Theme: “Keep Going — Jesus is with Us!”
Welcome & Gathering
(Gather the children, light a candle.)
Leader:
“Today Jesus tells His friends not to be afraid when difficult things happen —
not to give up, not to run away, but to keep trusting in God.
He promises that even when the world feels scary or unfair, He will never leave us.
That’s what it means to be His disciples: to keep going, to keep praying, and to keep loving — even when it’s hard.”
Sign of the Cross.
Leader: “Jesus, help us to be brave and faithful, trusting You in every moment.”
All: “Amen.”
Introduction – Talking Together
Ask:
“Have you ever had a really hard day when you wanted to give up?”
“What helped you keep going?”
Say:
“Sometimes following Jesus feels easy — like when we’re happy, or with friends, or when things go right.
But sometimes it’s hard — when people are mean, or when we’re tired, or when we don’t understand why things happen.
Jesus tells us: ‘Don’t be afraid — keep trusting Me.’
He says that if we stay faithful, we’ll be safe with Him forever.”
Gospel (Simplified from Luke 21:5–19)
(Leader reads slowly and clearly.)
One day, Jesus and His friends were walking near the great Temple in Jerusalem.
It was a huge, beautiful building made of shining white stone.
The people said, “Look, Teacher! Isn’t it beautiful?”
But Jesus said:
“One day all these stones will fall.
Don’t be afraid when you hear about wars or earthquakes or troubles.
These things will happen, but they are not the end.
People may be unkind to you because you follow Me —
but stand firm!
Not a hair of your head will be lost.
By your endurance, you will save your life.”
Leader: “The Gospel of the Lord.”
Children: “Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ.”
Short Homily for Children
Ask:
“How do you think the disciples felt when Jesus said the temple would fall down?”
“Why do you think Jesus told them not to be afraid?”
Say:
“Jesus wanted His friends — and us — to know that even when everything around us changes, He never changes.
Buildings can fall, plans can fail, people can disappoint us —
but Jesus is always with us.
That’s what He means when He says, ‘By your endurance you will save your lives.’
Endurance means keeping faith when things get tough.
It’s like running a race — you don’t stop halfway!
You keep going because you know there’s a prize at the end.
The saints show us what endurance looks like:
St Martin of Tours shared his cloak even when he had little.
St Josaphat stayed peaceful even when people fought against him.
And Mary stayed faithful even at the Cross.
Jesus says: Don’t give up. Keep praying. Keep being kind. Keep believing.
Because every little act of faith builds something that will never fall — the Kingdom of God.”
Illustration
(You may hold up a small stone or block.)
“This stone could be part of a big wall. But if the builder gives up halfway, the wall stays unfinished.
God is building something amazing with us — His Church.
Every time you pray, forgive, or show love, it’s like adding another strong stone.
The Church isn’t built of marble — it’s built of hearts full of faith!”
Profession of Faith (Child-Friendly)
Leader:
“Do you believe in God the Father, who made the world and holds it in His hands?”
Children: “Yes, I believe.”
Leader: “Do you believe in Jesus, who promised to be with us to the end of time?”
Children: “Yes, I believe.”
Leader: “Do you believe in the Holy Spirit, who gives us courage to keep going?”
Children: “Yes, I believe.”
Intercessions
Leader:
“Jesus tells us not to be afraid and to keep going in faith.
Let’s pray to Him with trust.”
For the Church throughout the world — that we may stand firm and show Jesus’ love even when life is hard.
Lord, hear us.
For Pope Leo, bishops, and priests — that they may guide the Church with courage and faith.
Lord, hear us.
For children who feel scared, sad, or alone — that they may feel Jesus close to them and know He loves them.
Lord, hear us.
For our parish family — that we may build each other up with kindness, prayer, and courage.
Lord, hear us.
For all who have died — that they may live forever with Jesus in His Kingdom.
Lord, hear us.
(Optional: Hail Mary.)
Closing Prayer
“Lord Jesus,
You promised to be with us always,
even when times are difficult.
Help us to be brave, to keep going, and to trust You.
Make our hearts strong with faith,
so that one day we may share Your joy in heaven.
Amen.”
Activity Ideas
“Don’t Give Up” Game:
Invite the children to walk or run in place for a few minutes — it gets tiring!
Remind them that life with Jesus can be like that — tiring sometimes, but He helps us finish the race.
“Faith Wall” Craft:
Give each child a paper “brick” to write or draw one way they can show faith this week (pray, forgive, share, be kind).
Build a paper “Church wall” on a poster board to display: “We are building God’s Kingdom.”
“Endurance Medal”:
Draw or cut medal shapes and write “I kept going with Jesus!” on them.
Children can decorate and wear them as reminders to stay faithful.
Memory Line:
Together say:
“Jesus is with me — I will not give up!”
Sending Back
Leader:
“Jesus told His friends not to be afraid when things get hard — and He says the same to us.
Keep praying, keep trusting, and keep loving.
That’s how we build God’s Kingdom — one day, one prayer, one act of love at a time.”
Sign of the Cross.
St. Mary's, St. John Bosco and St. Edward's 