Venerable Matt Talbot for Kids | The Courage to Begin Again
Can one small step begin a new life? Venerable Matt Talbot was a Dublin worker who struggled with alcohol addiction. When he turned toward God and asked for help, the way ahead was not suddenly easy. He learned to begin again, one day at a time.
The Courage to Begin Again is an illustrated Catholic story for children, families, and classrooms. Follow Matt through a promise, prayer, difficult choices, making amends, and quiet generosity. His story invites us to practice temperance and perseverance while remembering that every person deserves compassion and support.
Watch the story in Early Preview
Available now: watch the free 20-second preview, rent the full story for $0.99 for 72 hours, or buy it for $2.99. Qualifying Servus Dei members can watch through their subscription.
Free YouTube release: Monday, June 7, 2027 at 6:00 a.m. Eastern.
Runtime: 9 minutes 30 seconds. Suggested ages: about 7–11 with a parent or teacher. The story discusses addiction and death gently. Children are never responsible for fixing an adult’s addiction. Adults may pause to explain unfamiliar ideas and encourage help from trusted adults and qualified professionals.
Free lesson plan and printable activities
Use the complete four-page packet for a 25–35 minute group lesson, or choose a shorter family conversation. The leader guide provides learning goals, discussion questions, answer notes, vocabulary, a small-step activity, prayer, Scripture, and adaptations by readiness. Supports Virtues in Practice – Hope Year / March: Temperance.
Choose Draw & Tell for drawing or spoken responses, and Read & Write for children ready to write. Both are included in the complete packet. Children may pass on personal sharing; use fictional examples rather than asking about family difficulties.
Talk about it together
1. What was Matt’s first step toward change? Who helped him?
2. Did keeping his promise make everything easy? How did he keep going?
3. How did Matt try to make things right when he had harmed someone?
4. What small, safe good choice could a child practice with a trusted adult’s help?
One good step today
Practice a pretend situation: it is time to stop playing, tell the truth, or say sorry and repair harm. Choose one small good habit to try with adult support. Temperance means using good things in a balanced way; perseverance means continuing with help when a good choice feels difficult.
Pray together
Jesus, thank you for loving us. Give us courage to ask for help, make things right, and begin again today. Be close to people who are struggling and to their families. Amen.
Biography, Scripture, and further reading
Matt Talbot is Venerable and has not been canonized. Artwork and conversations are dramatized for storytelling. His example points toward mercy, prayer, temperance, and care for neighbors. Addiction never erases a person’s dignity, and prayer is not a substitute for appropriate professional support.
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