Do you need EASY Bible Study Ideas & Free July Mass Bulletins?

Do you teach the Bible but feel unprepared for all the wild questions kids ask? Same here. That’s why the easiest (and honestly, most enjoyable) Bible study I’ve ever done is reading biblical fiction. I let the authors handle the deep-dive research while I soak up the historical and cultural context in a way that’s actually relaxing. Later, when a kid inevitably asks about a weird Levitical law, I can answer with a little more confidence—and a little less floundering!

Since it’s summer (for most of us—sending prayers to those still in school), I hope you’re finding time to rest and recharge. But if you’re also hoping to grow in your faith or prep for next year without a ton of effort, here’s your sign: reading totally counts. Biblical fiction is an easy and meaningful way to both prepare for your teaching and deepen your understanding of Scripture. And really, any excuse to sit and read is a win

Do you need EASY Bible Study Ideas & Free July Mass Bulletins?

If you’re ready to REALLY plan, here are some great resources to get you started on your back-to-school ideas. Then, keep reading below for a helpful book list.

Eight Books for an Easy Summer Bible Study

I’m including Amazon affiliate links, but I got all of these books from the library; so you might want to check there first. I’m also including audiobook links; I listen to more books than I read, so audio is my go-to whenever possible.

1. Connilyn Cossette – The Cities of Refuge Series (Audio)

  • The Cities of Refuge Series: This series is my favorite biblical fiction! I started reading it without any background about Cities of Refuge so the whole series was an amazing bible study as well as a beautiful view of God’s forgiveness. This series takes readers on a journey through ancient Israel, focusing on the biblical cities of refuge where those accused of manslaughter could find asylum. Each book explores themes of justice, mercy, and redemption through the lives of characters seeking safety and a new beginning. With rich historical detail and compelling storytelling, Connilyn Cossette brings the Old Testament laws and their profound impact on individuals and communities to life, making it an excellent choice for families wanting to understand more about biblical justice and God’s provision for His people.
The Cities of Refuge Series: This series is my favorite biblical fiction! I started reading it without any background about Cities of Refuge so the whole series was an amazing bible study as well as a beautiful view of God's forgiveness. This series takes readers on a journey through ancient Israel, focusing on the biblical cities of refuge where those accused of manslaughter could find asylum. Each book explores themes of justice, mercy, and redemption through the lives of characters seeking safety and a new beginning. With rich historical detail and compelling storytelling, Connilyn Cossette brings the Old Testament laws and their profound impact on individuals and communities to life, making it an excellent choice for families wanting to understand more about biblical justice and God's provision for His people.

2. Mesu Andrews – Love in a Broken Vessel (Audio)

  • Love in a Broken Vessel: I was teaching about the book of Hosea, so I needed a crash course bible study about him. This book told the story beautifully and gave so much background to the bible. This beautifully crafted novel reimagines the biblical story of Hosea and Gomer, exploring themes of unconditional love, redemption, and forgiveness. Mesu Andrews brings the ancient story to life with vivid detail and deep emotional insight, showing how God’s love can heal even the most broken relationships.

3. Francine Rivers – Redeeming Love (Audio)

  • Redeeming Love: This is another Hosea story; it’s more famous than Mesu Andrew’s book and it’s wonderful; but if you’re only going to read one Hosea story, I would read Love in a Broken Vessel. Then come back to this one. This powerful retelling of the biblical story of Hosea and Gomer is set during the California Gold Rush. The novel follows Angel, a woman sold into prostitution as a child, and Michael Hosea, a farmer who obeys God’s call to marry her. Through their tumultuous relationship, Francine Rivers masterfully explores themes of unconditional love, forgiveness, and redemption. Rivers has written a lot of biblical fiction and I’ve enjoyed all that I’ve read from her!
The Red Tent: This is the first biblical fiction that I read as an adult and I loved it. I learned so much about the culture and life during biblical times. This novel reimagines the biblical story of Dinah, the daughter of Jacob and Leah. Through Dinah's eyes, readers experience the traditions and daily life of women in biblical times. The book offers a unique perspective on the family dynamics of the patriarchs, providing a richer understanding of the culture and the often untold stories of the women of the Bible.

4. Anita Diamant – The Red Tent (Audio)

  • The Red Tent: This is the first biblical fiction that I read as an adult and I loved it. I learned so much about the culture and life during biblical times. This novel reimagines the biblical story of Dinah, the daughter of Jacob and Leah. Through Dinah’s eyes, readers experience the traditions and daily life of women in biblical times. The book offers a unique perspective on the family dynamics of the patriarchs, providing a richer understanding of the culture and the often untold stories of the women of the Bible.

5. Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins – The Left Behind Series (Audio)

  • The Left Behind Series: This is an OLD series and definitely told from a protestant perspective so keep that in mind. That said, it’s fascinating! I read this in high school and it really got me thinking about the book of revelations and the future that God has planned for us all. This popular series explores the events of the end times as described in the Book of Revelation. Following the lives of those left behind after the Rapture, the books delve into themes of faith, redemption, and the battle between good and evil. While some parts can be intense, the series provides an engaging way to think about biblical prophecies and the importance of staying true to one’s faith amidst trials and tribulations.

6. Davis Bunn and Janette Oke – The Centurion’s Wife (Audio)

  • The Centurion’s Wife: Set in the time of Jesus’ ministry, this historical novel follows Leah, a young servant who is betrothed to a Roman centurion, and her journey of faith and discovery. As Leah investigates the rumors of Jesus’ resurrection, she encounters the early Christian community and witnesses the transformative power of Christ’s message. This captivating story not only provides a rich historical context but also explores themes of love, faith, and redemption, making it a wonderful resource for families looking to deepen their understanding of biblical events and their impact on individual lives. Oke is another author that I love to read. Her stories are such quick easy reads with a feel-good message. I’m a sucker for a happy ending.

7. Ted Dekker – A.D. 33 Series (Audio)

  • A.D. 33 Series: Ted Dekker’s gripping series transports readers to the time of Jesus’ ministry, offering a fresh perspective on the life and teachings of Christ. Through the eyes of Maviah, a Bedouin slave-turned-queen, and Judah, a man seeking vengeance, Dekker weaves a tale of faith, sacrifice, and redemption. As Maviah encounters Jesus and witnesses His miracles, she grapples with questions of identity and purpose, ultimately finding hope and healing in His love. Ted Dekker’s A.D. 33 series is a captivating exploration of biblical truth and the transformative power of encountering Jesus, making it an ideal choice for families seeking to deepen their understanding of the life of Christ and its relevance today.
The Chronicles of Narnia Complete 7-Book Collection: All 7 Books Plus Bonus Book: Boxen

8. C.S. Lewis – The Chronicles of Narnia (Audio)

  • The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe: This doesn’t really fit the bible study category since it’s not really about the bible. But, it IS about God and has such great themes that I thought it should be included in this list. This classic series uses the fictional world of Narnia to explore themes of good versus evil, redemption, and the power of faith. Aslan, the great lion, represents Jesus, and his sacrifice and resurrection are central to the story.

Easy Bible Study With Biblical Fiction

The Bible is full of incredible stories that teach us about God’s love, wisdom, and guidance. Sometimes, though, it can be challenging to understand all the details, especially since we don’t know the context. That’s where Christian fiction comes in! These books take inspiration from biblical stories and themes, making them more relatable and engaging. Reading these stories can help deepen your faith and understanding of God’s word.

Just remember to read through a filter; these are fictional stories, so all the details won’t be true. The author’s background will also matter—a Protestant author may interpret differently than the Catholic Church, so be ready to fact-check before making any changes to your beliefs and practices.

By integrating Christian fiction into your reading routine, you can help bring the Bible to life in a new and exciting way. These stories not only entertain but also teach valuable lessons about faith, hope, and love. They show how biblical principles can be applied to our daily lives, helping us grow closer to God.

More Ideas to Teach the Catholic Mass

Want to help your kids keep learning about God this summer—without it feeling like homework? Check out Catholic Saints & The Eucharist Puzzle Book! It’s packed with fun word games, coloring pages, and brain teasers introducing kids to 23 amazing saints who loved the Eucharist. Whether your child is new to learning about their faith or already knows a lot, this book is a fun and meaningful way for any Catholic kid to stay connected to God over the summer. 🌟 Available as a printed book on Amazon or a digital download—perfect for quiet mornings, car rides, or downtime at home. Grab a copy today and give your kids a fun, faith-filled way to stay connected to God all summer long!

Want to help your kids keep learning about God this summer—without it feeling like homework?

Check out Catholic Saints & The Eucharist Puzzle Book! It’s packed with fun word games, coloring pages, and brain teasers introducing kids to 23 amazing saints who loved the Eucharist.

Whether your child is new to learning about their faith or already knows a lot, this book is a fun and meaningful way for any Catholic kid to stay connected to God over the summer.

🌟 Available as a printed book on Amazon or a digital download—perfect for quiet mornings, car rides, or downtime at home.

Grab a copy today and give your kids a fun, faith-filled way to stay connected to God all summer long!

July Catholic Kids Bulletin

***There are THREE ways to get Catholic Kids Bulletins***

Keep kids engaged at Mass all month long with the July Catholic Kids Bulletin! This printable resource is perfect for families and teachers who want to help children grow in their Catholic faith while having fun. Each weekly bulletin connects to the Sunday Gospel, giving kids a chance to reflect on God's Word through a custom coloring page. It’s a simple way for young learners to stay focused on the message of the week. The Saint of the Week feature introduces a different Catholic saint every Sunday. In July, children will learn about Saint Christopher (the one often seen on car medals!), Saint Kateri Tekakwitha (a powerful example of holiness and courage), Saint James (a fisherman turned apostle—his feast day is a fun time to try a fish-themed treat!), and Saint Anne (Mary’s mother and Jesus’ grandmother!). These saint stories help kids see how faith is lived out in many different ways. The Weekly Activities bring the bulletin to life with a variety of hands-on fun! Each issue may include Psalm tracing to practice writing Scripture, mazes to encourage problem-solving, color-by-number activities that tie into liturgical themes, word searches that build vocabulary, and puzzles that challenge young minds. The variety keeps kids interested and engaged, even as they grow in their understanding of the faith. At the top of every bulletin, you'll find a Mass Liturgy Outline. This simple guide helps kids follow along with the order of the Mass—from the Opening Prayer to the Final Blessing. It’s a great tool for teaching the parts of the Mass in a kid-friendly way. Whether you use these bulletins at home, in a classroom, or in the pew, they offer a meaningful way to involve children in the life of the Church. The July edition includes content for Ordinary Time, making it a perfect fit for this season of spiritual growth. 📖 In Spanish too! Julio Boletín para Niños Católicos is also available en español, so more families can enjoy and share the Good News. From Saint stories to Gospel reflections, these bulletins help Catholic kids build strong foundations of faith with joy and creativity. ✝️ Make July a month of faith-filled fun with the Catholic Kids Bulletin!
Keep kids engaged at Mass all month long with the July Catholic Kids Bulletin! This printable resource is perfect for families and teachers who want to help children grow in their Catholic faith while having fun. Each weekly bulletin connects to the Sunday Gospel, giving kids a chance to reflect on God's Word through a custom coloring page. It’s a simple way for young learners to stay focused on the message of the week. The Saint of the Week feature introduces a different Catholic saint every Sunday. In July, children will learn about Saint Christopher (the one often seen on car medals!), Saint Kateri Tekakwitha (a powerful example of holiness and courage), Saint James (a fisherman turned apostle—his feast day is a fun time to try a fish-themed treat!), and Saint Anne (Mary’s mother and Jesus’ grandmother!). These saint stories help kids see how faith is lived out in many different ways. The Weekly Activities bring the bulletin to life with a variety of hands-on fun! Each issue may include Psalm tracing to practice writing Scripture, mazes to encourage problem-solving, color-by-number activities that tie into liturgical themes, word searches that build vocabulary, and puzzles that challenge young minds. The variety keeps kids interested and engaged, even as they grow in their understanding of the faith. At the top of every bulletin, you'll find a Mass Liturgy Outline. This simple guide helps kids follow along with the order of the Mass—from the Opening Prayer to the Final Blessing. It’s a great tool for teaching the parts of the Mass in a kid-friendly way. Whether you use these bulletins at home, in a classroom, or in the pew, they offer a meaningful way to involve children in the life of the Church. The July edition includes content for Ordinary Time, making it a perfect fit for this season of spiritual growth. 📖 In Spanish too! Julio Boletín para Niños Católicos is also available en español, so more families can enjoy and share the Good News. From Saint stories to Gospel reflections, these bulletins help Catholic kids build strong foundations of faith with joy and creativity. ✝️ Make July a month of faith-filled fun with the Catholic Kids Bulletin!
Keep kids engaged at Mass all month long with the July Catholic Kids Bulletin! This printable resource is perfect for families and teachers who want to help children grow in their Catholic faith while having fun. Each weekly bulletin connects to the Sunday Gospel, giving kids a chance to reflect on God's Word through a custom coloring page. It’s a simple way for young learners to stay focused on the message of the week. The Saint of the Week feature introduces a different Catholic saint every Sunday. In July, children will learn about Saint Christopher (the one often seen on car medals!), Saint Kateri Tekakwitha (a powerful example of holiness and courage), Saint James (a fisherman turned apostle—his feast day is a fun time to try a fish-themed treat!), and Saint Anne (Mary’s mother and Jesus’ grandmother!). These saint stories help kids see how faith is lived out in many different ways. The Weekly Activities bring the bulletin to life with a variety of hands-on fun! Each issue may include Psalm tracing to practice writing Scripture, mazes to encourage problem-solving, color-by-number activities that tie into liturgical themes, word searches that build vocabulary, and puzzles that challenge young minds. The variety keeps kids interested and engaged, even as they grow in their understanding of the faith. At the top of every bulletin, you'll find a Mass Liturgy Outline. This simple guide helps kids follow along with the order of the Mass—from the Opening Prayer to the Final Blessing. It’s a great tool for teaching the parts of the Mass in a kid-friendly way. Whether you use these bulletins at home, in a classroom, or in the pew, they offer a meaningful way to involve children in the life of the Church. The July edition includes content for Ordinary Time, making it a perfect fit for this season of spiritual growth. 📖 In Spanish too! Julio Boletín para Niños Católicos is also available en español, so more families can enjoy and share the Good News. From Saint stories to Gospel reflections, these bulletins help Catholic kids build strong foundations of faith with joy and creativity. ✝️ Make July a month of faith-filled fun with the Catholic Kids Bulletin!

These worksheets are designed to match each week’s Mass readings, making them perfect for engaging young hearts and minds during the liturgy.

  • ✝️ Weekly Gospel Connection:
    • Each bulletin includes a coloring page that reflects the week’s Gospel reading.
  • ✨ Saint of the Week:
    • Each week highlights a Catholic Saint, inspiring kids with the stories of holy men and women.
  • ✍️ Weekly Activities:
    • Kids can dive into fun activities, which are different every week. The bulletins may include Psalm tracing, mazes, color-by-number, puzzles, and word searches.
  • ✔️Mass Liturgy Outline:
    • The top of each bulletin features an outline of the Mass, helping kids learn the order and structure of the liturgy as they follow along.
Do you love the Catholic Kids Bulletins? This bundle is a goldmine for anyone teaching kids about the Mass. Covering everything you’ll need from now through the rest of 2024 (Year B) and all of Year C (through November 2025). This resource is packed with engaging activities that align with weekly Mass readings.

Have you used Catholic Kids Bulletins before? If you have questions, check here…

If you like these bulletins and likewise want to extend the learning about the Mass, check out these activities!

Click Below to Download

July Catholic Kids Bulletin

Julio Boletín para Niños Católicos

Keep kids engaged at Mass all month long with the July Catholic Kids Bulletin! This printable resource is perfect for families and teachers who want to help children grow in their Catholic faith while having fun. Each weekly bulletin connects to the Sunday Gospel, giving kids a chance to reflect on God's Word through a custom coloring page. It’s a simple way for young learners to stay focused on the message of the week. The Saint of the Week feature introduces a different Catholic saint every Sunday. In July, children will learn about Saint Christopher (the one often seen on car medals!), Saint Kateri Tekakwitha (a powerful example of holiness and courage), Saint James (a fisherman turned apostle—his feast day is a fun time to try a fish-themed treat!), and Saint Anne (Mary’s mother and Jesus’ grandmother!). These saint stories help kids see how faith is lived out in many different ways. The Weekly Activities bring the bulletin to life with a variety of hands-on fun! Each issue may include Psalm tracing to practice writing Scripture, mazes to encourage problem-solving, color-by-number activities that tie into liturgical themes, word searches that build vocabulary, and puzzles that challenge young minds. The variety keeps kids interested and engaged, even as they grow in their understanding of the faith. At the top of every bulletin, you'll find a Mass Liturgy Outline. This simple guide helps kids follow along with the order of the Mass—from the Opening Prayer to the Final Blessing. It’s a great tool for teaching the parts of the Mass in a kid-friendly way. Whether you use these bulletins at home, in a classroom, or in the pew, they offer a meaningful way to involve children in the life of the Church. The July edition includes content for Ordinary Time, making it a perfect fit for this season of spiritual growth. 📖 In Spanish too! Julio Boletín para Niños Católicos is also available en español, so more families can enjoy and share the Good News. From Saint stories to Gospel reflections, these bulletins help Catholic kids build strong foundations of faith with joy and creativity. ✝️ Make July a month of faith-filled fun with the Catholic Kids Bulletin!
Keep kids engaged at Mass all month long with the July Catholic Kids Bulletin! This printable resource is perfect for families and teachers who want to help children grow in their Catholic faith while having fun. Each weekly bulletin connects to the Sunday Gospel, giving kids a chance to reflect on God's Word through a custom coloring page. It’s a simple way for young learners to stay focused on the message of the week. The Saint of the Week feature introduces a different Catholic saint every Sunday. In July, children will learn about Saint Christopher (the one often seen on car medals!), Saint Kateri Tekakwitha (a powerful example of holiness and courage), Saint James (a fisherman turned apostle—his feast day is a fun time to try a fish-themed treat!), and Saint Anne (Mary’s mother and Jesus’ grandmother!). These saint stories help kids see how faith is lived out in many different ways. The Weekly Activities bring the bulletin to life with a variety of hands-on fun! Each issue may include Psalm tracing to practice writing Scripture, mazes to encourage problem-solving, color-by-number activities that tie into liturgical themes, word searches that build vocabulary, and puzzles that challenge young minds. The variety keeps kids interested and engaged, even as they grow in their understanding of the faith. At the top of every bulletin, you'll find a Mass Liturgy Outline. This simple guide helps kids follow along with the order of the Mass—from the Opening Prayer to the Final Blessing. It’s a great tool for teaching the parts of the Mass in a kid-friendly way. Whether you use these bulletins at home, in a classroom, or in the pew, they offer a meaningful way to involve children in the life of the Church. The July edition includes content for Ordinary Time, making it a perfect fit for this season of spiritual growth. 📖 In Spanish too! Julio Boletín para Niños Católicos is also available en español, so more families can enjoy and share the Good News. From Saint stories to Gospel reflections, these bulletins help Catholic kids build strong foundations of faith with joy and creativity. ✝️ Make July a month of faith-filled fun with the Catholic Kids Bulletin!
Keep kids engaged at Mass all month long with the July Catholic Kids Bulletin! This printable resource is perfect for families and teachers who want to help children grow in their Catholic faith while having fun. Each weekly bulletin connects to the Sunday Gospel, giving kids a chance to reflect on God's Word through a custom coloring page. It’s a simple way for young learners to stay focused on the message of the week. The Saint of the Week feature introduces a different Catholic saint every Sunday. In July, children will learn about Saint Christopher (the one often seen on car medals!), Saint Kateri Tekakwitha (a powerful example of holiness and courage), Saint James (a fisherman turned apostle—his feast day is a fun time to try a fish-themed treat!), and Saint Anne (Mary’s mother and Jesus’ grandmother!). These saint stories help kids see how faith is lived out in many different ways. The Weekly Activities bring the bulletin to life with a variety of hands-on fun! Each issue may include Psalm tracing to practice writing Scripture, mazes to encourage problem-solving, color-by-number activities that tie into liturgical themes, word searches that build vocabulary, and puzzles that challenge young minds. The variety keeps kids interested and engaged, even as they grow in their understanding of the faith. At the top of every bulletin, you'll find a Mass Liturgy Outline. This simple guide helps kids follow along with the order of the Mass—from the Opening Prayer to the Final Blessing. It’s a great tool for teaching the parts of the Mass in a kid-friendly way. Whether you use these bulletins at home, in a classroom, or in the pew, they offer a meaningful way to involve children in the life of the Church. The July edition includes content for Ordinary Time, making it a perfect fit for this season of spiritual growth. 📖 In Spanish too! Julio Boletín para Niños Católicos is also available en español, so more families can enjoy and share the Good News. From Saint stories to Gospel reflections, these bulletins help Catholic kids build strong foundations of faith with joy and creativity. ✝️ Make July a month of faith-filled fun with the Catholic Kids Bulletin!

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