The Invitation

To choose like Saint Augustine to put God at the center of our lives

The children will identify Saint Augustine as someone who helped people understand the love of the Trinity.

• Tell the children that Augustine chose to change his life and make God the center of it. We too are called to put God at the center of our lives.
• Have the children get comfortable and ask them to use their imagination to go back in time to a place in North Africa called Hippo.
• Say: You are at Mass and a friend leans over and whispers that Bishop Augustine is inviting 11- and 12-year-olds to come to class where he will talk about God's love and how to live in God's love. Your friend wants to know if you will come to class. What will you do? Will you answer the call to learn more about God?
• Give the children time to reflect. Invite them to share any insights.
• Challenge the children to be like Augustine and put God at the center of their hearts this year as they learn more about God.

Self Smart

If possible, have the children stretch out on the floor to get more comfortable. Also if they are willing, instruct them to close their eyes while using their imagination.