Hello, are you there?

Written by Denise Montpetit © Cat.Chat Productions Inc.

 

Characters:

• Jesus (dressed in white robe)
• Jacob (main character)
• Dominic (Jacob’s friend)
• Mom (voice)

Props:

• Jacket
• Backpack
• Banana or granola bar
• 2 cell phones
• Soccer ball
• Headphones
• Video game controller
• Chair (and optional TV)

Jesus: Kneels and prays at the foot of Jacob’s bed.

Jacob: Lays down on the floor in sleeping position. (If possible, try to have an alarm sound go off from iPod.)

Jacob: Wakes up and shuts alarm. Gets up and stretches arms.

Jesus: Turns to see what Jacob is doing and stands up.

Jacob: Looks at his iPod a bit surprised and says: Oh my, I’m late again! Grabs his jacket off the floor, quickly puts it on, grabs his backpack and scrambles to find a granola bar or banana. He quickly heads out the door.

Jesus: Calls out to boy while he’s rushing off : Hello? (pause) Jacob? (pause) I wanted to tell you…(pause) Hmmmm. (speaking to audience) Maybe I’ll try calling him. Dials number with a cell phone.

Jacob: Puts his backpack down in a separate corner of the room, picks up a soccer ball and starts kicking it around. He hears his cell phone ring, grabs it from his pocket, looks at the phone and says to himself in a confused tone of voice: Jesus? (pause)

Jesus: Hello? (pause) Hello? Are you there?

Jacob: Speaks quickly into his phone: I’m kind of busy right now! I’ll call you back. Puts his phone back in pocket or backpack and continues kicking his soccer ball.

Dominic: Walks in and gives Jacob a high-five. Hey Jacob, what’s up?

Jacob: Not much. Wanna play some soccer?

Dominic: Sure! Jacob and Dominic walk off the scene. 

Jesus: (Talking to crowd/audience) Well, that didn’t work. Hmmm… Maybe I’ll try texting him. Yeah, that’s it! He loves to text all his friends.

Jesus grabs cell phone and slowly reads out the text that He’s typing to Jacob: Hey Jacob, what’s up?

Jacob: Walks back on the scene, with headphones on: Dancin’ it up and humming to some funny song. He doesn’t realize that he got a text message and goes to sit in front of a TV, picks up video game controller and sits down.

Jesus: (Speaking to audience) Well, that didn’t work, either. Maybe I should try knockin’ on his door. Knocks on a pretend door, while tapping his foot a few times on the floor.

Jacob: Makes lots of noises, while playing video games and doesn’t hear the door.

Jesus: Knocks again.

Jacob: Continues to focus intensely on his game, making a few grunts, then cheering noises, etc. Jesus: Stands there patiently, waiting.

Mom: Calls out from a back room: Jacob, get to bed. It’s late! You’ve got school tomorrow!

Jacob: Okay, mom! (Talking to himself) Ah, man! I’ll beat this level next time! Gets up to shut off the TV and yells outs: Good night, mom!

Mom: (Calls out) Good night, Jacob!

Jacob: Jacob lies down on the floor and goes to sleep.

Jesus: Gets down on his knees, folds His hands in prayer, looks up to Heaven and says: Well… I’ll try again tomorrow.

 

The End!

 

Prayer 101

Written by Denise Montpetit © Cat.Chat Productions Inc.

 

Characters:

• Teacher
• 5 students (Billy, Jesse, Matthew, Julie, Katie)

Props:

• Teacher’s chair and desk
• 5 Chairs (one for each student)
• 2 paper airplanes and 1 banana (or other snack)
• Notebooks and pencils for the teacher and students (The characters can keep a copy of the script in their notebooks to glance at their lines every once in a while.)

Intro: 2 girls standing around talking and having fun, 1 student sitting down and eating a snack, 2 guys playing with paper airplanes.

Mrs. O: Walks in to class with notebook and pencil.

Mrs. O: Okay class. Have a seat. Open up your notebooks. Today’s class we’re going to learn about prayer. Now, prayer doesn’t have to be “Rocket Science.” Prayer can be very simple.

Billy: Puts his hand up. Mrs. O: I don’t think prayer is simple. When I try to pray. I don’t know what to do or what to say?

Jesse: Yeah, me too. Sometimes, I just sit there and wonder if God is really listening.

Mrs. O: Jesse, God is definitely listening. He is with you when you pray, even if you don’t see Him. We need to have trust and believe. In the Bible, God says, “Know that I am with you ALWAYS.” (pause) Let me ask you a question: Do you see the air we breathe?

Students: No.

Mrs. O: Well, how do you know that it’s there?

Jesse: Puts hand up.

Mrs. O: Yes, Jesse.

Jesse: Because the air gives us oxygen to breathe and stay alive.

Mrs. O: Yes! We have to trust that God is with us in the same way. Even if we don’t see Him with our 2 eyes, we can see Jesus with the eyes of our heart.

Katie: Mrs. O, I don’t really understand.

Julie: Mrs. O, I think I know what you mean. In my prayer times, I know Jesus is with me because I can feel Him in my heart. I feel really peaceful.

Matthew: Yeah, when I go to Mass, I receive Jesus in the Eucharist and He comes into my heart.

Julie: Puts hand up.

Mrs. O: Yes, Julie?

Julie: Mrs. O. I think praying is actually pretty easy. I usually start by praying the Our Father, a Hail Mary, and the Glory Be. Then, I pray for the people on my heart and then I thank God for all the wonderful things in my life, like my new baby sister.

Mrs. O: That’s great, Julie. And, did you guys know that a simple, little prayer from the heart, repeated throughout our day, can be very powerful?

Julie: Yeah, my mom said it’s a good idea to repeat (with emphasis) “Jesus, I need you” over and over again, even if I’m just riding my bike, playing a game, or reading a book.

Mrs. O: Wonderful. What are some other examples of short, powerful prayers we can pray throughout our day?

Matthew: How about, “Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on me”.

Mrs. O: That’s a good one! Katie: Jesus, I trust in you!

Mrs. O: Yes, that’s a beautiful prayer that St. Faustina taught us to pray. (pause) How about you Billy? Can you think of one?

Billy: I don’t know. (pause) How about “Jesus, teach me to pray”.

Mrs. O: That’s a great prayer too! It’s good to be real and honest with Jesus. Tell Jesus everything that’s on your heart. Talk to Him as you would your best friend, and take time to listen too. That’s what good friends do. They simply talk AND listen to each other. Okay, before we take a recess break, I have one more question: How many of you play sports?

Students: All 5 students put up their hands.

Matthew: I love playing soccer. Katie: Baseball.

Mrs. O: Well, then you’d all know how important it is to have teammates...other players to help you play and win the game, right? Students: Yeah?

Mrs. O: We can’t do it on our own. We need each other. That’s why it’s important that we ask our Heavenly teammates to join us in our prayer times. Who can tell me who our Heavenly teammates are?

Julie: The angels and saints.

Mrs. O: Who else? Matthew: Jesus and Mary.

Mrs. O: While making the sign of the Cross: God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit! Amen! Now, go out and have some fun!

Students: All exit quickly, cheering and having fun!

The End.

 

Obstacles in Prayer

Written by Denise Montpetit © Cat.Chat Productions Inc.

 

Characters:

• Sarah (main character)
• Hannah (Sarah’s sister)
• Joey (Sarah’s younger brother)
• Mom
• Dad

 

Props:

• Things for prayer spot: table and chair, crucifix, battery operated candle, Bible, rosary, Jesus prayer card and VBS saint card.
• Backpack
• Cordless phone
• Book
• Sign that reads “3 hours later”
• Sign or door hanger that reads: “Shhh!!! It’s my Prayer Time!”
• Joke book
• Apron

 

Sarah: Spends time doing her hair in front of a pretend mirror, then briefly sits in her prayer spot.

Hannah: Quickly walks in holding a joke book. Hey Sarah, do you want to hear a couple jokes from my joke book?

Sarah: Stands up. Sure, Hannah.

Hannah: Knock, Knock.

Sarah: Who’s there?

Hannah: Howie?

Sarah: Howie who?

Hannah: Good, thanks! Howie you?

Sarah: Laughs. That’s actually pretty funny!

Hannah: Here’s another one. What did the flag say to the pole? (pauses)

Sarah: What?

Hannah: Nothing. It just waved! They both snicker.

Sarah: Hey, Hannah. Do you mind if I borrow this joke book for awhile?

Hannah: Yeah, go right ahead. Hannah walks off and says: Oh, I almost forgot. Mom said to tell you that you’d better head off for dance class or you’ll be late.

Sarah: Now you tell me! Quickly grabs her backpack and exits. Someone shows a sign that says “3 hours later”.

Sarah: Walks in and puts her backpack down somewhere near her prayer spot. She sits down exhausted and picks up her Bible before the phone rings.

Joey: Calls out in a loud voice. Saaarrrrraaaah, there’s someone on the phone for youuuuu! It’s Jenny!

Sarah: Okay, thanks Joey, I’ll pick it up in my room. Pauses, shrugs her shoulders, puts her Bible down, gets up to grab phone in the corner of her room. Hello? (pauses) Hi, Jenny. What’s up? Walks around, twirls her hair around. Cool! (pauses) You’re kidding! Like... that’s amazing! Sits down at her prayer spot.

Mom: Walks in room wearing an apron around her waist.

Sarah: Well, thanks for calling. See you on Monday. Hangs up phone. Wow!

Mom: What’s so amazing, Sarah?

Sarah: Well, my friend Jenny is having a sleepover birthday party next week and she’s inviting like… 15 friends. Can I go mom, please… please? Mom: Well, I’ll think about it and we’ll see what dad says. (pauses) By the way, have you had your prayer time today?

Sarah: Says with a bit of hesitance: No, not really.

Mom: Well, don’t let the day slip away. You know, your prayer time is the most important time of the day. Mom walks away.

Sarah: Yes, mom! (pauses and picks up her rosary on her prayer table)

Joey: Younger brother walks in. Hey, Sarah! Can you come play legos with me?

Sarah: Not right now, Joey. I’m busy. Maybe later. Notices that Joey has her book in his hand. Hey! What are you doing with my library book?

Joey: I don’t know? I found it in my room.

Sarah: I’ve been looking all over for that book! I only had a few chapters left.

Joey: Hands it to Sarah and walks off.

Sarah: I wonder what happens next? Puts rosary down and starts reading her novel.

Dad: Quickly walks on the scene. Hey Sarah, don’t forget that Mass is at 9:00 tomorrow morning and you’re singing in the choir. Try not to go to bed too late tonight.

Sarah: Yes, dad. Dad walks off. Sarah puts her book down, right beside the crucifix. She glances at the crucifix in her prayer spot. Picks it up. Pauses a moment.

Hannah: Quickly walks in. Hey, Sarah? Do you want to come and watch a movie downstairs with us?

Sarah: Pauses, glances back at her crucifix once again, and says with confidence: You know what, Hannah? Go ahead and start without me. I’ve got something important I want to do first. Thanks anyway.

Hannah: No problem. Hannah exits.

Sarah: Puts up a sign that reads,“Shh! It’s my prayer time! Please do not disturb!” Sits down at her prayer spot. Makes the sign of the cross. Bows head.

The End Other characters clap to indicate the end!

 

Prayer in Action

Written by Denise Montpetit © Cat.Chat Productions Inc.

 

The saints and angels surround us and are cheering us on as we live out our faith each day

Characters:

Jessica (main character)

Hailey (classmate)

Brandon (friend)

Vanessa (friend)

Cloud of Witnesses: Archangel Raphael, St. Faustina, St. Bernadette, St. John Bosco and St. Juan Diego. (The VBS saints of the week)

Props:

• 5 chairs draped with a big white bedsheet
• Costumes for the angel and saints (Have signs around on each person indicating which saint they are)
• 2 backpacks
• Bible

Intro: Archangel Raphael and the four saints walk in and stand up on the chairs that are placed in a line on stage. They fold their hands in prayer.

Jessica: Walks in with backpack, stops in the middle of the stage, faces the audience, looks up to Heaven, offers up a prayer to God, with her back to the “Cloud of Witnesses”.

Jessica: Lord, help me to be a light to my friends at school. Help me to be more like you, Jesus. “Cloud of Witnesses” watch the upcoming scene while remaining standing on the chairs. They remain quiet, yet joy-filled: giving thumbs up, silent cheering and clapping, .

Hailey: Quickly walks in. Hey, Jessica. How are ya?

Jessica: Good, Hailey. So, what’s up?

Hailey: Hey, did you see what Kylie’s wearing today? It is so …NOT cool!

Jessica: (pauses) Actually, I did and I think she wears the coolest clothes. (with emphasis) She’s a super great person and that’s what really counts! Right?

Hailey: (hmm…) I guess you’re right. I gotta go. See ya!

Jessica: Puts her head down facing audience, while behind her the “Cloud of Witnesses” are cheering and clapping out loud.

Cloud of Witnesses: “Yeah!” “Way to go, Jessica!” “Good one, girl!” “You’re awesome!” “You rock!” More cheers and clapping. They stop and watch the upcoming scene with quiet enthusiasm.

Jessica: Takes out her Bible from her backpack and starts reading it.

Brandon: (walks in with his backpack) Hey Jessica. A bunch of us are thinking about going to the movies this Friday? Wanna come?

Jessica: Well, thanks for asking Brandon, but I might have to go to the movies another night. I have youth group on Friday at St. John Bosco Catholic Church. You should come! (With lots of zeal!) It’s so much fun! We play games, learn cool things about our faith, and this week we’re having pizza and a movie!

Brandon: Really?

Jessica: Yeah. You would love it!

Brandon: Okay, I’ll see if Jason wants to come too. See ya later, Jessica.

Witnesses: “Yeah!” “Way to witness!” “Right on!” “Yahoo! Keep it up!” “ You’re doing great!” (more cheers and clapping) ( Then, they stop and watch the upcoming scene, with a silent enthusiasm).

Vanessa: (walks in, with head down, kicking her feet, looking sad)

Jessica: Notices Vanessa on stage. Hey Vanessa. What’s up? You look like you need some cheering up?

Vanessa: I don’t know. Nobody seems to want to hang out with me. I guess they all have their own friends.

Jessica: Hey, how about you come over to my place for some ice cream and a soda?

Vanessa: Really? Jessica: Yeah! Let’s go! Exit scene together.

The “Cloud of Witnesses” jump off their chairs, with lots of enthusiasm, while cheering out loud.”Way to go!” “That’s the way to do it!” “Awesome!”. Give some high-fives, as they exit behind Jessica & Vanessa, cheering them on.

One Saint calls out:“Hey, can we have some ice cream too?”

The End

 

Hey there Jesus, it’s me!

Written by Denise Montpetit © Cat.Chat Productions Inc.

 

Characters:

Jesus (dressed in a white robe)

Jacob (main character)

Dominic (Jacob’s friend)

Dad (voice)

 

Props:

• Holy water jar
• Bible
• Rosary
• Jacket
• Backpack
• 2 cell phones
• Soccer ball
• Headphones
• 2 chairs
• 2 video game controllers

Jesus: Kneels and prays at the foot of Jacob’s bed.

Jacob: Lays down on the floor in sleeping position. (Try to have an alarm sound go off from ipod.) Jacob wakes up and shuts his alarm off. He gets up and stretches his arms.

Jesus: Lifts His head up to see what Jacob is doing and stands up.

Jacob: Grabs his Bible off the floor and reads a Scripture out loud: First Reading from Romans 8: 26-3 “The Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words. And God, who searches the heart, knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.” Grabs rosary and prays one “Hail Mary” and “Guardian Angel” prayer out loud, and ends with: St. Juan Diego, pray for me.

Jacob: Looks up at Jesus.

Jesus: I know the plans I have for you Jacob… plans to give you a future full of hope. When you call me and when you pray to me, I will listen to you.”

Jacob: Lord, I give you my day, everything that I do and say. Please bless me, Lord. Dips hand in Holy water jar. In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Jesus: Places His hand over Jacob’s head and blesses him.

Jacob: Grabs his jacket and heads out the door.

Jesus: Calls out: I’m looking forward to spending my day with you. I’ll talk to you later.

Jacob: Puts his backpack down in a separate corner of the room, picks up a soccer ball and starts kicking it around.

Jesus: Dials Jacob’s number.

Jacob: He hears his cell phone ring and looks at the phone. Hey, it’s Jesus! Puts the phone to his ear. Hi Jesus!

Jesus: Hey, Jacob. How’s your day going?

Jacob: Good I guess. One of my friends laughed at me today for something I did, so it would be great if you could help me forgive him.

Jesus: Sure, no problem. I’ll pour down some extra graces on you today.

Jacob: Sounds good. Talk to ya later. Puts his phone back in his pocket or backpack and continues kicking his soccer ball.

Dominic: Walks in and gives high-five to Luke. Hey Jacob, what’s up?

Jacob: Hey, Dominic. Good to see ya! Want to play some soccer?

Dominic: Sure! They walk off, having fun.

Jesus: Jesus grabs cell phone and slowly reads out the text that He’s typing to Jacob. Jacob, I wanted to tell you (pause) that I think you’re pretty cool (pause) and that I love you! Send.

Jacob: Walks back on the scene, with headphones on, dancing and singing to the VBS theme Song. I will open up my heart, to the one who sets me free.

Jacob: Sits down on a chair, in front of the TV, picks up his phone and sees that he has a text message from Jesus. A message from Jesus! (pauses) Cool! Speaks out loud what he is texting back to Jesus. Thanks Jesus. (pause) I think you’re pretty cool, too! (pause) I’m about to play a cool game. (pause) Wanna join me? Send.

Jesus: Knocks on a pretend door.

Jacob: Opens door and gives high-five to Jesus! Come in and have a seat. Hands Jesus a video game controller, picks one up for himself and sits beside Jesus on a chair. Continues to focus intensely on his game, making a few cheering noises alongside Jesus.

Dad: Calls out from a back room. Jacob, get to bed. It’s late! You’ve got school tomorrow!

Jacob: Okay, dad! (pauses) Gets up to shut off the TV and shouts: Good night, dad! I love you!

Dad: Calls out from the back. Good night, Jacob! I love you, too!

Jesus: Follows Jacob to his bedroom.

Jacob: Jacob kneels down beside his bed. Jesus kneels down beside him.

Jacob: Says his prayers. I lift up to you my friend Josh. Please bless him Lord. Thanks for the extra graces you gave me today, God. I’m pretty tired. I’ll talk to you tomorrow. Amen. Lies down on the floor and goes to sleep. Jesus: Looks up to Heaven and gives two thumbs up!

The End!