Providing help and creating hope in Maine
We recognize our youngest parishioners are the future of our Church and we must foster their natural curiosity, open hearts and faithful spirits! Parish Social Ministry is happy to be a resource to your parish in creatively engaging children and families in learning what Catholicism teaches on serving our most vulnerable populations.
Below are some resources for teaching children about love of neighbor. PSM staff are happy to share real-world, age-appropriate experiences about people living in poverty with your parish or school group. We welcome you to contact us for more information about helping the children in your parish or school grow in their social justice spirit, psm@ccmaine.org or by calling 781-8550.
A Mustard Seed project is a way to engage and educate children by involving them in serving their most vulnerable neighbors of Maine. Parish Social Ministry staff can come to the school or parish and collaborate with teachers to educate the children on a specific Catholic Charities program or topic of Catholic social teaching, and the children do an activity or a collection to experientially connect them to the issue program.
A few examples of collection items:
Engage children through this interactive video presentation about sharing our time and talents to grow our faith. Watch the video and download The Helping Tree materials here.
This art project is to encourage both creative and critical thinking on our shared responsibility to be good stewards of the environment. The activity consists of a video, a discussion, and creation of an art piece, with a timing connected to Earth Day.
Time: can vary ǀ Recommended ages: K +
Download the curriculum handout
This creative activity helps youth of elementary school age envision Catholic social teaching from the perspective of a superhero.
Time: 1 hr ǀ Recommended ages: K to 3rd grade
Download the curriculum handout
Two story books that help children understand important lessons of how to work for justice and peace and to help those in need: Green Street Park and Drop by Drop. Both are available through Loyola Press. Additionally, Loyola Press offers books on family life and parenting.
Time: 30 minutes + ǀ Recommended Ages: K to 5th grade
Hands of Mercy is an engaging way to teach about the acts of mercy! In a large group, children (and their parents) learn in a special way about the Corporal Acts of mercy. Four activity stations are set up where they become creatively involved in “Feeding the Hungary,” “Sheltering the Homeless,” “Clothing Those in Need,” and “Comforting the Afflicted.” Hands of Mercy is easy to prepare and do at your church.
Time: 90 minutes ǀ Recommended ages: 1st grade +
Download the curriculum handout
If I Were King or Queen for a Day is a program is an introduction to Catholic social teaching. The participants learn catholic social teaching by acting like the ruler of the Kingdom and thinking about what they would do if they wanted the best for the people in their care. Children and parents can participate in the program — it would be great for a Family Faith Formation gathering.
Time: 75 minutes ǀ Recommended ages: 3th grade +
Download the curriculum handout
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