Lessons in English
Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of…
Focus:
Jesus says, “I am the living bread.”
Materials Needed:
- Bible
- Candle
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 watching a reading of the book Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story by Kevin Noble Maillard at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MibEeGiFThM
(or check your local bookstore or library for a copy)
Talk about what kind of bread is important in your family. Is there a recipe that has been in your family for generations? Is there a special kind of bread that is always served at special meals? People all over the world eat bread. What are different kinds of bread you know of? Why do you think bread is a common food, in different forms, around the world?
In today’s Gospel Jesus will tell us that he is the “bread of life.” As you listen to the gospel, think about what Jesus might mean by that.
Music:
Choose one of the music suggestions below. Sing together as a family.
Make the Sign of the Cross.
Sunday Gospel: John 6:51-58
Together read the Sunday Gospel. http://usccb.org/bible/readings/061420.cfm
Feel free to use your family bible or children’s bible. Be creative. Read it in parts. Act out the story. Here is a link to a children’s version: http://jareddees.com/breadoflife-biblestory-kids/
Discussion:
- What does Jesus tell his followers about bread from heaven?
- What will happen to those who eat the bread from heaven?
- What does Jesus say about his flesh and blood?
- Why is Jesus called the Bread of Life?
- Why did the people of Jesus’ time have trouble understanding what Jesus was telling them?
We believe that when we gather as a community to celebrate the Eucharist the bread and wine are changed into the Body and Blood of Christ. We receive Jesus in the Eucharist. Celebrating Eucharist joins us not only to Jesus but to one another. The Body and Blood of Christ strengthens us to live our life like Christ on earth and gives us eternal life.
- In a time when we may not be able to receive the Body and Blood of Christ, what are other ways we can be strengthened by God to do his work on earth?
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:
- Bake bread together. Use an old family recipe. Maybe making lefse or tortillas is a tradition in your family. Might be a time to try grandma’s cinnamon roll recipe. Or research different types of breads from different cultures. What kinds of bread do people eat around the world? Never made bread before? Here’s an easy recipe for bread in a bag: https://www.yourhomebasedmom.com/bread-bag/.
- Take out the pictures of First Communion for your family members. Reminisce about what that day was like for each of you. Talk about what it is like when we cannot receive Eucharist.
- Take a trip to the local bakery or grocery store. Look at all the different kinds of bread there are. Purchase some loaves to take to the local food shelf or soup kitchen. Another option would be to give gifts of bread to people in your community who may live alone, you know may be struggling or have other needs.
Music Suggestions:
Gathering: Here At This Table
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yzk1HoEdGpE
Psalm Response: Psalm 147: Praise the Lord, Jerusalem
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2o0-bjfK6X8
Presentation of the Gifts: Halleluya! We Sing Your Praises
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQnrPcPqsKI
Communion: Bread of Angels
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3iSqJ_8uFuo
Hymn of Praise: For the Life of the World
https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.giamusic.com/mp3s/3929_10339_5ab210582d98c.mp3
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:
http://catholicmom.com/kids/catholic-gospel-coloring-worksheets-sunday-mass/
USCCB:
https://catholicdotbible.files.wordpress.com/2020/05/corpus-christi.pdf
Strong Catholic Faith:
http://www.catholicfamilyfaith.org/breaking-open-the-word—junejuly—cycle-a.html
Pop-Up Catechesis:
https://catechistsjourney.loyolapress.com/tag/pop-up-catechesis/
Ministry to Children:
