Brother Francis: The Bread of Life Review

I was looking for an engaging DVD to teach my first graders about The Holy Eucharist.  This is the Year of Faith and as Catholics, The Holy Eucharist is what defines us.  We truly believe that The Holy Eucharist is the body, blood, soul and divinity of Our Lord Jesus Christ.  If we want, we can go to Holy Mass every day and receive Jesus in the Eucharist.  We don't have to wait until the Sabbath Day!  What an amazing transforming gift of grace that God has bestowed on us!  But so few Catholics understand this truth and, people of other faith, dismiss it as only a symbol.

So, here's my challenge.  

How do I teach this most important tenet of Our Faith to 6 year old's?

That the Holy Eucharist is the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Our Lord Jesus Christ!

I'd been researching on the web and have found older movies that teach Holy Communion. However, they seem a bit dated.  Content is good no doubt, but lacking a visual appeal.  As we all know, kids now a days are blasted with animation graphics of the latest technology.  If it doesn't capture their attention within the first few minutes, it never will.

Source

 After viewing Brother Francis: Celebrating the Eucharist, I know it will deliver the goods to my students.

It had a feeling of Veggie Tales and we all know that's hugely popular with young children.  It had a touch of humor with Brother Francis having fun on a scooter, Pogo stick, surf board...etc.  It made him relatable and children will no doubt smile and giggle at the introduction.  Brother Francis is our guide throughout the movie and recaps the main message throughout.  It includes two visualized songs that help the message of the Holy Eucharist to stick.  For understanding to bloom in the young minds of children.  That's my goal as a Catechist.

A second part of this DVD is "The Story of Blessed Imelda Lamertini" the Patroness of First Communicants.  At the age of 10, Imelda felt God calling her to give her life to Jesus.  She devoted her life to God and He blessed Her abundantly.  In addition, they offer a Spanish version on this same DVD.  I'm happy to report that I loved it!

Word needs to get out!  Go and check out Brother Francis Online for a complete listing of all of their DVD's and activity pages.  I wasn't asked by this company to review their DVD.  I bought it on my own from a Catholic Gift Store and was pleasantly surprised at it's ability to deliver the content in an easy engaging format for young children.

I plan to show it to my class this weekend and will write an update to include their response.

Blessings,
Noreen