Papal lapbook

I just have to share something I am SO excited about! Last night Jessica from Shower of Roses shared her Papal Lapbook and Unit Study she put together for this historical time we're living in!  As soon as Pope Benedict retired, I wanted a lapbook for the boys, but really didn't know where to even start, nor did I have the time!  I was SO SO SO happy when she posted hers :)

Beautiful, huh?  So we started today....here is Captain writing in his first mini book - it's a pop-up of the Vatican - LOVE it!

I also had him color Pope Benedict's coat of arms which he loved (I printed that over a week ago and can't remember where I printed that from) .  He can't wait to see what the next pope chooses (or of course what he'll choose if he's ever Pope ;) )

In Jessica's lesson plans she suggested reading from a book we didn't have, but someone linked a free copy of the book.  It was an older book and oh so good.  Bible verse after bible verse through the Acts showing the primacy of Peter. I love seeing how the other apostles viewed him as head knowing and understanding what Jesus had done by giving him the keys.  I just heard the typeology the other day how from the Old Testament when a king was going to leave, he left the keys with his Prime Minister.  This action showed that the Prime Minister was in charge of the castle and all affairs until the king returned.  If the prime minister died, then he handed on the keys to someone else and so on until the king returned!  Sounds familiar right!! All Jews in Jesus' time, who knew their Old Testament very well, would have understood perfectly the action that Jesus did by giving Peter the keys.  I am in awe by the beauty of the Bible in all of it's intricacies and simplicities.  Wow...  Anyway, here are some examples that we read today.  The boys both loved all of them.  I thought they may zone out, but they didn't, even Rex said 'Hey, we heard that in the Gospel of John' which they sometimes listen to on our tablet while going to bed :)  There are many more, but I just wanted to show some detail.  Here's the link for the book - this part was located near the bottom under "The Primacy of Peter".

4. Christ also conferred on Peter special marks of distinction not conferred on the other Apostles. He gave him a new name. He chose him as a companion on the most solemn occasions. After the Resurrection, He appeared to Peter first, before showing Himself to the other Apostles. The Lord said: "Simon ... I have prayed for thee that thy faith may not fail; and do thou, when once thou hast turned again, strengthen thy brethren" (Luke 22:31-32)
   As with every well-regulated society, the Church needed a visible head; Christ appointed St. Peter visible head of the Church. The city has its mayor, the state its governor, the nation its President. At the head of every government is a president or king. Even in the family, the father is the head. Every corporation has a head.
   The Church is a visible society; that is, it Is composed of human beings. It needs a head as well as any other organization. Christ is always its invisible, Head, but it needs a visible head to take His place among men.

Did Peter actually exercise his primacy? --Yes, Peter actually exercised his primacy, and the other Apostles and the disciples recognized him as the head of the Church.


1. Peter's name always stands first in the lists of Apostles; Iscariot's is always last. St. Matthew even calls Peter the "first Apostle." But he was neither first in age nor in election, for Our Lord had called Andrew; his elder brother, before him. He must therefore have been first in honor and authority.
   
2. It was Peter that proposed the election of another to take the place of Judas. In obedience to Peter's advice, the Apostles put forward two among the disciples to choose from; and after praying, they chose Matthias (Acts 1:21-26).
   
3. It was Peter that preached the first sermon on the day of Pentecost. The Holy Ghost had descended on the Apostles; they spoke so that each person present (and there were many nationalities in the crowd) heard his own language being spoken. The people were amazed; and Peter spoke (Acts 2:14-36).
   
4. It was Peter that admitted the first converts from Judaism (Acts 2:38-41), as well as from paganism (Acts 10:5). "And he (Peter) ordered them (the Gentiles) baptized in the name of Jesus Christ" (Acts 10:48). This was a thing unheard of, that the Jews, "of the Faith", should consort with "heathen"; but Peter broke all bonds.
   
5. Peter worked the first miracle. He gave a man lame from birth the power to walk (Acts 3:6-8).
   
6. Peter meted out the first punishment. Ananias (and later his wife Sapphira) had lied and cheated; and having been rebuked by Peter, fell down dead (Acts 5: 1-6).
   
7. Peter cast out the heretic Simon Magus. This heretic had wanted to purchase the power of the Apostles of bringing down the Holy Ghost on those on whom they laid hands (Acts 8:19-20).
   
8. Peter made the first visitation of the churches (Acts 31-32).
9. In the first Council at Jerusalem, there was much disputing, but when Peter spoke, all submitted (Acts 15:7-12). "After a long debate, Peter got up and said, ... 'But we believe that we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus' ... Then the whole meeting quieted down" (Acts 15:7, 11-12).
   
10. After his conversion, St. Paul presented himself to Peter (Gal. 1: 18)
11.  
12.  Ok...since I can't figure out how to not have it stop numbering, I'll just sign off!  No I won't...two more things.  We also tonight watched this little 3 minute video and the kids really liked it!  I feel they understand the whole electing of the pope now!!  Also, tomorrow we're going to make these adorable keys of Peter pretzels!!  Perfect!  Ok....now I'm signing out ;)