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Link to Artwork: https://makotofujimura.com/art/portals/walking-on-water Scripture:   Matthew 14:29 Virtue Focus: Trust Week A: Observation + Thinking Thinking Routine: Parts – Purposes – Complexities Day 1 Activities:  Silent observation of the artwork - Use the thinking routine: Parts – Purposes – Complexities Connect the image to Scripture and virtue. Discuss meaning, symbolism, and emotional impact. Day 2: Journal Prompt How does this painting help you understand the meaning of trust or faith? Week B: Creative Response Day 1: Artistic Expression Creative Task: Watercolor & gold or metallic accents Optional: write a poem titled “Eyes on Jesus”  or “When I Look Down” Day 2: Sharing and Reflecting Prompt: What did you discover while painting with light and texture?

Link to Artwork: https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/11081 Scripture: Isaiah 11:6–9 Virtue Focus: Peace Week A: Observation + Thinking Thinking Routine: What Makes You Say That? Day 1 Activities:  Silent observation of the artwork  Use the thinking routine: What Makes You Say That?  Connect the image to Scripture and virtue. Discuss meaning, symbolism, and emotional impact. Day 2: Journal Prompt What does this artwork teach me about Peace? Week B: Creative Response Day 1: Artistic Expression Creative Task: Make a peaceful animal scene using paper cutouts or colored pencils. Day 2: Sharing and Reflecting Prompt: How can we live more peacefully with others?

Link to Artwork: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Praying_Hands_(D%C3%BCrer)#/media/File:Albrecht_D%C3%BCrer_-_Praying_Hands,_1508_-_Google_Art_Project.jpg Scripture: Philippians 4:6 Virtue Focus: Prayerfulnes s Week A: Observation + Thinking Thinking Routine: Connect – Extend – Challenge Day 1 Activities: Silent observation of the artwork Use the thinking routine: Connect – Extend – Challenge Connect the image to Scripture and virtue. Discuss meaning, symbolism, and emotional impact. Day 2: Journal Prompt What does this artwork teach me about Prayerfulness? Week B: Creative Response Day 1: Artistic Expression Creative Task: Trace your own hands and decorate them with prayers, symbols, or Scripture. Day 2: Sharing and Reflecting Prompt: What do your hands do when they are at peace?

Link to Artwork: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Calling_of_Saint_Matthew#/media/File:The_Calling_of_Saint_Matthew-Caravaggo_(1599-1600).jpg Scripture: Matthew 9:9 Virtue Focus: Conversion Week A: Observation + Thinking Thinking Routine: What Makes You Say That? Day 1 Activities:  Silent observation of the artwork  Use the thinking routine: What Makes You Say That?  Connect the image to Scripture and virtue. Discuss meaning, symbolism, and emotional impact. Day 2: Journal Prompt What does this artwork teach me about Conversion? Week B: Creative Response Day 1: Artistic Expression Creative Task: Use dramatic contrast (light/dark) in a charcoal or digital piece showing a moment of change. Day 2: Sharing and Reflecting Prompt: When have you felt called to something new?

The Visitation (from the predella of the Cortona Annunciation altarpiece, 1434–1436) Date:  1434–1436 Medium:  Tempera on panel Location:  Originally from the predella of the Cortona Annunciation altarpiece, now in the Museo Diocesano, Cortona, Italy Description: This predella panel is divided into two scenes: Left side:  The Visitation – the meeting of the Virgin Mary and Saint Elizabeth, set against an ochre landscape with a walled city in the background. The women embrace with halos glowing. Right side:  The Adoration of the Magi – three wise men presenting gifts to the newborn Jesus, held by Mary. A humble, rustic architectural setting frames the scene. Style:  Early Renaissance, with delicate figures, serene expressions, and a spiritual, luminous quality typical of Fra Angelico's work. To see the complete unit on Fra Angelico Picture Study, please visit: https://everythingisgodsgift.blogspot.com/2025/07/discovering-grace-through-art-of-fra.html

Title: T he Martyrdom of St. Cosmas and St. Damian (predella of the San Marco altarpiece, c. 1440) Date:  c. 1440 Medium:  Tempera on panel Location:  Predella panel from the San Marco Altarpiece, now in the Museo di San Marco, Florence, Italy Description: This panel depicts the execution of the twin saints, Cosmas and Damian, who are beheaded by a swordsman on a rural path. The background features rolling hills, medieval towers, and cypress trees, typical of Tuscan landscapes. On the left, onlookers and soldiers observe the execution, while the executioner is shown mid-strike on the right. The scene is marked by vivid reds, delicate golden halos, and a solemn sense of martyrdom. Style:  Fra Angelico’s composition balances narrative clarity and tender spirituality, with carefully rendered expressions and landscape. To see the complete unit on Fra Angelico Picture Study, please visit: https://everythingisgodsgift.blogspot.com/2025/07/discovering-grace-through-art-of-fra.html

The Annunciation (San Marco, Florence, c. 1440–1445) Date:  c. 1440–1445 Medium:  Fresco Location:  Convent of San Marco, Florence, Italy Description: This serene fresco depicts the Archangel Gabriel’s announcement to Mary. The figures are set within a graceful loggia with classical arches and Corinthian capitals. Gabriel, clothed in flowing pink, bows reverently to Mary, who is seated and receives the message with humility. The loggia opens to a garden of symbolic flowers, while the soft colors and delicate forms radiate peace and holiness. Style:  Fra Angelico’s gentle figures, luminous colors, and refined architectural perspective create an atmosphere of divine grace and calm. To see the complete unit on Fra Angelico Picture Study, please visit: https://everythingisgodsgift.blogspot.com/2025/07/discovering-grace-through-art-of-fra.html

The Flight into Egypt (c. 1450) Date:  c. 1450 Medium:  Tempera on panel Location:  Probably part of a predella or altarpiece, held in various collections Description: This panel shows the Holy Family’s flight to Egypt. Mary, in blue, holds the Christ Child on a donkey, while Joseph leads the way, carrying a water flask and a staff. The landscape is stylized with winding roads and gentle hills, conveying the journey’s quiet perseverance. Style:  Fra Angelico’s hallmark tender gestures and rich, warm colors heighten the sense of narrative while maintaining spiritual focus. To see the complete unit on Fra Angelico Picture Study, please visit: https://everythingisgodsgift.blogspot.com/2025/07/discovering-grace-through-art-of-fra.html

Title:  Navicella (The Large Boat) Date:  c. 1298–1300 Medium:  Mosaic (originally), later heavily restored and now only fragments survive Original Location:  Old St. Peter’s Basilica, Rome, Italy Description: Commissioned by Cardinal Jacopo Stefaneschi, this mosaic depicted St. Peter walking on water towards Christ. The apostles are in a large boat, tossed by waves, while Christ calms the storm and saves Peter. The dramatic composition with large figures and a dynamic sea underscores Giotto’s narrative skill. Significance: Although only fragments remain, this work was one of the most famous mosaics of medieval Rome and demonstrated Giotto’s ability to bring drama and grandeur to monumental works. To see the complete unit on Giotto di Bondoni Picture Study, please visit: https://everythingisgodsgift.blogspot.com/2025/07/picture-study-journey-into-gods-story.html

Title:   Madonna and Child with the Young St. John the Baptist Date:  c. 1490–1495 Medium:  Tempera on panel Location:  Louvre Museum, Paris, France Description:  In this tender scene, the Virgin Mary gazes lovingly at the Christ Child, who is held up to her by St. John the Baptist. The figures are arranged in a gentle pyramid, with delicate halos and a lush floral background. Botticelli’s fine lines, elegant forms, and sweet expressions create an intimaIn this tender scene, the Virgin Mary gazes lovingly at the Christ Child, who is held up to her by St. John the Baptist. The figures are arranged in a gentle pyramid, with delicate halos and a lush floral background. Botticelli’s fine lines, elegant forms, and sweet expressions create an intimate and tender atmosphere.te and tender atmosphere. Significance:   The painting highlights Botticelli’s ability to infuse classical beauty and grace into religious subjects, creating a sense of calm divinity. To see the complete unit on Sandro Botticelli's Picture Study, please visit: https://everythingisgodsgift.blogspot.com/2025/09/grace-in-every-line-catholic-picture.html

Here is this Sunday's Gospel Pack: On November 9, 2025 , the Church celebrates the Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome  — the mother church of all Catholic churches around the world. In the Gospel (John 2:13–22), Jesus visits the temple and sees people selling animals and exchanging money. He becomes upset and reminds everyone that God’s house is holy  and should be a place of prayer, not business. This week’s Sunday Gospel Pack  helps children understand how to show respect and love for God’s house: ✨ Child-friendly Gospel story: Jesus Cleans God’s House 🌟 Virtue of the Week: Reverence and Respect 👼 Saint of the Week: St. Leo the Great 🔤 Word Search : Find words like holy , prayer , and temple 🧹 Church Helper List : Write or draw simple ways to care for and respect God’s house 🎨 Art Activity : Complete the other half of a church drawing and reflect on the verse — “My house shall be a house of prayer” (Luke 19:46) 💌 Download the Sunday Gospel Pack here:   May this week’s Gospel Pack help your family grow in honesty and love for Jesus. With joy,

On November 2, 2025 , the Church celebrates All Souls’ Day , a special time to pray for all who have gone before us. The Gospel (Luke 19:1–10) tells the story of Zacchaeus , a man who wanted to see Jesus. Even though people didn’t like Zacchaeus, Jesus saw his heart and stayed with him. Zacchaeus changed his ways and welcomed Jesus joyfully—showing us that God welcomes everyone  who seeks Him. This week’s Sunday Gospel Pack  helps children understand compassion and welcome: ✨ Child-friendly Gospel story: Zacchaeus Welcomes Jesus 🌟 Virtue of the Week: Welcoming Others & Making Amends 👼 Saint of the Week: St. Martin de Porres 🎨 Craft Activity  – design your own Welcome Banner 🖍 Spot-the-Difference Game   + Reflection Page – think of kind ways to greet new friends 💌 Download the Sunday Gospel Pack here:   May this week’s Gospel Pack help your family grow in honesty and love for Jesus. With joy,