Footprints for Life
“There is no footprint too small that it can’t leave an imprint on this world.”
Author Unkown
“Children COLOR our world beautiful…”
The "Footprints for Life" Program received the Imprimatur
by Most Reverend Gregory M. Aymond, Archbishop of New Orleans on April 1, 2019
Letter from Most Reverend Gregory M. Aymond
What is it? Footprints for Life is a program designed to build a Culture of Life in our children. This program builds on a foundation of love, truth and dignity. The program covers all of the USCCB Culture of Life topics age-appropriately, and incorporates the Spiritual and Corporal Works of Mercy into the study of these issues. It is designed to be easily integrated into an already existing program.
What ages is the program designed for? This program can be adapted for grades Kindergarten through 8th Grade. The material was written to teach children of those ages and can be easily adjusted as needed.
Why do we need the Footprints for Life Program? As a mother of six children and a former elementary teacher, I see the many challenges to human dignity that our children are faced with daily. It is important that we teach them to love & respect others – regardless of race, beliefs, abilities, etc. Also, children need to know that they CAN make a difference, even with the smallest of actions. By teaching our children to pray for, respect, and support those in need, we raise children that stand for what they believe in and, most importantly, come to know that God will provide. The children of today have a passion for protecting life….they just need a path.
How do I use it? The program was created to focus on one or two USCCB topics per month. Each month contains everything you need to create a discussion and complete a fun activity with your children. The lessons offer material that can be incorporated into one lesson or carried out in several lessons. “Footprints for Life” is designed to be used during the school year, September – May.
Did you know?
-Each lesson can be easily be adapted into any classroom setting. The whole lesson or parts of the lesson can be used to fit the needs of your students.
-”Preborn” can be used interchangeably with “unborn” as you and your students discuss the lessons and activities!
I was so blessed to be featured in the Clarion Herald on May 27, 2023. Alexis Kissinger and her friend Catherine Pettus initiated this club over 15 years ago at St. Elizabeth and it continues today with the continued support of Mrs. Joan Kathmann, principal of SEAS. With God's help, it has expanded to other schools to teach children to respect life with Dignity, Compassion, and Truth (DCT)
Read the article here - Learning to be pro-life at a young age
Footprints for Life | Table of Contents:
September: Masterpieces of God - Love One Another
October: Life of the Unborn Child - Pray & Protect - “Respect Life Month”
November: The Gift of Adoption - “National Adoption Awareness Month”
December: A Mother's “Yes,” - A Child Blessed
January: The Voice for the Voiceless - “Roe v. Wade Commemoration”
February: Pure Love - It's God's Love
March: Lives - Not Labels: The Elderly and People with Disabilities
April: Lives with Value: People who are Homeless or Incarcerated
May: Joseph and Mary: The Blessing of Fathers & Mothers
Monthly Focus - Information and Resources for each month.
Resources -Additional Resources
The BRAND NEW Edition is here!
Digital Copy with Hyperlinks - $33
Hard Copy - $40 (discount available for multiple copies)
10% of the purchase will be donated to the Respect Life Movement
Testimonials
”As a 7th-grade middle school Religion teacher, this program has been very beneficial to my classes. It is a
program that is easy to follow, can adapt well into our regular textbook chapters, and provides the
children with an extra hands-on project to complete in class. My students already love to “Choose Life”
and this just fosters their mission even further. They look forward to the prayers, lessons, and
discussions that each month brings.”
Jessie Burke
Middle School Teacher
”I really believe that the impact of the “ Footprints for Life” program for middle school-aged kids is huge. When they get to high school (even the Catholic ones) and start to get to know girls who have strong pro-choice views, they will have formed a pro-life identity. They will know the reasons they are pro-life and be able to voice those reasons - This means everything!”
Beth Holloway
”Footprints For Life” Club Moderator
Imprint Lessons
created by Natasia Kissinger
Ladybug Warriors for Life Lesson - Using the Ladybug Legend, students will learn how they can become Ladybug Warriors for Life.
It’s Mardi Gras Time! - The celebration of Mardi Gras brings much excitement and joy to many. Using the king cake, we teach the children the meaning of the king cake and its roots. Like the hope we have to get the baby in our piece of cake, the hope in new life is much anticipated.
Royalty for Life - God is our King! Each of us is created for His purpose and His plan. Princes and Princesses are the children of royalty. They display characteristics of humility, service, compassion and so much more. It is important that we instill this idea in our children - they are jewels in this world and need to be treated with respect.
Hands of Christ - God created each of us with a purpose. He asked us to be His hands and feet on earth.
"Loving the Elderly" Activity - This is a lesson I created to bring great discussions with your family during this difficult time. It also has some easy projects that can be created and shared to those living in homes for the elderly.
Small Things, GREAT LOVE - These are additional activities that can easily be added to any lesson or stand alone.
Additional Respect Life
Activities
Birthday Cards | Have students create generic birthday cards that can be donated to local homeless shelters.
Respect Life Powerpoint | Have older students create a chart or power-point with the development of the unborn baby.
Respect Life Prayer | Have students create Pro-Life prayer to be used at Respect Life Masses or in classes during Pro-Life week.
Tiles for Life | Purchase inexpensive 4x4 ceramic tiles from a hardware store, have the children write pro-life messages on them, spray with a sealer. These can be donated or sold to raise money for pro-life efforts.
Prayer Stones | Find stones outside or purchase from a local craft store and write a prayer, bible verse or prayerful word with a sharpie.
Events and/or Parties | Host a small or large party to celebrate life and bring awareness to friends, families, and the community. Themes may include Black & White, Ladybug, Poppin’ for Life, Glow Party. Contact us for questions or assistance in planning a pro-life party!
All Lessons © Natasia T. Kissinger, 2016-2020
Excerpts from the Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States of America, second typical edition © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., Washington, DC. Used with permission. All rights reserved. No portion of this text may be reproduced by any means without permission in writing from the copyright owner.