DEC 15, 2024
INSIDE OUT (2015) Explores the Emotional Complexities of Teens
✨ "Inside Out" (2015) is a movie that beautifully resonates with the themes of rejoicing in all circumstances, prayer as a source of peace, and the transformative power of faith.
The story follows the emotions of a young girl named Riley as her family moves to a new city. The personified emotions of Joy, Sadness, Fear, Disgust, and Anger navigate Riley's inner world, working together to help her cope with the challenges of change and growth.
Rejoicing in all circumstances: Throughout the film, Joy learns that it's essential to embrace all emotions, including sadness, as they each play a vital role in Riley's well-being. This aligns with the message of Philippians 4:4, which encourages rejoicing in all circumstances and developing a positive outlook.
Prayer as a source of peace: As Riley experiences anxiety and stress, the emotions in her mind communicate and collaborate to restore balance, much like prayer in Philippians 4:6. This illustrates the importance of expressing emotions and seeking guidance, leading to peace and stability.
The transformative power of faith: Riley's journey showcases the transformative power of emotional growth and self-discovery, mirroring the spiritual growth mentioned in Philippians 4:7. By inviting the Holy Spirit into their lives, teens can experience transformation and resilience, just as Riley does.
"Inside Out" is an excellent film that explores the emotional complexities of adolescence and offers valuable life lessons rooted in faith and personal growth.
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PIXAR (3:14)—Opening Scene of "Inside Out"
Children homeschool resources for the Third Sunday of Advent Year C.
Homeschool Resources Sunday Readings
Homeschool Resources Sunday Readings
- CATECHIST Resources
- KID TALK—ANNA’S Podcast
- CHILDREN’S
LITURGY - Handouts AND Activities
- READ-ALOUD
- SERMON LESSONS
Catechist
Magazine
3rd Sunday of Advent - YEAR C
Instructional Videos
Animated Videos
Point of View Videos
John the Baptist
Q: Who was John the Baptist and what was his role?
A: John the Baptist was the son of Zachariah and Elizabeth, born through an angelic visitation, who wore camel hair clothes, ate locusts and honey, and baptized people while preparing the way for the rescuer (Jesus).
Q: How was John the Baptist’s birth miraculous?
A: John’s parents were very old and thought childless, but conceived through an angelic visitation by Gabriel, who announced John’s special purpose to prepare the way for the coming Messiah.
Baptism of Jesus
Q: What happened when Jesus was baptized by John?
A: After Jesus’ baptism, the Spirit of God descended on him, a dove landed on him, and God declared, “This is my son whom I love; I am well pleased with him.”
Prenatal Recognition
Q: How did John recognize Jesus before birth?
A: John leaped for joy in Elizabeth’s womb upon hearing Mary’s voice, indicating his special role in recognizing and preparing for Jesus’ arrival even before birth.
3rd Sunday of Advent - YEAR C
Be Happy!
Hey there, my friends! I just read two cool stories from the Bible, and I want to share them with you! The first one is from a letter that a guy named Paul wrote to some people in a place called Philippi. He told them how to find joy and be happy, even when things don’t go as planned.
In Philippians 4:4-7, Paul said, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again: rejoice!… Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
It’s like Paul is telling us to be happy and cheerful, no matter what’s going on in our lives. We should be excited because we know God is with us, and He’s got everything under control. Plus, we have a direct line to Him! We can pray and talk to God whenever we want. We should be thankful and tell Him about our hopes, dreams, and even our troubles. When we do that, something amazing happens—God fills our hearts with His peace. It’s a special kind of peace that’s way better than anything else in the world!
Now, let’s check out the second story from Luke 3:10-18. This one is about John the Baptist, who was a really important guy. He helped people get ready for Jesus to come. John told everyone, “I am baptizing you with water, but one mightier than I is coming… He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.”
John wanted people to understand that there was someone even greater than him on the way. That someone was Jesus, God’s Son! Jesus was going to give people a special gift called the Holy Spirit. John also told everyone to be kind, share with others, and always do what’s right.
When Jesus showed up, John baptized Him. This was really special because it was like God’s way of telling everyone that Jesus was His Son. It also showed us that Jesus was getting ready for His important job—to save us all!
After John baptized Jesus, something incredible happened! “The Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, ‘You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.'” (Luke 3:22)
These two stories remind us that being happy is a choice we can make every day. We can find joy by knowing that God loves us and wants us to be happy. Plus, we have the amazing gift of prayer to talk to Him anytime! John the Baptist teaches us to be ready for Jesus and to live our lives doing good things. And finally, we see how much God loves His Son, Jesus, and that He loves us just as much!
So, my friends, I hope these stories make you feel happy and loved by God. Remember, you can always talk to Him and trust that He’s got a plan for your life. Keep doing good things, and you’ll be just like John, getting ready for Jesus!
CLOW Quick Picks
This Sunday’s
Prayer Table
Symbols
Zephaniah 3:14-18a
Heart:
“The Lord, the King of Israel, is in your midst; you have no more evil to fear” (Zephaniah 3:15). The heart symbolizes God’s love and presence among us, reminding children of His protection and care.
Birds:
“He will rejoice over you with gladness, and renew you in his love; he will sing joyfully because of you” (Zephaniah 3:17). Birds represent the joy and celebration mentioned in the passage, reflecting the happiness God feels for His children.
Tree:
“I will leave as a remnant in your midst a people humble and lowly, who shall take refuge in the name of the Lord” (Zephaniah 3:12). A tree symbolizes the growth and strength found in humility, as referenced in the passage.
Philippians 4:4-7
Cross:
“The Lord is near. Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God” (Philippians 4:5-6). The cross represents Christ’s sacrifice and reminds children of the importance of prayer in overcoming anxiety.
Sun:
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again: rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4). The sun symbolizes joy and light, representing the happiness and hope found in trusting God.
Praying hands:
“Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7). Praying hands emphasize the power of prayer and the peace that comes from a strong relationship with Christ.
Luke 3:10-18
Water:
“I am baptizing you with water, but one mightier than I is coming” (Luke 3:16). Water symbolizes the baptism performed by John the Baptist and the cleansing it brings.
Dove:
“the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove” (Luke 3:22). The dove represents the Holy Spirit, highlighting its presence and role in Jesus’ baptism.
Sandals:
“I am not worthy to loosen the thongs of his sandals” (Luke 3:16). Sandals symbolize John the Baptist’s humility before Jesus, reminding children of the importance of recognizing Christ’s greatness.
3rd Sunday of Advent - YEAR C
Liturgies of the Word
SOURCE: The Mark 10 Mission
⬇️ Mary Jo Cole
⬇️ Father Edward
⬇️ Father Glenn
⬇️ Uganda CTV
⬇️ Dominican Sisters
⬇️ Big Al & Father Joe
Most Sacred Heart Parish, Eureka, MO
The spirit of Christmas encourages kindness and sharing, prompting viewers to consider how they can help others during the holiday season.
OSV Family
Activities
Choose one of the following OUR SUNDAY VISITOR activities as a way to further reflect on the Sunday readings:
Family Faith
Sharing
We are called to live the promise of our Baptism each day and be signs of Jesus’ presence in the world. Ask each family member to tell how he or she can be a sign of Jesus to others. Together, decide on a family project for this week, such as preparing a meal for a family that has experienced hardship or is new in the community.
Family Prayer
Gathering
For your family prayer one day this week, place a bowl of water in a central location in your home. Have family members come to the water and bless themselves in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. As they do this, remind them of their Baptismal promise to be examples of God’s love in the world. Conclude with the Lord’s Prayer.
Celebrating
Togetherness
and Gratitude
This is the Third Sunday of Advent, a day to rejoice. Do a fun activity with the family, such as sledding, making cookies, or driving together to see the holiday lights.
Lighting the
Advent Wreath
Light three candles (two purple and one pink) on the Advent wreath. Have each family member offer a prayer of thanks for someone who has shown the presence of Christ by his or her love, patience, or forgiveness. Conclude by praying the Lord’s Prayer together.
SOURCE: Our Sunday Visitor Life Long Catechesis
RELATED PAGES:
OSV Kids provides children’s books and an engaging monthly activity booklet, OSV Kids, to help little ones form a relationship with Jesus Christ that grows as they do.
OSV Podcasts is your place for conversation and connection. Discover a community of Catholic content producers committed to exploring Truth in a way that unites and invites.
3rd Sunday of Advent - YEAR C
Gospel Worksheet
Download 8 1/2 x 10 (PDF)
S.D.C. is a Catholic Society that works in the field of Catechesis and the spreading of the Word of God in different ways. READ MORE
SOURCE: SDC Sunday Liturgy Resources
Catholic Kids Bulletin
Download 4-pages (PDF)
The Kids’ Bulletins are a resource for Catholic kids who would like to have some fun while learning about the readings from the Sunday Mass every week. (Ordinary Form) They are made by a mom in Canada who is happy to share them with anyone who can use them to help learn or teach about the truth and beauty of the Faith.
SOURCE: Catholic Kids Bulletin
Catholic Mom
Download Activity (PDF)
Enjoy Catholic coloring pages, lesson plans, Mass worksheets, puzzles, and more to help you prepare for Sunday Mass. These activities, prepared by the Catholic Mom Sunday Gospel Team, are free for you to print and share with your family, classroom, or parish.
SOURCE: Catholic Mom
Zephaniah 3:14-18a
Jubilantly welcoming the Third Sunday of Advent, Zephaniah aligns with fellow prophets in delivering a message that skillfully weaves warning and solace. Today’s passage finds him urging the people to proclaim JOY and rejoice as the Lord takes away all judgment upon them.
Philippians 4:4-7
On this jubilant Third Sunday of Advent, Saint Paul ardently accentuates the JOY found in Jesus, underlining the significance of rejoicing even amidst life’s challenges. In his letter to the Philippians, he imparts a powerful message.
Luke 3:10-18
Yielding to divine inspiration, the usually somber John the Baptist delivers a surprisingly uplifting message of JOY. Together with Jesus, they urge the people to welcome this JOY as they work on personal growth while appreciating their existing blessings. Christians are beckoned to nurture a life overflowing with gratitude and acknowledgement.
3rd Sunday of Advent - YEAR C
Book of the Week
BPTV (10:49) – Ms. Elaine from Bethel Park Public Library shares some life affirming pages from this book with you and your family.
Word of the Week
JOY
I Believe in Me
In I Believe in Me, children learn to believe in themselves by developing a type of self-talk that can allow them to seek the joy that resides within them because of the Holy Spirit. Throughout this book, a silhouetted figure is present in each illustration to represent the Holy Spirit that lives within us. As a book of affirmations, this story gives children the opportunity to recognize, cultivate, and speak the truth that is within themselves.
Prayer
Table
Symbols
Zephaniah 3:14-18a
Heart:
“The Lord, the King of Israel, is in your midst; you have no more evil to fear” (Zephaniah 3:15). The heart symbolizes God’s love and presence among us, reminding children of His protection and care.
Birds:
“He will rejoice over you with gladness, and renew you in his love; he will sing joyfully because of you” (Zephaniah 3:17). Birds represent the joy and celebration mentioned in the passage, reflecting the happiness God feels for His children.
Tree:
“I will leave as a remnant in your midst a people humble and lowly, who shall take refuge in the name of the Lord” (Zephaniah 3:12). A tree symbolizes the growth and strength found in humility, as referenced in the passage.
Philippians 4:4-7
Cross:
“The Lord is near. Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God” (Philippians 4:5-6). The cross represents Christ’s sacrifice and reminds children of the importance of prayer in overcoming anxiety.
Sun:
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again: rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4). The sun symbolizes joy and light, representing the happiness and hope found in trusting God.
Praying hands:
“Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7). Praying hands emphasize the power of prayer and the peace that comes from a strong relationship with Christ.
Luke 3:10-18
Water:
“I am baptizing you with water, but one mightier than I is coming” (Luke 3:16). Water symbolizes the baptism performed by John the Baptist and the cleansing it brings.
Dove:
“the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove” (Luke 3:22). The dove represents the Holy Spirit, highlighting its presence and role in Jesus’ baptism.
Sandals:
“I am not worthy to loosen the thongs of his sandals” (Luke 3:16). Sandals symbolize John the Baptist’s humility before Jesus, reminding children of the importance of recognizing Christ’s greatness.
3rd Sunday of Advent - YEAR C
Sermon Lesson
SOURCE: Ministry to Children
Sermon 4 Kids
The Joy of Christmas
OBJECTS: A wrapped Christmas gift
Scripture
“What should we do then?” the crowd asked. John answered, “The man with two tunics should share with him who has none, and the one who has food should do the same.” Luke 3:10-11
Look at this beautiful Christmas gift — there are already a lot of gifts under the tree at our house. Are there a lot of gifts under your tree? Have you looked to see how many of the gifts have your name on them?
I heard about a little boy who checked the presents under the tree every day. As he checked to see if any new presents had been added, he grouped the presents together according to the names on the gifts. Then, after he had them arranged, he counted the gifts.
One day, he discovered that his sister had more gifts under the tree than he did. He became very upset and ran into the kitchen where his mother was preparing dinner.
SOURCE: Sermon 4 Kids
Sermon Writer
A Story without a Book
OBJECTS: Map to show location of Alaska and also the west coast of Canada and the U.S. (optional)
Pictures of totem poles
Today let’s talk about totem poles. Have any of you had the opportunity to see one? Here are some pictures that will give you an idea of what they look like.
Totem poles are carved by Indian tribes in Alaska and down along the west coast of Canada and the United States. (Show map.)
A totem pole is carved from a very tall cedar tree which has been cut down. It is carved all in one piece. When the totem pole is completed it is raised up in a special place so many people can view this beautiful work of art.
A totem pole tells a story without a book. The figures carved on the totem poem may tell a story of family or about a special event that happened. Figures on a totem pole may resemble a fish, a whale, a bird, a bear, a wolf, a beaver, a frog, or a person. These are symbols that tell a story.
There is another way to tell a story without a book….
SOURCE: Sermon Writer