Holy Trinity Sunday is coming up this weekend, so I decided to teach my five year old about the Trinity. To be honest, up until this point I have avoided going too in depth with her on the Trinity because it is a very deep concept and difficult to comprehend, even for adults! But it is a core teaching and this is a great opportunity to prepare her to better understand what she will learn at church this Sunday. To educate myself on the Solemnity of the Holy Trinity I looked here at Catholic Culture (which is such a great website!).
Here are some of the ways I plan on teaching my little girl about the Trinity:
Read about the Holy Trinity
I like the explanation that this bulletin provides on the left side, as it is clear and to the point. The dot-to-dot on the right will create one of the symbols of the Trinity (some of which are included below). Just ignore or change the date on it, and you are good as gold!
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| Printable Trinity Kids' Bulletin The Kids' Bulletin |
Discuss symbols of the Trinity
The following are some symbols used to describe or illustrate the Trinity.
This first one is more kid-friendly version of the Shield of the Trinity, which has been used for hundreds of years. You can paste it into a word document, print, and have your child color it as a poster or banner for decoration.
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Teaching With TLC
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The shamrock is also a symbol of the Trinity that was introduced by St. Patrick in Ireland. The one here can be printed, and your child can attach the labels of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit where they belong.
I've seen this Triquetra before, usually as tattoos actually, but didn't know that it is a symbol of the Trinity. You learn something new everyday!
Use objects to build a concrete understanding
The concept of the Trinity is difficult for kids (and adults) to conceive of because it is beyond our human understanding. Using objects, in this case water, an egg, or apple to provide examples of how something can be 3 at the same time as 1. Of course, this can be an oversimplification of the enormity of God, so I'll be sure to emphasize the deeper points, as well. |
| Ideas for Teaching the Trinity With Objects Global Post |
Eat pretzels!
I'd heard that pretzels symbolize arms crossed in prayer, but they can also symbolize the Trinity. We're going to be snacking on some pretzels this week!
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| Pretzel Explains the Trinity Jesus Did It All |
Make Trinity crafts
Here are a couple simple crafts from Catholic Icing that can be done to help kids understand this complex idea.
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| Printable Trinity Shamrock Craft Catholic Icing |
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| Simple Trinity Triangle Craft Catholic Icing |
Read bible stories about the Holy Trinity
There are several passages in the bible that tell explicitly of the Trinity.One of the best stories to teach this is the baptism of Jesus in Matthew 3:13-17. The following is a video that details the events leading up to and including Jesus' baptism by John the Baptist, the descent of the Holy Spirit as a dove, and God speaking. If you want just the events of Jesus' baptism, start the video at 19:30.
Another passage I love comes from 2 Corinthians 13:13 "The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the holy Spirit be with all of you." That would be a great quote to frame and hang up!
Hopefully my Grace and I will at least try a few of these ideas out this week. May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you!
- Jessica
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