Children’s Liturgy         

If you have questions about any of these resources click here.  Please include the Reference Number listed.

Publisher Information

1) Brennan, Msgr. Dermot.  Homilies Kids Can See.  Huntington, Indiana:  Our Sunday Visitor, 2002.

"You'll prepare with confidence, preach with conviction, and praise the Holy Spirit when you see the look of joy that comes over the children's faces as you draw them intothe message of Jesus.  Homilies Kids Can See is ideal for Liturgy of the Word for Children, great for classroom prayer and reflection, and perfect for large group gatherings of children.  These homilies have been designed especially to open the hearts of children to the wonder of the Word of God.  Arranged by themes and days of celebration, they capture the attention of little kids (and not-so-little ones as well!) through the use of visual aids, props, toys, and even a little magic.  With complete instructions for making the visual aids, as well as Scripture passeges, suggested activities, and background information, preaching successful homilies for children is easier than you think."

2)      Brennan-Nicholas, Patricia.  Liturgies & Lessons Children’s Homilies.  Lake Worth, Florida:  Sunday Publications, Inc., 1984.

      Reference Number:  B-00041  

3)      Brown, Carolyn C.  Forbid Them Not Year B.  Nashville, Tennessee:  Abingdon Press, 1993.

    “This resource shows how to create meaningful worship experiences for everyone who comes to your church—children, youths, and adults.  A three-volume series based on the texts of the Revised Common Lectionary, Forbid Them Not offers specific suggestions for prayer, hymns, litanies, sermons illustrations, and ways to present Scripture so that children—as well as older worshipers—can really hear the message.  (Even if your church does not follow the lectionary, you can find suggestions related to any Scripture Passage by using the index.)  Forbid Them Not Year B includes more than 52 full-page, reproducible activity worksheets related to each Sunday’s worship theme.”

      Reference Number:  B-00042  

4)      Bruck, Maria.  More Children’s Liturgies.  New York, New York:  Paulist Press, 1981.

     “A resource book, an aid in the creation of children’s services.  Liturgies for occasions of the entire year are a stimulus for original—and sensitive—planning.  One hundred and forty-two celebrations are offered as models for primary, intermediate, and junior high youth.  Eucharistic liturgies, rites of reconciliation, and prayer services are included.  In addition to services for the major liturgical seasons, More Children’s Liturgies offers a selection of celebrations for feasts and holidays, school events, the seasons, and special times.”

      Reference Number:  B-00043 

 5)      Buckingham, Jamie.  Ten Bible People Like Me Workbook.  Orleans, Massachusetts:  Crossover Productions, Inc., 1988.  

     “One of today’s great storytellers tells the story of ten Bible people on location in Israel.  Ideal for Sunday School classes, home groups, individual study, or prison Bible study groups, this Workbook contains basic Bible questions on each of the people listed.”

      Reference Number:  B-00044  

6)      Castagnola, Larry S.J.  More Parables for Little People.  San Jose, California:  Resource Publications, Inc., 1987. 

     “In this sequel to Parables for Little People, Father Castagnola continues to write children’s stories with a happy, positive message.  The first seven stories deal with themes of caring, sharing, non-violence, and human rights.  The other stories retell the New Testament parables without mentioning the original character’s names.  Castagnola’s Parables are designed to help parents and teachers who search for alternatives to the main plot of so many children’s stories today:  death form a laser beam.  The stories are rich with literary fantasy and delightful illustrations, so young people of all ages will surely enjoy them.  And while they’re enjoying, they will also be learning some of the greatest lessons ever taught.”

      Reference Number:  C-00039  

  7)      Cronin, Gaynell Bordes.  Holy Days & Holidays Prayer Celebrations with Children.  Minneapolis, Minnesota:  Winston Press, Inc., 1979.  

    “Prayerful celebrations that make holy the secular and keep holy the sacred.  For the family that wants to add prayer to patriotism on the 4^th of July.  For the teacher who hasn’t got the 25^th hour to plan a classroom paraliturgy.  For all the busy, but dedicated, teachers and parents with limited time and short budgets.  Memorable paraliturgyies using simple, inexpensive materials to mark special days throughout the year.  Especially for classrooms and families with children from five to fifteen.”

      Reference Number:  C-00040 

8)      Cronin, Gaynell.  Sunday Throughout the Week.  Notre Dame, Indiana:  Ave Maria Press, 1966. 

    “Sunday Throughout the Week is 176 pages chock-full of wonderfully imaginative ideas, activities and prayers…talking and doing that take the Sunday gospel message home (or into the classroom) and make it more understandable and meaningful for young children.  Sunday Throughout the Week focuses family life on the gospel themes of the major feasts and ALL Sundays of the three liturgical cycles…providing simple reflections, points for discussion in the family or classroom, projects, prayers, blessings, songs and activities that involve the children.  Each week a scripture symbol made by the children is added to a Sunday Throughout the Year banner which hangs in the home or classroom.”

      Reference Number:  C-00041 

9)      Eucharistic Prayers Reconciliation Children.  Washington, D.C.:  United States Catholic Conference, 1975.

      Reference Number:  C-00042 

10)  Fritz, Patricia, O.S.F.  We Praise You, Oh Lord!.  Ramsey, New Jersey:  Paulist Press, 1982.

     “A collection of prayers and prayer services.  This is an enabling tool; it provides models for creating effective group prayer experiences.  It was prepared to help parish councils, Renew core groups, faculty meetings, small prayer groups, and church committees and organizations.  These services will help parish groups learn to pray spontaneously, aloud and together when they meet.”

      Reference Number:  F-00007  

11)  Jeep, Elizabeth McMahon.  The Welcome Table Planning Masses with Children.  Chicago, Illinois:  Liturgy Training Publications, 1980. 

     “Teachers, catechists and clergy will find this book a sensible and insightful guide to preparing celebrations of Mass that nourish children’s faith.  The Welcome Table is written from experience with children and insight into liturgy with practical suggestions for bringing the two together.” 

      Reference Number:  J-00005

 12)  Kelly, Sr. Francesca.  More Masses with Children.  Blackrock, Colorado:  The Columba Press, 1986.

“A collection of twenty Masses for use with younger children.  For each celebration Sr. Francesca gives a theme, the three presidential prayers, readings suitable to the age group, Payer of the Faithful, Offertory procession outlines and occasional Communion Reflections.”

 Reference Number:  K-00004

13)  Kenny, Bernadette, R.S.H.M.  Children’s Liturgies.  New York, New York:  Paulist Press, 1977.  

    “Children’s Liturgies is a pastoral resource book for effective planning of children’s celebrations.  The Directory for Masses with Children clearly recognizes and strongly encourages the special planning required for good children’s liturgies.  This collection is presented as an aid in this very important task of creative planning.  Seventy-four liturgies, designed for primary, middle and junior high children, are offered as models.  These include Eucharistic Liturgies, prayer services and penance services.  In addition to the thirty-five selections related to the main celebrations of the liturgical year, there is a selections related to the main celebrations of the liturgical year, there is a section of liturgies for Special Days.”

      Reference Number:  K-00005  

14)  Landry, Carey and Kinghorn, Carol Jean.  At the Table with Jesus.  Portland, Oregon:  North American Liturgy Resources, 1991.

      Reference Number:  L-00021

15)  Leone, Dee.  Bible Heroes Book II Joshua, Gideon, and Ruth.  Carthage, Illinois:  Shining Star Publications, 1995.  

     “Bible Heroes:  Joshua, Gideon, and Ruth is filled with Bible story coloring pages, puzzles, patterns, and performances designed to make your study of these three Bible characters a real celebration!”

      Reference Number:  L-00022

16)  Machado, Mary Kathryn.  How to Plan Children’s Liturgies.  San Jose, California:  Resource Publications, Inc., 1986.  

     “An excellent guide that instructs both children and educators in approved structures of the Mass.  Within it teachers will find valuable techniques for bringing the Mass successfully to children, including:  A complete, step-by-step outline to plan liturgies, a proposed method for developing the prayer expressions of children, written as daily lessons for the instructor to use, a procedure to help children participate in liturgies.”

      Reference Number:  M-00038

17)  Mathson, Patricia.  Give Thanks and Praise.  Notre Dame, Indiana:  Ave Maria Press, 1997. 

    “With her usual practical, upbeat approach, Patricia Mathson has created an invaluable resource for anyone responsible for planning children’s liturgies.  Give Thanks and Praise offers 36 liturgies for use throughout the school year, each intended to celebrate a particular saint or scriptural text.  This easy-to-use guide is perfect for use in schools or religious education programs, with a format that allows for a year’s worth of Sundays or once-a-month worship over four years.”

      Reference Number:  M-00039

18)  Mazar, Peter and Piercy, Robert.  A Guide to the Lectionary for Masses with Children.  Chicago, Illinois:  Liturgy Training Publications, 1993.

      Reference Number:  M-00041

19)  McEntee, Sean.  Year C Preaching & Teaching the Gospels to Children.  Mystic, Connecticut:  Twenty-Third Publications, 1991. 

     “This book will give those who teach and those who preach the means to help children better understand the Sunday gospel readings. The gospel reading for each week of Year C is taken form the Jerusalem Bible.  The readings are true to the text, modified only where necessary to make the story clearer for children.  Next, a key idea is presented.  This is a point of reference form which to develop a lesson plan or homily, a headline to keep you on the right track.”

      Reference Number:  M-00042

20)  Merritt, Sydney Ann.  Guided Meditations for Children.  San Jose, California:  Resource Publications, Inc., 1995.  

     “With these meditations, you can guide students to imagine themselves present at Jesus’ birth, the wedding at Cana, the Last Supper, and many other gospel events.  The author writes in descriptive language, enabling children to feel their surroundings:  the cold water on the Sea of Galilee, the warmth of a beach fire after a day of fishing, the strength of Jesus when he gives a hug.”

      Reference Number:  M-00043

21)  Miffleton, John.  Sunday’s Child A Planning Guide for Liturgies with both Children and Adults.  Washington, D.C.:  The Pastoral Press, 1989. 

    “Sunday’s Child is a clear and concise explanation of how the liturgy may be creatively adapted for Masse with children and adults (“family” Masses) and for Masse only with children.  Based on a unique rhythmic approach to liturgy preparation, this workbook illustrates what may be adapted and when and why to do so.”

      Reference Number:  M-00044

22)  Moffatt, Sister Marjorie, SNJM.  Children’s Word Liturgies Two.  Collegeville, Minnesota:  The Liturgical Press, 1987. 

     “Designed to help parish assemblies celebrate the Sunday liturgy of the word more meaningfully with children five to eleven years old.  Intended primarily for parents with little experience in leading children’s liturgies, this book will also be a valuable resource for all liturgical ministers, pastors and teachers.  The services presented are not intended to replace catechism classes but to provide children with an experience of Sunday worship and community prayer.”

      Reference Number:  M-00045

23)  O’Gorman, Rev. Denis.  Scriptural Dramas for Children Twelve Musical Plays.  New York, New York:  Paulist Press, 1976. 

    “This volume contains twelve original dramas for elementary and junior high students.  Each play contains optional music written expressly for it.  All of the plays are based on scripture themes and include such stories as:  John the Baptist, Wedding at Cana, Martha and Mary, Zacchaeus, The Widow’s Mite, The Story of Christmas, The Holy Week and Easer Events, The Prodigal Son.”

      Reference Number:  O-00006

24)  Opening the Word:  Exploring the Sunday Readings Cycle B Level 2.  New York, New York:  William H. Sadlier, Inc., 1991.

      Reference Number:  00182

25)  Opening the Word:  Exploring the Sunday Readings Cycle C Level 1.  New York, New York:  William H. Sadlier, Inc., 1992.

      Reference Number:  00183

26)  Opening the Word:  Exploring the Sunday Readings Cycle C Level 2.  New York, New York:  William H. Sadlier, Inc., 1992.

      Reference Number:  00184

27)  Pape, Donna Lugg, Mueller, Virginia, and Karle, Carol.  Bible Activities for Kids #3.  Minneapolis, Minnesota:  Bethany House Publishers, 1981.

      Reference Number:  P-00046 

28)  Ramshaw, Gail.  Sunday Morning.  Chicago, Illinois:  Liturgy Training Publications, 1993.

"How does a parent, a friend or a teacher begin to talk with a young child about what the church does on Sunday morning?  One way is to practice the wonderful words that the child can learn:  "Alleluia" and "Amen" and "Holy" and the names of the gospel writers.  Another way is to begin with simple, direct sentences that say what the actions of the church are:  "We meet on the first day of the week," and "We stand to hear the good news of Jesus."  Yet another way is to look at pictures and to tell their stories and to let these stories echo what the church is doing when we gather, when we pray, when we exchange the greeting of peace.  The pages of this book allow all of this and more.  At the church or at home, they introduce the child to our words, our deeds and our stories."

Reference Number:  R-00079

29)  Snyder, Bernadette McCarver.  Painting Rainbows with Broken Crayons (101 prayers for teachers, parents and other caretakers).  Notre Dame, Indiana:  Ave Maria Press, 1995.

     “Do today’s kids give you a pain in the neck…and a lump in the throat?  Do you have a love/hate relationship with your responsibilities as a teacher, catechist, counselor or parent?  If your daily dealings with children alternately frustrate of elate you, Painting Rainbows with Broken Crayons offers refreshing solace.  In it author Bernadette McCarver Snyder takes a lighthearted look at some of the typical day-to-day experiences faced by those who deal with children and then offers them to God attached to prayer for HELP!  It’s a book to turn to in those times that find you either up or down.”

      Reference Number:  S-00040  

30)  Stadler, Bernice.  Cycle A Celebrations of the Word for Children.  Mystic, Connecticut:  Twenty-Third Publications, 1986. 

    “Here’s a collection of scripture services for pastors, worship committees, and church educators who witness to the beauty of celebrating the Word of God with young people.  These seventeen celebrations for during the school year feature seasonal and holiday feasts from Advent through Christ the King for Cycle A of the liturgical calendar.”

      Reference Number:  S-00044

31)  Stadler, Bernice.  Cycle B Celebrations of the Word for Children.  Mystic, Connecticut:  Twenty-Third Publications, 1986. 

    “Here’s a collection of scripture services for pastors, worship committees, and church educators who witness to the beauty of celebrating the Word of God with young people.  These nineteen celebrations for during the school year feature seasonal and holiday feasts from Advent through Christ the King for Cycle B of the liturgical calendar.”

      Reference Number:  S-00045

32)  Stadler, Bernice.  Cycle C Celebrations of the Word for Children.  Mystic, Connecticut:  Twenty-Third Publications, 1986. 

     “Here’s a collection of scripture services for pastors, worship committees, and church educators who witness to the beauty of celebrating the Word of God with young people.  These eighteen celebrations for during the school year feature seasonal and holiday feasts from Advent through Christ the King for Cycle C of the liturgical calendar.”

      Reference Number:  S-00046

33)  Tuthill, Marge.  Art for Children’s Liturgy What You Need and How to do it.  New York, New York:  Paulist Press, 1982.  

    “A Practical, down-to-earth book for religion teachers and others who wish to explore the use of creative visual are activities to help children know and celebrate God.  Included are over 60 projects, each wit ha list of materials needed, step-by-step procedures and suggested uses.  Special indexes and labels facilitate locating projects for certain times and themes such as Christmas, Easter of Valentine’s Day, for various ages, “Money Savers” and things which are “Quick and Easy.””

      Reference Number:  T-00008

34)  Vos Wezeman, Phyllis.  52 to do Bible Stories in Rhyme and Rhythm.  Carthage, Illinois:  Shining Star Publications, 1995. 

    “Familiar Bible Stories will come alive for your children and seem new again when you present them in the new, fun ways provided in this book.  52 Bible Stories in Rhyme and Rhythm provides a different Bible story for each week of the year, and includes hand-clapping, finger-snapping, and lots of fun!  Each story includes the Bible reference and clear, concise directions for involving your children in the action.  An excellent way to introduce new stories or reinforce old ones.  For grades 1-3.”

      Reference Number:  V-00003

35)      Wells, Elizabeth.  Children’s Liturgy of the Word.  Tucson, Arizona:  E.T. Nedder Publishing, 2004.

 “Year C September-November.  Year A December-May”

 Reference Number:  W-00117

36)  Woell, Tamara S.  Acts of the Apostles Teacher’s Manual.  Collegeville, Minnesota:  The Liturgical Press, 1993.

      Reference Number:  W-00006

37)  Woell, Tamara S.  Acts of the Apostles.  Collegeville, Minnesota:  The Liturgical Press, 1993.

      Reference Number:  00185

38)  Woell, Tamara S.  General Guide.  Collegeville, Minnesota:  The Liturgical Press, 1993.

      Reference Number:  W-00007

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