Children's Liturgy Guide

12th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Year B · Ordinary Time

Jesus Calms the Storm

Reading: Mark 4:35-41

Leader Prep

Don't worry about doing this perfectly. If the children hear one good idea about God, Jesus, prayer, kindness, forgiveness, or the Gospel, this time has been worthwhile.

Summary

Jesus and his friends were in a boat when a big, scary storm came. The disciples were very afraid, but Jesus told the wind and waves to be still, and they obeyed him. Jesus wants us to trust him even when we feel scared.

Key Points

  • Jesus has power over nature, including wind and waves
  • The disciples were afraid even though Jesus was right there with them
  • Jesus asks us to have faith and trust in him during scary times
  • Jesus is always with us, even when things feel out of control

Background

This passage reveals Jesus' divine authority over creation. The disciples, some of whom were experienced fishermen, were terrified by this storm, suggesting it was genuinely life-threatening. Jesus' question, 'Why are you terrified? Do you not yet have faith?' invites reflection on the relationship between fear and trust in God. The Greek word for the great calm (galene megale) mirrors the great storm, emphasizing Jesus' complete mastery. Theologically, this miracle points to Jesus' divine identity, as controlling the sea was understood in Jewish tradition as something only God could do (cf. Psalm 107:29, Job 38). For children, emphasize the simple truth that Jesus is powerful and stays with us when we are scared, rather than exploring Christological implications or the nature of divine power over chaos.

Session Flow

Opening Prayer

Invite the children to pray with you, then read the opening prayer below. If many don't know the sign of the cross, teach the whole group.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Dear Jesus, thank you for always being with us. Help us to trust you and not be afraid, because you are stronger than anything. Amen. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Warm-up

Ask the warm-up question before the reading. There are no wrong answers; this is just to help the children connect today's reading to their own lives.

Have you ever been really scared during a loud thunderstorm or when the wind was blowing very hard? What did you do?

Example: One time there was a really loud thunderstorm at night and I got so scared that I ran to my mom and dad's room and cuddled with them until it stopped.

Bridge to the reading: It sounds like storms can be really scary, but having someone with you helps you feel safer. In today's reading, we will hear about Jesus and his friends caught in a very big storm on a boat, and we will see what Jesus did to help them.

Read the Scripture

Read the day's selected passage aloud. The full Scripture text is not included here. Use a Children's Lectionary if your parish has one available. A children's Bible may also be helpful for younger children. Otherwise, read from a standard lectionary, Bible, or USCCB.org. Read slowly, with short pauses.

Reading Questions

Ask the questions conversationally. You do not need to use every question if time is short. The example answers are for leader preparation, not scripts or required answers.

  1. Where were Jesus and his friends when the storm started?

    Example: Jesus and his friends were in a boat on the water, and they were trying to go across to the other side of the lake.

  2. What was Jesus doing while the storm was happening?

    Example: Jesus was sleeping on a cushion in the back of the boat, even though the big waves were crashing and filling the boat with water.

  3. What did the disciples say to wake Jesus up?

    Example: They woke him up and said something like, Teacher, do you not care that we are about to drown in this storm?

  4. What happened when Jesus spoke to the wind and the waves?

    Example: When Jesus told the wind and waves to be quiet and still, they listened to him right away and everything became calm and peaceful.

Application Questions

Use these questions to help the children connect the reading to their own lives this week. Simple, concrete answers are best.

  1. How do you think the disciples felt when the storm suddenly became completely calm and quiet?

    Example: I think they were so surprised and amazed because they never saw anyone make a storm stop just by talking to it.

  2. When you feel scared about something, what can you do to remember that Jesus is with you?

    Example: I can say a little prayer and talk to Jesus in my head and ask him to help me be brave because he is right there with me.

  3. This week, if someone in your family feels worried or scared, how could you help them feel better?

    Example: I could give them a big hug and remind them that Jesus loves them and is always watching over us and keeping us safe.

Recap

Today we heard how Jesus and his disciples were in a boat when a huge, scary storm came. The disciples were very afraid, but Jesus stood up and told the wind and waves to be still, and they obeyed him right away. Jesus wants us to know that he is always with us, and we can trust him even when we feel scared.

Prayer of the Faithful

Before returning to the assembly, invite the children to share their own prayer intentions. Their prayers may be serious, simple, funny, or very specific. After each child's prayer, the group may respond: "Lord, hear our prayer." Lastly, include the suggested prayer below.

For all children who feel scared or worried, that they may feel Jesus close to them and trust in his love, we pray to the Lord.

Mass Connection

If time allows, point out this connection just before returning to Mass. This helps children see that Children's Liturgy is still part of the Mass.

When the priest says 'The Lord be with you' and we respond 'And with your spirit,' we remind each other that Jesus is truly present with us, just as he was present with the disciples in the boat.

Closing Prayer

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Thank you, Jesus, for being more powerful than any storm. Help us to remember that you are always with us and to trust in you when we feel afraid. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

ChildrensLiturgy.org

Jesus Calms the Storm

Mark 4:35-41

Word Search

Optional activity: use the word search after the discussion if you have time, or send it home with the children. The words relate to today's Children's Liturgy Scripture passage.

U A Z O U L T Z S L K I E U E
W P X A F R A I D P E A C E W
U O J C E N A E E D W Y R I Z
H F E F G M X D P N Q K N L V
E L S J A N J C D B C D Z C D
L M U F Q M U F Y N A D Q E J
S F S D E I U Y J R L I O O F
D C Z W H L B Y I F M S E D D
M O L Q S E V A W C A C P A A
R K E T O Y A K W Y I I S O E
O S D Y L N R E M J N P T X G
T C S W P E E L S U P L S H B
S C I T A O B C X D Z E U L L
Y P V U G F P S U S I S R E S
C T T Z A I Z H O R Q T T Z V

Words to find

  • Jesus
  • storm
  • boat
  • waves
  • wind
  • calm
  • disciples
  • afraid
  • trust
  • faith
  • peace
  • sleep

ChildrensLiturgy.org