Saint Stephen for Kids | Service, Courage, and Forgiveness
Stephen helped the young Church care for people in need and spoke about Jesus with courage. This illustrated story follows his service, his testimony, and the prayer of forgiveness he offered at his death.
The lesson pages invite children to connect courage with practical service and mercy. Guidance for adults distinguishes forgiveness from accepting harm, and students identify a trusted adult who can help them respond safely to unfairness.
Available free on YouTube since December 17, 2025. Watch the complete video above. Runtime: 3:58. Suggested ages: about 7–11.
Free teaching resources
Use these printable materials at home, in a Catholic classroom, in homeschool, or in parish religious education. The complete four-page packet includes a two-page leader guide with discussion questions, answer cues, an activity, prayer, and teaching notes, plus two student response options. Choose Draw & Tell or Read & Write to suit the child. PDFs are US Letter and suitable for black-and-white printing.
Talk about it together
Why did the apostles choose seven helpers?
How did Stephen serve and speak about Jesus?
What did Stephen pray when he was hurt?
Does forgiveness mean letting someone keep hurting us?
Courage with a helping hand
Trace a hand. In three fingers write ways to serve someone whose needs are overlooked. In another write a trusted adult to ask for help; in the last write a peaceful response to unfairness. In the palm draw Stephen's basket or another sign of service.
A note for parents and teachers
The story includes Stephen's death by stoning. Preview it for your group; forgiveness never means remaining unsafe or hiding abuse.
Acts 6-7 is the biblical foundation. The children's baskets, dialogue, and Saul's inner response are dramatized additions; Acts does not report Saul's private thoughts. Do not reenact violence.
Pray together
Jesus, help us serve with courage and refuse revenge. Saint Stephen, pray for us. Amen.
Learn more
Original video release: December 17, 2025. Website article and teaching resources added October 3, 2026.
Comments