor activities: visit a shrine, basilica or pilgrimage site, or make an outdoor prayer space
Family games night: play Uno, Monopoly, dominoes or create your own Bingo game with saints
Family game nights are a great way to bond and have fun with your kids. Here are some ways to make it a Catholic-themed evening:
Uno, Monopoly, and Dominoes
These classic games are fun for all ages and can be adapted to include a faith component. For example, you could introduce a religious theme to the game or incorporate Bible-themed versions of these games, such as the Bible editions of Apples to Apples, Outburst, and Scrabble.
Create Your Own Bingo Game with Saints
Creating a Bingo game with saints is an excellent way to engage kids in learning about the saints and their significance. You can use online tools to design and print your own Bingo cards with the names and symbols of saints. This game can be adapted for different age groups and can include other biblical figures or concepts.
Other Game Ideas
In addition to the games mentioned above, there are several other options to consider:
- The Dice Game Left Center Right: This game is suitable for all ages and can be a fun way to introduce younger children to dice games.
- Mexican Train Dominoes: Once kids can count, this variation of dominoes can be a fun and strategic game for the whole family.
- The Solomon's Temple Board Game: This game is designed for older kids and can add a faith-based dimension to your game night.
- Matching Games: The Catholic Company offers matching games based on biblical stories like Noah's Ark and the Loaves and Fishes.
Movie Night
If you're looking for a more relaxed evening, consider a movie night with a Catholic twist. Daughter of St. Paul Sister Helena Burns recommends movies like "Mary Poppins Returns," "Incredibles 2," and "A Wrinkle in Time," which offer opportunities for families to discuss their values and tie them back to their faith.
Food and Snacks
When it comes to refreshments for your game night, consider incorporating some Catholic-themed treats. For example, pretzels have long been connected to the observance of Lent due to their crossed shape, representing arms folded in prayer. You could also try making Day of the Dead cookies or a strawberry cake to celebrate Pentecost.
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Movie night: watch a film like 'Mary Poppins Returns' and discuss the values portrayed
There are many activities that can help Catholic kids learn about their faith and connect with God. One idea is to organise a movie night and choose a film such as "Mary Poppins Returns", which portrays several important values.
"Mary Poppins Returns" is a family movie by Disney, suitable for children above the age of five. It is a sequel to the 1965 film "Mary Poppins", based on the books by P.L. Travers, and is set in London in the 1930s. The movie received positive reviews from critics, who praised the performances, direction, visuals, music, and sense of nostalgia.
The film can be a great way to initiate discussions about various values with Catholic kids. One of the main messages of the movie is the importance of imaginative play and always remembering your inner child. It also highlights the importance of family and the power of positivity. Mary Poppins' positive outlook on life is uplifting, and her character is always there when needed, turning events around with her magic and charm. The movie also portrays the values of empathy, compassion, resourcefulness, and fun.
However, it is important to note that there are some dark and sad moments in the film that might affect younger children. There are also a few violent scenes, such as the children having a fight and a scary scene where the youngest Banks child is abducted by cartoon wolves. Parents may want to exercise discretion and consider fast-forwarding through these parts. Additionally, the movie includes a song with lyrics that some parents may find inappropriate for children, and it may be advisable to skip this song during the movie night.
Through a movie night with "Mary Poppins Returns", Catholic kids can learn about important values such as empathy, compassion, and the importance of family. The film can spark discussions about realistic expectations for children and their parents, as well as providing a fun and engaging way to reinforce Catholic teachings on prayer, celebrating feast days, and keeping Jesus at the center of their lives.
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Crafting: make summer calendars, decorate grocery bags, or make homemade wind chimes
Summer is a great time to engage kids in fun and educational activities, especially those that reinforce their faith and values. Here are some crafting ideas to keep Catholic kids entertained and inspired:
Make Summer Calendars
Creating a summer calendar is an excellent way to teach kids about time management and organisation. Begin by providing plain calendars, preferably with large boxes for each date. Encourage the children to decorate the calendars using colours, stickers, or drawings that represent summer to them. It can be a sun, a tree, a picnic, or anything that excites them about the season. Once the calendars are dry, have the kids fill them in with activities and events they think up themselves. They can also mark special Catholic feast days or celebrations, such as the Feast of St. Kateri Tekakwitha or the Feast of St. Martha. This activity not only sparks their creativity but also helps them develop a sense of structure and anticipation for the summer months ahead.
Decorate Grocery Bags
This activity combines art and community service. Start by taking the kids grocery shopping for your local food shelf. Provide them with plain paper bags and encourage them to decorate these bags with drawings or messages of kindness. They can use colours, markers, or even handprints to create unique designs. Once the bags are ready, fill them with groceries and deliver them to those in need. This project teaches children about compassion and giving back to the community while allowing them to express their artistic side.
Homemade Wind Chimes
Wind chimes are a beautiful addition to any outdoor space, and making them can be a fun and educational project for Catholic kids. Start by collecting clean tin cans of various sizes from your recycling bin. Ensure there are no sharp edges, and cover the rims with tape for safety. Then, let the children paint the cans with washable paint in their favourite colours or patterns. Once the paint is dry, help them assemble the cans into a mobile-like structure, attaching them securely with string or wire. Add some beads or bells for extra decoration and sound. Hang the wind chimes outdoors, preferably near an open window, and let the kids enjoy the soothing sounds of their homemade creation. This activity promotes creativity, recycling, and an appreciation for nature's music.
These crafting ideas offer a blend of fun, learning, and spiritual connection, making them ideal activities for Catholic kids during the summer or any time of year.
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Cooking: bake pretzels, Day of the Dead cookies, or strawberry cake for Pentecost
Cooking and baking are great ways to engage kids in learning about the Catholic faith and its various traditions. Here are some ideas for baking activities that can help children understand and celebrate different Catholic events:
Bake Pretzels
Pretzels have long been connected to the observance of Lent in the Catholic Church. Their distinctive crossed shape is said to represent arms folded in prayer. Baking pretzels with kids is a great way to introduce them to the importance of prayer and its role in the Catholic faith. This activity can be coupled with a discussion on prayer and its significance, as well as the meaning behind the shape of pretzels.
Day of the Dead Cookies
The Day of the Dead, or All Souls' Day, is a Catholic day of observance to pray for and remember the souls of those who have departed. This day is often celebrated with cookies, which can be decorated by kids. This activity provides an opportunity to teach children about the Catholic beliefs surrounding death, the afterlife, and the importance of remembrance and prayer for the deceased.
Strawberry Cake for Pentecost
Pentecost, also known as the birthday of the Church, is a significant event in the Catholic calendar. It commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and is often celebrated with strawberry cake. Baking this cake with kids can be a fun way to introduce them to the story of Pentecost and the importance of the Holy Spirit in the Catholic faith. It's a chance to talk about the gifts of the Holy Spirit, such as wisdom, understanding, and courage, and how they can be applied to their lives.
These baking activities offer a delightful blend of culinary creativity and religious education, providing a fun and engaging way to involve children in learning about the Catholic faith and its traditions. They can be used as a starting point for deeper discussions and can help create memorable associations between the events and the treats that accompany them.
In addition to these baking activities, there are also other fun ideas to engage Catholic kids, such as playing traditional family games with a faith twist, like Bible-themed versions of popular board games, or creating a prayer space outdoors, decorating it with found items, and homemade wind chimes.
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Outdoor activities: visit a shrine, basilica or pilgrimage site, or make an outdoor prayer space
Outdoor activities are a great way to engage with nature and the community, and they can also be a fun way to learn about the Catholic faith. Here are some ideas for outdoor activities with a Catholic twist for kids:
Visit a Shrine, Basilica, or Pilgrimage Site
Taking a trip to a special religious site can be an enriching experience for kids. They can learn about the history and significance of these places while also enjoying the travel and exploration aspect. It can be a fun day out, and also an opportunity to learn about different cultures and communities.
Make an Outdoor Prayer Space
Creating an outdoor prayer space is a simple yet meaningful activity. Kids can help set up a special spot in the garden or a local outdoor area with religious items like crosses and saint statues, as well as comfortable seating. This encourages them to spend time in prayer and connect with their faith in a natural setting. They can also decorate the space with homemade items, flowers, and found objects, making it a creative and personalized experience.
Outdoor Prayer Stations
Set up different stations outdoors with various activities to engage kids in prayer and reflection. For example, one station could have a pile of leaves and markers, where kids write words to describe Jesus and then hang the leaves on a tree, reading them aloud as a group. Another station could have bubble bottles, where kids blow bubbles and imagine sending their dreams and ambitions to Jesus. These stations encourage active participation and a unique way to connect with their faith.
Celebrate Feast Days with Outdoor Activities
Many Catholic feast days can be celebrated with outdoor twists. For example, on the Feast of St. Martha, take the day off from household chores and go on a nature walk. Celebrate the Feast of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary by making crowns of wildflowers and enjoying the outdoors. These activities help kids understand the significance of feast days while also enjoying the beauty of nature.
These outdoor activities provide a wonderful opportunity to combine faith, fun, and a deeper connection with the natural world, fostering a unique and enriching experience for Catholic kids.
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Frequently asked questions
Here are some ideas for Catholic events and activities for kids during the summer:
- Making a family timeline craft
- Playing traditional family games with a faith component, such as Bible editions of Apples to Apples, Outburst and Scrabble
- Researching and planning a visit to a shrine, basilica or pilgrimage site
- Making homemade bread and going to Eucharistic Adoration to celebrate the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ
- Learning about the Native American peoples in your area and celebrating the Feast of St. Kateri Tekakwitha
Holy Week is a time to help kids understand and draw closer to Jesus in preparation for His death and resurrection. Here are some ideas for Catholic events and activities for kids during Holy Week:
- Reading the Daily Readings
- Starting the Our Lady of Sorrows Novena with a Meditative Prayer Journal for Holy Week
- Abstaining from meat during Lent and trying out some vegetarian recipes
- Making Easter baskets with gifts made by nuns and monks
Here are some ideas for Catholic events and activities for kids to do with their families:
- Watching a movie together and discussing the family's values
- Celebrating the Feast of St. Martha (July 29) by taking the day off from all household chores
- Celebrating the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord (August 6) and marking the anniversary of the bombing of Hiroshima by praying the Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary for peace
- Celebrating the baptismal anniversary of a family member and learning how to make prayer part of this special moment
