Penitential Rite File Folder Game

This game is free, however it is only to be used for classroom and personal use. It may not be published on any websites or other electronic media, or distributed in newsletters, bulletins, or any other form or sold for profit.


Penitential Rite file folder game is based on Alquerque which originated in the Middle East as the game Quirkat. Alquerque boards are carved into the stone slabs which form the roof of the great temple at Kurna, Egypt. The Arabic author Abu al-Faraj al-Isfahani mentioned Quirkat in his 24 volume work Kitab al-Aghani ("Book of Songs") c. 950 AD. Alquergue migrated to Europe when the Moors invaded Spain. It was named Alquerque (the Spanish form of El-Quirkat) in the Alfonso X Manuscript which was written between 1251 - 1282 at the command of Alfonso X, King of Leon and Castile. This game is the ancestor of modern day checkers (Draughts in the UK) when it evolved to being played on a chess board instead of the standard Alqerque board. The Madagascan game Fanorama may have evolved from Quirkat.


Penitential Rite File Folder Game: For 2 Players or 2 Teams

The idea is to answer questions about the Penitential Rite so you can remove one or more of your opponent’s pieces. The goal of the game is to remove all the opponent’s pieces.

*This game is in accordance with the new Roman Missal that was implemented on November 27, 2011.


Directions- Print out Directions, cut it out, and put inside file folder for safe keeping.

Game Board- Print out Game Board, trim, and glue on the inside of the file folder. Laminate or cover with clear contact paper to make it last.

Game Cards- (Use these cards or make your own.) Print Game Cards out on card stock. Cut out Game Cards. Laminate or cover with clear contact paper to make them last. Use only the cards that reflect your student’s abilities.

Game Pieces- (Use these Game Pieces or make your own.) Print out Game Pieces on very thick card stock. Cut out.

*You can also use a large circle hole puncher and make your own game pieces using card stock, craft foam, etc.