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The Light Wins: A Campfire Saints Halloween Special for Kids

The Light Wins: A Halloween Campfire Special for Kids

It’s the spookiest, creepiest, marshmallow-iest Campfire Saints night of the whole year! Join Ms. Julia and Dilly around the campfire for a special Halloween, All Saints Day and All Souls Day episode.

Wait, Halloween has saints in it? It sure does! Halloween is also called All Hallows’ Eve, the night before All Saints Day, when we celebrate all the saints in heaven. After that comes All Souls Day, when we pray for people who have died.

Along the way you will hear six saint stories, say a few short prayers, and find out why Ms. Julia says Jesus is stronger than fear, stronger than darkness, and even stronger than death. It might get a little spooky, but never in a way that makes us forget that God wins.

Meet the Saints in This Special

St. George and the Dragon

Dragons are officially scary! Ms. Julia says St. George reminds us that being brave does not mean you never feel afraid. It means you trust God anyway. Try saying it with Ms. Julia and Dilly: “Jesus, help me be brave.”

St. Francis and the Wolf

The town had good reason to be afraid of the wolf. Ms. Julia says St. Francis trusted God and chose peace instead of fear. She says we can choose peace too, by praying, asking for help, and trying to understand someone instead of assuming the worst.

St. Denis

This is one of the strangest saint stories Ms. Julia and Dilly have ever told. Ms. Julia says it reminds us that nothing could stop St. Denis from loving Jesus and sharing the Gospel.

St. Christina the Astonishing

St. Christina’s story is full of extraordinary things. Ms. Julia says the most important part is that she prayed for souls, because she loved people enough to pray and make sacrifices for them.

St. Macarius and the Talking Skull

This story reminds us again that prayer for the dead is never wasted.

St. Padre Pio and the Soul in Purgatory

For the last story of the night, Ms. Julia tells about a mysterious visitor asking St. Padre Pio for a prayer.

A Quiet Moment for People Who Have Died

Between the stories, Ms. Julia and Dilly talk about heaven, purgatory and praying for people who have died. Ms. Julia says death is not the end of the story, because Jesus opened heaven for us. She says purgatory is not a scary haunted place. It is where God lovingly prepares souls for heaven, and we can keep loving people through our prayers.

Free Campfire Saints Worksheet for Kids

Key Takeaways

In this episode, kids will:

  • Learn why Halloween is also called All Hallows’ Eve, the night before All Saints Day.
  • Remember that All Saints Day celebrates the saints in heaven, and All Souls Day is when we pray for people who have died.
  • Meet six saints: St. George, St. Francis, St. Denis, St. Christina the Astonishing, St. Macarius and St. Padre Pio.
  • Say a short prayer with Ms. Julia and Dilly: “Jesus, help me be brave.”
  • See how St. Francis chose peace instead of fear, and how we can pray, ask for help and try to understand others.
  • Pray for people who have died. Ms. Julia says death is not the end of the story, and that purgatory is where God lovingly prepares souls for heaven.
  • Hold on to the big idea: Jesus is stronger than fear, stronger than darkness, and even stronger than death, so we do not have to be afraid.

Episode Summary

What if the spookiest night of the year turned out to be full of saints?

Ms. Julia and Dilly settle in by the campfire for a very special night. Dilly has brought emergency supplies: a flashlight, a blanket, a fake cobweb, six marshmallows, twelve backup marshmallows and a monster detector that keeps beeping. Ms. Julia explains that Halloween is also called All Hallows’ Eve, the night before All Saints Day, and that All Souls Day comes after. Costumes and candy can be fun, she says, but this time of year reminds us that “Jesus is stronger than fear, stronger than darkness, and even stronger than death.”

Then the stories begin. St. George faces a dragon, and the friends say, “Jesus, help me be brave.” St. Francis meets a wolf and chooses peace, and a mysterious growl turns out to be Dilly’s stomach. St. Denis brings one of the strangest stories yet, and then Ms. Julia leads a quiet moment to think of someone who has died. St. Christina and St. Macarius remind us that prayer for the dead is never wasted.

Dilly shares a letter he wrote to someone he loves who has died, and Ms. Julia says he can use it as a prayer to God. Something rustles in the woods, and the last story begins, about St. Padre Pio and a mysterious visitor asking for a prayer. The night ends with a reminder: even when stories feel spooky or strange, “we do not have to be afraid,” because “God’s light wins.”

Episode Highlights

  • ⦁ [__:__] Welcome to the spookiest Campfire Saints night, and Dilly’s emergency supplies
    ⦁ [__:__] Why Halloween has saints in it
    ⦁ [__:__] St. George and the Dragon
    ⦁ [__:__] St. Francis and the Wolf
    ⦁ [__:__] Wolf or woof?
    ⦁ [__:__] St. Denis
    ⦁ [__:__] Heaven, purgatory and praying for people who have died
    ⦁ [__:__] St. Christina the Astonishing
    ⦁ [__:__] St. Macarius and the Talking Skull
    ⦁ [__:__] Dilly’s letter and the sounds in the woods
    ⦁ [__:__] St. Padre Pio and the Soul in Purgatory
    ⦁ [__:__] Closing: God’s light wins

Transcript

Ms. Julia: Hi, friends! Welcome to a very special Campfire Saints night.
Dilly: It is the spookiest, creepiest, marshmallow-iest Campfire Saints night of the whole year!
Ms. Julia: Well, hopefully it's not too creepy.
Dilly: I brought emergency supplies.
Ms. Julia: What kind of emergency supplies?
Dilly: Flashlight. Blanket. Fake cobweb. Six marshmallows. Twelve backup marshmallows. And a monster detector.
Ms. Julia: Does it work?
Dilly: I do not know. It keeps beeping every time I walk past it.
Ms. Julia: Well, friends, tonight is a special Halloween, All Saints Day, and All Souls Day Campfire Saints episode.
Dilly: Wait. Halloween has saints in it?
Ms. Julia: It sure does. Halloween is also called All Hallows' Eve. “Hallow” means holy, and “All Hallows” refers to all the saints.
Dilly: So Halloween is... Saint Eve?
Ms. Julia: Exactly. It comes right before All Saints Day, when we celebrate all the saints in heaven. And after that comes All Souls Day, when we pray for people who have died.
Dilly: So it is not just about costumes and candy?
Ms. Julia: Costumes and candy can be fun. But this time of year reminds us of something even bigger: Jesus is stronger than fear, stronger than darkness, and even stronger than death.
Dilly: Okay. But can it still be a little spooky?
Ms. Julia: A little spooky. But never scary in a way that makes us forget that God wins. So let's begin with a saint who faced one of the most famous monsters of all.
[Story plays here: St. George and the Dragon]Dilly: Okay. Dragons are officially scary.
Ms. Julia: They can be. But St. George reminds us that being brave does not mean you never feel afraid. It means you trust God anyway.
Dilly: Friends, say it with us: “Jesus, help me be brave.”
Ms. Julia and Dilly: Jesus, help me be brave.
Ms. Julia: Our next saint met a scary animal too.
Dilly: Please tell me it is not another dragon.
Ms. Julia: No. This one is a wolf.
[Story plays here: St. Francis and the Wolf]Dilly: Did you hear that?!
Ms. Julia: It sounded like a growl.
Dilly: A wolf growl?
Ms. Julia: Dilly, I think that growl is coming from your stomach.
Dilly: Oh. That is embarrassing.
Ms. Julia: I loved that story because St. Francis did not pretend the wolf was not dangerous. The town had good reason to be afraid.
Dilly: But St. Francis trusted God.
Ms. Julia: He did. And he chose peace instead of fear.
Dilly: How do you choose peace when something feels scary?
Ms. Julia: Sometimes we pray. Sometimes we ask for help. Sometimes we try to understand someone instead of assuming the worst about them.
Dilly: Like when I look scary because I'm grumpy, but really I just need a snack?
Ms. Julia: Exactly. God can bring peace to places where there is fear. And he can help us become peacemakers too.
Dilly: What is next?
Ms. Julia: A saint with one of the strangest stories we have ever told.
Dilly: Stranger than a wolf?
Ms. Julia: Much stranger. Hang on... to your heads.
[Story plays here: St. Denis]Dilly: Okay. That was definitely one of the strangest saint stories yet.
Ms. Julia: It was. But St. Denis reminds us that nothing could stop him from loving Jesus and sharing the Gospel. This next story is a little quieter. It helps us remember something really important about this time of year. Heaven, purgatory, and praying for people who have died.
Dilly: Can we really help them by praying?
Ms. Julia: We can. Death is not the end of the story. Jesus opened heaven for us, and we can keep loving people through our prayers.
Dilly: Even people we never got to meet?
Ms. Julia: Even them. Purgatory is not a scary haunted place. It is where God lovingly prepares souls for heaven.
Dilly: So we pray that they can be close to God forever?
Ms. Julia: Exactly. Friends, take a quiet moment and think of someone you love who has died. You do not have to say their name out loud. Just hold them in your heart.
Ms. Julia: Now let's hear about St. Christina, whose extraordinary story reminds us how she prayed for people.
[Story plays here: St. Christina the Astonishing]Dilly: She could fly?
Ms. Julia: St. Christina's story is full of extraordinary things.
Dilly: I would like to fly.
Ms. Julia: The most important thing about St. Christina was not the unusual things she did. It was that she prayed for souls. She loved people enough to pray and make sacrifices for them.
Dilly: Can we say a little prayer for people who have died?
Ms. Julia: Let's do it. Jesus, have mercy on the souls who need you. Our next story reminds us again that prayer for the dead is never wasted.
[Story plays here: St. Macarius and the Talking Skull]Dilly: I wrote a letter for someone I love who has died. But I do not know where to send it.
Ms. Julia: You do not have to mail it anywhere. You can use it as a prayer to God. God hears your prayers.
Dilly: Julia... did you hear that?
Ms. Julia: I did.
Dilly: Was that the wind?
Ms. Julia: Maybe. Or maybe it was someone coming to ask for prayer. Our last story is about St. Padre Pio and a mysterious visitor asking for a prayer.
Dilly: Okay, friends. Pull your blankets close.
Ms. Julia: It is time for one last Campfire Saint Story.
[Story plays here: St. Padre Pio and the Soul in Purgatory]Ms. Julia: What a night.
Dilly: We met a dragon, a wolf, a saint with a head situation, a flying saint, a talking skull, and a soul who needed prayer.
Ms. Julia: And every story taught us something important.
Dilly: But even when stories feel spooky or strange...
Ms. Julia: We do not have to be afraid.
Dilly: Because God's light wins. Happy spooky saint night, friends.
Ms. Julia: Goodnight, friends. And don't forget to subscribe to Juice Box for more spooky saint stories.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why is Halloween also called All Hallows' Eve?

All Hallows' Eve means the evening before All Saints Day. “Hallow” means holy, and “All Hallows” refers to all the saints. All Saints Day falls on November 1.

What are All Saints Day and All Souls Day?

On All Saints Day, the Church celebrates all the saints in heaven, known and unknown. All Souls Day comes right after, on November 2, and it is a day when we pray for people who have died.

What is purgatory?

Purgatory is not a scary haunted place. The Church uses the name for the “final purification of the elect,” which is the cleansing of those who die in God's friendship but still need to be made ready for heaven. Ms. Julia puts it this way: it is where God lovingly prepares souls for heaven.

Can we really help people who have died by praying for them?

Yes. The Catechism says the Church has honored the memory of the dead and offered prayers for them from the beginning. Ms. Julia says death is not the end of the story, and that we can keep loving people through our prayers. Dilly's letter shows one way: you can write to someone you love who has died, then give it to God as a prayer.

Are the saint stories in this special all true?

The saints in this special are people the Church honors, and their stories are told because of what they teach about God. Some stories about the saints are traditional accounts passed down over many years, so not every detail can be confirmed. The Church does not ask us to treat every detail of a traditional story as established history. Some stories may still offer a meaningful lesson, but their details should be considered carefully.

What can I do when I feel scared?

You can say a short prayer, like “Jesus, help me be brave,” and ask for help. The Catechism teaches that beside each believer stands a guardian angel, a protector and shepherd. You can also tell a parent, teacher or another trusted grown-up how you feel.

Is it okay to enjoy Halloween?

Ms. Julia says costumes and candy can be fun. She also reminds us that this time of year points to something even bigger: Jesus is stronger than fear, stronger than darkness, and even stronger than death. It can be a little spooky, but never in a way that makes us forget that God wins.

If your kids asked a big faith question this week, you’re not alone. Subscribe so you’ve always got a short, safe, Catholic video ready for car rides, bedtime, or Sunday prep.
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL

Free Campfire Saints Halloween Worksheet for Kids

Keep the fun going after the video with a free Campfire Saints Halloween worksheet for kids.

What's Inside:

Color Your Prayer Lantern

Pray Together as a Family

Perfect to use while watching the companion Juice Box video

Related Episodes

Support Us

Each dollar brings us closer to creating each new episode!

Juice Box is free for families because supporters make it possible. Your support helps us keep creating joyful, faithful episodes that kids actually enjoy, and that parents can trust. When you give, you’re helping build up a new generation of joyful Catholics who know and love Jesus.

SUPPORT US

JBXCSS013_St. Romanus - 2

St. Romanus and the Gargoyle for Kids

St. Romanus and the Gargoyle for Kids: A Campfire Legend

Something is stirring in the woods, and Fr. Tim has a good idea what it is! Join Fr. Tim and the Juice Box kids around the campfire for the legend of St. Romanus, a bishop who lived in Rouen, France, and a dragon named La Gargouille who was tearing the town apart.

A legend is a story people have told for a very long time. Some parts may have grown in the retelling, so this one is not a history lesson. It still teaches us something true about courage and about God, who is stronger than any evil.

St. Romanus was a real bishop, and the Church honors him as a saint. A saint is a friend of God who is now with him in heaven. Watch to the end to find out what happened to the dragon, and why you might spot stone gargoyles on old churches.

Who Was St. Romanus?

St. Romanus was a bishop of Rouen, a city in France, long ago. A bishop is a leader in the Church who looks after the Catholic people in one area. In the story, Romanus also loved to visit people in prison.

The Legend of the Dragon of Rouen
The legend says a dragon named La Gargouille stomped through Rouen, knocking down buildings and wrecking the farmers’ crops. Bishop Romanus had had enough. He asked the men of the town to come with him, but they were too scared. So he invited a prisoner to go with him instead, and the two of them walked to the dragon’s lair. There, Romanus made the Sign of the Cross, and the dragon calmed down. Romanus took off his stole, a long strip of cloth worn by a bishop or priest during certain Church services, and tied it around the dragon’s neck. Then he and the prisoner led the dragon back into town, and the people cheered.

How the Legend Explains Gargoyles
In the story, the townspeople defeated the dragon and burned its body, but its head would not burn. Romanus put it up outside the cathedral so the people of Rouen would remember that God is stronger than evil. The legend says that when it rained, water ran through the head and out of its mouth.
That is how the story explains gargoyles. A gargoyle is a carved stone spout that sends rainwater away from a building, and many old churches have them.

Is the Story True?
Not exactly. St. Romanus was a real bishop, but the dragon is part of a legend. Fr. Tim says St. Romanus “may not have really fought a dragon,” and he adds that the story still teaches us about “his courage, his faith, and about the truth of God’s triumph over evil.”

Free St. Romanus Worksheet For Kids

Key Takeaways

In this episode, kids will:

  • Meet St. Romanus, a bishop of Rouen, France, who is remembered in a famous legend about a dragon called La Gargouille.
  • Learn what a legend is: a story told for a very long time that may have grown in the retelling.
  • Discover the Sign of the Cross in the story, a prayer that calls on the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
  • See how Romanus did not go alone. He asked the town for help, and a prisoner went with him.
  • Find out how the legend explains the stone gargoyles on old churches.
  • Hear Fr. Tim’s reminder that “evil is a very real thing, but something that God has power over.”
  • Remember that when we feel scared, we can pray, ask for help and talk to a trusted grown-up.

Episode Summary

What would you do if a dragon were wrecking your town?

Fr. Tim and two of the Juice Box kids come back from a hike with stones in their hands. Then they hear footsteps and cracking sticks in the woods. Fr. Tim wonders if it could be a creature made of stone, which leads him to gargoyles. The kids say gargoyles are not real, so Fr. Tim tells them there is a real-life legend behind them, with a saint and a dragon in it.

The story takes place in Rouen, France, where a dragon named La Gargouille is tearing down buildings and ruining crops. The men of the town are asked to help Bishop Romanus, and they answer, “Nope.” So Romanus goes with a prisoner to the dragon’s lair, makes the Sign of the Cross and ties his stole around the dragon’s neck. The dragon’s head will not burn, so Romanus plants it outside the cathedral as a reminder that God is stronger than evil.

The kids ask the big question: is the story true? Fr. Tim says it is a legend, and he explains what it still teaches about courage, faith and God’s triumph over evil. Back at the campfire, the woods have one more surprise, and Ms. Julia gets the last laugh.

Episode Highlights

  • [__:__] Fr. Tim and the kids come back from a hike and hear something in the woods
    [__:__] Fr. Tim brings up gargoyles and a real-life legend
    [__:__] The dragon La Gargouille attacks the town of Rouen
    [__:__] Bishop Romanus asks for help and a prisoner goes with him
    [__:__] The dragon’s lair and the Sign of the Cross
    [__:__] The dragon’s head and the gargoyle tradition
    [__:__] Is the story true?
    [__:__] Back at the campfire

Transcript

Fr. Tim: Man, what a good day of hiking!
Kid 1: Yeah! I even found this cool stone!
Kid 2: Not as cool as mine!
Kid 1: Nuh uh!
Kid 2: Mine is waaay cooler!
Kid 1: No it's not!
Fr. Tim: Guys, guys! They're both cool stones! But definitely not as cool as mine.
Kid 1: Can't argue there.
Kid 2: Yeah, that one is way cooler.
Fr. Tim: I always like collecting rocks to see…
Kid 1: Ummm…what was that?
Kid 2: You heard it too??
Fr. Tim: There appears to be something stirring in the woods tonight.
Kid 2: What do you mean…stirring?
Fr. Tim: It must be some kind of…creature.
Kid 1: I'll throw my STONE at it!
Fr. Tim: But, what if it's…made of stone?
Kid 2: What the heck are you talking about, Fr. Tim?
Fr. Tim: Have you never heard of a gargoyle??
Kid 1: Oh yeah, isn't that like the creepy guy with wings.
Fr. Tim: Yeah! Like on the outside of churches and stuff.
Kid 2: Yeah, yeah, I've seen those. But those aren't real.
Fr. Tim: Well…did you know that there's a real-life legend behind the gargoyle??
Kid 1: Like it's a true story??
Kid 2: I need a drink…
Fr. Tim: Well…it involves a real-life saint!
Kid 1: …Whaaaat?
Fr. Tim: And a dragon!
Kid 2: SAY WHAT??
Fr. Tim: Hey, that kind of reminds me of the story!
Kid 1: How??
Fr. Tim: You'll have to listen to find out!
Kid 2: Here we go.
Fr. Tim: This is the legend of St. Romanus and the gargoyle!
Fr. Tim: Once upon a time, in the far, far away land of France…
Kid 1: Bonjour!
Kid 2: Oui oui
Fr. Tim: …there was a town called Rouen.
Kid 1: Kind of sounds like it was…RUINED!
Kid 1: Sorry…continue.
Fr. Tim: Well, actually, you're right! It was being ruined…by a big, gigantic, evil…DRAGON!
Kid 2: ROAR!
Fr. Tim: The dragon's name was La Gargouille. He stomped through the town, tearing down buildings. He would flap his big, terrible wings and destroy all the farmers' crops.
Kid 1: Woah, that's not cool!
Fr. Tim: Way not cool!
Fr. Tim: Now, during that time, a man named Romanus was bishop. And he had ENOUGH.
Kid 1: That's ENOUGH!
Kid 2: BE GONE, BEAST!
Fr. Tim: St. Romanus decided to go and take care of this dragon once and for all.
Kid 1: How did he do it??
Fr. Tim: Well he didn't want to do it alone, that's for sure.
Kid 2: The buddy system…wise move.
Fr. Tim: So, he asked all the men in town to be brave and accompany him.
Kid 1: An ARMY!
Fr. Tim: But, guess what they said?
Kid 2: They said “LET'S GET THAT DRAGON! LET'S BLAST HIM INTO OUTER SPACE AND WATCH WHILE HE EXPLODES INTO A MILLION PIECES!”
Fr. Tim: Close…they said…“Nope.”
Kid 1: What??
Kid 2: Laaaaaaaaaame.
Fr. Tim: They were too scared!
Kid 2: I wouldn't be too scared.
Kid 1: Yeah right!
Fr. Tim: Well, the good news was that St. Romanus loved to minister to people in prison. So, he invited a prisoner to go in exchange for his life…assuming the dragon didn't take it. So, off they went, just St. Romanus and a prisoner. They journeyed through the town, falling apart, on fire…the effects of the dragon's wrath could be seen everywhere.
Kid 2: This is a disaster!
Fr. Tim: At last, they came to the dragon's lair.
Kid 1: Welcome to my lair…muahahahaha
Fr. Tim: The dragon was NOT happy to see St. Romanus…or the prisoner. He stomped his big, filthy feet into the ground, his claws digging into the earth. He flapped his huge, scaly wings. He extended his neck and touched noses with St. Romanus.
Kid 1: Boop.
Fr. Tim: The dragon let out a big, evil, piercing…ROAR! So, what do you think St. Romanus did?
Kid 1: Ran away?
Kid 2: Called animal control?
Fr. Tim: He made the Sign of the Cross. The dragon was subdued.
Kid 1: It worked??
Fr. Tim: He removed his stole from around his neck and tied it around the dragon's neck. Romanus and the prisoner dragged the dragon back into town, triumphantly displaying God's victory over evil. The people of the town were all amazed and filled with gratitude.
Kid 2: RO-MAN-US! RO-MAN-US!
Kid 1: RO-MAN-US! RO-MAN-US!
Fr. Tim: The townspeople defeated the dragon and burned its body, removing the threat from their town once and for all.
Kid 1: They burned it? That's scary.
Fr. Tim: Well, almost. See, the dragon's head wouldn't burn. The whole body was gone, but the head was still intact.
Kid 1: Oh. That's…creepy.
Fr. Tim: What do you think St. Romanus did with the head?
Kid 2: Covered it up and got rid of it so nobody had to see it?
Fr. Tim: Nope…he kept it and planted it right outside the cathedral.
Kid 2: Oh…that was my second guess.
Fr. Tim: He wanted the people of Rouen to have a constant reminder that God is stronger than evil. Legend has it that when it would rain, water would go through the top of the dragon's head and come out of its mouth.
Kid 1: Oh, I get it…
Fr. Tim: And so, the legend says, the gargoyle became a tradition. Now, when you see beautiful cathedrals, you'll see gargoyles all over the outside. These statues can remind us that evil is a very real thing, but something that God has power over!
Kid 2: So, is the story true?
Fr. Tim: This story is a legend, and while St. Romanus may not have really fought a dragon, it teaches us about his courage, his faith, and about the truth of God's triumph over evil.
Kid 1: So, what about the dragon in the woods right now?
Fr. Tim: Oh yeah…I forgot about that.
Kid 2: [GULP]Fr. Tim: Okay, let's get out of here…on 3.
Kid 1: 1
Kid 2: 2
Fr. Tim: 3!
Ms. Julia: Hehehe…

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who was St. Romanus?

St. Romanus was a bishop of Rouen, a city in France, long ago, and the Church honors him as a saint. A bishop is a leader in the Church who looks after the Catholic people in one area. In the story Fr. Tim tells, Romanus also loved to visit people in prison.

Is the story of St. Romanus and the dragon true?

The dragon story is a legend, so we cannot say it happened exactly this way. St. Romanus was a real bishop, but the dragon part is a legend that historians cannot confirm. Fr. Tim says the story still teaches about courage, faith and God's triumph over evil.

Why do churches have gargoyles?

Gargoyles are carved stone spouts that carry rainwater away from a building, and many old churches have them. The legend of St. Romanus is one story people tell to explain them. Gargoyles are part of church art and building design, not part of what the Church teaches, but many people see them as a reminder that evil is real and God is stronger.

Is the Sign of the Cross magic?

No. The Sign of the Cross is a prayer that calls on the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, and many Catholics begin their prayers or their day with it. It does not work like a magic spell. The Church teaches that holy signs like this one prepare us to receive God's grace and help us cooperate with it.

Is evil real, and is God stronger than it?

Yes, evil is real, and so is the devil. The Church teaches that the devil is a creature, not God, and that his power is limited. God's victory over evil is sure, even when we do not see it happen right away.

What can I do when I feel scared?

Talk to God in prayer, make the Sign of the Cross and ask for help. The Church teaches that beside each believer stands a guardian angel, a protector and shepherd. You can also tell a parent, teacher or another trusted grown-up how you feel.

Can I ask St. Romanus to pray for me?

Yes. Catholics can ask St. Romanus to intercede for them, just as they might ask a fellow Christian to pray for them. We honor the saints, but we worship God alone.

If your kids asked a big faith question this week, you’re not alone. Subscribe so you’ve always got a short, safe, Catholic video ready for car rides, bedtime, or Sunday prep.
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL

Free St. Romanus Activity Worksheet for Kids

Keep the fun going after the video with a free St. Romanus activity worksheet for kids.

What's Inside:

Printable Gargoyle Base

Mix-and-Match Cutout Pieces

Silly Naming & Faith Prompt

Perfect to use while watching the companion Juice Box video

Related Episodes

Support Us

Each dollar brings us closer to creating each new episode!

Juice Box is free for families because supporters make it possible. Your support helps us keep creating joyful, faithful episodes that kids actually enjoy, and that parents can trust. When you give, you’re helping build up a new generation of joyful Catholics who know and love Jesus.

SUPPORT US

Luminous Mysteries Pray Along for Kids

Luminous Mysteries Pray Along for Kids: Pray the Rosary With Dilly

Hi friends! Ready to pray the Rosary with Dilly? In this Juice Box pray-along, we pray all five Luminous Mysteries together, one decade at a time. A Saintly Heart Pray and Play Rosary set helps us picture each moment in the life of Jesus.

The word luminous means full of light, and each of these mysteries is a moment when Jesus shows us who he is. You don’t have to know every prayer to join in. You can pray out loud, follow along quietly, or just watch and listen.

Grown-ups, this is an easy way to pray the Rosary together at home, especially with kids who are just learning. Press play, follow the beads on the screen, and pray along.

What Are the Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary?

The mysteries of the Rosary are events from the lives of Jesus and Mary, drawn from Scripture and the Church’s tradition. We think about one of them during each decade of the Rosary. In 2002, Saint John Paul II proposed adding the Luminous Mysteries, also called the mysteries of light, to the Rosary as a free choice for individuals and communities. Many Catholics pray them today. All five come from the Gospels.

1. The Baptism of Jesus
John the Baptist was baptizing people at the Jordan River when Jesus came to be baptized too. After Jesus came up out of the water, the heavens opened and the Spirit of God came down like a dove. Then a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased”. God the Father was telling everyone who Jesus is.

2. The Wedding at Cana
Jesus, Mary, and the disciples were guests at a wedding when the wine ran short. Mary saw the problem and told Jesus, “They have no wine”. Then she told the servers, “Do whatever he tells you”. Jesus changed water into wine, which John’s Gospel calls “the beginning of his signs”. At Cana, Mary brings a need to her Son and points others to him.

3. The Proclamation of the Kingdom
Jesus traveled from place to place teaching people about God. He healed the sick, forgave sins, and invited everyone to follow him. He said, “This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel”. To repent means to turn back to God.

4. The Transfiguration
Jesus led Peter, James, and John up a high mountain. There he was transfigured before them, and “his face shone like the sun and his clothes became white as light”. Then a voice came from a cloud: “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him”.

5. The Institution of the Eucharist
At the Last Supper, Jesus took bread, blessed it, broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, “This is my body, which will be given for you; do this in memory of me”. The Church teaches that at Mass the bread and wine truly become the Body and Blood of Jesus, even though they still look and taste like bread and wine.

Free Luminous Mysteries Worksheet For Kids

Key Takeaways

In this episode, kids will:

  • Learn what “luminous” means and why these five mysteries are called the mysteries of light
  • Pray along with Dilly and the kids: one Our Father, ten Hail Marys, and one Glory Be for each mystery
  • Discover what happens at the Baptism of Jesus, when God the Father calls him his beloved Son
  • See Mary bring a need to Jesus at the wedding at Cana and point the servers to him
  • Hear Jesus invite everyone to follow him and turn back to God
  • Watch Jesus shine with glory on the mountain with Peter, James, and John
  • Remember how Jesus gave us the Eucharist at the Last Supper, and thank him for staying close to us

Episode Summary

Have you ever wanted to pray the Rosary but weren’t sure what comes next?
In this Juice Box pray-along, Dilly starts with a promise: “You can pray with us out loud, follow along quietly, or just watch and listen.” We make the Sign of the Cross, pray the Apostles’ Creed, and then say an Our Father, a Hail Mary, and a Glory Be to begin. A picture of the Rosary on screen shows which bead we’re on, so kids can keep their place.

Then we pray the five Luminous Mysteries, one at a time. Dilly tells each short story, with the play set standing in for the Jordan River, the wedding jars at Cana, the mountain, and the table at the Last Supper. After each story, the kids pray a decade: an Our Father, ten Hail Marys, and a Glory Be. Dilly also gives us one thing to think about during each one, like listening to Jesus with Mary’s help, or thanking Jesus for staying close to us in the Eucharist.

We finish with the Hail Holy Queen, a closing prayer, and the Sign of the Cross. Dilly reminds us, “You can come back and pray this Rosary with us anytime.” October is the Month of the Rosary, so it’s a good time to start. If you’d like your own Saintly Heart Pray and Play Rosary set, the link and promo code are in the video description.

Episode Highlights

  • [0:00] – Welcome, Sign of the Cross, and opening prayers
    [__:__] – The Baptism of Jesus
    [__:__] – The Wedding at Cana
    [__:__] – The Proclamation of the Kingdom
    [__:__] – The Transfiguration
    [__:__] – The Institution of the Eucharist
    [__:__] – Hail Holy Queen and closing prayer
    [__:__] – Outro

Transcript

- Hi, friends. Today, we're going to pray and play along with the Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary. The rosary helps us pray with Mary and think about the life of Jesus. The word luminous means light. So today we're going to think about the five moments when Jesus shows us who he is. We'll use the Saintly Heart Pray and Play Rosary Set to help us picture each mystery while we pray. You could pray with us out loud, follow along quietly or just watch and listen. Let's begin.

- [Child] "Juice Box!"

- Let's pray.

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

- I believe in God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and Earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. On the third day, he rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty. From there, He will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body and life everlasting. Amen. The first Luminous Mystery is the baptism of Jesus.

- Our Father who is in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on Earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen. Hail, Mary full of grace. The Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women. And blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for our sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

- Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. The second Luminous Mystery is the wedding at Cana.

- Our Father who are in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on Earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen. Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you Blessed art thou amongst women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and in the hour of our death. Amen.

- Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. The third Luminous Mystery is the proclamation of the Kingdom.

- Our Father who is in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, you will be done on Earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen. Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed around you among women. Blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for our sinners. Now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

- Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. The fourth Luminous Mystery is the transfiguration.

- Our father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on Earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen. Hail, Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with thee. Blessed are thou amongst women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and in the hour of our death. Amen.

- Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. The fifth Luminous Mystery is the Institution of the Eucharist.

- Our father who is in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on Earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen. Hail, Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women. And blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for our sinners, now I'm at the hour of our death. Amen.

- Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, our life, our sweetness and our hope. To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve, to thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn then, most gracious advocate, thine eyes of mercy towards us and after this are exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet virgin Mary.

- Of the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

- Amen.

- Great praying friends. Today we prayed the Luminous Mysteries and remembered the light of Jesus. We thought about Jesus being baptized, his first miracle at Cana, his teaching about God's Kingdom, his glory at the transfiguration and his gift of the Eucharist. You can come back and pray this rosary with us anytime. If you want your own Saintly Heart Pray and Play Rosary Set, check out the special Lincoln promo code in the description and don't forget to subscribe to Juice Box for more Catholic videos for kids. See you next time, friends. Bye.

- [Child] "Juice Box."

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do you pray the Rosary with kids?

Start with the Sign of the Cross, then pray one decade for each mystery: an Our Father, ten Hail Marys, and a Glory Be, while thinking about that moment in the life of Jesus. Many families finish with the Hail Holy Queen and a closing prayer. Parents are a child's first teachers in prayer, and kids can join in a little at a time.

What are the five Luminous Mysteries?

They are the Baptism of Jesus, the Wedding at Cana, the Proclamation of the Kingdom, the Transfiguration, and the Institution of the Eucharist. In 2002, Saint John Paul II proposed adding them to the Rosary as a free choice for individuals and communities. They are also called the mysteries of light.

Do kids have to say every prayer out loud?

No. In this video, Dilly says kids can pray out loud, follow along quietly, or just watch and listen. Hearing the prayers over and over with family is a good way to start learning them.

Why do Catholics pray the Hail Mary?

The first part of the Hail Mary uses words from the Gospel of Luke, the angel Gabriel's greeting and Elizabeth's greeting to Mary. In the second part, we ask Mary to pray for us, just as we might ask a friend or family member to pray for us. Mary leads us to her Son.

What day do Catholics pray the Luminous Mysteries?

Saint John Paul II suggested Thursday. He also said this suggestion isn't meant to limit freedom in prayer, so families can choose a day that fits their week.

What is the “O my Jesus” prayer between decades?

It's a short prayer many Catholics add after the Glory Be at the end of each decade. It asks Jesus to forgive our sins and to bring all souls to heaven, especially those who need his mercy most. Families can pray it or leave it out.

Is Jesus really present in the Eucharist?

Yes. The Church teaches that in the Eucharist, Jesus is truly present with his Body and Blood, soul and divinity, even though the bread and wine still look and taste the same. That's why we thank him for staying close to us.

If your kids asked a big faith question this week, you’re not alone. Subscribe so you’ve always got a short, safe, Catholic video ready for car rides, bedtime, or Sunday prep.
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL

Free Luminous Mysteries Activity Worksheet for Kids

Help your kids remember all five Luminous Mysteries with a printable coloring and matching page they can use while they pray the Rosary.

What's Inside:

Five pictures to color, one for each Luminous Mystery

A decade tracker with ten beads to color as you pray

Perfect to use while watching the companion Juice Box video

Related Episodes

Support Us

Each dollar brings us closer to creating each new episode!

Juice Box is free for families because supporters make it possible. Your support helps us keep creating joyful, faithful episodes that kids actually enjoy, and that parents can trust. When you give, you’re helping build up a new generation of joyful Catholics who know and love Jesus.

SUPPORT US

Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary for Kids

Luminous Mysteries for Kids: Play and Pray Along

What Are the Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary?

The mysteries of the Rosary are moments from the lives of Jesus and his mother Mary that we think about while we pray. There are four sets: the Joyful, Sorrowful, Glorious, and Luminous Mysteries. Pope St. John Paul II added the Luminous Mysteries in 2002 and called them the “mysteries of light,” because in each one Jesus shows us who he really is. Each mystery also has a “fruit.” That’s a gift Catholics have traditionally asked God for while praying it.

1. The Baptism of Jesus
Jesus came to the Jordan River, and John the Baptist baptized him. When Jesus came up out of the water, the Spirit of God came down like a dove, and a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased”. God the Father was showing everyone that Jesus is his Son.
Fruit of the mystery: openness to the Holy Spirit

2. The Wedding at Cana
Jesus, Mary, and the disciples were at a wedding when the wine ran out. Mary noticed right away and told Jesus, “They have no wine”. Then she said to the servers, “Do whatever he tells you”. Jesus had them fill the jars with water, and he turned the water into wine. It was his very first miracle!
Fruit of the mystery: going to Jesus through Mary

3. The Proclamation of the Kingdom
Jesus traveled from town to town teaching people about God’s Kingdom. He healed people who were sick, forgave sins, and called everyone to turn back to God: “This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel”.
Fruit of the mystery: repentance and conversion

4. The Transfiguration
Jesus took Peter, James, and John up a high mountain. There “his face shone like the sun and his clothes became white as light”. Moses and Elijah appeared with him, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my beloved Son. Listen to him”.
Fruit of the mystery: a desire for holiness

5. The Institution of the Eucharist
At the Last Supper, Jesus took the bread and said, “This is my body, which will be given for you; do this in memory of me”. At every Mass, the bread and wine truly become the Body and Blood of Jesus, even though they still look and taste like bread and wine.

Free Luminous Mysteries Worksheet For Kids

Key Takeaways

In this episode, kids will:

  • Learn what “luminous” means and why these are called the mysteries of light
  • Meet John the Baptist and hear God the Father call Jesus his beloved Son
  • Discover how Mary helped at the wedding at Cana, and why she tells us, “Do whatever he tells you”
  • See Jesus teach about God’s Kingdom and call people to turn back to God
  • Watch Jesus shine with glory on the mountain with Peter, James, and John
  • Find out how Jesus gave us the Eucharist at the Last Supper
  • Practice praying one decade of the Rosary for each mystery

Episode Summary

In this Juice Box play-along, we set up a Rosary Pray and Play set from Saintly Heart and act out all five Luminous Mysteries, one at a time. John the Baptist can’t believe Jesus wants to be baptized. The wedding guests run out of wine. The crowds come to hear Jesus teach. A tired little Peter asks, “Are we there yet?” on the way up the mountain. And the apostles gather around the table at the Last Supper.

After each mystery, kids can pause and pray a decade of the Rosary: one Our Father, ten Hail Marys, and one Glory Be. Or they can just keep playing along. They’ll finish knowing all five Luminous Mysteries and a little more about who Jesus is.

Episode Highlights

  • [0:00] – Intro: What are the mysteries of the Rosary?
    [__:__] – The Baptism of Jesus
    [__:__] – The Wedding at Cana
    [__:__] – The Proclamation of the Kingdom
    [__:__] – The Transfiguration
    [__:__] – The Institution of the Eucharist
    [__:__] – Outro: all five Luminous Mysteries

Transcript

Hi friends! Today we’re talking about mysteries… mysteries of the Rosary! The mysteries of the Rosary are events from the lives of Jesus and Mary, drawn from Scripture and the Church’s tradition, that help us think about Jesus and his mother Mary. When we pray the Rosary, we think about these stories so we can remember how much God loves us. There are four sets of mysteries: The Joyful Mysteries, The Sorrowful Mysteries, The Glorious Mysteries, and the Luminous Mysteries. Today we’re playing through the Luminous Mysteries! I have this Rosary Pray and Play set from Saintly Heart, and I’m going to use the little pieces to show you what each mystery is. If you want to pray along, you can pause after each mystery and pray one decade of Hail Marys. If not, that’s okay too. You can just play along with us!
The Luminous Mysteries are about moments in Jesus’ life when he shows us who he really is. The word “luminous” means light. So these mysteries help us see the light of Jesus! There are five Luminous Mysteries. Let’s play through them together.
The first Luminous Mystery is The Baptism of Jesus. This is when Jesus went to the Jordan River, and John the Baptist baptized him. In Matthew 3, it says that after Jesus was baptized, the heavens opened, the Spirit of God came down like a dove, and a voice from heaven said: “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” That means God the Father was showing everyone that Jesus is his Son.
Okay, here’s John the Baptist. And here comes Jesus! John might say: “Wait… you want ME to baptize YOU?” And Jesus says: “Yes, John. This is part of God’s plan.” Then splash! Jesus is baptized! Wait… what’s that? A dove? And a voice from heaven? “This is my beloved Son!” Whoa. That’s a big moment. The fruit of this mystery is being open to the Holy Spirit. When we think about Jesus’ baptism, we remember that God loves us too, and he wants us to live as his children.
You can pause here and pray one decade of the Rosary while thinking about Jesus being baptized in the Jordan River.
The second Luminous Mystery is The Wedding at Cana. This is when Jesus, Mary, and the disciples were at a wedding. But then something happened. They ran out of wine! Mary noticed the problem and told Jesus. In John 2, Mary says to the servants: “Do whatever he tells you.” Then Jesus told the servants to fill jars with water, and he turned the water into wine. This was Jesus’ first miracle!
Okay, everybody is at the wedding. Yay! Wedding party! Wait a second. Uh oh. The wine is all gone. Mary notices right away because Mary is always paying attention. Mary says: “Jesus, they have no wine.” And then she tells the servants: “Do whatever he tells you.” Jesus says: “Fill the jars with water.” Water? For a wedding? Okay… if Jesus says so! And then… Whoa! It’s not water anymore! It’s wine! The fruit of this mystery is going to Jesus through Mary. Mary helps us listen to Jesus. She always points us to him.
You can pause here and pray one decade of the Rosary while thinking about Mary telling us, “Do whatever Jesus tells you.”
The third Luminous Mystery is The Proclamation of the Kingdom. That means Jesus went around teaching people about God’s Kingdom. He healed people. He forgave sins. He told people to turn back to God. He taught them how to love, pray, forgive, and follow him. In Mark 1, Jesus says: “The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.” That means Jesus is inviting everyone to come close to God.
Here comes Jesus! And here are the people. Some people are sick. Some people are sad. Some people made bad choices. Some people don’t know what to do. And Jesus says: “Come follow me.” He says: “God loves you.” He says: “Turn back to God.” He says: “Love one another.” Wait, should we make the people follow Jesus? Come on, everybody! This way! No pushing in the crowd, little disciples. The fruit of this mystery is repentance and conversion. That means we ask God to help us turn away from sin and follow Jesus with our whole hearts.
You can pause here and pray one decade of the Rosary while thinking about Jesus teaching people about the Kingdom of God.
The fourth Luminous Mystery is The Transfiguration. This is when Jesus took Peter, James, and John up a mountain. And while they were there, Jesus’ face shone like the sun, and his clothes became bright white. Moses and Elijah appeared with him. Then a voice from heaven said: “This is my beloved Son. Listen to him.” The disciples got to see Jesus’ glory.
Okay, Jesus says: “Peter, James, John, come with me up the mountain.” Up, up, up they go. That is a big climb. Maybe Peter says: “Are we there yet?” And then suddenly… Whoa! Jesus is shining! His face is bright! His clothes are bright! Everything is bright! Peter says: “This is amazing!” And then God the Father says: “This is my beloved Son. Listen to him.” So what should we do? Listen to Jesus! The fruit of this mystery is a desire for holiness. That means we want to become more like Jesus.
You can pause here and pray one decade of the Rosary while thinking about Jesus shining with glory on the mountain.
The fifth Luminous Mystery is The Institution of the Eucharist. This is when Jesus gave us the Eucharist at the Last Supper. Jesus was with his apostles, and he took bread and wine. In Luke 22, Jesus says: “This is my body, which will be given for you; do this in memory of me.” At every Mass, we remember this moment. The bread and wine become Jesus’ Body and Blood. Jesus gives himself to us in the Eucharist because he loves us so much.
Okay, here is Jesus at the table with his apostles. It’s the Last Supper. Jesus takes the bread. He says: “This is my body.” Then he takes the cup. He says: “This is my blood.” The apostles might not understand everything yet. Maybe one of them says: “Wait… this is very important, isn’t it?” Yes. Very important. Jesus is giving us the Eucharist. And we still receive Jesus in the Eucharist at Mass today. The fruit of this mystery is love of the Eucharist. When we think about this mystery, we remember that Jesus wants to be close to us.
You can pause here and pray one decade of the Rosary while thinking about Jesus giving us the Eucharist at the Last Supper.
And those are the five Luminous Mysteries! The Baptism of Jesus, The Wedding at Cana, The Proclamation of the Kingdom, The Transfiguration, and the Institution of the Eucharist. These mysteries help us see the light of Jesus and remember who he is. Next time you pray the Rosary, you can think about these stories and play them out in your imagination. If you want your own Rosary Pray and Play set, check out the special link and promo code in the description. And don’t forget to subscribe to Juice Box for more fun Catholic videos for kids. See you next time, friends. Bye!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary?

They're five moments from Jesus' public life: his Baptism, the Wedding at Cana, the Proclamation of the Kingdom, the Transfiguration, and the Institution of the Eucharist. Pope St. John Paul II added them to the Rosary in 2002.

Why are they called the Luminous Mysteries?

Luminous means full of light. In each of these moments, Jesus shows who he really is, the Son of God. He even called himself the light of the world.

What day do Catholics pray the Luminous Mysteries?

Thursday. Pope St. John Paul II suggested praying the Luminous Mysteries on Thursdays, but families can pray them any day.

What are the fruits of the Luminous Mysteries?

Traditionally: openness to the Holy Spirit (Baptism), going to Jesus through Mary (Cana), repentance and conversion (Proclamation of the Kingdom), a desire for holiness (Transfiguration), and love for the Eucharist (Institution of the Eucharist). The fruits come from Catholic prayer tradition, so different prayer books may word them a little differently.

How do you pray one decade of the Rosary?

Say the name of the mystery, then pray one Our Father, ten Hail Marys, and one Glory Be while you think about that moment in Jesus' life. Many families also add the Fatima Prayer at the end.

Why does Mary say, “Do whatever he tells you”?

Mary always leads us to her Son. At Cana, she brought the problem to Jesus and then pointed the servers to him. We honor Mary, and she helps us listen to Jesus.

Is the Eucharist really Jesus?

Yes. The Church teaches that at Mass the bread and wine truly become the Body and Blood of Jesus, even though they still look and taste like bread and wine. Jesus gives himself to us because he loves us.

If your kids asked a big faith question this week, you’re not alone. Subscribe so you’ve always got a short, safe, Catholic video ready for car rides, bedtime, or Sunday prep.
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL

Free Luminous Mysteries Activity Worksheet for Kids

Help your kids remember all five Luminous Mysteries with a printable coloring and matching page they can use while praying the Rosary.

What's Inside:

Five pictures to color, one for each Luminous Mystery

A matching game: connect each mystery to its fruit

A decade tracker with ten beads to color as you pray

Perfect to use while watching the companion Juice Box video

Related Episodes

Support Us

Each dollar brings us closer to creating each new episode!

Juice Box is free for families because supporters make it possible. Your support helps us keep creating joyful, faithful episodes that kids actually enjoy, and that parents can trust. When you give, you’re helping build up a new generation of joyful Catholics who know and love Jesus.

SUPPORT US

Kids Teaching Mass

St. Elmo for Kids: The Brave Story of St. Erasmus

Meet St. Elmo, also known as St. Erasmus, an early Christian martyr remembered for his courage and faithfulness to Jesus.

Around the campfire, Fr. Tim tells the Juice Box crew about St. Elmo, some of the dramatic legends and traditions that developed around him, and what his witness can teach kids about trusting Jesus when life is painful, frightening, or difficult.

Who Was St. Elmo? The Story of St. Erasmus for Kids

St. Elmo is a traditional name for St. Erasmus of Formia.

Later tradition describes him as a bishop associated with Formia, Italy, and the Church has long honored him as a martyr. A martyr is someone who remains faithful to Jesus even when doing so costs that person his or her life.

Christians faced periods of severe persecution in the Roman Empire, and St. Erasmus has long been honored by Christians as a bishop and martyr who remained faithful to Christ.

Over time, many dramatic stories developed around St. Erasmus. Later accounts attributed to him describe miraculous rescues, angelic assistance, and even a raven feeding him while he was in hiding. These stories belong to the legendary tradition surrounding St. Erasmus and cannot be confirmed as historical facts.

What the Church remembers most importantly is much simpler: St. Erasmus is honored as a martyr who remained faithful to Christ.

Free Teaching Mass Worksheet For Kids

Key Takeaways

In this episode, kids will:

  • See what happens during the entrance procession, including the crucifix, candles, and incense
  • Learn why the priest genuflects toward the tabernacle, and why Jesus is present there
  • Understand why there are always three Mass readings, and where the priest finds them in the lectionary
  • Discover what happens during the Eucharistic Prayer, and how the bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Jesus
  • Learn why Catholics offer one another a sign of peace, and what to pray if they haven’t had their First Communion yet
  • See what the priest does after Communion to care for the sacred vessels

Episode Summary

Ever wonder what your kids would say if they had to explain the Mass themselves? In this episode, Father Tim invites a group of curious kids to do exactly that, walking through the Mass step by step from the sacristy to the final blessing.

We start by following the entrance procession, learning what the crucifix and incense represent, and stop at the altar steps to talk about genuflecting toward the tabernacle, since Jesus himself is present there.

The kids ask the questions real kids actually ask: why are there three readings, what is the lectionary, and what happens when the priest raises his hands and says the words of Jesus over the bread and wine. Father Tim walks through the Eucharistic Prayer, the Our Father, and the sign of peace, before answering one of the more tender questions of the episode, what a child should do if they haven’t had their First Communion yet and can’t receive Communion.

By the end, Father Tim quizzes the kids on everything they’ve learned, tabernacle, ambo, lectionary, and missal, and they get every one right. A fun, hands-on way to help kids recognize what’s happening the next time they’re sitting in the pew.

Episode Highlights

  • 0:00 – Medieval Church Lego Build
  • 6:05 – Things Inside the Church with Magna-Tiles
  • 10:57 – Church Altar Lego Build
  • 15:34 – Notre Dame Cathedral Lego Build
  • 20:17 – Learn ABCs, Catholic Style
  • 24:42 – Catholic Mass & Church Play Along for Kids
  • 28:30 – Viking Lego Village Into a Church

Transcript

Hey, JuiceBoxers! Today is no ordinary JuiceBox episode! Today we're... GOING TO MASS! There's a lot of important stuff that happens at Mass, and maybe you're a little confused sometimes. That's okay! Mass is the best and most important type of prayer we have. I love it so much! My friends and I are going to teach you about some of the things you see and hear at Mass. LIKE THE BELLS!! AND THE SMOKE!! Why does the priest dress like that?? We'll get into it all! Now, let's get ready!

Okay, so before Mass begins my servers and I get ready in a special room called the: Sacristy. OOOOOH, so that's what that room is... I always wondered what you guys were doing in there. In the sacristy, we have all of the stuff we need to make Mass happen. One of the important things that happens in here: I get dressed! I wear special clothes called vestments. There are all different colored vestments for different seasons: White is for celebration. Like Christmas and Easter! Purple is for preparation. Like Advent and Lent! Red is for sacrifice. Green is for Ordinary time, which is most of the year. Let's do green! Alright, now let's quiet down and head into the church!

At the very beginning of Mass, the priest and the servers walk down the aisle. This is called the: Procession! Sometimes the procession has a song, but not always. During the procession, you might see the servers carrying some things: A crucifix, an image of Jesus on the Cross. Candles! And sometimes you might even see a special kind of smoke called incense, this cool thing is called a thurible, and when you swing it the smoke comes out. As I get to the altar, I genuflect. Now, I have a question for you, which way should I genuflect?? Wait, what does genuflect even mean?? Great question! To genuflect means to get down on one knee. It's a sign of reverence. After all, we're coming before God Himself! Oh...so you genuflect up? Nope! But that's a good guess. Towards the Holy Water? Hmm! Interesting. But not that either. Towards the big golden box in the center? Bingo! That big golden box is called the: Tabernacle. I genuflect towards the tabernacle because Jesus Himself is in the tabernacle.

Huh?? We'll explain that later, but for now... In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. After we make the Sign of the Cross, we want to have God clean our hearts. Sometimes our hearts want things other than God, and we want to come back to Him. So, we ask God to forgive us! You may see some people who pound their fist on their chest, like this: "Through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault..." Then we sing the Gloria and we give praise to God!! That's the whole reason that we're here! [Sing piece of Gloria]

Ok, now we go into one of my favorite parts of Mass: the readings! We get to bask in the Word of God! I'm the reader! This is called the: Ambo. The Ambo is where the readings take place. But wait... What? How do I know what to read? It's all in the lectionary, it has all the readings for the whole year! Oh. Thanks. WAIT, WHAT?!?!?! Everything ok? Why are there three readings?? There's always three readings! One from the Old Testament, before Jesus came. A Psalm, which is an ancient song of praise to God. And an Epistle, which are letters the apostles of Jesus wrote a looooong time ago. Alright, I better get reading... "In the beginning..." [Comical Gibberish in high speed] The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. And now, I get to read from the Gospel! The words of Jesus! Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ.

After the Gospel, I talk for a little while. Sometimes I'll explain the readings or teach people how to come closer to Jesus. It's called a: Homily. After the Homily, we recite a prayer called the: Creed. In the creed, we proclaim all the things that we believe in our faith. I believe in One God... The Father the Almighty... Maker of Heaven and earth

Next we pray for people in need! This is a great time for you to pray in your heart for people you know! I want to pray for my friend who got hurt! I want to pray for my grandma! We pray for everyone who is sick, everyone who is suffering, and everyone who is lonely. Lord, hear our prayer.

Alright, JuiceBoxers, it's game time. This is where we get into the most important part of the Mass: The Eucharist. Eucharist is a word that means "thanksgiving." Like thanksgiving dinner?? Well...I guess it's kind of like that. There won't be any turkey. But we are giving thanks to God and reliving The Last Supper, so...a little bit. Guys, we gotta get ready. I need some help. YOU! Get bread. Aye aye, captain. YOU! Get wine. I'm not allowed to drink wine... This is different. Meet me back here in two minutes. On it.

I'll get things ready over here. Altar cloth. To set the table. Crucifix. To remember why we do what we do. Corporal. To give our gifts a special place. Paten. For the bread. Chalice. For the wine. Mission accomplished. Well done. Well done, indeed. Ok, so now everything is on the altar...let's pray! During the Eucharistic prayer, I read prayers out of this special book called the missal. In this book are all the prayers for the whole Mass.

During the Eucharistic prayer, I ask the Holy Spirit to come down on the bread and wine. Then, I do something very special: I bow down and I recite the words of Jesus over the bread: Take this, all of you, and eat of it, for this is My Body, which will be given up for you. Once I say those words, the bread actually becomes the Body of Jesus! And, how do you know that it's happened?? THE BELLS!! As the bells are rung, I elevate His Body so that everyone in the church can adore Him. Then, I do the same with the wine: Take this, all of you, and drink from it, for this is the chalice of my Blood, the Blood of the new and eternal covenant, which will be poured out for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Do this in memory of me. And now, the wine is the Blood of Jesus!

As we move on in the Eucharistic prayer, we all stand up and pray the prayer that Jesus taught us: The Our Father! I KNOW THAT PRAYER!! Now, have you ever wondered why everyone starts shaking hands in the middle of Mass? Yeah, why the heck do we do that?? Well, after we pray the Our Father, we have the opportunity to make peace with the people around us, to show them love and forgiveness! This is usually done by saying: Peace be with you! AND WITH YOUR SPIRIT!! Exactly! Now, after that, we get ready for the most amazing part of Mass: Communion!

During Communion, everyone in church comes forward to receive Jesus by eating His body. Sometimes you might see that you can receive the Blood of Jesus as well, and sometimes just His Body, either way, He gives His whole Self to us anytime we receive Communion. Body of Christ. Amen.

Wait, but what if I haven't had my First Communion yet?? Well, Jesus wants you to receive Him and He can't wait until it's your first Communion! I can't wait either! For now, you can say a prayer to Jesus saying how much you love Him and want to receive Him. Jesus, I love You and I can't wait for my first Communion...

After Communion, while you pray and give thanks to God, you may notice that I do some cleaning up here at the altar. I purify the sacred vessels. I wipe them down with a special cloth called a purificator to make sure that they are fully cleaned out, because we want to take special care of the Body and Blood of Jesus. Now that I'm done with that, I'll go back to my chair, we'll pray a closing prayer, and then I give the final blessing. In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. And now, Mass is over! We process out. And we're all done!

Alright, guys, quiz time! Here's the church, can you help me find the... Tabernacle Good job! Ambo? Great! Lectionary? You got it! Missal Yes! Man, you guys are good! Parents, if you want your kids to be able to take Mass home and keep learning, click the link in the description for the pop-up Mass kit from our friends at Saintly Heart. JuiceBoxers, I always love playing and praying with you! I hope that next time you're at Mass, you recognize the things we learned about in this video. I will see you guys next time for more fun! Bye!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why does the priest genuflect toward the tabernacle?

The priest genuflects, getting down on one knee, as a sign of reverence. Jesus himself is present in the tabernacle, so the gesture is a way of acknowledging that we are coming before God.

Why are there always three Mass readings?

The Church includes one reading from the Old Testament, a Psalm, and an Epistle at every Sunday Mass, drawing from a book called the lectionary, which contains all the readings for the entire year.

What happens during the Eucharistic Prayer?

During the Eucharistic Prayer, the priest prays the words of Jesus over the bread and wine, and by the power of the Holy Spirit, they become the Body and Blood of Christ. This moment, called the consecration, is the heart of the Mass.

What if I haven't had my First Communion yet?

A child who hasn't received First Communion can still come forward during Communion to receive a blessing instead, and is invited to pray and tell Jesus how much they love him and look forward to receiving him one day.

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Free Teaching Mass Activity Worksheet for Kids

Search the Sanctuary is an I-Spy style worksheet that helps kids become more familiar with the sacred objects they see at Mass. Kids search the hand-drawn sanctuary scene and circle each item they can find, including the Tabernacle, Altar, Bread, Chalice, Altar Cloth, Ambo, Wine, and Crucifix.

What's Inside:

An I-Spy style sanctuary scene 8 Mass items for kids to find and circle

Perfect to use while watching the companion Juice Box video

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