Lessons in English
Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Focus:
Jesus calms the storm and the apostles realize he is the Son of God.
Materials Needed:
- Bible
- Candle
- Ball (You may want to begin this session outdoors)
Create a special table or sacred space in your home you can where you focus during prayer and your in-home Sunday celebration. Here is a video on how to do so: https://catechistsjourney.loyolapress.com/2020/04/pop-up-catechesis-creating-a-prayer-space-in-your-home/
Light a candle. Call your family to prayer.
Opening Activity:
Begin by simply playing catch with the ball. As the game gets going try to distract family members so that they take their eye off the ball and are unable to catch it. After a few people have dropped it, end the game of catch and gather together. Ask:
- When was it easiest to catch the ball?
- What made it difficult to catch the ball?
- What do you have to always do to make sure you know the ball is coming and will catch it? (Keep your eye on the ball)
In today’s Gospel, we will hear how important it is to keep our eyes on Jesus. He will help us conquer our fears if we keep our trust in him. Listen to what happens to Peter when he takes his eye off of Jesus.
Music:
Choose one of the music suggestions below. Sing together as a family.
Make the Sign of the Cross.
Sunday Gospel: Matthew 14:22-33
Together read the Sunday Gospel. https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/080920.cfm
Feel free to use your family bible or children’s bible. Be creative. Read it in parts. Act out the story.
Discussion:
- What happened when the storm came up and the apostles were on the boat?
- How do you think they were feeling?
- What did Jesus do? What did Peter do? What happened when he was afraid?
- When have you been really afraid of something?
- Did having faith in Jesus help calm your fears?
- How do you keep your eyes on Jesus when you are afraid?
Apostles Creed:
Together pray:
I believe in God the Father almighty Creator of heaven and earth. And in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of God the Father almighty, from thence he shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of Saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body and life everlasting. Amen.
Music:
Choose another song to sing together.
Universal Prayers
As a family, offer prayers for our Church, our world, your local communities, and your families.
The Lord’s Prayer
Together pray the words that our Savior gave us:
Our Father, Who art in heaven,
Hallowed be Thy Name.
Thy Kingdom come.
Thy Will be done,
on earth as it is in Heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil. Amen.
Conclude with the Sign of the Cross.
Music:
Choose another song to sing together.
Family Activity Suggestions:
- Conquer a fear – What is something you have never done before because you were afraid or hesitant? Choose an activity as a family. Or choose an activity for each member and the rest of the family can support them and cheer them on!
- Send a note – Do you know someone who is really worried or anxious right now? Send them a note letting them know that you care for them and Jesus cares for them.
- Try one of these water activities – https://sermons4kids.com/walk_on_water_group_activities.htm
- Spend some time in the water today! Check out a local lake or river or even run through the sprinkler in your yard.
Music Suggestions:
Gathering: I Sing the Mighty Power of God
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Hx_Baw0YUk
Psalm Response: Psalm 85: Lord, Let Us See Your Kindness
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K9Bn3DxTT44
Presentation of the Gifts: You Are the Light
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yPLxBC_COfc
Communion: Here I Am
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hhw6cXRM6o4
Hymn of Praise: Halleluya! We Sing Your Praises
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQnrPcPqsKI
Other Web Resources:
Loyola Press:
The Catholic Agency for Overseas Development (CAFOD) (official aid agency of the Catholic Church in England and Wales and part of Caritas International):
https://cafod.org.uk/Education/Children-s-liturgy
Catholic Mom:
https://www.catholicmom.com/sunday-mass-activities
USCCB:
https://catholicdotbible.files.wordpress.com/2020/07/ot-19.pdf
Strong Catholic Faith:
http://www.catholicfamilyfaith.org/breaking-open-the-word—augustseptember—cycle-a.html
Pop-Up Catechesis:
https://catechistsjourney.loyolapress.com/tag/pop-up-catechesis/
