Catholic Gospel Activities for Older Children
- Older children can begin to fully appreciate the meaning of Lent and the importance of sacrifice. For an upcoming Lenten season, ask the children to examine their lives and look into areas of overindulgence, such as eating too much candy or watching too much TV. On Ash Wednesday (which marks the beginning of Lent), the children can write down their Lenten sacrifices in the form of a letter to God. They can explain what their sacrifice will be and how it will help them understand the meaning of Lent. They can keep track of their accomplishment with a Lenten calendar by crossing out the days until Easter.
- Older children enjoy the challenge and competition of a trivia game. Parents or teachers can set up the game with questions to reflect recent gospel teachings and general Biblical knowledge. In a large group of children, teams can be created to add to the competitive nature of the game. Questions can range in difficulty and point value and can be divided into various categories, such as important Biblical events and people of the Bible.
- This activity is an ideal way to celebrate the feast of the Presentation of the Child Jesus in the Temple, which falls on the second of February. Beeswax candles are the traditional candles used to celebrate this Christian event. Kids can make their own beeswax candles using the following materials: sheets of beeswax in various colors, candle wicks and a hair dryer. Instruct the kids to cut the wax sheet in half from the top left corner to the bottom right corner (if they are old enough to use a knife). Instruct them to place the wick along one end of the sheet and roll it tightly closed leaving a small piece of wick sticking out of one side. If the beeswax cracks and does not easily roll, heat it with a hair dryer for a few seconds until it is soft and malleable.
- Challenge older children with advanced word searches and crossword puzzles. These simple activities help reinforce ideas taught in Sunday school or at church. The word searches and crossword puzzles can have specific themes, such as Easter, Lent or Christmas, which help teach about the importance of each Catholic holiday. Review key concepts and words with the children before asking them to complete the activity.
