Lessons in English
Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time
Focus:
Because of his faithfulness, Peter becomes the “rock” upon which the church is built.
Materials Needed:
- Bible
- Candle
- Rocks
- Keys
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 Discussion:
Begin by passing around the rocks. Ask:
- Where do you find rocks?
- What do you know about them?
- What can they be used for?
Next pass around the keys. Ask:
- What are keys used for?
- What do you think it means if someone gives you the keys to something?
In today’s Gospel Jesus will call Peter “the rock” and gives him the keys to the kingdom. Think about the rocks and keys we have here today as we listen carefully to the Gospel.
Music:
Choose one of the music suggestions below. Sing together as a family.
Make the Sign of the Cross.
Sunday Gospel: Matthew 16:13-20
Together read the Sunday Gospel. https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/082320.cfm
Feel free to use your family bible or children’s bible. Be creative. Read it in parts. Act out the story.
Discussion:
- What question does Jesus ask his disciples? (Who do people say that the Son of Man is?)
- How do they answer? (Various answers)
- Then what does Jesus ask? (Who do you say that I am?)
- Who answers the question? (Peter)
- What happens because Peter answers? (Jesus sees that Peter is full of faith and builds his church on Peter. He gives Peter the keys to the kingdom so that he can lead the church).
- If someone asked you who Jesus is, what would your answer be?
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:
- Research Popes – Peter is considered the first Pope of the Church. Spend some time learning about other popes and how they have followed in the footsteps of Peter to lead the church.
- Pray each day – There are many people who lead our church: our Pope, our Bishops, our pastors, our deacons and our lay minsters. Choose one group each day and pray for them. Perhaps send a note of thanks for all they do for your church.
- Decorate rocks – paint rocks with symbols or words of faith. Keep them in your home or share them with your neighbors.
Music Suggestions:
Gathering: Take Up Your Cross
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X6Z_ntZEQd4
Psalm Response: Psalm 138: Lord, Your Love is Eternal
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d6-EYI_Hs9o
Presentation of the Gifts: Women of the Church
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=taSniZWaDxs
Communion: Envía tu Espíritu
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=toqqvSJGFMY
Hymn of Praise: Lead Me, Lord
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Qm5JG8zVhk
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-21.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/
