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This time, Jesus is telling the story, so step into one of Jesus’ most powerful parables with this imaginative, kid-friendly Catholic story meditation for families! In Part 1 of The Prodigal Son, we follow a young man who leaves his father’s home searching for happiness — only to discover how far his heart has wandered. Perfect for Catholic families with kids ages 6–14, this episode blends storytelling, real-life kid examples, and a gentle guided prayer to help children reflect on small everyday choices and God’s constant love. ✨ Great for: Bedtime wind-down The school drive Sunday quiet time Family prayer moments Parents — stay until the end for a few simple conversation questions you can use right away with your kids. If you can, please share! And thank you for helping to change the world one story, one family, one child at a time! Welcome back to Catholic Bible & Saint Stories for Kids — with Dave Staples, where Scripture comes alive for families. For more, visit me here!

In this fun story, Dave Staples leads kids and parents into the Gospel story of Zacchaeus, using an imaginative, Ignatian-style meditation designed for families. Together, listeners enter the crowded streets of Jericho, look up into the sycamore tree, and experience what it’s like to be seen and called by Jesus. This prayerful story gently invites reflection on mercy, repentance, and joy, making it especially helpful for families preparing for First Reconciliation or entering Lent. This episode is ideal for: Catholic families praying together kids ages 6–14 (but include your high schoolers!) parents looking for interesting, meaningful prayer time with their children If this meditation blesses your family, consider sharing it with someone else. Thank you for changing the world, one child, one family, one story at a time. To see a 2000+ year old sycamore tree in Jericho, or to ask your kids questions, say hello, or let me know you're praying with me, click here! ...could this be the tree Zacchaeus climbed? Also, for more great convo with your kids, ask them these questions! If Jesus came to our house tonight, what would you want to do with him? And what would you want him to know about you? Why do you feel that Jesus chose Zacchaeus? What part of the story surprised you the most? What was your "tree" - the thing you want to do to get closer to Jesus?

The Wedding at Cana: When Jesus Turned Worry into Joy At a joyful wedding feast in Cana, everything is about to go wrong. The wine is running out, worry is spreading, and a family faces potential shame and embarrassment - until Jesus steps in... Enjoy! In this episode, I tell the story of Jesus’ first miracle as a story meant to be heard by families. Children are invited into the tension of the moment, the obedience of the servants, and the quiet trust of Mary, who notices the need and brings it to her Son. After the story, we take a gentle step deeper — reflecting on what this miracle reveals about how Jesus saves us. From the waters of Baptism to the gift of the Eucharist, Cana becomes a sign of how Christ transforms us from within when we bring our lives to Him in prayer. A Bible story for families, followed by a moment of reflection and prayer! To see a 1st Century Ceremonial purification jar in Cana, to ask your kid's questions, or simply to say hello and let me know you're praying with me, click here!

Go to the Jordan River and join Jesus for his Baptism! Witness the miracles which happen as John the Baptist sends him into the waters! What does this say about you and your Baptism?? If you have some time after you're done, have a great conversation using these questions, or click here to check out a photo of the spot where this all took place on my community page! Great family convo questions: Where were you standing in the river — on the shore, ankle-deep, or way out in the water? Why do you think you chose that spot? What part of Jesus did you notice first when He came up out of the water — His face, His hair, His smile, or something else? What did the sky opening up look like in your imagination? What do you think John the Baptist was feeling when Jesus walked into the water — excitement, confusion, awe, all of the above? What do you think the crowd was whispering to each other after everything happened? How do you think Jesus felt in that moment? How about our Father in heaven? This episode offers a Catholic Bible story for family prayer, created for parents and children to listen to and reflect on together. Through imaginative, Ignatian-style storytelling, families are invited to stand beside the Jordan River and witness the Baptism of Jesus — seeing, hearing, and reflecting on this moment when the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are revealed together. Designed especially for Catholic families with children ages 7–14, this episode helps families: Understand why Jesus was baptized Reflect on baptism as belonging to God’s family Experience Scripture through story and imagination Pray together in a calm, meaningful way Perfect for: Family prayer time Bedtime listening Car rides Homeschool faith formation No quizzes. No pressure. Just a faithful story to help families listen, imagine, and pray together.

This episode offers a Catholic Bible story for family prayer, created especially for parents and children to listen to together. Through imaginative storytelling based on the Gospel accounts, families meet John the Baptist and reflect on repentance, hope, and preparing their hearts for Jesus. This episode is well suited for: Family prayer time Bedtime or quiet moments Car rides to sports Homeschool faith formation There are no quizzes or lectures—just a faithful story that helps families listen, imagine, and pray together, plus a few good prompts for some life-giving conversation if you have the time! Come say hello, ask your kids' questions, or find more!

In this guided Catholic meditation for children ages 7–14 and their families, we journey with the Magi as they leave Jerusalem, follow the guiding star, and finally arrive in Bethlehem to meet Jesus, the true King. Through gentle storytelling, quiet pauses, and imaginative prayer, families are invited to rest in the joy of Epiphany — the moment when Christ is revealed to the nations. This meditation helps children reflect on: Following God’s light and finding him, even through darkness The difference between worldly power and humble love The peace and joy found in the presence of Jesus Offering our hearts, like the Magi offered their gifts Designed for family prayer, bedtime reflection, or Epiphany celebration, this meditation encourages parents and children to listen together and respond prayerfully in their own hearts. There is no rush — only an invitation to adore, to wonder, and to rejoice at the little Savior. ⭐ For a House Blessing, or more, visit me!

In this guided Catholic meditation for children ages 7–14 and their families, we journey with the Magi as they arrive in Jerusalem and meet King Herod. Through gentle storytelling and quiet pauses, this reflection invites families to explore the contrast between false power and true kingship, fear and trust, selfishness and love. Children are encouraged to imagine the Gospel scene, reflect simply on their own hearts, and turn toward Jesus, the true King. This meditation is designed for listening together as a family, whether during prayer time, before bed, or as part of your Epiphany celebration. Parents are encouraged to listen alongside their children and to pause or discuss as helpful. There is no rush — simply an invitation to rest with the story and follow the light. The second meditation, The Magi Find Jesus — Epiphany, will be shared soon ⭐ For more, or to find the house blessing prayers which I will post soon, visit me here!

Let's step into Christmas Night, joining the shepherds as they hear the good news of the Messiah's birth, and go in search of the Nativity using Ignatian/Imaginative Meditation. 🎄 This gentle, prayerful Christmas meditation helps children ages 7–14 experience Luke 2 through storytelling, imagination, and reflection together as a family. To see the cave/Church of the Nativity, to ask your kids questions, or just to say hello, visit me! Perfect for: Advent & Christmas listening Family prayer time Your drive to or from Mass Vacation listening Bedtime faith stories Catholic kids and parents

Journey into one of the most joyful moments in salvation history—the Annunciation—as the Archangel Gabriel brings God's message to young Mary in Nazareth. In this warm, imaginative, Ignatian-style meditation, children and families step inside the story, seeing, hearing, and feeling the moment Mary said “yes” to God and Jesus began His life within her. Perfect for car rides, bedtime listening, family prayer, or faith formation, this episode helps kids ages 6–14 grow in wonder, Scripture knowledge, and love for Mary and Jesus. In this episode, kids will: ✨ Imagine life in Mary’s home ✨ Meet the Archangel Gabriel ✨ Experience the joy of the Incarnation beginning ✨ Learn how to say “yes” to God with courage and trust Great for: Catholic families, homeschooling, classroom use, children’s ministry, Advent preparation, and anyone wanting to pray Scripture with their kids. From the podcast Catholic Bible & Saint Stories for Kids — with Dave Staples. For more, visit me!

Today’s episode goes back to Daniel’s early life. After being taken from his home in Jerusalem, young Daniel must learn to trust God in a new and challenging world. Through courage, wisdom, and faith, Daniel shows us how God stays close—even when life changes suddenly. Includes a guided reflection for kids and families. Great for Catholic families, car rides, homeschoolers, and bedtime listening. For more, visit me!

In this first episode of Catholic Bible & Saint Stories for Kids, we enter one of the most dramatic moments in Scripture: Daniel in the lions’ den. Daniel is 80 years old, faithful as ever, and surrounded by danger. Jealous rulers plot against him, a new law forbids prayer, and Daniel must choose between obeying God or obeying men. When he is thrown into a den of hungry lions, something incredible happens—God sends an angel to protect him. This story invites kids and families to discover: • Why Daniel prayed even when it was risky • How jealousy and fear led others to betray him • The courage it takes to stay faithful • The power of God’s protection • How God uses His angels to guard His people Perfect for ages 6–14 and great for family listening, this episode ends with a gentle reflection to help kids think about the “lions” in their own lives and to trust that God is always close. Welcome to our new season! May these stories draw your family closer to Jesus, Scripture, and the saints. For more, visit me at Catholic Stories for Kids & Families!

If you were a king or a queen, a prince or a princess, lived in a majestic castle, had the best food, servants, luxuries, and money to last many lifetimes, what would you do all day? St. Elizabeth surprised everyone with her choices, was persecuted for it, and then became the German and Hungarian Saint of the Middle Ages!! She should inspire all of us to transform our pity and empathy into real compassion, mercy, and LOVE (Virtue of Charity)!!! Visit me at Meet the Lamb!

Mt. Skellig is not just the place where Rey found the Jedi Luke, but is also the real-life place where St. Patrick's mission crossed that of the Archangel Michael's. Welcome to the "tip" of the Sword of St. Michael, the first location furthest West on the line of St. Michael we have been exploring lately! More at Meet the Lamb!

How Halloweenish is a skull with a hole in it?! There are all sorts of things happening around our next story. It has a Saint with a hole in his head. It has a mountain in the ocean with a huge sanctuary on top, which has appeared in video games like Creed Brotherhood and Civilization VI, as well as inspired mountains and monuments in Sniper Elite 5 and Pokémon X and Y, just to name a few. So what does St. Michael have to do with all of it? I'll give you a hint... It all goes back to that first battle between the Angels and the Demons, to Mt. Gargano, and to St. Michael's desire to help us! This is the 3rd location along the Sword of St. Michael, Mont-Saint-Michel. Meet the Lamb

Want to meet St. Michael? Follow his sword's gash carved upon the earth during the ancient battle. You’ll find it by tracing a line between the most renowned sites in the world, dedicated to Michael, across Europe and in the Middle East. It was left by him while driving rebellious demons and the new king of hell from the heavens. A bull will lead you to a cave, which is also a basilica, and significantly, the only one in the world NOT consecrated by a Bishop. The archangel’s footprint will mark the spot... Let's learn more about Archangels, and specifically Michael! To see a map of "St. Michael's Sword," or images of the Celestial Cave Basilica called Sanctuary of St. Michael, and Mt. Gargano, the 5th location along the sword of St. Michael, visit me at Meet the Lamb! Episode cover image is an illustration from Milton's, Paradise Lost.