About Denise Gorss
Denise Gorss is a catechist with more than 20 years experience, mostly in junior high. She appreciates the gifts of Ignatian spirituality and likes sharing various types of prayer with the young people in her groups. She enjoys seeing the world on pilgrimages and lives in the Chicago area, where she works as Web Editor at Loyola Press.

O Antiphons Activities Pack

The familiar Advent hymn “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel,” has as its verses paraphrases of the O Antiphons. These special prayers are prayed at Evening Prayer and as the Alleluia verse at weekday Masses from December 17–23. Introduce young people and families to the O Antiphons this Advent with our O Antiphons Activities Pack. Young people can learn the Latin words of the O Antiphons and compose a special poem. Or invite families to pray […]

Thanksgiving Prayer Placemat

Set the atmosphere for a faith-filled Thanksgiving by sending children home with a Thanksgiving prayer placemat. Fun for kids of all ages (even adults!), the center of the placemat includes a child’s prayer of gratitude next to a cornucopia to color. Surrounding the prayer are several activities for children to do in the classroom during a discussion on the holiday or while waiting for the family to sit down to dinner: a question to prompt […]

Saints Mobile

Create a saints mobile with children to explore the lives of holy men and women of God. From Our Lady, Mother of Africa to Saint Joan of Arc and Saint Sebastian, the saints represented in this downloadable activity are all featured in Loyola Kids Book of Seasons, Feasts, and Celebrations by Amy Welborn. Each medallion for the mobile includes a picture of a saint on one side and room for facts about the saint or […]

Patron Saints Matching

Explore saints stories associated with animals, weather, and the produce of the land. Our patron saints match sheet and online game can help. From protection against storms to the protection of bees and gardeners, the patronages of the featured saints are great to learn about in a lesson on care for creation or All Saints Day. Challenge fellow catechists to test their knowledge of the saints too! Learn about the featured saints and many more […]

Labor and Rest in the Bible Activities

What does the Bible say about work and rest? Explore Scripture passages related to labor and God’s command and promises of rest. The downloadable activities invite young people to look up Scripture verses and then express what they learn in creative ways. This activity is inspired by the 2023 Catechetical Sunday theme of “Come to me all you who labor and are burdened.” (Matthew 11:28) In our driven and often anxious world, let’s remember to […]

Anima Christi Activities

The Anima Christi, also known as the “Soul of Christ” prayer, appears at the beginning of The Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius. Many people pray it as a prayer after Communion, making it a great prayer to explore during the National Eucharistic Revival. The text of the prayer is also appropriate for reflection during Holy Week or any time of Eucharistic Adoration. Help older students or adults reflect on this prayer by downloading a fill-in-the-blanks […]

Eucharist Quotes Journal

Deepen your understanding of the Eucharist through using our Eucharist Quotes Journal. The journal features quotes by Pope Francis, Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska, and spiritual authors including Fr. Dominic Grassi, Joe Paprocki, and Julianne Stanz, each chosen to inspire reflection on the Mystery of the Eucharist. This journal is perfect for use as a Mass journal, a faith formation activity for older students and adults, or a tool for reflection during Adoration. Invite parishioners to […]

Divine Praises Activities Pack

Introduce young people to the Divine Praises with our fun activities pack. Create a mobile, solve a word scramble, and do a word search featuring words related to the Divine Praises. The Divine Praises are traditionally prayed after Adoration and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. They are a wonderful prayer to learn during the National Eucharistic Revival. Extend the activity by researching the origin of the Divine Praises and how several popes added to them. […]

Family Faith in Summer Choice Board

Our Family Faith in Summer Choice Board can help families remember with gratitude to God all the fun and relaxation summer holds. Give children choices by asking them to select and complete a set number of activities from the board: three-in-a-row, any four, or whatever number you choose. Activities include options that will appeal to multiple learning styles. While the choice board can be used on its own, several activities can be expanded with these […]

A Whole Bunch of Values Lenten Countdown for Children

For a fresh approach to a Lenten calendar, explore a variety of values with young children this Lent. Our Lenten Countdown for Children invites children to choose a good value to practice each day, coloring and numbering circles as they go to track their progress. Values listed include sharing, patience, honesty, and more—all traits covered in the book A Whole Bunch of Values. Download the Lenten Countdown for Children.

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