Explaining Catholicism to an 8 year old

[ericka1701]

I live in an area where Catholics and Catholic churches are a very rare site (unless one were to look… and it’s still pretty difficult to find). The most prevailant denominations are Southern Baptist and Pentacostal. My 8 year old niece, who to the best of my knowledge hasn’t even met another Catholic, is starting to ask me questions about Catholicism, mainly what it is, but I am sure other questions will come up in the future.

I can do a fairly decent job of explaining to someone older, but I am unsure of how to explain it to her. Are there any specific resources (books or websites… anything) that I can consult to make it simple enough for her to understand but not completely overwhelm her with information at one time? I have a tendancy to try to over-explain things, and I don’t want to completely confuse her the first time around and possibly stop any further questions.

Thanks and God Bless!
Ericka

 

[CWBetts]

I am fairly certain both Catholic Answers and EWTN have books targeted specifically for children

 

[grannymh]

There is a series of books on the Sacraments, etc. for young children.

PLEASE read these books first before sharing them with your niece. It’s more the style of writing which you should check. One mother, I know, thought it was too emotional…

source: Precious Life Books, Inc. % New Hope Publications, New Hope, KY 40052.
1-800-728-5945

The authors are Susan Andrews Brindle, Miriam Andrews Lademan, and Joan Andrews Bell.

The books are paperback at about $15.00. There are coloring books which go with them.

The text is written in both English and Spanish.

Actually, you should read every book before sharing with your niece.

Blessings,
grannymh