Magnifikid! 1Year US Subscription

I've been a subscriber to Magnificat Magazine for a few years now and was delighted to get the opportunity to review their children's version, MagnifiKid. The publication is for young Catholics age six to twelve years so naturally this review will also include feedback from an enthusiastic participate; my six year old son. 

MagnifiKid is a small magazine [16 pages] that is published weekly and works to develop in children a better understanding of the mass. It is a misellette for children, essentially. Taken to mass, a child can follow along in the readings and responses. It is perfectly designed to fit into the formation that 6-12 year old receive in preparation for their sacraments. I highly recommend this as the perfect gift for first communicants. 

The publication includes the readings and Gospel acclamations for the week followed by information about saints or feasts depending on the liturgical event that week. The bottom of each page has prayers that are simple enough for young children to memorize, as well as vocabulary words that help explain phrases and difficult words small children may not understand.

Hard concepts that might be difficult to grasp for a young mind are broken down plainly and clearly illustrated under the weekly "Spotlights" that are added to each page.   Regular features include a Br. Goodventure cartoon, daily morning and evening prayers one or two activities that reflect the message and reading for the week. 

While this is a "take to mass" magazine, it is not a toy or coloring/comic book. It will NOT invite distraction during liturgy, it will do the opposite, draw your children in to participate along with you. It does not include an over abundance of puzzles or other activities because Magnifikid is not for entertainment. It is an instructional manual for children on how to properly listen and respond to what is going on in the mass and help them understand what they are participating in.    

Some of my favorite features were the explanation of the Miraculous Medal and its imagery and the Discover the Liturgy section that included the correct terminology for the paten, chalice and ciborium. 

If anything, my only negative comment would be that it could possibly be too advanced for most six year olds. If I had to classify it by age it would place in the 8-12 year old range.  Since reading levels in children vary it is hard to say who would or would not have a difficult time with MagnifiKid. Parents may need to assist, which is recommended to foster open dialogue and questions about the faith from your children.

It would also be fabulous if this publication had a Latin format to aid children during Mass in the Extraordinary Form [Tridentine Mass/Latin Mass] that included Latin terms and prayers.

This perfect little publication will definately engage your children and illicit from them some inquisitive questions about the Holy Mystery of the Mass. It would be wonderful to see this used as a teaching tool in faith formation classes. Your children will certainly enjoy MagnifiKid.