Wednesday, May 31, 2023

Eucharistic Procession Paper Model Set (in Spanish too!)

 

Well, I think I have a new favorite resource here on the blog- this Eucharistic Procession set was the sweet gift of inspiration and was so much fun to make! It was a rare project where the final result matches the image in my head. (fellow creators- you can relate to how rare this is!)

Just in time for Corpus Christi Sunday, you can make your own "paper doll" version of a Eucharistic Procession. I've got a few different variations from the more complicated 3-D version in the photo to a simple coloring page, but I do hope that they are a tool to inspire Eucharistic Devotion in your home and classroom.


What is a Eucharistic Procession?
A Eucharistic procession is like a holy parade that brings Jesus, truly present in the Holy Eucharist, into the world that he loves. The Blessed Sacrament is placed in a monstrance and carried out of the church by a priest. A Eucharistic procession sometimes begins at one church and ends at another. It can be a short walk around the neighborhood of a church or can stretch for miles and miles from start to finish. Along the way, Jesus is accompanied by priests, deacons, altar servers, and people of all ages. Together they can pray the Rosary, sing hymns, or walk in silent prayer. Processions are often planned for the Solemnity of Corpus Christi, but can take place just about any time of the year.

The altar servers might carry a canopy, processional cross, candles, a thurible, or bells. One type of processional canopy, a baldachhino, is held over the monstrance by four servers holding a pole for each corner. This creates a sacred space that is set aside for the Eucharist during the movement of the procession. The processional cross is a large crucifix attached to a long handle that can be lifted high for all to see. The candles remind us of Jesus, the Light of the World, truly present in the Holy Eucharist. The thurible is filled with burning incense, which releases sweet smelling smoke that rises to the sky, symbolizing our prayers rising to Heaven. The bells incorporate another of our five senses, announcing that Jesus is really present here with us. A Eucharistic procession is a wonderful opportunity to worship our Lord and pray together as a community as we witness our faith publicly to the world.


Make your own Eucharistic Procession Model
You can use this printable set to make your own model of a Eucharistic procession with a priest, servers, and lay people. The priest can carry the Monstrance and the servers can carry the processional canopy, candles, cross, and thurible. Use the tips on each page to put the model pieces together, and then set up the whole Eucharistic procession on a table or floor. Sing a Eucharistic hymn or say a prayer, praising the Lord for the gift of the Eucharist Then check with churches in your area and attend a real Eucharistic procession with your family!



Click here to download the whole Eucharistic Procession set, including an explanation of processions, making it easy to share with students or other families:


If you'd like to create the Eucharistic Procession, but don't need the supporting pieces to made the figures stand on their own, this paper saver version reduces the whole set down to three pages, and would be great for making a poster or other two-dimensional set:

And click here for just a coloring page of a Eucharistic Procession:

Eucharistic Pilgrimage Resources for Kids (In English and Spanish)


With the resources in this post, I hope to share some kid and family-friendly tools to help you plan a pilgrimage, especially one in connection to the Eucharist. The bucket list and pilgrimage passport would make perfect summer activities especially in June around the Solemnity of Corpus Christi, or in July, the Month of the Precious Blood!

What is a Pilgrimage?
A pilgrimage is a trip made for a religious purpose to a holy site. Pilgrimages help us remember that our whole life is a journey toward our eternal home in Heaven. On this journey we are strengthened through prayer and the Sacraments, especially the Eucharist– our food for this earthly pilgrimage. 

Christians might go on pilgrimage to pray for a specific intention, to do penance, or to grow closer to God. Pilgrimages always include prayer and some sort of travel, especially walking. They also are often characterized by praying for a specific intention (like for healing or discernment), making a sacrifice, and receiving the Sacraments through Mass and Confession.

You Can Go on a Pilgrimage!
A pilgrimage could take you around the world or could be right in your own backyard. Someday you might plan a trip to Jerusalem, Rome, Lourdes, or Fatima, but you can still go on pilgrimage right in your own town or even your own home! A pilgrimage to your parish church, a nearby shrine, or statue in your garden is an opportunity to pray and learn to listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit. 

The distance of the pilgrimage does not determine its effectiveness. Our openness to accompany the Lord can create a spirit of pilgrimage even within the walls of our home. Ultimately, every pilgrimage is a journey of the heart in which we follow the path that the Lord has given us to travel on our way to Heaven.

 Click here for the Eucharistic Pilgrimage Summer Bucket List:


Click here for the Eucharistic Pilgrimage Passport:


And a postcard to make and send after your pilgrimage:

Leading up the National Eucharistic Congress in July 2024, pilgrims from all across the United States of America will join together in a Eucharistic procession stretching from coast-to-coast. Thousands
of people will walk with Jesus in the Most Blessed Sacrament along routes leading to Indianapolis, Indiana. From the North and South, the East and the West, we all have an opportunity to share with
the world Our Lord’s desire to draw near to his people. You may not be walking on this pilgrimage, but you can learn about the historic event and unite your prayers with them from wherever you are!


And here are matching resources in Spanish!

Click here for the Eucharistic Pilgrimage Summer Bucket List in Spanish:
Click here for the Eucharistic Pilgrimage Passport in Spanish:

And Stamps for the passport in Spanish:



Pilgrimages evoke our earthly journey toward heaven and are traditionally very special occasions for renewal in prayer. For pilgrims seeking living water, shrines are special places for living the forms of Christian prayer "in Church." ~Catechism of the Catholic Church 2691

Tuesday, May 16, 2023

Last Day of School Signs

You guys loved the First Day of School signs I made last fall, so at a friend's suggestion I made a set of Last Day signs right away... and then I almost forgot to share them with you! ;)

Here are these easy to print, cute to photograph, Catholic identity filled signs, as well as an end of school survey that would be fun to keep and compare from year to year!

We look back with gratitude on the blessings of this school year, and ask for the Lord's guidance and wisdom looking ahead!




Wednesday, May 10, 2023

May Radiant Roundup



May is flying by! There are so many things to celebrate during this time of year- I know I have been busy with Confirmations and First Communions, and my 8th graders are wrapping up their school year and looking toward graduation. There are so many things to savor about this busy month, including the continuation of the Easter Season, the month of Our Lady, and the Solemnity of Pentecost just to name a few! Click below on any of the links to help you learn and pray this month.

️️️5/1:-St. Joseph the Worker
St. Joseph Idea Collection* (all ages)
St. Joseph Mini Study (junior high & up)
St. Joseph Clickable Activity Menu (all ages)

5/8 Fulton Sheen's Birthday
Teaching with Fulton Sheen Curriculum* (all ages)

5/10- Saint Damien de Veuster of Moloka'i

5/11- St. James the Less and St. Philip
5/14- St. Matthias

5/13- Our Lady of Fatima
Our Lady of Fatima Block Print*

5/15- St. Isidore the Farmer
Angelus Print*- use this as a tool for praying for all farmers and agricultural workers!

5/16- St. Simon Stock
St. Simon Stock & Brown Scapular Unit* (4th-6th grade)


5/18 or 5/21 The Ascension
A great day to celebrate the Four Marks of the Church!*

Or to learn about the differences and similarities between the Ascension and the Assumption!

The Month of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Marian Idea Collection* (all ages)
My Book, Through the Year with Mary, and bonus activity pages* (all ages)
Shareable List of 30 Ideas for Celebrating Mary (all ages)
Mary and the Saints Idea Board on Pinterest
Make Your Own Marian Shrine (both color and black/white)* (K-6th)
Mary Mother of the Eucharist Coloring Page and Shrine* (K-6th)
Marian Symbols and Marian Monogram* (K-6th)
Digital Blessed Virgin Mary Scavenger Hunt (6th-8th)
Mary, Mother of the Church* (K-6th)
Marian Apparition Investigation* (6th & Up)
Names of Mary Bookmarks* (all ages)
Our Lady of Guadalupe Block Print* (all ages)
The Seven Sorrows and Immaculate Heart of Mary Coloring pages and notes* (2nd-6th)
Seven Sorrows Reflections Mini Book and Script* (4th-8th)
Preparing Kids to Receive the Brown Scapular* (4th-8th)
Lovely Lady Dressed in Blue Girls' Retreat* (all ages)
Take Home Family Marian Shrines* (all ages)
Miraculous Medal Embroidery Pattern* (5th-adult) and resources (all ages)
Marian Typology Cards* (5th & up)
Hail Mary Prayer Cards* (K-2nd)
Mary Garden Plant Labels* (2nd & up)
Mary and Discipleship* (6th & up)
Mary Fact Flipbooks* (4th-8th)
My Soul Magnifies the Lord Theme (all ages)
Pop Up Notebook Marian Shrine* (4th-8th)
Pop Up Marian Shrine in a Lapbook* (4th-8th)
Lovely Lady Dressed in Blue* (all ages)
Marian Paper Dolls (2nd & up)
Mary as the Moon coloring page* (2nd & up)
Favorite Marian Books (all ages)
Favorite Marian Songs a playlist (all ages)
Angelus Mini Book* (2nd-6th)
Regina Coeli Mini Book* (2nd-6th)
Memorare Prayer Cards* (2nd-6th)
Our Lady of Loreto Digital Scavenger Hunt (6th & up)
Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary*


The Easter Season
50 Ways to Celebrate the 50 Days with 2022 Update*
50 Ways to Celebrate the 50 Days- Easy to share pdf with ideas for the whole Easter Season
Fifty Days of Easter* Post with collection of ideas for celebrating Easter
What Easter Looks Like * Coloring Page/Printable
The Sound of Easter: An Easter Playlist
Resurrection Eggs*
The Gospel in an Eggshell*
Paschal Lamb Printable*
New Life Seeds*
The Way of Light Mini Book*
The Way of Light Easter Sunrise Craft*
The Way of Light Resurrection Eggs*
The Way of Light Story-in-a-Bag*
The Way of Light Shareable Bible Study for Google Classroom
Way of Light Easter Bible Study
Regina Coeli Mini Book*
Debunking Resurrection Theories*
Fulton Sheen Good Friday & Easter Sunday quote coloring page*
Easter Scripture Typography Posters
The Way of Light Adult (or Teen) Seven Part Bible Study*
Women of the Resurrection Adult (or Teen) Seven Part Bible Study* (with coloring pages!)
Paschal Candle Craft for Kids
Divine Mercy Activities*

Books about Mary for Catholic Kids


Books for May

Tuesday, May 9, 2023

Marian Symbols and Marian Monograms (in English and Spanish!)

Marian symbols like flowers, stars, crowns, and the rosary can be found in Catholic art, architecture, church dƩcor, sacramentals, holy cards, and more from across the centuries. Do your children recognize those symbols and know their meaning?

Each tells us a little about the Blessed Virgin Mary and her role in Salvation History. The symbols also show us the connection between Mary and Jesus. As the Mother of God, everything she does leads us to know, love, and follow her Son. These printables have descriptions of these twelve symbols, which can then be used to create a Marian monogram.

Click here for the Marian Symbols and Marian Monogram in English:


Click here for the Marian Symbols in Spanish:

Monday, May 8, 2023

Mary, Mother of the Eucharist Coloring Page and Marian Shrine


This month for the Heart of the Revival Newsletter, my article is on May Crownings, Mary Gardens, and Eucharistic Flowers. Using the beauty of nature around us to honor Our Lady, and allowing that beauty to lead us closer to her Son, Jesus, is a perfect activity for springtime. Included in the article is more info on the historical background on Mary Gardens as well as some flowers with Eucharistic names too. 

I redesigned an old printable Marian shrine with an image based on Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres' The Virgin Adoring the Host painting from 1852. The printable shrine includes a little info for families, a foldable triptych, Mary "statue," and Marian decorative elements. I also have a new coloring page for you, and both are available in Spanish as well!

Click here to read all the inspiration behind these activities, including discussion questions for kids, and other Marian floral resources.

Click here for the Mary, Mother of the Eucharist coloring page:

 Click here for the Mary, Mother of the Eucharist coloring page in Spanish:

Click here for a printable Marian Shrine in English:

Click here for a printable Marian Shrine in Spanish:

Monday, May 1, 2023

May Books for Catholic Kids- Including a giant list of books about the Blessed Virgin Mary!

May Catholic Kids Book List
Below are a few favorite titles that fit well with devotions and feast days this month! This list contains Amazon Affiliate links, which means if you click through and make a purchase, I earn a small commission at no cost to you. I'd also love to encourage you to shop directly with the publisher or with your local bookshop, or try to request these at your local library! I'm sure I've missed some books that would be great for this month, so feel free to add your own recommendations in the comments! You can find my giant list of Catholic Kid Books by topic here.

Feast Days this Month
5/1- St. Joseph the Worker