Purgatory Acrostic

To develop an acrostic poem that aids in the understanding of the doctrine regarding purgatory

The young people will express an understanding of the Catholic doctrine regarding purgatory.

• Paper
• Pencils, pens

• Distribute paper and pencils.
• Review the doctrine of purgatory and instruct the children to look at the following material about purgatory:

During human life we can either accept or reject God's grace. When we die, we will be judged according to our works and faith. As a result of this particular judgement, a person may be united with God in heaven, may undergo a purification in purgatory before being united with God, or, because of his or her choices, may enter hell, which is total separate from God.

Defined as: a state of final cleansing after death of all of our human imperfections to prepare us to enter into the joy of God's presence in heaven.

• Explain that the?young people?can use this information to help each of them to make an acrostic.
• Write the word PURGATORY vertically on the board.
• Explain that each letter in the word PURGATORY becomes the first letter in a short sentence that describes something about purgatory.
• Invite the?youn people?to share their completed acrostics.

Word Smart

This activity would also be effective with other words.

Encourage the children to help each other with their poems.