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Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time

Focus:

Jesus predicts his death and resurrection.

Jesus tells us following him will not be easy.

Materials Needed:

• Bible
• Candle
• Crosses (various examples such as jewelry, wall hangings, clothing, anything that is a cross or shows a cross)

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 drawing attention to the crosses.  Ask each person to say what they think of when they see the cross.  What are the differences between the crosses? Are they easy to carry? We see crosses everywhere: on walls in homes and churches, on clothing, on jewelry.  Most of them are very beautiful.  What do you think Jesus’s cross looked like?  Do you think it was as pretty as some of these? Was it as easy to carry? In today’s Gospel, Jesus will tell us that in order to follow him, we must pick up our cross.  Listen carefully to what he says about it.

Music:

Choose one of the music suggestions below.  Sing together as a family.

Make the Sign of the Cross.

Sunday Gospel:  Matthew 16:21-27

Together read the Sunday Gospel. https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/083020.cfm

Feel free to use your family bible or children’s bible.  Be creative.  Read it in parts.  Act out the story.

Discussion:

• What was the first thing Jesus said to his disciples? (that Jesus would have to suffer, die and be raised on the third day)
• How did Peter react? (He told Jesus it wouldn’t happen)
• What did Jesus say to Peter? (“Get behind me, Satan! You are an obstacle to me.
  You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do.”)
• What do you think Jesus meant by that?
• What does Jesus say his followers will have to do? (deny themselves and pick up their cross)
• What do you think Jesus means by that? Do we have to literally carry a cross everywhere we go?
• What kinds of things make it hard to be a follower of Jesus for you? What are the crosses that you carry?
• Do you think you carry those crosses alone?
• If we do the hard work of following Jesus, what will we receive? (Eternal life with him in heaven)

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:

• Cross prayers – cut out crosses from paper and have each family member write one of the crosses they carry on it. Then pray to Jesus for the strength to carry those crosses.  Keep them around the house this week as a reminder to pray for each other.
• Pray the Stations of the Cross together this week. https://teachingcatholickids.com/the-stations-of-the-cross-for-families/

Music Suggestions:

Gathering: Mighty to Save

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W1jmqVU4RDo

Psalm Response: Psalm 63: My Soul is Thirsting

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VlnE8xNXx88

Presentation of the Gifts: Take Up Your Cross

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X6Z_ntZEQd4

Communion: Taste and See

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gcn1-9Fg0WA

Hymn of Praise: Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iy2JyS0F-F0

Other Web Resources:

Loyola Press:

https://www.loyolapress.com/catholic-resources/liturgical-year/sunday-connection/22nd-sunday-in-ordinary-time-a-sunday-connection/

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-22-1.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/

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:

https://www.loyolapress.com/catholic-resources/liturgical-year/sunday-connection/21st-sunday-in-ordinary-time-a-sunday-connection/

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/

Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Focus:

Because of the faith of a mother, Jesus heals her daughter.

Jesus has come for all people.

Jesus hears our prayers.

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 Discussion:

• Have you ever asked for something and been told no?
• Did you give up? Or did you keep asking?
• What were your reasons that you should have it? Were they good reasons?
• Did you finally get what you wanted? Why or why not?

In today’s Gospel, a mother asks Jesus to help her daughter and Jesus turns her down. . . at first.  Listen carefully to what happens.

Music:

Choose one of the music suggestions below.  Sing together as a family.

Make the Sign of the Cross.

Sunday Gospel:  Matthew 15:21-28

Together read the Sunday Gospel. https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/081620.cfm

Feel free to use your family bible or children’s bible.  Be creative.  Read it in parts.  Act out the story.

Discussion:

• What did the woman ask of Jesus?
• What was his response to her? Did this surprise you?
• Did she take no for answer? What did she say to try to convince Jesus?
• Did she convince Jesus to help her? What did he do?
• Why do you think Jesus said no at first? What was his reason?
• Ideas to understand from today’s Gospel;
  • Jesus came to save the “lost sheep of Israel,” the Jews, but his ministry became extended to all those who believed in him, including the Canaanite woman. Her prayer was answered because she had faith in Jesus.
  • Persistence in prayer must also include trust and faith in Jesus and that we ask for what we want. When we ask God for something this is called a prayer of petition.

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:

• Create a prayer wall – Create a space in your home where you can post prayer intentions that you may have. Use post-it notes or something similar to write your prayer on and place it in the designated wall space.  Post prayer requests that you may receive from others as well.  Recall these prayers any time you pray as a family (morning, meal time, bedtime, etc).
• Explore discrimination – The Canaanite woman confronted discrimination in today’s Gospel. What is discrimination? Where is it in our world? Does your family face it? If they do, what do you do about it? What can you do to help people in our world who face discrimination on a daily basis? Explore Catholic Social Teaching to find resources to help confront discrimination.  https://www.crs.org/sites/default/files/usops-resources/17us495_cst_handout-kids_en-digital.pdf

Music Suggestions:

Gathering: Come, Christians, Join to Sing

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LdP5gkF1EBE

Psalm Response: Psalm 67: O God, Let All the Nations

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=76Lqg6Np1n8

Presentation of the Gifts: Age to Age

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VqHRXkukdCI

Communion: The Cry of the Poor

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3aqTngprDY4

Hymn of Praise: A Rightful Place

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jfQ-ADjxcI

Other Web Resources:

Loyola Press:

https://www.loyolapress.com/catholic-resources/liturgical-year/sunday-connection/20th-sunday-in-ordinary-time-a-sunday-connection/

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-20.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/

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:

https://www.loyolapress.com/catholic-resources/liturgical-year/sunday-connection/19th-sunday-in-ordinary-time-a-sunday-connection/

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/

Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Focus:

Jesus feeds the crowds with only 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish.

Materials Needed:

• Bible
• Candle
• Paper and pens or pencils
• A food to share – making sure that everyone will get a taste, but not a large amount

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 showing the food you brought.  Tell your family that you brought something to share with everyone today.

Ask:

• Do you think there is enough for everyone?
• How can we make sure that there is enough for everyone?

Divide the snack evenly between all family members and have them enjoy it.

Ask:

• Are you still hungry? Do you want more?
• If you had been out playing all day, would it have been enough?
• What if there were 5,000 men here with us (and that doesn’t count the women and children that are with them)? Would we have enough?
• What if we had seven of the food? Would we have enough?

In today’s gospel Jesus is with his apostles and more than 5,000 other people! The people want to be with Jesus, but they were getting hungry.  Listen carefully to how Jesus feeds them.

Music;

Choose one of the music suggestions below.  Sing together as a family.

Make the Sign of the Cross.

Sunday Gospel:  Matthew 14:13-21

Together read the Sunday Gospel. http://usccb.org/bible/readings/080220.cfm

Feel free to use your family bible or children’s bible.  Be creative.  Read it in parts.  Act out the story.

Discussion:

• What was Jesus doing at the beginning of the Gospel? (Praying on a boat, mourning his friend John the Baptist)
• What happened when he got off the boat? (He saw the crowd, felt pity for them, cured the sick)
• What did the apostles tell Jesus to do with the crowd? (To send them away so they could go eat)
• What was Jesus’s response? (The apostles should share their food)
• How much food did they have? (5 loaves, 2 fish) Was it enough to feed everyone?
• What did Jesus do? (Performed a miracle – multiplied the loaves and fishes)
• Was there enough? (Yes, more than enough. There were leftovers)
• Jesus is teaching us through this action:
  • When we share with one another, Jesus can take what we offer and make it even better
  • Jesus feeds us. This is Eucharist.  We all share the one body and one blood of Christ and we are nourished spiritually.  We are then to take that nourishment and be Jesus’s body in the world.

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:

• Feed the hungry – Find out what your local food shelf needs and go shopping at the grocery store for those items. Drop them off at the food shelf.
• Learn about hunger in our country and in our world:
  • https://www.crs.org/get-involved/lead-way/hunger
  • https://povertyusa.org/homepage

Through the feeding story, Jesus has told us that there is enough food for everyone, but we don’t always share well. What are some steps you can take as a family to help combat poverty and hunger?

• Read the other versions of the story of the multiplication of the loaves and fishes. How are they the same? How are they different?
  • Matthew 15:32-38
  • Mark 6:31-44
  • Mark 8:1-10
  • Luke 9:10-17
  • John 6:1-15

Music Suggestions:

Gathering: Table of Plenty

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=okAMb_ra8Uw

Psalm Response: Psalm 145: The Hand of the Lord Feeds Us

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mUg_ChCGAFE

Presentation of the Gifts: Come to the Water/I Will Run

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5047C0Lulc

Communion: Behold the Lamb

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i4fHiL_j8Lg

Hymn of Praise: Rain Down

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pmOswvlS6CQ

Other Web Resources:

Loyola Press:

https://www.loyolapress.com/catholic-resources/liturgical-year/sunday-connection/18th-sunday-in-ordinary-time-a-sunday-connection/

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-18.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/

Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Focus:

Jesus teaches his followers that the kingdom of heaven is a priceless treasure.

Materials Needed:

• Bible
• Candle
• Paper and pens or pencils

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 having each family member make a list of the ten things that they value the most.  Older family members may need to assist younger family members.  Have each person read their list out loud.

Discuss:

• If I asked you to give up something on the list without getting anything in return, what would you be willing to give up?
• What would you be willing to give up to go on a special trip? (Choose a location your family members have always wanted to go.) Or a million dollars? Would you give up everything on your list?
• What if Jesus asked you to give up everything on your list for him? What would you do? Why? (Place your lists on your family prayer table)

In today’s Gospel, Jesus will be telling us about a very special treasure.  Listen carefully to what he asks of his followers to get that treasure.

Music:

Choose one of the music suggestions below.  Sing together as a family.

Make the Sign of the Cross.

Sunday Gospel:  Matthew 13:44-52 (shorter form: Matthew 13:44-46)

Together read the Sunday Gospel. http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/072620.cfm

Feel free to use your family bible or children’s bible.  Be creative.  Read it in parts.  Act out the story.

Discussion:

• What did Jesus compare the kingdom of heaven to? (treasure, pearl of great price)
• Would you sell all you have to get these things?
• Would you sell all you have to be with Jesus?
• Jesus is teaching us about sacrifice. We have to be willing to give up everything to be with him.  Are there things that get you need to sacrifice to make Jesus and the kingdom of heaven the most important thing in your life?

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:

• Create a treasure hunt for your family to do.

https://www.thespruce.com/indoor-treasure-hunt-for-children-1695332#:~:text=If%20you’re%20stuck%20in,treat%2C%20at%20the%20final%20destination.

• Get creative! Get out your art supplies or create something using a computer app. Create your own picture captioned: “The kingdom of heaven is like_____________. When I find it, I will sell all I have and buy it.”
• Clean out the closets. Have each family member find items that they may not use or need anymore. Or make a big sacrifice for another and give up something important that may keep you from being close to Jesus. Take these items to a local homeless shelter or women’s shelter.

Music Suggestions:

Gathering: One Heart

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jNrJIRmDLi0

Psalm Response: Psalm 119: Lord, I Love Your Commands

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NyBsBEQsqIU

Presentation of the Gifts: I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ionKh1dL9o0

Communion: Be Not Afraid

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BltudBGj8dg

Hymn of Praise: Go Make a Difference

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNDDDFVnEy4

Other Web Resources:

Loyola Press:

https://www.loyolapress.com/catholic-resources/liturgical-year/sunday-connection/17th-sunday-in-ordinary-time-a-sunday-connection/

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/2020/05/ot-17.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/