Children’s Liturgy of the Word

Pentecost Sunday (Year A)

Theme: The Holy Spirit Comes

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1. Welcome & Gathering

Leader:

Today is a very special feast.

Today is the birthday of the Church!

Today we celebrate Pentecost.

That is the day the Holy Spirit came to the apostles.

Let us begin with the Sign of the Cross.

In the name of the Father,
and of the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.

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2. Quick Opening Activity – “Wind”

Leader:

Can you see the wind?

Children:
No!

Can you feel it?

Yes!

Leader:

The Holy Spirit is a little bit like that.

We cannot see Him with our eyes,
but He is real
and He changes people.

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3. Gospel Introduction

Leader:

The apostles were hiding in a room.

They were frightened.

Then Jesus came to them
and gave them the Holy Spirit.

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4. Simplified Gospel

Leader:

The doors were locked.

The apostles were afraid.

Then Jesus came and stood with them.

He said:

“Peace be with you.”

Then Jesus breathed on them and said:

“Receive the Holy Spirit.”

The Gospel of the Lord.

Children:
Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ.

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5. Main Reflection Part 1

Leader:

Before Pentecost, the apostles were frightened.

They hid behind locked doors.

But after the Holy Spirit came—

everything changed.

Peter became brave.

The apostles went out into the streets.

They told everyone about Jesus.

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6. Activity – “Before and After”

Leader:

Let’s act it out!

FIRST:
Everyone pretend to hide and look frightened.

Pause.

NOW:
Stand tall and brave!

Raise hands joyfully.

Leader:

That is what the Holy Spirit did.

He changed frightened people into brave saints.

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7. Main Reflection Part 2

Leader:

The Holy Spirit came like:

• wind
• fire

Why fire?

Because fire gives:

• light
• warmth
• energy

The Holy Spirit helps our hearts love God.

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8. Pentecost Flame Activity

Optional props:

Paper flames OR pretend flames

Leader:

When I say something the Holy Spirit helps us do,
raise your flame or hands.

• Pray
• Forgive
• Help people
• Be brave
• Tell the truth
• Love Jesus

Leader:

The Holy Spirit helps us live like saints.

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9. Main Reflection Part 3

Leader:

Jesus did not leave the apostles alone.

And He does not leave us alone either.

The Holy Spirit is still with the Church today.

The Holy Spirit helps us:

• pray
• love
• forgive
• be brave
• follow Jesus

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10. “Locked Door” Activity

Leader:

Make a locked door with your arms.

Now listen carefully.

What can lock our hearts?

Take answers:

• anger
• selfishness
• fear
• unkindness

Leader:

Now open your arms wide.

The Holy Spirit opens hearts.

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11. Quiet Prayer

Leader:

Close your eyes.

Come, Holy Spirit.

Pause.

Help us love Jesus.

Pause.

Help us be brave.

Pause.

Help us be kind and holy.

Pause.

Come, Holy Spirit.

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12. Final Teaching

Leader:

Today is the birthday of the Church.

The Holy Spirit changed the apostles.

And the Holy Spirit can change us too.

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13. Closing Prayer

Leader:

Holy Spirit,
fill our hearts with Your love.

Help us follow Jesus.

Help us be brave and joyful.

Amen.

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14. Sending Back

Leader:

Let us go back to Mass
and ask the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts.

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EXTRA ACTIVITY OPTIONS

(Choose depending on age/time)

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Option A – “Wind Race”

Best for younger children

Children blow gently on paper/flame/cotton ball across table or floor.

Connect:
“The Holy Spirit came like wind.”

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Option B – Different Languages

Best for older children

Teach:
“Peace be with you”
in different languages if known.

Explain:
At Pentecost everyone heard the apostles in their own language.

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Option C – Holy Spirit Actions

Leader says:
“The Holy Spirit helps us…”

Children mime:

• praying
• helping
• sharing
• comforting
• singing

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Option D – Red Hunt

Ask children to spot:

• red clothes
• red banners
• red candles

Explain:
Red reminds us of the fire of the Holy Spirit.

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Option E – Balloon Breath

Blow up a balloon.

Leader:

The breath fills the balloon.

God’s Spirit fills us with life.

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Option F – Saint or Scared?

Leader gives situations:

• Talking about Jesus
• Helping someone lonely
• Saying sorry

Children answer:
“Scared” or “Saint!”

Then explain:
The Holy Spirit helps us become saints.

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Option G – Pentecost Sound

Leader suddenly makes wind sound:
“Whooooosh!”

Children join in.

Then whisper:
“The Holy Spirit came powerfully.”

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Option H – Heart Motions

Hands on heart.

Leader:

“Come, Holy Spirit.”

Children repeat slowly several times.

Excellent calming ending for younger groups.