Teaching the Eucharist to Kids
Teaching from the Marvelous Mystery VBS Faith Station.
Explore the Marvelous Mystery Vacation Bible School Program here:
https://catchat.ca/vbs/marvelous-mystery
Teaching: The Eucharist
10 minutes
The Eucharist is a meal that feeds us in a special way that no other food can do. It’s a MEAL for our soul. Jesus is there with us: in the priest, in the people around us, in the Word of God, and especially in the Eucharist. As a Church family, we fulfill Jesus' command at the Last Supper when he said: " Do this in memory of me." "Take and eat." The bread and wine actually become the Body and Blood of Jesus. We receive the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist.
For those of you that have not yet received your First Holy Communion yet, Jesus is still very close to you. He loves you very much and wants to be your best Friend. In preparation for your First Communion, you have something really exciting to look forward to. Think of it as a great gift that you need to wait to open.
Expand with older children:
What is the BIG word we use that starts with the letter “T” for the miraculous change that happens when the bread and wine become Jesus? It is called transubstantiation, which means a change of substance.
Even though it still looks like bread and wine on the outside, it actually changes on the inside. It is no longer bread and wine…it is Jesus, truly present, Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity.
There are many people who don’t believe in the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. There were many people in Jesus’ time who did not believe in Him either.
What could you say to someone who does not believe in the Eucharist? Read what Jesus says about the Eucharist in the Bible, remember that God always tells us the truth, ask Jesus to give you more faith, talk to a priest about your questions, etc.
Because of the respect and love we have for Jesus in the Eucharist, we ask that only Catholic
Christians (who believe in the Real Presence) receive Communion. Those who do not receive Communion, for whatever reason, may come forward for a blessing. They should place their arms across their chest to indicate their desire to have a blessing. (demonstrate)
We should receive the Bread of Life in faith, hope and love and not just out of routine or habit.
To receive Holy Communion, one must be in the state of grace (free of having committed a mortal sin). We should also be mindful to fast one hour before Communion. (with the exception of water and important medicine)
Why should we receive Communion often?
It brings us closer to God, our love for Jesus will increase, it will help us to overcome sin in our life, it will deepen our faith in God, it can help us on our path to holiness, etc.
Bible Story: The Last Supper
Matthew 26:17-30
You’ll need:
- Pita bread wrapped in cloth
- Grape juice in a cup
- Tablecloth and candles
- Small table and a chair
- Bowl of water and towel
Lay the tablecloth on the table. Put candles on the table and light them. Place the bread and the cup of grape juice beside the candles. Turn off some of the lights in the room.
Jesus and his disciples were preparing for the Passover, which was a very important Jewish feast. The disciples asked Jesus where he wanted them to prepare the Passover meal. Jesus told them to go into the city where they would find a room waiting for them. The disciples arrived at the special room and began to prepare for their supper with Jesus.
Jesus came and joined the apostles. Before the meal, Jesus began to wash the disciple’s feet.
Invite a boy to come and sit down on the chair and take off his shoes. Dip one foot at a time in the water and wipe them dry with the towel.
The disciples were amazed! Only servants washed people’s feet. They were wondering why Jesus was washing their feet, and Jesus said that it was because He wanted to show them how we are all called to serve one another. The boy can return to his seat. After Jesus had washed all of the disciple’s feet, they sat down to have their supper together.
If Jesus came to eat a meal with you and your family, what would you talk to him about?
When they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed it, and broke it. Grab a slice of the pita bread, and rip it in half. Pass the two pieces around the room and let each child rip a small piece off.
Jesus gave the bread to his disciples and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.”
Then Jesus took the chalice, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them saying, “Take and drink, all of you, for this is my blood which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” Take a drink. Tell the kids you won’t pass the cup to everyone, but that they might get juice at the snack station.
That was the last meal Jesus had with his friends before he died, and it was where he gave them the gift of the Eucharist. Blow out the candles and turn the lights back on.
Connection Questions
- What was the special feast called that Jesus and his disciples were celebrating? Passover.
- Why did Jesus wash his disciple’s feet? He wanted to show them that they were called to serve each other.
- What happens to the bread and wine at Mass? It becomes the Body and Blood of Jesus.
- Why do we need Jesus in the Eucharist? He gives us strength, He fills our hearts with his love, He prepares us for Heaven.
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