Walking with Jesus: Easy Tips for Enjoying a Corpus Christi Procession with Kids
If you’ve never been to a Corpus Christi Procession with kids, you might be wondering what it’s actually like. Is the Eucharistic Procession long? Will my kids behave? Is it okay if someone starts melting down halfway through? (Spoiler: Yes, yes it is.) I wasn’t sure what to expect myself—until last year when I went to my first procession.
Let me just say: it was beautiful, prayerful, and surprisingly fun.
I walked near the front with my daughter, and we were surrounded by sweet little First Communicants in their white dresses and suits. Our parish had invited them to wear their First Communion outfits, and it was just… adorable. Being close to the Eucharist, near the canopy and the incense, and watching all the kids take it seriously in their own ways—it really moved me.
My husband and our other kids? They were near the back. Let’s just say their experience was a little different. They were farther from the Eucharist, farther from the cute kids, and they couldn’t hear the prayers or songs so they focused on how hot it was. Still meaningful, but not quite as inspiring. Lesson learned: where you walk matters.
What Is Corpus Christi Anyway?
“Corpus Christi” means “Body of Christ” in Latin. It’s a feast all about the Eucharist—Jesus truly present in the bread and wine we receive at Mass. On this day, we take Jesus out into the world. Literally.
If you’re explaining it to your kids, keep it simple:
“Jesus is with us in the Eucharist. Today, we walk with Him to show we believe He’s really here, and to thank Him for coming to us.”
It helps to show them a picture of a monstrance (the gold thing that holds the Eucharist) and talk about how we’re walking with Jesus in a parade just for Him.
What’s a Eucharistic Procession Like?
It depends on your parish, but here’s the basic idea: the priest carries the Eucharist in a monstrance under a canopy. Everyone follows, singing and praying. Sometimes there are stops along the way for readings or Benediction. Some parishes add flower petals, banners, or special music.
If you’re doing a Corpus Christi Procession with kids, just know it’s totally okay if your participation doesn’t look perfectly serene. Wiggles, whispers, and snack requests are all par for the course.
Real-Life Tips for a Corpus Christi Procession with Kids
1. Walk near the front of the Eucharistic Procession (if you can).
From experience, it’s just better up there. You can see the Eucharist, hear the music more clearly, and feel more “in it.” Plus, if there are kids in First Communion clothes, it’s an added bonus of cuteness and reverence all in one.
2. Walk near the music.
This is my mom’s go-to advice. She loves music and pointed out that walking close to the speakers or the person leading hymns makes it easier to sing and follow along. When you’re near the music, the whole thing feels more alive.
3. Bring an umbrella.
Not for rain—for sun. Last year, it got hot, and if your route doesn’t have much shade, an umbrella makes a huge difference. Same goes for water bottles and maybe a fan or hat for the little ones.
4. Eucharistic Procession Bingo!
Give kids a Bingo card with things to spot during the procession—like flowers, candles, or choir members. It keeps them curious and paying attention, turning the walk into a fun, interactive experience. Plus, it helps them notice all the special details of the Eucharistic Procession without getting bored.
5. Prep your kids ahead of time.
Let them know what’s going to happen: “We’re going to follow Jesus in the Eucharist. It’s a little like a parade, but more quiet and prayerful.” Help them understand that this is special—not a regular walk, but one full of meaning.
6. Keep it simple.
Don’t expect your kids to pray a whole rosary while walking in a straight line without getting distracted. If they hum along with the music, say “Hi Jesus” when they see the monstrance, or just walk peacefully for a bit—that’s beautiful.
7. Celebrate the Eucharistic Procession afterward.
After our first procession, we grabbed cookies and talked about what everyone noticed. It was a good way to close it out and give them a positive memory tied to a special day.
If you’re bringing kids to a Corpus Christi Procession, this bundle is a great way to get them ready—and keep them engaged! It includes a fun Bingo game to help them pay attention during the Eucharistic Procession, plus coloring pages with quotes about the True Presence (with simple and detailed options for all ages). You’ll also get two reading comprehension packets that explain what a Corpus Christi Procession is and why it matters, with passages at three levels, discussion questions, and writing activities. It’s everything you need to help kids connect with this beautiful tradition.
If the Eucharistic Procession sparked any questions or curiosity in your kids, Adoration is a great next step to explore together. After all, the whole procession is about honoring Jesus in the Eucharist—and that’s exactly what Adoration is, too.
I put together a bundle that makes it easy to teach kids what Adoration is, why we do it, and how to spend quiet time with Jesus. It includes two leveled reading comprehension packets: one explains what Adoration is and how it helps us grow closer to God, and the other gives practical tips for what to do during Adoration (because sitting still and being quiet can be a big ask!).
There’s also a fun and reflective “Adoration Alphabet” activity to help kids brainstorm words and prayers they can bring to Jesus. Whether you’re using it in a classroom, a youth group, or just at home with your own kids, this bundle is a great way to follow up after a Eucharistic Procession with kids and help them keep growing in their love for Jesus in the Eucharist.
Why Try a Eucharistic Procession with Kids?
It won’t be perfect. Your toddler might refuse to walk. Someone might whine halfway through. But it’s worth it.
Doing a Corpus Christi Procession with kids gives them a front-row seat to living faith. It’s one thing to hear about Jesus being present in the Eucharist. It’s another to walk behind Him down the street, surrounded by prayer and song and the people of your parish.
Whether you make it the whole way or cut and run after 10 minutes, whether your kids are reverent or just along for the snacks, you’re doing something powerful. You’re showing them that our faith is something real, and something to be shared—even if we sweat a little along the way.
So if you’re thinking about joining a Corpus Christi Procession with kids this year—go for it. Walk with Jesus. Let your kids walk with Him too. You might be surprised by how much they take in… and how much you do too.
What tips do you have to enjoy a Corpus Christi Procession with kids?
Do you need other summer religion ideas? Check out this post for easy activities. Or this post about Summer Liturgical Feasts.
Or, look at this post for more details about the Saint Reading Comprehension Workbook to keep your kids learning all summer!
Keep Your Kids Learning With Saint Reading Comprehension Workbooks!
Twelve Reading Comprehension Passages about Catholic Saints.
Every saint passage includes:
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They’re great for reading time, quiet mornings, long car rides, or even those “I’m bored” moments. You can order the workbooks from Amazon, or shop on TPT and print at home!
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.
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Grab a copy today and give your kids a fun, faith-filled way to stay connected to God all summer long!
June Catholic Kids Bulletin
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If you like these bulletins and likewise want to extend the learning about the Mass, check out these activities!
June Catholic Kids Bulletin
Junio Boletín para Niños Católicos
June Bulletins include…
- ✝️ Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity
- ✝️ Saint Juliana Falconieri
- ✝️ Saint Anthony
- ✝️ Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ
- ✝️ Eucharist
- ✝️ Saint Aloysius Gonzaga
- ✝️ Saint Charles Lwanga
- ✝️ Venerable Augustus Tolton
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