Theme: Explore the Sacrament of the Eucharist
Virtue: Gratitude (an attitude of thankfulness; showing appreciation)
LAST SUPPER MEAL
Theme Connection:
Jesus invited His apostles to celebrate the Last Supper with Him in which He blessed unleavened bread and wine. Jesus said: “I am the Bread of Life.” At Mass, when the bread is blessed it becomes the Body of Christ and when the wine is blessed it becomes the Blood of Christ. As we share this Last Supper meal together, may it remind us of the true meaning of the sacrament of the Eucharist.
You can remind the kids that it is only a priest who can bless bread and wine for it to become the true Body and Blood of Jesus.
You’ll need:
- Pita bread ( ½ /child)
- Purple grapes
- (Opt.) Butter
- Grape juice
- Plates and plastic cups
Prep:
- Wash and cut the grapes into small bunches.
- (Opt.) Set up a table depicting The Last Supper.
Activity:
- Spread butter on your pita bread.
- Grab a bunch of grapes and a glass of grape juice.
- As you eat, imagine you are at the Last Supper with Jesus and his disciples.
BREAD OF LIFE BITES
Theme Connection:
We read a lot about bread in the Bible. In the Old Testament, we hear how Moses and the Israelites ate manna, the bread from heaven. In the New Testament, we hear how Jesus performed miracles and multiplied loaves of bread for thousands of people. At the Last Supper, Jesus took bread and blessed it and gave us himself in the Eucharist. These Bread of Life Bites will remind us of Jesus, the true Bread of Life.
You’ll need:
- Pre-made pizza dough
- Baking soda ( ½ cup)
- Salt
- Cheese sauce (1 tbsp/child)
- Pizza sauce (1 tbsp/child)
- Chocolate sauce (1 tbsp/child)
- Paper plates (1/child)
Prep:
- Make 4-5 Bread of Life Bites per child.
- (Opt.) Heat up the sauces before serving them.
Activity:
- Scoop a spoonful of each sauce onto your plate.
- Dip the Bread of Life Bites in the sauces and enjoy!
Time saver: Buy large homemade pretzels and cut them up into bite-size pieces.
How to Make Bread of Life Bites
- Preheat the oven to 425°.
- Cut the pizza dough into 1 inch balls.
- Boil 10 cups of water in a large pot and very slowly add 1/2 cup of baking soda to the boiling water.
- Add the dough balls to the water and boil for 45 sec.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the boiled dough balls on it.
- Brush the tops with egg and sprinkle with salt.
- Bake for 12-15 min or until a deep golden brown.
MINI MOUNTAINS
Theme Connection:
The very top of a mountain is called the summit. The Eucharist is also known as the “source and summit of our faith”. Jesus in the Eucharist is the center and highpoint of our Christian life.
You’ll need:
- Rice Krispies (1-2 pieces/child)
- Butter
- Marshmallows
- Chocolate chips or cocoa
- White icing
Prep:
- Make Chocolate Rice Krispies and cut them into triangles.
Activity:
Spread icing on the tip of your Mini Mountains.
ANTS ON A LOG
Theme Connection:
We don’t “see” the hidden vitamins and minerals inside the vegetables we eat, but somehow we know they are there. Vegetables are good for us as they nourish our bodies. Similarly, we are not able to “see” Jesus hidden in the Eucharist, but we have faith and believe He is there to nourish our souls. This snack also goes great with our “wilderness” theme. You’ll find many ants on a log in the wilderness.
You’ll need:
- Celery sticks (2/child)
- Spreadable Cheese Whiz
- Peanut butter (if there are no allergies)
- Raisins
- Plastic knives and plates
Prep:
- Wash and cut celery sticks in half.
Activity:
- Spread the cheese on the celery sticks.
- Place the raisins on the top.