Praising the Good Deeds of Others

To understand why Jesus served his friends

The children will be able to recognize the ways in which people in their community serve others as Jesus served his friends.

• Drawing paper
• Markers, crayons, pens, pencils

• Before the activity, invite the children to begin thinking about the importance of Holy Week. Ask: Whom do we remember during Holy Week? (Jesus) What did Jesus teach his friends? (how to love others)
• Then invite the children to share ways in which they act as friends to those they care about. Allow time for the children to share what it means to be a friend to someone.
• When you feel the children are ready to move on, identify special organizations in their parish or community that treat others as we treat our friends. Explain to them that some people share their kindness by helping others in need. Try identifying parishes and local charities and organizations.
• Spend some time discussing the ways in which the people in these groups act as followers of Jesus.
• As a group, choose an organization to which the children will send cards of gratitude. Provide the children with drawing paper and coloring materials for the activity.
• Ask the children to write in large letters: Thank You for Sharing Your Kindness with Others.
• Invite the children to decorate their cards in a way that celebrates their gratitude.
• Compile the children's cards and send them to the groups you have selected.
• Close the activity by saying: When we show our love to others, we are doing what Jesus wants us to do. When we find others acting as Jesus wants us to, we can praise them for being teachers of Jesus' special message.
  

Art/Space Smart, People Smart, Self Smart, Word Smart

Prepare a list of local organizations or parish outreach groups that you feel would be appropriate for this activity. Be able to explain the types of things each group does to help others.