Blog

Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Focus:

Jesus uses parables to teach about the Kingdom of Heaven.

Jesus teaches us that it is God’s job to separate the good from the evil.

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:

Spend some time in your yard before you begin.  Have the family members look for plants that they think are beautiful or that they like. Use your phone to take pictures of the plants that each person likes, or, if you are okay with it, have each person pick the plant that he or she likes.  Make sure to choose one or two plants yourself that are considered weeds, but may be beautiful.

Time for show and tell. Have each member of the family show their plant and tell why they chose it.  Point out the plants that are actually weeds.

Discuss:

• What is a weed?
• Why is it a bad thing?
• How do we get rid of them? (Pull them, hoe them, use weed killer)
• What happens to the good plants when we get rid of the weeds? (They will grow better; the weeds won’t take the sun, moisture, soil that the plants need)
• Think about this: do we ever lose good plants when we get rid of the weeds? Sometimes we may accidentally pull up a plant that we think is a weed. Or can weed killers always tell the difference between a weed and a plant?

In today’s Gospel, Jesus uses a parable, or story, to teach us about the Kingdom of Heaven.  He will tell his followers something different than we are used to.  Listen carefully.

Music:

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

Make the Sign of the Cross.

Sunday Gospel:  Matthew 13:24-43 (Longer Form) or Matthew 13:24-30 (Shorter Form)

Together read the Sunday Gospel. http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/071920.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?
• When the slaves ask the Master what they should do about the weeds, what does he tell them? (Let them grow)
• Why do you think he would tell them not to pick the weeds? (Because the good plants might be damaged)
• When can the slaves get rid of the weeds? (At harvest time)
• What happens to the weeds at harvest time? (They will be burned)
• Who are we in the story? (The good seed)
• Do we need to worry about the weeds? Who will take care of the weeds? (God)
• Jesus wants us to focus on producing good works for the world. If we take care of our own faith life and make good choices, we will not be like the weeds at harvest time.  God will take us to be with him.
• What are some ways that we can be good seed in the world? How do we show love to everyone?

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:

• Pull weeds for a friend or neighbor as an act of service. Even though Jesus tells us in the Gospel not to pull weeds, we understand he is talking about people.  We need to take care of our world and pulling weeds will make our gardens and yards healthy. Just make sure that you are removing only the weeds.
• Write letters to missionaries overseas who are doing the work of spreading the Gospel. Contact the Mission Office for names.  http://mission.stcdio.org/ Thank them for the good work they do in the world.

Music Suggestions:

Gathering: Praise to the Lord, the Almighty

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ci81st9WiRc

Psalm Response: Psalm 86: Lord, You Are Good and Forgiving

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKFIx3qyYXc

Presentation of the Gifts: Worthy is the Lamb

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iSOG64-sTpg

Communion: Spirit and Grace

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aoKR216fGuo

Hymn of Praise: Act Justly

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z2bRY45vayg

Other Web Resources:

Loyola Press: https://www.loyolapress.com/catholic-resources/liturgical-year/sunday-connection/16th-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-16.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/

Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Focus:

Jesus plants his word in our hearts and we have to tend it and help it grow.

Materials Needed:

• Bible
• Candle
• Flower pots or cups
• Seeds
• Water
• Soil
• A flower pot or cup with rocks in it

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 today’s session by having each family member plant seeds in small containers.  https://teaching2and3yearolds.com/how-to-plant-seeds-for-an-easy-kids-gardening-activity/

As you do the planting, ask your family members:

• What do seeds need to grow? (soil, light, water, fertilizer, attention)
• Take the container with the rocks and put a seed or two in it.
  • Ask: Do you think these seeds will grow well? Why or why not?
  • Can’t we just use any kind of ground to grow things?
  • Leave the container for a few days and check back on it to bring the Gospel back during the week
• What will happen if we do not take care of the soil that the seed is in? (The seed won’t grow)

After everyone has finished planting, place the cups or pots where they will be taken care of.

Tell the family members that in today’s Gospel Jesus will teach us about our faith using a parable.  A parable is a story that teaches us something about God and our faith.  The story we will read is about the Sower and the Seed.  Listen carefully to the words of Jesus.

Music:

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

Make the Sign of the Cross.

Sunday Gospel:  Matthew 13:1-23 (Long Form) or Matthew 13:1-9 (Short Form)

Together read the Sunday Gospel. http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/071220.cfm

Feel free to use your family bible or children’s bible.  Be creative.  Read it in parts.  Act out the story. Here is an animated version of the story: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tb7bvF5Ucrk

Discussion:

• Who do you think the sower is in the story? (Jesus)
• What do you think the seed might be? (God’s word)
• What do you think the soil might be? (Us, our hearts, our listening skills, our openness to the teachings of Jesus, our souls)
• Jesus is telling us today that he is trying to plant his teachings in us so that we go out into the world and bring his Good News to it. But if we are not taking care of our hearts or our faith life, the seeds may not grow.
• What are ways we may be like the rocky soil?
• What are ways that we can be the fertile soil?
• If we take care of our faith life and do good things to make it grow, just like we care for our seeds that we planted, it will produce a big crop of love and goodness in our 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:

• Spend some time in a garden today, your own, or maybe a neighbor’s (be sure to ask permission) or find a public garden in your area. https://mngardens.horticulture.umn.edu/  Appreciate the beauty of God’s creation when it is well cared for. Notice the different kinds of soil, plants, and seeds that are there.
• Create a seed mosaic (https://www.firstpalette.com/craft/seed-mosaic.html). Relate it to today’s Gospel by use the seeds to spell out “God’s Word” as a reminder of what Jesus plants in our hearts.
• Make a dirt cake: https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/dirt-cake/

Music Suggestions:

Gathering: Canticle of the Sun

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

Psalm Response: Psalm 65: The Seed That Falls on Good Ground

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

Presentation of the Gifts: I Will Rejoice

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PCvXl2n_8Ks

Communion: Pescador de Hombres/Lord, You Have Come

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AebxlieI2Dg

Hymn of Praise: Sent Forth by God’s Blessing

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PLp85eLlaIM

Other Web Resources:

Loyola Press:

https://www.loyolapress.com/catholic-resources/liturgical-year/sunday-connection/15th-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:

http://catholicmom.com/kids/catholic-gospel-coloring-worksheets-sunday-mass/

USCCB:

https://catholicdotbible.files.wordpress.com/2020/05/ot-15.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/

Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Focus:

Jesus gives us hope by telling us we can share our burdens with him and they will be lightened.

Materials Needed:

• Bible
• Candle
• A heavy object

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:

Call attention to the heavy object that you have in your prayer space.  Have each family member pick up the object and hold it for a little while.  After everyone has had a chance, reflect on holding the object.

• Did you think the object was heavy at first?
• How did your arms feel after holding the object for a while?
• If you had someone to help you hold the object, would it be as difficult?

Carrying something heavy for a long time can be a burden for us and become difficult.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus will tell us that we can come to him and he will help us with our burdens.

Music:

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

Make the Sign of the Cross.

Sunday Gospel:  Matthew 11:25-30

Together read the Sunday Gospel. http://usccb.org/bible/readings/070520.cfm

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

Discussion:

• Do you have times that you feel like you are carrying something heavy? Or that something is really hard to do?
• Are there things that you are really worried about?
• How can you ask Jesus to help you with these things?
• What can we learn from Jesus to help us to carry our burdens?
• How can we help others carry their burdens like Jesus helps us carry ours?

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:

• Make time to rest today. Create a pillow or blanket fort inside or set up a tent outside.  Make it very comfortable and inviting.  Gather as a family and each offer one burden that you would like to give to Jesus today.  Then spend some time resting, which may look different to each family member. Some may want to read or sleep. Or maybe it’s watching a family movie from the fort.  Whatever you choose to do, make it a space of quiet and relaxation.
• Are there other ways you like to relax as a family? Maybe go for a walk, hike, or bike ride together. Do the relaxation activity your family enjoys most, but just as before the resting activity, take time to offer your burdens to Jesus.
• Jesus gives us hope that our burdens will be light. Brainstorm ways as a family to lighten someone else’s burdens and carry out that idea.

Music Suggestions:

Gathering: Holy God, We Praise Thy Name

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ytf_TIujPw

Psalm Response: Psalm 145: I Will Praise Your Name for Ever, My King and My God

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mUG3kZoA6X8

Presentation of the Gifts: Day of Peace

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

Communion: A Place At Your Table

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E1_3aLZlkr8

Hymn of Praise: City of God

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kXZTYV1Pq_M

Other Web Resources:

Loyola Press: https://www.loyolapress.com/catholic-resources/liturgical-year/sunday-connection/14th-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:

http://catholicmom.com/kids/catholic-gospel-coloring-worksheets-sunday-mass/

USCCB:

https://catholicdotbible.files.wordpress.com/2020/05/ot-14.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/

Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Focus:

Jesus explains the demands of discipleship.

Jesus calls us to radical hospitality.

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 the story of Elisha and the Shunamite woman.  You only need to watch to 1:23 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W72gCrRUy-s

Discuss the story.

• What special thing did the Shunamite woman and her husband do for Elisha?
• Why did they do it?
• Have you ever heard of the word hospitality? What does it mean?
• One definition is “the friendly and generous reception and entertainment of guests, visitors, or strangers.” Is that something you have ever done or seen done? Where did you see it? What was happening?
• In today’s Gospel, Jesus says that anyone who welcomes one of Jesus’s followers, welcomes him. Listen carefully when we read it.

Music:

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

Make the Sign of the Cross.

Sunday Gospel:  Matthew 10:37-42

Together read the Sunday Gospel. http://usccb.org/bible/readings/062820.cfm

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

Discussion:

• What does Jesus tell us that it means to be a disciple of his? It is a big job and it will be hard work. But this is not the first time that Jesus has told us this.  The greatest commandment tells us that we are to love God with everything we have and love our neighbor as we love ourselves.
• Jesus also explains to us in the Gospel what hospitality looks like. Any time we welcome someone we welcome Christ.  Did you realize that when you welcome anyone you are doing what Christ asks of his disciples?
• Will this change how you treat other people when you encounter them?
• One of the saints, St. Benedict, has a special rule about welcoming people. He says, “All guests who present themselves are to be welcomed as Christ.” Are you willing to treat all guests like Christ?” What if it is someone that you don’t care for? Or don’t agree with?
• Jesus says even the littlest should be welcomed and cared for because they are his disciples, too.  How do you make sure that you welcome kids your own age?

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:

• Make a beautiful welcome sign for your house or yard. How do you make it known that your hospitality is based in your discipleship?
• Research St. Benedict. What other rules does he have that could help your family live as good disciples?
• Read the story of Abraham’s hospitality in Genesis 18. Make a game out of it.  Have family members sit down.  Every time you hear an act of hospitality, stand up.  Or keep track of the actions and see if there are things that Abraham does that you could do for others.

Music Suggestions:

Gathering: Our God is Here

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WtSnIxnIB3k

Psalm Response: Psalm 89: Forever I Will Sing the Goodness of the Lord

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LmWhW8qyzrw

Presentation of the Gifts: Come, My Way, My Truth, My Life

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

Communion: Miracle of Grace

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-tg7539_wOE

Hymn of Praise: The Church’s One Foundation

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k9yNSTt1aXU

Other Web Resources:

Loyola Press:

https://www.loyolapress.com/catholic-resources/liturgical-year/sunday-connection/13th-sunday-of-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:

http://catholicmom.com/kids/catholic-gospel-coloring-worksheets-sunday-mass/

USCCB: https://catholicdotbible.files.wordpress.com/2020/05/ot-13.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/

Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Focus:

Jesus tells us to not be afraid to proclaim the Gospel, God takes care of us.

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 asking your family members to count the hairs on their own heads.  Let them count for a few moments.  When they begin to get frustrated or question why they are doing this, begin the discussion.

• How many hairs did you count?
• Were you able to count all of them?
• Would it be easier to count the hairs on someone else’s head? Let’s try that.

Have each person try to count the hairs on another’s head.  Follow up with the same questions.

• How many hairs did you count?
• Were you able to count all of them?
• Was it easier to count someone else’s?

Tell the children this may seem a strange way to begin today, but encourage them to listen carefully to what Jesus says in the Gospel.

Music:

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

Make the Sign of the Cross.

Sunday Gospel:  Matthew 10:26-33

Together read the Sunday Gospel. http://usccb.org/bible/readings/062120.cfm

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

Discussion:

• Why do you think we began today by counting our hairs?
• How do you feel knowing that God knows everything about us, even things that seem possible to know like the number of hairs on our heads?
• Jesus told us to fear no one. Is that an easy thing to do? Are you afraid?  Why?
• Jesus tells us why we do not need to be afraid, especially when telling others about God. God loves us and cares for us so much and will take care of us.  Just like he does the sparrow.  We are worth more than the sparrows to God.
• Take a moment to look outside. What other signs do you see that show God’s love for us?

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:

• Go bird watching. https://www.audubon.org/news/easy-ways-get-kids-birding or https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/birding.html

God loves the birds and takes care of them and he loves and cares for us so much more!

• Try a new family activity that you have been unsure about trying. Use the experience to point out that we can do great things with God’s love.
• Brainstorm as a family. What are some ways to bring God’s love and hope to the world as we are asked to do? Choose one and do it.

Music Suggestions:

Gathering: O God Beyond All Praising

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PnnQpC9oLxU&list=TLPQMTYwNjIwMjAA7mUQ3O7jtw&index=1

Psalm Response: Psalm 69: Lord, in Your Great Love, Answer Me

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6guxWuWwDio

Presentation of the Gifts: These Alone Are Enough

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G8YDoa90z-w

Communion: Take and Eat

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XkvOnb2fsvU

Hymn of Praise: Hallelujah is Our Song

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BL065Ww1Z4w

Other Web Resources:

Loyola Press: https://www.loyolapress.com/catholic-resources/liturgical-year/sunday-connection/12th-sunday-of-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:

http://catholicmom.com/kids/catholic-gospel-coloring-worksheets-sunday-mass/

USCCB:

https://catholicdotbible.files.wordpress.com/2020/05/ot-12.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/

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:

https://www.loyolapress.com/catholic-resources/liturgical-year/sunday-connection/most-holy-body-and-blood-of-christ-a-sunday-connect/

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:

https://ministry-to-children.com/last-supper-lesson-john-6/