Gathering material
Ideas for a focal point with children
Prepare the space
Display on a table a key, three nails, a plate with slices/pieces of fruit, e.g. apple, satsuma, grapes, and if possible, an image of Caravaggio’s painting, The Incredulity of Saint Thomas.
Gathering activity
All sit in a circle. Take the plate of fruit, and offer a piece to the child sitting beside you. As they take it say, ‘Peace be with you.’ Pass the plate round, with each person repeating the words to their neighbour. Ask the group what the nails and key on display might represent. In today’s story, Jesus appears to his disciples in a locked room and shows them his wounds.