Children's Liturgy Guide

All Saints

Year C · Ordinary Time

Happy Are God's Friends

Reading: Matthew 5:1-12a

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 sat on a mountain and taught the people about what makes us truly happy. He said that people who are kind, peaceful, and love God are blessed, which means they are close to God and will be happy with Him forever.

Key Points

  • Jesus teaches the Beatitudes, showing us how to live as God's friends
  • Being 'blessed' means being close to God and receiving His special love
  • The saints are people who lived the way Jesus described and are now happy with God in heaven
  • All Saints Day celebrates everyone in heaven, not just the famous saints we know by name

Background

The Beatitudes are Jesus's description of the qualities that characterize citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven. Each beatitude follows a pattern: a condition or attitude, followed by a promise from God. The Greek word 'makarios' (blessed) conveys deep happiness and divine favor, not merely earthly comfort. On All Saints Day, we connect these teachings to the communion of saints, the great crowd from Revelation who have lived these beatitudes and now share in eternal life with God. For children, emphasize that Jesus is telling us what makes people truly happy, and that the saints are our friends in heaven who lived this way. Set aside the theological complexity of each individual beatitude and focus on the overall message: God's friends are people who are kind, peaceful, and love others, and God promises them happiness with Him.

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 God, thank You for all the saints in heaven who show us how to be Your friends. Help us to listen to Jesus today and learn how to be kind and loving like the saints. We ask this through Christ our Lord. 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.

What is something that makes you feel really, really happy deep inside?

Example: I feel really happy when my grandma visits and gives me a big hug, because I missed her so much and she makes me feel so loved and safe.

Bridge to the reading: Those happy feelings are wonderful! In today's reading, Jesus tells us about a special kind of happiness that lasts forever. He teaches His friends about what makes people truly blessed and close to God.

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 was Jesus when He taught the people?

    Example: Jesus was sitting on a mountain, and all the people came to listen to Him teach about God and being happy.

  2. What word did Jesus keep saying over and over to describe people who follow God?

    Example: Jesus kept saying the word blessed, which means happy and close to God, and He said it many times to different people.

  3. Can you remember one kind of person Jesus said was blessed?

    Example: Jesus said blessed are the peacemakers, the people who try to help others stop fighting and be friends again with each other.

  4. Why do you think Jesus wanted to teach people how to be blessed?

    Example: I think Jesus wanted everyone to know how to be really happy and close to God, because He loves us and wants good things for us.

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 does it feel when someone is kind to you, like Jesus says we should be?

    Example: It feels really warm and good inside, like when my friend shares her snack with me and I know she cares about me.

  2. What is one way you could be a peacemaker at home or at school?

    Example: If my brother and sister are fighting about a toy, I could help them take turns or find something else fun to play together.

  3. This week, who is one person you could be extra kind to, like the saints were?

    Example: I could be extra kind to the new kid in my class who does not have many friends yet by playing with them at recess.

Recap

Today we heard Jesus teach us about what makes people truly blessed and happy. He said that people who are kind, peaceful, and love God are close to Him. On All Saints Day, we remember all the people in heaven who lived this way. They are our friends who cheer for us and show us how to be God's friends too.

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 the children in our parish, that they may grow up to be kind and peaceful like the saints, 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 teaching us how to be blessed and happy. Help us to be kind, peaceful, and loving this week. May all the saints in heaven pray for us and help us follow You. 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

Happy Are God's Friends

Matthew 5:1-12a

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.

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

Words to find

  • blessed
  • happy
  • saints
  • Jesus
  • heaven
  • kind
  • peaceful
  • mountain
  • friends
  • love
  • holy

ChildrensLiturgy.org