Teaching children about the seven sacraments of the Catholic Church is a significant undertaking. While comprehensive theological study requires extensive resources, numerous free crafts, printables, and educational materials are available to introduce these sacred mysteries to young learners in an engaging and hands-on manner. These resources are designed to help parents, catechists, and educators make the sacraments accessible and meaningful for children, often at no cost.
Resources for the Sacraments of Initiation
The Sacraments of Initiation—Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist—mark the beginning of a person's life in the Church. Several free resources are available to help explain these foundational sacraments to children.
Baptism
For the sacrament of Baptism, a variety of free craft ideas and printable tools exist. One popular resource is a three-dimensional banner craft that incorporates the essential symbols of baptism: water, candle, oil, and the white garment. Detailed directions for this project are available online. Another craft idea involves creating welcome cards for families following a baptism ceremony, fostering a sense of community and support.
A free Catholic Baptism Scrapbook is also offered as a downloadable resource. This printable can help families document and remember their child's baptismal day. For educators using Montessori-style methods, a Baptism tray presentation is available, which includes a helpful PDF guide and a YouTube video. This presentation helps children understand the sequence and symbols of the sacrament through tactile learning. It includes materials for role-playing the baptism and emphasizes practical life skills and focus. A note of caution is included regarding the use of open flames (candles) with young children, suggesting battery-operated candles as a safer alternative. One potential drawback noted is that paper circles used in the presentation may become wet and require recycling.
Eucharist
While specific crafts for the Eucharist were not detailed in the provided materials, general strategies for helping children understand the sacrament are available. These include teaching children about the sacrament through multiple Family Home Evening lessons, focusing on its history and current practice. Reminding children before church that the sacrament is a time to build a relationship with the Savior can help them prepare mentally. Engaging children in quiet activities during the sacrament, such as coloring pictures of Jesus from magazines like The Friend, can help them remain reverent and focused.
Music is also presented as a vital part of worship. Singing the sacrament hymns is encouraged to help children feel the Spirit and better understand the sacred ordinance. Even if children do not fully grasp the meaning of the words initially, they can feel the calm and reassuring influence of the Holy Ghost.
Resources for the Sacraments of Service
The Sacraments of Service, or Sacraments of Vocation, are Matrimony and Holy Orders. Teaching these to children can be challenging as they are not directly received by most children in their youth.
Matrimony
Crafts for Matrimony are designed to be relatable and prayerful. One craft involves creating a heart from tissue paper, which can be hung in a window to create a stained-glass effect. Children can add Post-it notes to the heart with the names of married couples they can pray for. Another craft uses a small model to illustrate the importance of putting God first in a marriage, demonstrating that as a man and woman grow closer to God, they also grow closer to each other.
Holy Orders
To help children appreciate the role of the priesthood, a craft is available for creating a card to give to a priest. This allows children to express their prayers and thanks for the priest's service and ministry.
Resources for Reviewing All Seven Sacraments
Once the individual sacraments have been taught, or for a general overview, several resources can help review all seven sacraments. A "Seven Sacraments Mini Book" is available in two styles: a simple version that involves coloring, cutting, and stapling, and a more detailed accordion-style book. Both versions include pictures of items used in each of the sacraments, reinforcing visual recognition and understanding.
General Teaching Strategies
Beyond specific crafts and printables, several overarching strategies can help children develop a love and understanding for the sacraments, particularly the sacrament of the Eucharist.
- Parental Example: Children often model their behavior and attitudes after their parents. Parents can demonstrate reverence and excitement for the sacraments, talking about them consistently throughout the week, not just on Sunday.
- Preparation: Preparing for Sunday worship can begin on Saturday night by discussing the sacrament before bedtime. Simple reminders on the way to church can also help children shift their focus to the sacred event.
- Engagement: Providing quiet activities, such as coloring or looking at pictures of Jesus, can help young children remain engaged and reverent during the sacrament.
- Music: Singing the sacrament hymns is a powerful tool for inviting the Spirit and preparing souls to partake of the sacrament.
- Consistency: Teaching about the sacrament over several Family Home Evening lessons allows for a deeper, more gradual understanding of its importance and meaning.
These free resources and strategies provide a strong foundation for introducing the seven sacraments to children in a way that is both educational and spiritually enriching.