A Memory Book of Jesus

To help the children create a book of their favorite stories of Jesus

The children will experience that whenever people come together to remember Jesus, he is with them.

• Sheets of drawing paper with three holes punched on the sides (one per child)
• Crayons or markers
• One empty portfolio with three fasteners

• Tell the children that one way to keep someone you love close to you is to create a memory book. Say: From the stories we hear at Mass, from our parents, and from our classes together, we have shared many stories about Jesus' life.
• Brainstorm with the children some of their favorite stories about Jesus. Some examples might include when he let the children come to him and he blessed them, the story of his birth, the wedding feast at Cana, the miracle of the loaves and the fishes, or when he calmed the storm.
• Ask the children to draw pictures of their favorite stories of Jesus.
• After the children are done with their drawings, help them write sentences about their favorite memories of Jesus.
• Collect the pages and put them in the portfolio.
• Gather the children in a circle and share each of the children's favorite memory of Jesus.
• Remind them that whenever they gather and share stories of Jesus' life, Jesus is with them.

Art/Space Smart, Self Smart

You may want to save the reading of the Memory Book until the end of the session as part of the ending prayer.

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