The Catholic Toolbox

Sunday, October 26, 2025

All Saints Day/Feast/Saints

References

newadvent.org- All Saints' Day

catholicculture.org- Solemnity of All Saints Old Calendar: Feast of All Saints

catholic.org- Saint index, Saints Facts, Patron Saints, Popular Saints, etc.

saints.sqpn.com- This site has information on topics with patron saints, and profiles of those saints. Profiles have portraits, biographical information, areas of patronage, prayers, links to related sites, readings, etc.

saintsresource.com- Saint Index, Saint of the Week, Terminology, etc.

catholicreligionteacher- The Saints

Activities

loyolapress.com- All Saints Day Activities & Lessons

loyolapress.com- Saints Activities and Lesson Plans

catechisinthethirdmillenium.wordpress.com- Saints Museum
A very educational activity that all students will enjoy.

engagingfaith.blogspot.com- Catholic Saints Research Projects: One of the most popular projects assigned in religious education programs is a research project on the saints. Confirmation candidates almost always have to do some research on their Confirmation saint and many Catholic school teachers find such research to be very valuable in supplementing the lessons of the year.

thereligionteacher.com- All Saints Day Activities

equippingcatholicfamilies.com- Saints Crafts and Activities!

zunal.com- How Do You Become a Saint? (WebQuest)

createwebquest.com- Catholic WebQuest: Saints

A Saintly Quest, developed by John Meneely- An RE WebQuest

4catholiceducators.com- Classroom Activities on Saints

dltk-holidays.com- All Saints’ Day Activities

pinterest.com- All Saints Party Ideas

pinterest.com- Halloween/All Saints

textweek.com- Lectionary, Scripture Study and Worship Links and Resources

catholicicing.com- Saint Crafts, Printables, Activities And More For Catholic Kids

lovemylittleflower.blogspot.com- List where you can find Liturgical Folders celebrating the Saints and Feast Days through the Liturgical Year.

catholickidsbulletin.com- Saint activities
Saint activities in bulletins

happysaints.com- Information and cute artworks of saints. Happy Saints ebooks available that features fun artworks of beloved Saints of God in printable posters, prayer cards, greeting cards, coloring pages and badges for countless activities and occasions.

catholicinspired.com- About The Communion of Saints and a Printable Activity

reallifeathome.com- Saints and Heroes Printable Packets
Printable pages themed around saints.

Coloring

walzingm.com- saint coloring sheets (scroll down for these)

paperdali.blogspot.com- Saint coloring pages that you can download for free. Scroll down and click on the saint you want. The link will take you directly where you can download a black and white PDF file of the saint.

catholicplayground.com- Saints Coloring Pages

saintanneshelper.com- Saints Coloring Pages (scroll down for ABC Saints Coloring Pages, All Saints Coloring Pages, Female Saints To Color, Male Saints To Color

thecatholickid.com- Saint Coloring Pages (scroll down for these)

stjosephcathedralnh.org- Saints Coloring Pages

catholicfamilycrate.com- A Year with the Saints: Monthly Coloring Pages

catholicmom.com- Catholic Feast Day Coloring Pages

sarajcreations.com- Catholic Saints Coloring Books

reallifeathome.com- All Saints’ Day Coloring Page: Litany of Saints Mini Book

reallifeathome.com- Bundle of Printable Saints Coloring Books for the Whole Year

Costumes

catholicicing.com- All Saints Day Costume Ideas for Girls

catholicicing.com- All Saints Day Costume Ideas for Boys

catholicicing.com- Costumes Ideas for All Saints Day- Saints Who Go Together

Crafts

equippingcatholicfamilies.com- Bring a Jar: Make an All Saints Votive Candle!

catholicicing.com- Saint Craft for Catholic Kids- Printable Templates for Paper Bag Puppets

Spoon Saint Craft by Alice Cottage- make saints by using ice cream spoons

catholicicing.com- Saint Crafts, Printables, Activities And More For Catholic Kids

Saint Mobile- Give each student a picture of a saint of their choice on cardstock. Have them cut out the saint. On five blank index cards (you can cut these in half to make them smaller) have the students write 5 things about the saint on the index cards. To make a simple mobile attach the saint to a long piece of string and hang the five index cards below it in a line. *You can also make a saint craft and hang the index cards below it.

lovemylittleflower.blogspot.com- All Saints Day and All Souls Day Folders

elevatortoheaven.com- All Saints Day Craft

sacredheartfla.org- Crafts (scroll down to this)

loyolapress.com- Favorite Saint and Me Portrait

catholicicing.com- ABC Saints: Coloring Pages Turned Easy Catholic Craft

reallifeathome.com- Catholic Saints Crafts and Activities Packet: Saints Joseph, Patrick, Bernadette, George, and Catherine of Siena

equippingcatholicfamilies.com- Saints Crafts and Activities!

thecatholickid.com- Stand up Saints

*Google a specific Catholic Saint by name craft.

Games

catholicicing.com- Easy Game For All Saints’ Day- Saint Themed Guessing Jars

catholicicing.com- Printable Saint Games

loyolapress.com- Saints ABC Game

blog.holyheroes.com- Looking for All Saints’ Day Game Ideas?

showerofrosesblog.com- Saintly Games

showerofrosesblog.com- Saint Themed Guessing Jars

sacredheartfla.org- Family Game Night (scroll down to Memory Card Game & Saints Pictionary Game

traininghappyhearts.blogspot.com- 5 Favorite All Saints Day Games

catholicplayground.com- Saints and Objects Matching Game

homeofthemother.org- Guess Who? With the Saints

waltzingm.com- All Saints Games

sadlier.com- Catholic Saints Game; A Matching Card Game Activity for Students

showerofrosesblog.com- Guess Who? Patron Saints Edition! With free saints template

catholicmemories.blogspot.com- Guess Who? Saints Edition with free saints template

showerofroses.blogspot.com- All Saint’s Scavenger Hunt {A Printable Party Game}

4catholiceducators.com- Patron Saint Trivia Game and Patron Saint Row Race (scroll down to these)

partylikeasaint.com- All Saints Party Game Ideas

holyheroes.com- All Saints Day Party Planning: games, decorations, and more!

The Catholic Toolbox- Name That Saint Game
Learn about the Catholic Saints in this fun filled game of questions about their lives. Name That Saint is a game where the sooner you identify the saint, the more points you receive. Points range from 10 to 4 per clue and four clues are given with each saint question.

mycatholickids.com- Saint Bingo

showerofrosesblog.com- All Saints Bingo :: A 30 Card Printable Bingo Set (scroll down to Saint Bingo Cards and Saint Calling Cards)

bingocardcreator.com- Saints in Catholicism Bingo Cards

catholicicing.com- All Saints Day Party Games

jeopardylabs.com- The Saint Game

jeopardylabs.com- Catholic Saints

jeopardylabs.com- Catholic Saints Jeopardy

jeopardylabs.com- Jeopardy About Saints For Saints

superteachertools.us- Saint Jeopardy

playfactile.com- Saints Jeopardy. Play as Jeopardy, flashcards, multiple choice, memory

jeopardyquestions.com- Jeopardy Saint Questions

Lessons

loyolapress.com- Saints Activities and Lesson Plans

*Google a specific Catholic Saint by name lesson.

Songs

When the Saints Come Marching In

Worksheets & Puzzles

reallifeathome.com- All Saints’ Day Word Search for Kids {Free Printable}

wordmint.com- Catholic Saints Word Searches

reallifeathome.com- Catholic Saints Crossword Puzzle {Free Printables; Three Versions}

mycatholicsource.com- Patron Saints Crossword

teacherspayteachers.com- Saints Crossword Puzzle (free)

wordmint.com- Saints Crossword Puzzles

stmaryspokane.org- All Saints Day Crossword Puzzle

catholicplayground.com- Saints of the Pro-Life Movement Crossword Puzzle

catholicplayground.com- Saint Worksheets & Puzzles

sadlier.com- All Saints’ Day Research Activity
After reading the online profile of a saint, invite students to complete this handout. Give each student a minute or two to present their report to the class before binding the handouts into a book, or display the finished handouts in your classroom or parish. (Scroll down to this)

teacherspayteachers.com- Catholic Schools Week - Saints Project (FREE!)

teacherspayteachers.com- Saint Quilt Template: Ideal for Confirmation & All Saints Day

reallifeathome.com- Saints and Heroes Printable Packets
Printable pages themed around saints.

reallifeathome.com- All Saints Day Printables and Worksheet Packet

loyolapress.com- Who Is Your Saint Posse?
Use the reference materials provided to research your patron saints and form your own Saint Posse.

cartoonchurch.com- Cartoon Worksheet
All Saints

catholicicing.com- Mini Saint Information Fill-in Page for Children

sdc.me.uk- All Saints Year A

sdc.me.uk- All Saints Year B

sdc.me.uk- All Saints Year C

saintnook.com- Freebie: Download the ‘Build Your Saint Profile’ Worksheet
This ‘Build Your Saint Profile’ Worksheet is a fun activity for all ages to get to know their patrons and favorite saints.

lifelongfaith.com- All Saints Handouts

thereligionteacher.com- The Religion Teacher’s Saints Worksheet Collection

kidskonnect.com- All Saints’ Day Facts & Worksheets

All Souls’ Day Activities

References and Activities

catholic.org- All Souls' Day

catholicnewsagency.com- All Souls Day

fisheaters.com- All Souls Day

kids.britannica.com- All Souls' Day

bustedhalo.com- What Is All Souls Day?

textweek.com- All Soul's November 2 Lectionary, Scripture Study and Worship Links and Resources

catholicculture.org- Catholic Activity: All Souls' Day ideas for the family

catholicpilgrimagesites.wordpress.com- Create a “Purgatory Box” to Pray for the Holy Souls in Purgatory for All Souls Day and Throughout the Year

thericatholic.com- Popsicle Sticks for Holy Souls in Purgatory

thelearningbasket.com- Remembering and Praying for the Dead – Teaching Kids About All Souls’ Day

catholicinspired.com- Praying for Holy Souls {Making it Real for Kids}

catholicicing.com- Praying For The Dead With Kids

thereligionteacher.com- All Souls’ Day Lesson Plan and Activities

catholiconline.school- All Souls Day Lesson

web.archive.org- All Saints Day and All Souls Day Lesson Plan Grades 4-6

web.archive.org - All Saints Day and All Souls Day Lesson Plan Grades 7-8

Coloring

template.net- All Souls’ Day

twinkl.com- All Souls' Day Coloring Page

twinkl.com- All Souls Day Coloring Pages

coloringlib.com- All Souls Day

thecatholickid.com- Great printout for remembering our departed on All Souls Day. Prayer for the Faithful Departed.

looktohimandberadiant.com- Prayer for the Faithful Departed Coloring

Crafts

stmaryspokane.org- Stand Up Craft
This stand up craft gives you a visual reminder to pray for the Holy Souls each day during November. You can white out the year and change it. White out the names that are provided and add your own.

equippingcatholicfamilies.com- DIY All Souls Votive Candles (scroll down to this)

thecatholickid.com- Votive Candle Wrap (Prayer for the Faithful Departed)

thereligionteacher.com- All Souls’ Day Candle Craft (scroll down to this)

showerofrosesblog.com- Ora Pro Nobis Candy Boxes

Puzzles & Worksheets

twinkl.co- All Souls Day #1 (Word Search)

twinkl.com- All Souls Day #2 (Word Search)

twinkl.com- All Souls Day (Word Search) all difficulty levels

brightsprout.com- All Souls Day Word Search

casciabooks.com- All Souls’ Day Word Search

sdc.me.uk- All Souls Day (Year A)

sdc.me.uk- All Souls Day (Year B)

sdc.me.uk- All Souls Day (Year C)

twinkl.com- All Souls' Day Activity (Worksheet)

twinkl.com- All Souls' Day Remembrance Activity Sheet

faithalive.org.nz- All Souls Day Remembrance Worksheet

crusaders-for-christ.com- Prayer For The Poor Souls print and cursive handwriting (scroll down under By Month and November)

looktohimandberadiant.com- All Souls Day Letters (scroll down to this)

teacherspayteachers.com- All Souls Day Worksheets

teacherspayteachers.com- All Souls Day Prayer Booklet | Free Catholic Activity Feast of All Souls

thereligionteacher.com- Eternal Rest Prayer Worksheet (scroll down to this)

looktohimandberadiant.com- Prayer for the Faithful Departed (prayer cards with the Eternal Rest prayer on one side and a place to list specific people on the back)

Recipes

allrecipes.com- Ossi die Morti (Dead Bone Cookies)

mamalisa.com- Recipe for Italian “Beans of the Dead” Fave dei morti

catholicicing.com- Holy Ghost Soul Cakes For All Souls’ Day

catholicrurallife.org- “Soul” Doughnuts Recipe

learntravelitalian.com- Chick Pea Soup with Ribs (Ceci con le Costine) for All Souls Day

catholiccuisine.blogspot.com- Recipes for November ~ Month dedicated to the Holy Souls

Saturday, October 25, 2025

Gospel for the Mass: Mark 14:12-16; 22-26 (Preparations for the Passover, The Lord’s Supper, The Body and Blood of Christ)

Last Supper File Folder Game- Play individually or in teams and work your way around the game board answering questions about the Last Supper. If you are correct you roll a die and move your marker in your row in any direction you want. If you land on a colored space, you can move one row toward the center with “Last Supper”. Play continues until a team or player reaches “Last Supper”.

Puzzles & Worksheets:

sundayschoolzone.com- 14 piece jigsaw puzzle

mycatholicsource.com- Holy Eucharist (Word Search)

web.archive.org- Mark 14:12-16, 22-26 (Word Search)

These two puzzles below are free, however they can only to be used for classroom and personal use. They may not be published on any websites or other electronic media, or distributed in newsletters, bulletins, or any other form or sold for profit. All graphics/images/clipart etc. used on these puzzles are not my own and are from various internet sources.

Holy Communion- (Word Scramble)

Holy Communion- (Crossword)
For younger students you can do this together on the board.

stpeterstoronto.ca- Mark 14:12-16; 22-26 (Word Search & Crossword)

sundayschoolzone.com- The Last Supper (Crossword)

4catholiceducators.com- Crossword

web.archive.org- Mark 14:12-16, 22-26 (Crossword)

catholicmom.com- Scroll down to the date for Coloring Page, Mass Worksheet, Crossword Puzzle, Word Search, etc.

catholickidsbulletin.com- Download a FREE bulletin to help your kids learn more about our Catholic Mass. Each week's bulletin contains coloring pages for a saint and activities based on the Gospel. The coloring pages may also include a maze, dot-to-dot, find the picture, and many other activities.

parents.catholic.sg- The Most Holy Body & Blood of Christ (handwriting, coloring, puzzles, etc.)

sdc.me.uk- Mark 14:12-16; 22-26 Worksheet

thekidsbulletin.com- Mark 14:12-16; 22-26 Kid’s Bulletin

cluclutheran.org- The Lord Institutes the Lord’s Supper (worksheet)
Cut out the pictures at the bottom of the page and glue them into the proper spaces in the verse below. Memorize the verse. (Scroll down to this.)

theconstantkindergartner.blogspot.com- Last Supper handwriting sheet and fill in the blank sheet

liveworksheets.com- The Passover Meal/Last Supper (Fill in the Blanks and Short Answer)

catecheticalresources.com- Eucharist (worksheets)

heartquest101.com- The Lord’s Supper - Mark 14:12-26 (questions that can easily be made into a worksheet)

This worksheet below is free, however it can only to be used for classroom and personal use. It may not be published on any websites or other electronic media, or distributed in newsletters, bulletins, or any other form or sold for profit. Reproduction or retransmission of any materials, in whole or in part, in any manner, is not permitted. All graphics/images/clipart etc. used on all activities are not my own and are from various internet sources.

Last Supper- handwriting and coloring sheet

From Google AI Mode

Questions about the preparation of the Passover (Mark 14:12–16)
• How does Jesus' foreknowledge affirm his divinity? In this passage, Jesus gives very specific instructions to his disciples to find the room for the Passover. This ability to see the future and orchestrate events—including his own impending betrayal—reinforces the Catholic understanding of his divine sovereignty.

• What is the connection between the Old Covenant Passover and the New Covenant Eucharist? The Last Supper was a Passover meal, marking the transition from the old covenant to the new. The Passover commemorated the Israelites' deliverance from slavery in Egypt. How does the Eucharist fulfill and transform this tradition by signifying our deliverance from sin through Christ's sacrifice?

• How can we better prepare ourselves for the Eucharist? In the passage, the disciples are told to prepare the Passover meal. In Catholic theology, this inspires the question of how we prepare our hearts and minds for Mass. Do we take the time to quiet our thoughts and reflect on the sanctity of the ritual?

Questions about the institution of the Eucharist (Mark 14:22–26)
• How can we accept Jesus' words "This is my body" and "This is my blood" literally? This is a central question for Catholics. The Church teaches the doctrine of transubstantiation, that the consecrated bread and wine actually become the substance of the body and blood of Christ, though the outward appearance remains the same. How does faith allow us to accept this mystery, despite the arguments against a literal interpretation?

• How is the Eucharist a re-presentation of Christ's sacrifice on the cross? The Catholic Church teaches that the Mass is a re-presentation, or making present again, of Christ's sacrifice at Calvary. It is not a new sacrifice but the same one made present across time and space. How does this belief help us understand the singular, eternal nature of Christ's offering?

• What is the "real presence" and why does it require adoration? For Catholics, Jesus is truly present—body, blood, soul, and divinity—in the Eucharist. This belief is why the consecrated host is revered and adored outside of Mass. What does this deep spiritual and physical union with Christ in the sacrament do for the soul?

• What does it mean that Christ's blood is shed "for many"? Some interpretations question if the word "many" excludes some people from salvation. Catholic understanding, however, reads this as a "Semitism" meaning "for all," or designating the group that will benefit from Christ's sacrifice, which is ultimately available to everyone.

• How is our communion with Christ connected to our communion with each other? By receiving the Eucharist, the community of believers becomes one body in Christ. How does receiving Christ, especially alongside those we may dislike or struggle with, challenge us to live out the meaning of Christian charity and unity?

• What does it mean to receive the Eucharist "in an unworthy manner"? Paul addresses this in his letter to the Corinthians, which discusses the Last Supper. Paul is not speaking about being without sin (since communion is for sinners) but about a failure to recognize the full significance of the Eucharist and the Body of Christ, which includes all believers. How does this understanding prompt us to examine our relationships with others in the Church?

Tuesday, October 21, 2025

Christian Halloween Activities

These ideas offer alternatives to the customary Halloween activities. They are simple suggestions to start you thinking and planning. Add your own creativity and there's no limit to the possibilities for family fun!

looktohimandberadiant.com- Plenty of information packed into a booklet or several coloring/info pages, ready for you to use in your classroom or home.

christianity.about.com- Christian Halloween Alternatives

christianity.about.com- Lesson & Activities for Christian Halloween

childrensministry.com- Alternative to Halloween (lots of activities posted!)

dltk-bible.com- How a Christian is Like a Pumpkin

fishersofkids.com- Harvest Party

sunday-school-center.com- Halloween Ideas for Sunday School

creativeyouthideas.com- Halloween Alternatives For Christians

pinterest.com- Christian Halloween

christianpf.com- 20 Fun Alternative Ideas for Halloween

todayschristianwoman.com- 5 Fun Halloween Alternatives

The Catholic Toolbox- Christian Halloween Crafts

Christian Halloween Crafts

Here are some really cute Christian Halloween crafts you can do at home or in your classroom.

daniellesplace.com- How To Make Crafts and Learning Activities Relating to Halloween and Fall

creativebiblestudy.com- Parable of the Pumpkin object lesson with crafts

christiancrafters.com- Pumpkin Prayer and other activities

pinterest.com- Pumpkin Prayer Crafts

happyhomefairy.com- A Christian Pumpkin Windsock Craft – FREE Printable!

pinterest.com- Christian Halloween

biblestudyprintables.com- Christian Halloween Crafts

teacherspayteachers.com- Candy Corn Trinity Craft (FREE)

teachingwithtlc.com- Using candy corn to teach the Trinity (craft)

Friday, October 3, 2025

What To Do When The Curriculum Isn’t Working

You have a curriculum and it doesn’t work with your students, what do you do? Remember, no curriculum is perfect and CCD teachers need to from time to time supplement with activities to help teach their students. Using various resources provides your students with a variety of activities that helps enhance the lesson and allows them to understand more and have a lot of fun in the process.

So what should you do?

First and foremost, What do students like to do in CCD? Here are some tips and suggestions for activities to do in the classroom that are age appropriate.

Second, how is your classroom organized? Organization is key to keep students attentive and to keep discipline problems down to the minimum. Always, always. always have a predictable routine that you follow EVERY week. That way your students will know what to expect and there will be less behavior problems. What is the key to success when teaching CCD?

Having a well thought out and well planned lesson helps the students learn to their fullest potential and keeps behavior problems down to the minimum. What should you include in your lesson plan? Your lesson should contain a detailed, step-by-step description of how to do the lesson and achieve lesson plan objectives. This includes all the activities the teacher will have the students do. What To Include In Your Lesson Plan (suggestions for activities are also posted).

And lastly, let the students have fun while learning. If they are having fun they are more likely to enjoy coming to CCD and will retain what they learned.

From Google AI Overview

When your CCD curriculum is not working, the best course of action is to evaluate the specific problems and then make adjustments, supplement the lessons with engaging activities, or change the curriculum entirely.

Step 1: Diagnose the problem
First, identify the root cause of the issue. A curriculum might fail for several reasons, including:

• Student disengagement: If students are bored and unenthusiastic, it might be that the content is presented in a dry, lecture-based format.
• Poor fit for learning styles: A curriculum written for a wide audience may not be the right fit for the specific needs of your class. Children today are used to interactive learning and may not respond to traditional workbooks and memorization.
• Lack of family involvement: Some studies show that a lack of parental reinforcement is the single greatest challenge in religious education. If the lessons are not supported at home, they may not "stick". • Teacher burnout: This can occur when a teacher feels overwhelmed, frustrated, or lacks support. It can negatively impact the energy and engagement of the class.
• Poor attendance: If students are frequently absent, they will fall behind and may feel disconnected when they do attend.

Step 2: Implement immediate, short-term solutions
While you decide on long-term changes, you can use these strategies to improve current lessons:

• Take a short break: If everyone is in a rut, take a week off from the formal curriculum. Use games, hands-on projects, or videos instead.
• Change your teaching approach: Shift from a purely book-based lesson to more interactive activities. For example, act out Bible stories, hold debates, or use art projects to explore a topic.
• Supplement with engaging resources: Incorporate outside materials like Bible story videos, age-appropriate books about saints, or religious-themed crafts and games.
• Focus on relationships: Spend time getting to know your students. Start class with an icebreaker like "Hi Lo," where everyone shares the best and worst part of their week. This helps build community and trust.
• Change the scenery: Go to the church sanctuary, a prayer garden, or another sacred space for a lesson. A change of location can re-engage students.

Step 3: Evaluate and modify the curriculum
For a more lasting solution, evaluate and modify your existing curriculum to better suit your students' needs:

• Get feedback: Talk to your students and ask what they like and dislike about the curriculum. You can also send out a questionnaire to parents to get their perspective.
• Create hands-on lessons: Plan engaging, hands-on activities that directly relate to the curriculum's key themes. For example, organize a "stations of the cross scramble" during Lent or a church scavenger hunt to teach vocabulary.
• Align with modern learning: Incorporate more audio-visual stimuli and discussion. Modern students learn differently than past generations, and adjusting your teaching methods can help them succeed.
• Make it more relatable: Connect religious concepts to current role models, personal stories, and community events to make them more relevant to students' lives.
• Address attendance issues: If frequent absences are an issue, work with your Director of Religious Education (DRE) to hold a parent meeting to discuss expectations.

Step 4: Consider adopting a new curriculum
If your current curriculum is fundamentally a poor fit and modifications are not sufficient, you may need to find a new one.

• Use the current curriculum as a guide: If you like the scope and sequence of your current curriculum, you can use it as a road map while replacing the actual lessons with more interactive content from other sources, such as online resources or library books.
• Look for alternatives: Research other programs that might better fit your students' needs and learning styles. Options include programs that focus on interactive, online learning or those that emphasize a "reverse classroom" model.
• Talk to your parish leaders: If you are a catechist, have an open and honest conversation with your DRE about the challenges you're facing. Some parishes are more receptive to change than others, but it is important to communicate the struggles you are experiencing.

Sunday, August 3, 2025

Gospel for the Mass: John 3:16-18

Disclaimer: The posts below contain links to other websites and the content of these sites are evaluated before they are included. These websites can change without warning making links inactive and/or the content altered. We have no control over other websites and we are not responsible for the content that they post.

John 3:16-18

Activities

loyolapress.com- Background on the Gospel and activities for groups and families

4catholiceducatiors.com- Resources on the Sunday Readings (John)

sermons4kids.com- Measuring God's Love object lesson with group activities, coloring, puzzles, quiz, worship bulletin

sermons4kids.com- The Greatest Gift of All object lesson with group activities, coloring, puzzles, worship bulletin

sermons4kids.com- What’s on the Inside Counts object lesson with puzzles and quiz

ministry-to-children.com- "For God so Loved the World" Lectionary Lesson from John 3:14-21

ministry-to-children.com- Lesson: Jesus Teaches Nicodemus – For God So Loved the World

rotation.org- John 3:16 "For God So Loved the World"

sundayschool.works- For God So Loved the World (John 3:14-21) Sunday School Lessons and Activities

sundayschool.works- Love in Action – 1 John 3:16-24 Sunday School Lesson and Bible Activities for Kids

word-sunday.com- Buddy Takes a Chance

word-sunday.com- Trust Box

young-catholics.com- Trinity Sunday Year A

sundayschoolnetwork.com- The Gospel for Kids in a Nutshell (lessons)

truewaykids.com- Jesus and Nicodemus (free printable lessons for under 5s, over 5s, preteens and teens)

jesus-without-language.net- Nicodemus – John 3
Kids ministry lesson on the story of young Nicodemus meetings with Jesus, focusing on John 3 but referencing other passages. It focuses on the idea of how Nicodemus’s life was transformed.

rclblectionary.com- John 3:16-18 Primary Lesson

rclblectionary.com- John 3:16-18 Intermediate Lesson

rclblectionary.com- John 3:16-18 Junior High Lesson

The Catholic Toolbox- What Can Teens Do For Gospel For The Mass Activities?

textweek.com- John 3:14-21 Lectionary, Scripture Study and Worship Links and Resources

The Holy Trinity- references, lessons, coloring, crafts, games, puzzles, worksheets, etc.

Coloring

catholicmom.com- Scroll down to the date for Sunday Coloring Page

craftnhome.com- John 3:16

craftingthewordofgod.com- John 3:16

coloringhome.com- John 3:16 coloring pages

printablee.com- John 3:16 Coloring Pages

coloringpagesbymradron.blogspot.com- John 3:16 #1

coloringpagesbymradron.blogspot.com- John 3:16 #2

religiousdoodles.com- John 3:16

sermons4kids.com- For God so Loved the World #1

sermons4kids.com- For God so Loved the World #2

sermons4kids.com- John 3:16

flamecreativekids.blogspot.com- John 3:16

stushieart.com- John 3:16

christiananswers.net- Jesus talking with Nicodemus

ldslane.net- John 3:16

answersingenesis.org- John 3:16

jones4567.wordpress.com- John 3:16

flamecreativekids.blogspot.com- John 3:16

steviedoodles.com- John 3:16

printablee.com- Several John 3:16 (scroll down for these)

shemaculture.com- John 3:16 Coloring Pages: FREE Printable For God So Loved the World Coloring Page (3 posted)

stushieart.com- John 3:16

lambsongs.co.nz- Nicodemus Bible story mini books and one page printable Bible stories to color

churchpublishing.org- John 3:1–17 (page 22)

Crafts

sermons4kids.com- Measuring God’s Love group activities (crafts)

sermons4kids.com- The Greatest Gift of All group activities (crafts)

sermons4kids.com- The Wind in Your Socks group activities (crafts)

craftingthewordofgod.com- John 3:16 Wheel

dltk-bible.com- Heart Lacing Project John 3:16

dltk-bible.com- Stuffed Heart Project John 3:16

parkbaptist.co.uk - John 3:16 Craft

waynestocks.com- A John 3:16 Craft for Kids

teachingmama.org- John 3:16 Craft for Preschoolers (scroll down to this)

pinterest.com- John 3:16 – Handprint Craft

biblecraftsandactivities.com- Awana Crafts for John 3:16

pinterest.com- John 3:16 Craft

sloanacademy.blogspot.com- Earth Handprint Craft Tutorial

pinterest.com- John 3:16

daniellesplace.com- Bible Crafts for John 3:16

daniellesplace.com- John 3:16 Fanfold Bible Paper Craft

kidsbibleteacher.com- John 3:16 Folded Puzzle

truewaykids.com- John 3:16 Craft (scroll down for this)

craftnhome.com- John 3:16 Craft

jesus-without-language.net- Nicodemus (John 3) | Craft 1

jesus-without-language.net- Nicodemus (John 3) | Craft 2

Games

sermons4kids.com- Measuring God’s Love group activities (games)

sermons4kids.com- The Greatest Gift of All group activities (games)

sermons4kids.com- The Wind in Your Socks group activities (games)

ministry-to-children.com- Put John 3:16 Memory Game, Put in Order Game, etc.

jesus-without-language.net- Nicodemus (John 3) | Games

classroom.synonym.com- Memory Game (scroll down to this)

daniellesplace.com- Play these games to go with your lesson and with the Bible verse John 3:16

christiancrafters.com- Love Toss

christiancrafters.com- Under Day 1 Scripture Memory Verse

The Catholic Toolbox- Bible Memory Verse Activities

scripturelady.com- Scripture Lady’s Bible Verse Games: Give and Give and Give – Learning John 3:16

Whose Life Is It Anyway? (Encounter with Nicodemus)-
As your children play a game about Nicodemus, they’ll discover that following God is a work of the heart, not just having the right kind of head knowledge. (The Encyclopedia of bible Games for Children’s Ministry, page 90 – 91).

Lifelines (Jesus is our Savior)-
This game will help kids see Jesus is our rescuer and offers us a lifeline when we’re trapped in sin. (The Encyclopedia of bible Games for Children’s Ministry, page 124).

Believe It or Not- The Really Big Book of Bible Games, page 80.

The Catholic Toolbox- Jesus is our Savior (file folder game)
Jesus is our rescuer and offers us a lifeline when we’re trapped in sin. How can we solve the problems in our life? Jesus is our savior and if we follow him, he will show us the way.

The Catholic Toolbox- Bible Memory Verse Activities

Puzzles/Worksheets

sundayschoolzone.com- John 3:16 (Handwriting)

etsy.com- Memory Verse Practice - John 3:16 - Kids Bible Verse Activity - Tracing Sheet and Puzzle

sermons4kids.com- God So Loved The World (Word Search)

sermons4kids.com- Measuring God’s Love (Word Search)

sermons4kids.com- The Greatest Gift Of All (Word Search)

sermons4kids.com- What’s On The Inside Counts (Word Search)

web.archive.org- Word Search

4catholiceducators.com- Word Search and Crossword (scroll down for these)

sermons4kids.com- God So Loved The World (Decoder)

sermons4kids.com- Measuring God’s Love (Decoder)

sermons4kids.com- The Greatest Gift Of All (Decoder)

sermons4kids.com- What’s On The Inside Counts (Cryptogram)

sermons4kids.com- God So Loved The World (Crossword)

sermons4kids.com- The Greatest Gift Of All (Crossword)

web.archive.org- Crossword

catholicmom.com- Scroll down to the date for Coloring Page, Mass Worksheet, Crossword Puzzle, Word Search, etc.

catholickidsbulletin.com- Download a FREE bulletin to help your kids learn more about our Catholic Mass. Each week's bulletin contains coloring pages for a saint and activities based on the Gospel. The coloring pages may also include a maze, dot-to-dot, find the picture, and many other activities.

sermons4kids.com- Measuring God’s Love (Multiple Choice)

sermons4kids.com- What’s On The Inside Counts (Fill in the Blank)

sdc.me.uk- John 3:16-18 Worksheet

thekidsbulletin.com- John 3:16-18 Kid’s Bulletin

truewaykids.com- Jesus and Nicodemus (free printable puzzles and worksheets for under 5s, over 5s, preteens and teens)

studyandobey.com- John 3:1-21 Bible Study Commentary And Inductive Questions(questions that can easily be made into a worksheet)

squarespace.com- Small Group Discussion Guide (scroll down to questions that can easily be made into a worksheet)

bibleversestudy.com- Questions for John 3 Bible Study (questions that can easily be made into a worksheet)

webflow.com- John 3:16 (questions that can easily be made into a worksheet)

biblestudyguide.co- John 3:16 (questions that can easily be made into a worksheet)

livingasdisciples.com- John 3:16 (questions that can easily be made into a worksheet)

From Google AI Mode

Common questions about John 3:16

What does "For God so loved the world" mean?
This phrase emphasizes the incredible nature and scope of God's love, which is not based on the worthiness of humanity. The "world" refers to a sinful, rebellious human race that stood under God's condemnation. The love is not a vague feeling, but a demonstrated, sacrificial action—the giving of his "one and only Son".

Why was Jesus called God's "only Son"?
The Greek word monogenes is often translated as "only begotten," indicating Jesus's unique, uncreated, and co-eternal nature with God the Father. Unlike humans who become children of God through adoption, Jesus is the Son by his very essence and is part of the eternal Godhead.

What does it mean to "believe in him"?
In this context, "believe" is more than simple mental agreement that Jesus existed. It implies a full trust and reliance on him, similar to how the Israelites were commanded to "look" at the bronze serpent to be healed in Numbers 21. This saving belief leads to a transformed life and is evidenced by actions, as highlighted later in the passage (John 3:19–21).

What is the meaning of "perish but have eternal life"?

• Perish: Refers to eternal death and separation from God, which is the result of sin. The one who perishes remains under God's wrath and condemnation.

• Eternal Life: Is more than simply existing forever. It describes a new quality of life—a relationship with God that begins the moment a person believes and continues into eternity.

Common questions about John 3:17–18

Didn't God send Jesus to condemn people?
No. Verse 17 clarifies that Jesus's first mission was for salvation, not condemnation. God's patience and desire for people to repent are a central theme throughout the Bible (e.g., 2 Peter 3:9). The judgment comes later, but Jesus's initial purpose was to provide a way of escape for a world that was already condemned.

Why are those who don't believe "condemned already"?
This is because all humanity is born into a state of sin, which brings a sentence of spiritual death. Unbelief is the willful rejection of the only rescue available, confirming and sealing one's existing condemnation. The judgment is not an arbitrary punishment but a consequence of choosing darkness over the light.

What is the role of Jesus in salvation and condemnation?

• For believers: Jesus offers the gift of salvation, enabling those who believe in him to be spared from condemnation.

• For non-believers: Jesus is the standard by which all are judged. The failure to believe in "the name of the only Son of God" is the basis for their condemnation.

How do these verses connect to the surrounding context?
This entire section is part of Jesus's conversation with Nicodemus, a religious leader who came to him at night (John 3:1–15). Jesus begins by telling Nicodemus that spiritual rebirth is essential for entering the kingdom of God. Verses 16–18 elaborate on this by explaining that this new birth is a result of God's loving act of sending his Son, and that one's response of belief or unbelief determines their spiritual destiny.

Saturday, August 2, 2025

Gospel for the Mass: John 20:19-23 (Appearance to the Disciples)

The Holy Spirit File Folder Game- Work your way around the board and answer questions about the Holy Spirit. For 2nd grade on up. There are a lot of choices and possibilities for this game.

Fruits of the Holy Spirit (Catholic)- Spin the spinner and follow the directions. If you spin “Leader’s Space” you may change places with the leader and put his marker where you were. Make your way around the board answering questions about the fruits of the Holy Spirit. The first player to FINISH wins.

The Catholic Toolbox- Fruit of the Holy Spirit Bean Bag Toss (Catholic)

Puzzles & Worksheets

twopaths.com- Pentecost and the Early Church (Word Search)

sermons4kids.com- Don’t Miss Church (Word Search)

4catholiceducators.com- Word Search

web.archive.org- Word Search

sermons4kids.com- Seeing Is Believing (Crossword)

sermons4kids.com- Don’t Miss Church (Crossword)

web.archive.org- Crossword

catholicmom.com- Scroll down to the date for Coloring Page, Mass Worksheet, Crossword Puzzle, Word Search, etc.

catholickidsbulletin.com- Download a FREE bulletin to help your kids learn more about our Catholic Mass. Each week's bulletin contains coloring pages for a saint and activities based on the Gospel. The coloring pages may also include a maze, dot-to-dot, find the picture, and many other activities.

sermons4kids.com- Don’t Miss Church (Multiple Choice)

sdc.me.uk- John 20:19-23 Worksheet

thekidsbulletin.com- John 20:19-23 Kid’s Bulletin (scroll down for this)

reallifeathome.com- Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit Worksheet Printables Packet

smp.org- Gifts of the Holy Spirit
This worksheet is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students can learn about the 7 Gifts of the Holy Spirit and use their own words to describe what each gift is.

smp.org- The Two Pentecosts
A chart used to draw parallels between the feasts of Shavuot and Christian Pentecost

bibleversestudy.com- Questions for John 20 Bible Study (scroll down to John 20:19-21 Bible Study Questions that can easily be made into a worksheet)

studyandobey.com- John 20 Inductive Bible Study (scroll down to III. Jesus appears to the disciples (19-25) for questions that can easily be made into a worksheet)

gracebibleny.org- Overcoming Unbelief – Mark 16:12-14; John 20:19-31; 1 Corinthians 15:5 (scroll down to Fill in the Blank questions at bottom that can easily be made into a worksheet)

amazonaws.com- John 20:19-23 (questions that can easily be made into a worksheet)

squarespace.com- John 20:19-23 (questions that can easily be made into a worksheet)

From Google AI Mode

Why were the disciples hiding in a locked room?
On the evening of Resurrection Sunday, the disciples gathered behind locked doors "for fear of the Jews" (John 20:19, ESV). They feared that they would be persecuted or killed just as their master had been. This fear highlights their grief, confusion, and despair in the wake of Jesus's crucifixion.

What is the significance of Jesus showing them his hands and side?
Seeing Jesus's wounds was crucial evidence that he had genuinely risen from the dead and was not a ghost. This physical proof transformed the disciples' sorrow into joy and helped confirm their faith in his victory over death. The scars also serve as a reminder of the sacrifice Jesus made and the nature of the ministry his followers are now called to continue in a broken world.

Why did Jesus breathe on them and say, "Receive the Holy Spirit"?
This action has deep biblical resonance, linking Jesus's work to the original act of creation when God breathed life into Adam (Genesis 2:7).

• Creation and new creation: By breathing on them, Jesus signals a new spiritual creation, bringing his disciples spiritual life through the Holy Spirit.

• A "mini-Pentecost": While the full outpouring of the Spirit comes later at Pentecost (Acts 2), this event is often seen as a foretaste or a private reception of the Spirit for the disciples to begin their mission.

What did Jesus mean by "As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you"?
This is a commissioning statement that expands the disciples' role beyond being passive followers.

• Continuity of mission: Just as Jesus was sent by the Father to be an agent of reconciliation, the disciples are now sent by Jesus to continue that work of bringing forgiveness and salvation to the world.

• Transformation: This new purpose moves the disciples from being immobilized by fear to actively participating in Jesus's mission.

How can the disciples—or the church—forgive and retain sins?
The meaning of this verse is one of the most debated topics in the passage.

• Declarative authority: A common Protestant interpretation is that Jesus gives his followers the authority to declare the forgiveness of sins, not to grant or withhold it themselves. By proclaiming the Gospel, they announce to people that if they repent and believe in Christ, their sins are forgiven by God. If someone rejects the Gospel, their sins are retained.

• Sacramental authority: The Catholic Church interprets this as the institutional authority passed down from the apostles to priests through ordination, allowing them to forgive sins in the sacrament of confession.

• Empowered by the Spirit: Regardless of the specific theological interpretation, the authority is directly linked to the gift of the Holy Spirit in the preceding verse. It is through the Spirit that the disciples are empowered to exercise this ministry.

Pages

Sunday, October 26, 2025

All Saints Day/Feast/Saints

All Souls’ Day Activities

Saturday, October 25, 2025

Gospel for the Mass: Mark 14:12-16; 22-26 (Preparations for the Passover, The Lord’s Supper, The Body and Blood of Christ)

Tuesday, October 21, 2025

Christian Halloween Activities

Christian Halloween Crafts

Friday, October 3, 2025

What To Do When The Curriculum Isn’t Working

Sunday, August 3, 2025

Gospel for the Mass: John 3:16-18

Saturday, August 2, 2025

Gospel for the Mass: John 20:19-23 (Appearance to the Disciples)

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