This will be my main purpose --to love Jesus, to seek Jesus, to speak of Jesus and to make Jesus known.
St. Frances Cabrini
www.catholicevangelizer.com
Looking for Jesus at Church:
A Children's Mass Book
Parents, Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles & Teachers
Things to remember while you search: Young children are sensory and curious about objects like crosses, windows, stations, tabernacles and statues. Abstract thinking doesn’t happen until much later.
Young children notice what you like. So think out loud about your experiences with Jesus (especially as a child). Comment on the religious objects you like.
Allow time to explore before or after Mass. You might count items or chose favorites. Finish by thanking God out loud for what you have found.
Remember: God gives the gift of new life in Baptism. A small candle representing your child is lit from the big "Jesus" candle, or paschal candle. We know that the flame of God's life will not fail you or your child, no matter how dark life gets. Jesus is the Light!
Happy Hunting!
Resources for those who care about inactive Catholics
TWO free bookmarks for each book with internet orders
ISBN 978-0-9815174-1-4
Single copy $7.95
SALE 4.95
Five Pack $29.95
SALE 22.95
Teacher's Edition $22.95
card stock pages, spiral bound 8.5x11
Welcome to a great adventure. Jesus can be found in many places, but my favorite place to search is at church. This book helps a child build an inner picture of Jesus and explore ways we can experience him together.
If your child doesn't know much about Jesus:
STEP ONE, HUNT: Introduce Jesus as your friend from a long time ago. Look at the clues on the back cover or on the bookmark and search for Jesus in your book.
STEP TWO, READ: Read the story together.
STEP THREE, HUNT AND PRAY: If you can, visit a church, and search for Jesus together. Do some exploring. Ask how the items you find are the same or difrerent than in the book. If you can't, then watch a mass together on television or on the internet.
BEST OF ALL: Use the book to pray the Mass together.
Note to catechists: If you are offering a tour of the church for your class, consider leading the children in a modified "Signing of the Senses" prayer, during which they would make small "Signs of the Cross" on the parts of their bodies mentioned. This prayer that is part of the Rite of Acceptnce for Baptism and could be celebrated while gathered around the Baptismal font. Instead of "receive the sign of the cross on..." you would lead young people in in praying, "I bless myself with the sign of the cross on..."
Happy Hunting!
