Compare and Contrast

To discuss the similarities and differences between a special family meal and the Mass

The children will describe what they remember and celebrate at Mass.

• Chalkboard
• Pictures of the following things, either drawn or cut out of magazines or catalogs:

table (altar)

candles

storybook (Bible)

dish with bread (Host?Jesus' Body)

cup filled with something to drink (Chalice?Jesus' Blood)

• Divide the chalk board in half with one column entitled Mass and the other entitled A Special Family Meal.
• Show the children the pictures one at a time. Ask if they have this object for a special meal at home. If they say yes, put an X in the column on that side. If they say no, leave it blank.
• Ask the children if they have that object in church when they celebrate Mass. If they say yes, put an X in the column on that side. If they say no, leave it blank.
• With discussion, the children should be able to see that a special family meal and a Mass have many things in common.

Art/Space Smart, People Smart, Word Smart

You may also want to include pictures of fancy clothes, flowers, and seasonal decorations. With these images, you can lead the children to see that the celebrant wears special clothes just as we do at holiday celebrations, and that our church is decorated seasonally, just as we decorate our homes for a special meal or holiday.

If there are children in your group with special needs (physical, visual, hearing, language, or behavioral disabilities), adapt the activity accordingly.