Children's Liturgy Guide

27th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Year B · Ordinary Time

Jesus Welcomes the Children

Reading: Mark 10:2-16

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

In today's reading, people brought little children to Jesus so he could bless them. The disciples tried to send the children away, but Jesus said to let the children come to him. Jesus held the children in his arms and blessed them because he loves them very much.

Key Points

  • Jesus welcomes children and wants them close to him
  • The disciples tried to keep children away, but Jesus said no
  • Jesus blessed the children by holding them and placing his hands on them
  • We belong to God's kingdom when we come to Jesus with open, trusting hearts
  • Jesus loves each child and wants to be close to them

Background

This passage concludes a section where Pharisees test Jesus about divorce, but the liturgical selection includes Jesus welcoming children, which provides a more accessible focus for young children. The phrase 'whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child' speaks to humility, trust, and openness, qualities that characterize authentic discipleship. For children, emphasize the concrete image of Jesus welcoming, embracing, and blessing the little ones, showing that Jesus wants them near him. Set aside the divorce discussion and theological complexities about what childlike faith means in adult spirituality. Focus on the simple truth: Jesus loves children, wants them close, and blesses them.

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 loving us and wanting us to be close to you. Help us to come to you with open hearts and to know how special we are to you. 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 felt really happy when someone special wanted to spend time with you or give you a big hug?

Example: Yes, when my grandma comes to visit she always hugs me really tight and it makes me feel so happy and loved inside.

Bridge to the reading: That feeling of being welcomed and loved is so wonderful. In today's reading, we will hear about children who got to feel that same special love when Jesus welcomed them into his arms and blessed 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. Who did the people bring to Jesus in this story?

    Example: The people brought little children to Jesus because they wanted him to touch them and bless them.

  2. What did the disciples try to do when the children came to Jesus?

    Example: The disciples tried to send the children away and stop them from coming close to Jesus.

  3. How did Jesus feel when the disciples tried to send the children away?

    Example: Jesus was not happy with the disciples, he was upset because he really wanted the children to come to him.

  4. What did Jesus do for the children after he called them over?

    Example: Jesus took the children in his arms and he put his hands on them and blessed them with love.

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 those children felt when Jesus held them in his arms and blessed them?

    Example: I think they felt really happy and safe and loved, like when my mom or dad holds me tight.

  2. When you come to church or pray, how can you come to Jesus like those children did?

    Example: I can close my eyes and talk to Jesus and know that he wants to hear me and be close to me.

  3. This week, who is someone you could welcome and make feel special, the way Jesus welcomed the children?

    Example: I could welcome a new kid at school who does not have friends yet and play with them at recess.

Recap

Today we heard how people brought little children to Jesus. The disciples tried to send them away, but Jesus said no. He wanted the children to come to him. Jesus held the children in his arms and blessed them because he loves them so much. Jesus wants us to come to him too, and he welcomes us with love.

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 unwanted or left out, that they may know how much Jesus loves them and welcomes them, we pray to the Lord.

Closing Prayer

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Thank you, Jesus, for loving us and welcoming us always. Help us to come to you with happy, trusting hearts and to share your love with others this week. 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 Welcomes the Children

Mark 10:2-16

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.

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

Words to find

  • Jesus
  • children
  • welcome
  • blessing
  • arms
  • love
  • kingdom
  • disciples
  • trust
  • heart
  • embrace

ChildrensLiturgy.org