Sharing the Sign of Peace

To create a symbol for the sign of peace

The children will demonstrate how sharing the sign of peace with others is a sign of love.

• 4" x 6" sheets of construction paper of assorted colors (one sheet per child)
• Pencils
• Crayons or markers
• Scissors

• After discussing the section entitled "Link to Liturgy" [How do we share our love at Mass? One way is to offer others the sign of peace], tell the children that they, too, can share God's peace with others.
• Have the children demonstrate the sign of peace by saying the words, "Peace be with you."
• Remind them that this is a way we share love with others during Mass.
• Tell the children that they are going to make hands with these same words written on them to share with others in our families, schools, or neighborhood.
• Distribute the materials. Instruct each child to trace around his or her hand.
• Have the children cut out the traced hands.
• Using crayons or markers, have the children write, "Peace be with you!" and their name in the middle of the hand shape.
• Tell the children to share their "Signs of Peace" with someone who would be cheered up by a gift of peace. This may be an elderly or sick neighbor, the crossing guard at school, or the cashier at the grocery store.
• Remind them that God wants us to share his peace throughout the whole world.

Art/Space Smart, Self Smart

If there are children in your group with special needs (physical, visual, hearing, language, or behavioral disabilities), adapt the activity accordingly.