LET'S CELEBRATE GoD SCHOOL LITURGIES 1INTRODUCTION Dear Teachers, ‘These Liturgies have been prepared for and used by teachers and students in Catholic Primary Schools in Milne Bay Province. When a priest is available, they are used for Mass. Without a priest, they are used for a Prayer Service. When used for a Prayer Service, the teacher will compose an opening and closing prayer according to the theme. ‘When there is no Mass, make sure the Offertory hymn. you choose does not use the words ‘bread’ and ‘wine’ Preparation is essential, and this includes practice by the teacher and class preparing. This includes Prayers of the Faithful being written out and given to the children reading them. Sometimes the Gospel can be dramatized. Other times, the reading of the Gospel can be shared, i.e. Narrator, Jesus, Apostle etc, ‘Some of the Readings have been paraphrased to be more easily understood by the smaller children. The Good News translation could also be used. Many of the Themes have been taken from “A Liturgy Program for Little Ones”. They have been adapted to suit the needs and seasons of our area. Other changes may be needed to make the Liturgies both suitable and meaningful in some areas. Be creative! Encourage your students to be creative! At the same time, keep the liturgies prayerful and meaningful. Hymns Are suggested. Often you could sing an appropriate language hymn with the same ‘theme. It would be good to have a packet of Blu Tak or something similar to attach pictures etc. to the altar or wall. ‘Sometimes there is something to be prepared by all the classes. In this case, the teacher of the presenting class must notify the teachers of the other classes in plenty of time, what they need to prepare.CONTENTS Term 1 1. Coming Together 2. Peacemaker 3. Forgiveness 4. LENT: Trying to say “Yes” 5. Little hurts 6. Coming Home 7. Love one another 8 Who, Me?? 9. The Annunciation (25" March) Term 2 1. Easter Celebration 2. Believing in Jesus 3. Feed My Sheep 4. The Ascension 5. Pentecost 6. Spread the Good News 7. Feast of the Sacred Heart 8. Following Jesus 9. Fishermen 10. Giving Term 3 1. Lam Special 2, Our Talents Friends 4. My Mother 5. My Father 6. My Family 7. God's Family 8 9. » . God's House Sharing 10. Kindness Term 4 1. Praying to God 2. Thanksgiving 3. ANew Garden 4. Children Helping Children (Last week of October) 5. Christ our King (3 or 4" week af November) 6. Advent ~ John the Baptist 7. Children of Light 8. Tree of Jesse 9, The Birth of Jesus 10. Closing the School YearTERM 1 - THEME 1. Coming “Together Prepare: A cu-tout cardboard figure of a child made by each child in the dass and coloured and strung together ‘School things e.g. BALL, BOOKS, PENCILS etc. ‘Action words e.g. PLAY, SING, WORK, PRAY ‘Opening Hymn: Join Together or ... Introduction: We are together again. There are some things that we do alone, but most things we do with others. ‘What are some of the things we do with others? (Give a matching card i.e. PLAY to the child who said the word and let him/her place it near the Altar or on the wall. Continue until all the cards ore used. Today we will do some of these things. We will pray and sing together to ask God to bless ‘our new school year and our friends and our teachers. Reading: 1Thes 5:23-28 May the God of Peace make you holy in every way so that you may always be ready to say "Yes" to God. God has called you and will always be with you: Let us pray for each other, brothers and sisters. Give each other a sign of peace. May Jesus Christ be with you always. The Word of the Lord. Hymn: ‘Come My Brothers, praise the Lord OR... Gospel: Mark 10:13-16 Talk: A long time ago, little children came to Jesus and He blessed them. today, WE are the ones who come to Jesus and He does the same to us - He blesses us with all that we need to make this school year a good one. Look at all the things we are going ta do together. We can only do them well and in peace if we have His help. Jesus is ready to give this help to us, So let us be ready to take what Jesus is offering us. Jesus has told us how to be happy here on earth and how to get to heaven. Both of these mean thinking of others. Let us begin this school year by thinking of others and trying to do all we can to make our friends and teachers happy. Prayers of the Faithful: Our Response: Jesus, make us kind like You. 1. Let us pray that we may be like Jesus in the way we work with others this year. Lord hear our prayer. 2. Lord, make us gentle and kind when we play together this year. Lord Hear our prayer. 3. Lord, may all children starting school at this time have joy and peace and share thesewith others. Lord hear our prayer. 4, May all our teachers be like Jesus and bring we children close to God. Lord hear our prayer. 5, Lord Jesus, may we be good and kind to our parents who work so hard to send us to school, Lord hear our prayer. Offertory: Hymn: We have come OR ... Procession: Two or three children carry the cardboard cut-outs strung together to string around the altar, Others carry school things and place them in front of the altar. If there is Mass, the candles, water and wine etc. are also carried. Communion Hymn: All the earth OR .... Closing Hymn: Go now you are sent forth OR ... 4THEME 2: Being @ Peacemaker Prepare A good spear and a broken spear Word cards PEACE MAKER Tf possible a picture of Zacchaeus up a tree Opening Hymn: Peace Time OR ..., Reconciliation: Hymn: Father I have sinned. ..1 forgive you, I love you This could be dramatized with the congregation singing the verses and "Jesus" the chorus, Introduction: What kind of a person was Jesus? Yes, He was kind and good. He forgave others and He Never fought with anyone, ‘That is what a “Peacemaker” is, Jesus wants us to say to others what He often said, “Peace be with you.” Let us pray today that we can be peacemakers with Jesus. Reading: Ephesians 4: 23, 25-27, 29-3 Your hearts and minds must be made completely new. ou must not tell lies anymore. Everyone must tell the truth to the others because we are all Parts of the Body of Christ, Tyo do become angry, do not let your anger lead you into sin and do not stay angry all day. Do not give the devil a chance. Do not use words that hurt other people. Only speak words which help others, the kind of And do not make God's Holy Spirit sad. The Spirit is the sign that you belong to God. Because of the Spirit, the day will come when God will set you free, Get rid of all hateful thoughts, getting upset and angry. Do not have hateful feelings of any sort in your heart instead, be kind to each other, have good thoughts In your heart for one another, and, forgive one another the same way as God has forgiven you through His Son, Jesus, Hymn: Peace is flowing like a river OR Gospel: Luke 19:1-10 (This could be acted) Talk: Zacchaeus was a man who had no peace in his heart. He robbed people and cheated people and so he had no friends. He had heard about Jesus and he thought that, if he could see this peace-maker, things would change. And they did! Peace does spread like a river, tpt 3e¢ how we can bring peace to others like Jesus did, by being kind and thoughtful to them as Jesus was to Zaccharus.Prayers of the Faithful: Response: Jesus, help us to bring peace to others. 1. The first child places the broken spear near the altar and then prays: Lord, we place this spear before your altar to show that we want to live in peace with others. Lord, hear our prayer. 2. The second child places the good spear near the altar and then says: Lord, we pray for all those who fight and bring sorrow to others. We ask You to change their hearts, Lord hear our prayer. 3. The third child places the PEACE card and prays: Lord Jesus, You came to bring peace to all people. Please give peace now, to the countries that are fighting each other. Lord hear our prayer. 4. The forth child places the card MAKER in front of the altar and prays: Lord, we pray that all people may make peace by forgiving others from their hearts and living in peace. Lord, hear our prayer. Offertory Hymi ‘ake our bread we ask you (if Mass) or Lord I give myself to You. OR... Sign of Peace: All move around giving the sign of peace while singing: Shalom my friends. Communion Hymn: His peace He gives to us OR Closing Hymn: Peace I leave with you my friend OR ...THEME 3: Forecueness Prepare: Poster of Crucifixion with words "FORGIVE LIKE JESUS DID” Name tags big enough to be seen from the back for : MARY MAGDALEN, WOMAN AT THE WELL, THIEF, PETER, PAUL, SOLDIER 6 children for the introduction. Opening Hymn: Make me your brother OR .... Introduction: Each of the 6 children holds their aporopriate name tag in turn so all can see. 1* Child : 1 am the thief who died on a cross with Jesus, He forgave me and took me to heaven with Him just because T said, “Remember me when You come into Your Kingdom.” All: LORD, FORGIVE US OUR SINS 2 Child: No one wanted me, Mary Magdalen, because I was so bad. Then I heard about Jesus. Twent to Him and sat at His feet. I cried and cried because I was so ead and lonely. Jesus sent me away happy with all my sins forgiven, (Response) 3° Child: Tegpather women wouldn't let me come to the well with them because of my bad Fashion. When Jesus met me at the well, He spoke kindly to me and acked moe aor water. He gave me the waters of forgiveness. (Response) 4° Child: Twas Jesus’ best friend, but I denied Him three times. He showed me His forgiveness when He asked me three times if I loved Him. Then He gave me the important work of minding His sheep, the people of His Church. (Response) 5 Child: I killed people who followed Jesus’ way, but He didn't hurt me, He asked me why I was hurting Him and then called me by my new name, Paul and sent me to teach the world about Him. (Response) 6° Child: 1 was the one who helped to crucify Him but, as I stood near the cross I heard {aim say, "Father forgive them because they don’t know what they are doing,” (Response) Leader: This is how Jesus forgave. Now let us think of how we forgive others. (Penitential Rite) Reading: Colossians 3:12-13 You are the people of God. He loved you and chose you to belong to Himself. So, then, be filled with compassion, really caring for one another, have kindness, humi gentleness and patience. Learn to accept one another and forgive one another whenever any of has @ complaint against someone else, You must forgive one another JUST AS THE LORD HAS FORGIVEN YOu.Hymn: Amazing grace OR Gospel: Matthew 6:14-15 Talk: Let us think about the people Jesus forgave. Each child with a name stands in front holding up their name tags for all to see. A thief, the sinful women, his friend, his enemy and one who crucified Him. It didn't matter who they were or what they had done, Jesus was ready to forgive their sin and give love in its place. All He asked for was a sign of sorrow:- a word, tears, a drink of water, a word of lave. Now Jesus calls each one of us by name to come and follow Him again. Let us try to forgive others as we want Him to forgive us. Let us make them our true friends as we are all true friends of Jesus. Offertory : Our God is a God of love OR... ‘The children with the name tags carry them in the Offertory Procession and put them near the poster of Jesus on the cross, If Mass, the other gifts are also carried. Communion Hymn: How great Thou Art OR ... Closing Hymn: God the Father looks on us with love OR ... AEN 5THEME 4: Tying fe cay “Yes ” to God Prepare: AYES card and a NO card which will stand up A happy face and a sad face ‘Aheap of stones A Bible and a wooden cross. Place the stones around the base of the Bible stand. Opening Hymn: You are our Father OR ... Introduction: When we are asked to do something and we agree to do it, we can answer with one word. ‘What is that word? (Give the YES card for one child to place on the altar, standing up.) If we don't agree, what word do we answer? (Give the NO card to a child to place on the ‘other end of the altar, standing up.) “Today we are going to think about how both Jesus and we use these two words. Reading: 1 Peter 5:8-10 Be calm but watchful because your enemy, the devil, is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to eat. Stand up to him, strong in faith because you know your brothers and sisters all over the world are also suffering like you. ‘You will suffer only a little while. God will see that everything is alright again. God will give you strength. God will support you. Hymn: Just a closer walk Gospel: Matthew 4:1-11 Talk: How do we feel when people say “YES” to us? (A child puts the happy face near the YES card on the altar.) How do we feel when people say “NO” to us? (Another child puts the sad face next to the NO card on the altar.) ‘After 40 days in the desert, a very dry place, Jesus was hungry, but all He could find was stones like these. The devil tried to make Jesus turn the stones into bread, but Jesus said, “NO” because it was tempting God. ‘The devil was sad, but God was happy. When we say *No” to the devil, we are saying "Yes" to God. Lent is a special time for saying "Yes” to God. Tt will be hard. It was hard for Jesus to stay hungry but He did it because He believed God, His Father, would care for Him. Saying “Yes” to God means being ready to do things for others. Jesus was ready to suffer and even die for us. We have to be ready to do hard things to help others. Let us sit for a moment and think of one thing we can do these next 40 days so that we will be saying “Yes” to God and making Him and others happy. 10God's Book, the Bible, is full of stories of people saying “Yes” to God. Let us see if we can become one of them too. Prayers of the Faithful: Response: Lord, hear our prayer. Lord, may we always be ready to say “Yes” to You. Lord hear us. Fore Hap our Pope, Francis, in his work of showing us how to say "Yes" to You. Lord, hear our prayer. 3, Lord, we pray for all of those people who say “No” to You. May they change their ways. Lord hear our prayer. 4. Lord, help us to make others happy through the help we give to them, Lord hear our prayer. 5. Lord, we pray that we and all people, will be strong to say “Yes” to You and "No" to the devil. Lord hear our prayer. Offertory Hymn: We offer You, O Lord, (If Mass) OR ... Procession: During the Offertory, the cross is placed next to the “NO” card on the altar, and the Bread and Wine next to the “YES” card. Communion Hymn: And I will follow OR .. Closing Hymn: I have decided to follow Jesus. YES uruemes: Lettle Pade Prepare: Some things that hurt our bodies, ©.9: broken glass, stick, stone, bushknife ‘Some things that heal, e.g. bandage, ointment A crucifix ‘A poster (See below) Opening Hymn: Were you there when they crucified my Lord OR ... Introduction: Before Jesus died, people hurt Him very much. How? They hurt Him with whips, a crown of thorns and nails. But they hurt Him much more inside. ‘They made Him very sad when they would not be His friends and listen to Him. Tet us think of the times we have hurt others with ‘sticks and stones, and espedally with our hard words. (Reconciliation) Reading: Romans 5:2-5 God has brought us into faith so that we can pratse Him because we are looking forward to sharing God's glory. ie can also be happy about our sufferings because we ‘or suffering brings patience and hope. Because of this hope, God pours His Spirit ‘of Love into our hearts. Hymn: 0 breathe on me Breath of God OR Gospel: Matthew 29: 17-19 Talk: (Some children will be holding broken glass, stick, stone and bushknife etc. and medicine, bandages etc.) ‘What are some things that can hurt our bodies? (Let each child name what hurting things he/she has and bring it to the front.) We all know what cures these hurts. (Each child names his/her healing thing and brings it to the front.) But, there are things that hurt us more than broken glass, sticks etc., things that hurt us Seas knew these hurts. His friends ran off and left Him when He was in trouble. His own people made fun of Him and called Him names. They: would not listen to Him. This this forgiveness that makes our hearts happy. Let us pray today to Jesus that He will help us $0 that we will be ready to forgive others who hurt us. Prayers of the Faithful: Response: Jesus, please listen to our prayer. 1. Lord Jesus, forthe times we have hurt You and others we are truly sorry and we ask Your forgiveness. Lord hear our prayer. aed2 Jesus, we Pray forall the people who are sick and suffering that they may be well soon. Lord hear our prayer. 3. Lord Jesus, help us to be kind in our words and in our actions so that we do not hurt others. Lord hear our prayer. 4. Jesus, we thank You for loving us and forgiving us when we hurt You and others, Help us to truly love You in other people. Lord hear our prayer, 5. Lord Jesus, fill with hope all those people who are sad and lonely. Lord hear our prayer. Offertory: ‘The heart poster and the cross poster are carried. When the heart is in place, the picture of the cross is placed on it. Hymn: Father take the lives OR ... Closing Hymn: Were you there OR ... 13THEME 6: Coming Home Prepare: Along stick with a bundle of clothes and a bottle tied on one end. ‘A model of your church, God's home with us. Assign reading “COMING HOME” across the front of the altar. Hymn: Grant to us O Lord OR ... Introduction: ‘Think of what happens when people who have been away a long time come home. Today we are thinking of a boy who went away, did many wrong things and then returned to his father. Sometimes we are like that boy with God, our Father. Let us tell God we are truly sorry for the times we have left Him and hurt Him. Reading: Isaiah 1:16-19 Stop doing bad things. Learn to do good and help the poor. "Come, let us talk about this,” says the Lord, “Even though your sins are as red as blood, they will become as white as snow, Though they are dark as night, they will become as bright as day. If you are willing to obey, you will eat the good things of the earth. Hymn: 0 the Love of my Lord, OR... Gospel: Luke 15: 11-3 Four readers - Narrator and servant, father, last son and elder son. OR The story could be freely acted by a class. Talk: Think of how the son treated his father. He took his land and money, he lived a sinful life, he wasted his money, but first, HE LEFT HOME. Now think how the father treated the son. He gave him everything. Then, when the son retumed, HE RAN TO HIM, THREW HIS ARMS AROUNF HIS NECK CALLED A SERVANT TO HELP AND TO PREPARE A FEAST, and HE WAS FILLED WITH PITY. ‘And this is how God treats us when we return to Him. No hard words of punishment or remembering what we have done. There is only His love and forgiveness. But, first, we have to be like the son and return, fall at our Father's feet and say we are sorry - then we will know how great is God's love. Let us return to God in this time of Lent and be His true children. Prayers of the Faithful: Response: Lord have mercy on us. (Could be sung) 1, Let us pray for all of those people far away from their homes. Lord, look after them and keep them safe. Lord hear our prayer. 2. Let us pray for all travellers that they may have a safe and pleasant journey. Lord hear our prayer. 3. Let us pray for ourselves that we will be truly sorry for the times we have walked away from God our Father. Lord hear our prayer. 4, Let us pray for all those who are now away from God that they may return to Him in love and sorrow. Lord hear our prayer. 145. Let us pray that all Christian people will say “Yes” to God when He calls them back to following His way this Lent. Lord hear our prayer. Offertory: ‘The ‘ost son’ carrying his belongings on a stick and someone else carrying the ‘church’ to place before the altar. Also the Mass offerings. Hymn: We have come to make our offering OR ... Communion Hymn: Peace is flowing like a river or ... Closing Hymn: Come back to Me. COMING HOMES 15THEME 7: Love One Pucther Prepare: A large sheet of paper on which a class prepares a road divided into squares the first and alternate squares are filled in with things we do to show love. ‘The underlined parts of the prayers about each good deed will be written on a separate pieces of paper and attached to the road during the prayers of the faithful. (See below) Hymn: This is My Commandment Introduction: ‘The night before Jesus died, He gave a new commandment to us. It was to love one another. We have to show our love for others just as Jesus showed His lave for us. ‘Think of some of the people Jesus loved. Who? (Share) Put up the sheet of paper so the children can read what they can do to help others. Reading: Romans 13:8-10 If you love other people, then you have done what you should. All the commandments can be put into this one commandment: You must love others the same way as you love yourself. Love is the one thing that cannot hurt your neighbour. That is why it is the answer to every ‘one of the commandments. Hymn: Where there is charity and love OR ... Gospel: John 13:1, 4-15 This should be acted by a class as it is being read. Peter and Jesus may say their own parts. Talk: Jesus didn't just talk about loving others. He did things to prove His love. He did not wait until He was asked. He saw what people needed and He did something about it. ‘Then Apostles had no servants, so no one washed their feet when they came to the Last Supper. They weren't going to do it for one another, so, Jesus became the servant and He did it. That is what He wants us to do — to show our love in actions. Let us think of some of the things we can do without being asked, especially at home, so that, this Lent we can show our love for Jesus and others. Prayers of the Faithful: Response: Lord, help us to show our love for others. After each child with a paper reads his/her prayer, it is stuck in its appropriate square on the sheet of paper 1, Lord, help each us to remember to thank others for the good things they do for us. Lord Hear our prayer. 2. Lord, make us willing and generous at home with our parents and brothers and sisters. Lord hear our prayer. 3. Lord, help teach us to see when others need our help so that we can offer to assist them __with joy. Lord hear our prayer. 4. Lord, help us to be kind to our schoo! friends and helpful to our teachers. Lord hear our prayer. 5. Lord, thank You for Your kindness and all the good things You give us. Help us to see all 16You do forr us each day. Lord hear our prayer. Offertory Hymn: Take our bread OR Communion Hymn: the Lord Jesus OR ... Closing Hymn: His banner over me is love. OR ... HELP someone wito 1s NOT youn FRIEND 7 Panyer CARRY Woon FOR OLo PHopLETHEME 8: Who? Me? Prepare: —_A poster with question marks. Six or more separate question marks. Hymn: Peter, Peter. 2” verse Children, children. Introduction: The following could be dramatized first and then read if you wish. ‘The Aposties loved Jesus very much. They were true His friends. They followed Him for three years and were ready to stay with Him always. Then, one day, Jesus told Peter he would deny Him three times. Peter wouldn’t believe this. (This could be a short drama.) Sometimes we might be like Peter Who me? Yes, you. Let us ask Jesus to make us strong in loving Him. Reading: Hebrews 10:35,37-38 Be confident now and your reward will be great. Only a little while now and the One who is coming will come. ‘The good person lives by faith. But, if he tums away, I will not be happy with him. Hymn: Just a closer walk Gospel: Matthew 26:31-35 (Three Readers) Talk: Peter really loved Jesus. He was the one who had called Jesus, “Christ, the Son of God.” Peter had seen Jesus shining on the mountain. Peter said he would follow Jesus to death. He did later, but not this time. This time he did deny Jesus. Peter became frightened of others. ‘And what about us? Are we different? Don’t we sometimes do wrong because others are looking at us or ask us to do the wrong thing? We, too, forget how strong Jesus is and become frightened of people. It is easy to be true when we are close to Jesus or with our good friends. Let us ask Jesus to keep us true always and to follow Him in good and bad times. Prayers of the Faithful: Response: Father, please hear us. . For all the people who do not believe in You, Jesus, we pray to the Lord. For all the people who do not follow You, Jesus, we prey to the Lord. . For all of us here Jesus, who did what Peter did that night, we pray to the Lord. . That, like Peter, we will always return to You, Lord. . For our Pope that he will always be a true leader of Your people, Jesus. ween Procession: Several children take up the question marks and put them on or around the poster. Hymn: Take my life 18Communion Hymn: Follow Christ OR ... Closing Hymn: Amazing grace OR ...tuemes: (he pPeenanctatton (25° march) Prepare: Three children for speaking parts to dramatize the introduction AYES" card and a small bunch of flowers for each class A statue or picture of Mary in front Introduction: The Angel Gabriel comes and stands in front of Mary who is kneeling. Speaker: One day, as Mary knelt in prayer, she saw an Angel standing there. His glory filled her little place. The Angel said to her: Angel: Hail, full of grace, Speaker: Now Mary was afraid and bowed her head. Angel: Oh do not be afraid, Mary For God will send His Son to you. His holy Mother you will be. Speaker: Then Mary spoke these happy words: Mary: Behold the handmaid of the Lord. As you have said, let it be done. That is what we are remembering today ~ the time when Mary said “Yes” to God and so brought Jesus from Heaven to earth. LLet us look at how we have been saying "Yes" to God each day. Reading: Galatians 4:47 When the right time finally came, God sent His own Son. He came as the Son of a human Mother, and lived under the Jewish Law. He came to save those who were under the Law so that we might become God's children. Hymn: Joy to you, Mary Gospel: Luke 1:26-38 Talk: God sent His Son to us, born of a human mother and that woman was Mary. She did all the things that we do. She carried water from the village well, She cooked, washed clothes and dishes. She laughed, sang and cried. But she always did what we do only sometimes. What was it? Mary always said "Yes" to God When the time came for God to ask her for the really big thing, to become the Mother of His Son, she was ready to answer “Yes” even though she knew it was going to be hard. ‘She had learnt what her ancestors had said about the "Son of David”. He would be a King, yes. But a King who suffers and is turned away by His people. But, God wanted to come through her, and so Mary said, “Yes”. That is why we have Jesus with us now. 20Let us ask Mary today to help us to be more like her in our saying “Yes” to all that God asks us to do for Himself and for others. Prayers of the Faithful: Response: Lord, through Mary, hear our prayer. 1. Lord, we thank You for giving us Mary to be the Mother of Jesus and our Mother. Help us to be like her. Lord hear our prayer. 2. Jesus, help us to listen to Mary as You did when You lived with her and Joseph in Nazareth .Lord hear our prayer. 3, Jesus, please bless our mothers as they do for us what Your Mother, Mary, did for You. Lord hear our prayer. 4. Jesus, bless all children that they may learn about You and grow, as Mary did, in love. Lord hear our prayer. 5. Jesus, help us to follow You always even as Mary followed You right up to Calvary. Lord hear our prayer. Offertory Hymn: Take my life OR ... Procession: One child carries the “YES” card and a representative for each class carries a bunch of flowers. All are places near the statue or picture of Mary. Communion Hymn: God is dwelling OR ... Closing Hymn: Mary is our Queen OR... 2.Saester — fesus has Risen Prepare: A poster from each class about the Resurrection (Drawings) A large cross decorated with flowers and placed near the altar ‘The Easter Candle if possible. Otherwise another candle, Opening Hymn: New hope OR ... Introduction: Easter! Jesus has risen. Jesus suffered and even died for us - but, three days later, he rose from the dead and was seen by Hid friends. Let us truly be happy and rejoice with Jesus, Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:3-7 I passed on to you what I received which is of the greatest importance: That Christ died for our sins, as it is written in the Bible, ‘That he was buried and that He was raised to life three days later, as it is written in the Bible, that He appeared to Peter and then to all eleven Apostles. Then He appeare3d to more than five hundred followers at once. Most of these people are still alive, though a few have died. Then He appeared to James and to all the Apostles. Hymn: Rejoice in the Lord always OR ... Gospel: John 20:1-10 (Could be dramatized) Talk: Who came first to the tomb on Sunday morning? Mary Magdalen was the one who stayed with Jesus until the end and now she is the first to hear and tell the Good news that He is risen. Peter and John were so excited when they heard that they came running. They saw and believed. But, what did they see? Yes, only the cloths and empty place. ‘That was enough. They believed He had risen and so went home to wait. ‘And that is all we see - an empty place. But, let us be like the disciples and believe and wait so that, when Jesus shows Himself to us, we, too, will be ready and happy with Him. Prayers of the Faithful: Response: Risen Lord, hear us. 1. We pray that all people in the world be happy this Easter. For this we pray to You, Lord. 2. We ask that we show our love for others as Jesus showed Hid love for us. For this we pray to You, Lord. 3. We pray that all people will come to believe that Jesus Is risen and is with them. For this, we pray to You, Lord. 4. We pray that our Pope, Francis, and our Bishop will bring the Good News of the Risen Lord to all people. For this we pray to You, Lord. 225, We pray that all those who have come back to Jesus this Easter will follow Him always. For this we pray to You, Lord. Offertory Hymn: This is the day OR ... Procession: Some one will carry the decorated candle and place it in front of the decorated cross. Different children will carry their class posters and arrange them on the altar or wall, Others carry the Mass gifts as usual. Communion Hymn: No more weeping, OR Sing a new song, OR ... Closing Hymn: My Lord He died for a Kingdom OR ...THEME 2: Believing ow Yeaus Prepare: A poster from each class on which the children in the class draw their hands and write their names on them in their class and bring them to the Liturgy Separate letters for WE BELIEVE IN JESUS Opening Hymn: Firmly I believe OR ... Introduction: Hands up those who believe in Jesus ! ‘What do you believe about Him? Someone from each class will come in front and hold up their poster. Lots of children have shown that they believe in Jesus by drawing their hands and writing their names on them. Let us today, show Jesus that we all believe in Him and all He teaches. Reading: 1 John 5:5, 10-12 Who can overcome the world? ‘Only the person who believes that Jesus is the Son of God. So, whoever believes in the Son of God has this truth in his own heart. ‘The truth is this: God has given us eternal life and this life comes to us through His Son, ‘Whoever has the Son has this life. Whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. Hymn: Father, we adore You Gospel: John 20:24-29 The Gospel could be read in parts or dramatized. Talk: Why didn’t Thomas believe? Believing means to take something as true even though we do not see it. Jesus told Thomas that people who believe without seeing are truly happy. Jesus was talking about us. We don’t see Jesus but we know He is with us and helps us. Lots of people saw Jesus, but only a few believed that He was the Son of God. Old, blind Batimaeus could not see Jesus but he still believed and so he called out, “Jesus, Son of David, help me.” Let us be like him, not able to see Jesus, but truly believing in Him and knowing that He will help and guide us. Prayers of the Faithful: Response: Lord hear our prayer. 1. We pray that people who do not believe in Jesus will come to knaw Him and love Him. Lord hear us. 2. We pray that our faith will be strong so that we will follow Jesus always. Lord hear us. 3. We pray for those who teach us about Jesus that their words will be strong and true. Lord hear us. 4, Jesus, we are sorry for the times we, like Thomas, have not believed in Jesus and others. Help us to truly believe. Lord hear us. 245, We pray that the faith of our people will become strong so that they will always love and follow Jesus. Lord hear us. Offertory Hymn: Rejoice in the Lord OR ... Procession: Prmorent ehildren carry the individual letters WE BELIEVE IN YOU, and attach them to the altar cloth or wall. Communion Hymn: I believe God lay sleeping in the tomb OR ..- Closing Hymn: Father, in my life I see OR ... B ~) @GLIEVE & nw (O JESUS 25THEME: ‘Peed My Sheep Prepare: Before the Liturgy, each class make a cardboard sheep and each child in the class will write their names on it. A set of vestments to represent our shepherds. These will be placed on a stool or .. in front of the altar, Opening Hymn: God is building a house OR ... Introduction: Jesus asked Peter, “Do you really love Me?” (Could be a short drama.) When Peter answered “Yes” Jesus gave him a special work to do — to feed His sheep ~ that Is, to look after all His followers. We are those sheep, God’s people today. ts is Pray for those who lead us and for ourselves that we will follow them to God, our ‘ather. Reading: Ephesians 2:19-22 You gentiles are not foreigners or strangers any longer. You are now fellow citizens with God's people, and members of the Family of God. You, too, are built on the foundation laid by the Apostles and prophets, and Jesus Christ is the corner-stone. He is the One who holds the whole building together and makes it grow into a sacred church consecrated to the Lord. In union with Jesus, you, too, are being built together with all the others, into a place where God lives through His Spirit. Hymn: We are the Body of Christ OR ... Gospel: John 21:15-17 Three readers: Jesus, Peter, story-teller. Talk: Jesus often talked about a shepherd who is a person wito looks after animals called sheep. He told how a good shepherd guides and protects his sheep and takes them to places where there is ood grass and water. Once He told a story about a shepherd looking for his sheep that had been lost. This is what Jesus asked Peter to do in His place. He gave Peter the Food, the Eucharist, for His sheep and forgiveness so that those who got lost could come back to Him. Jesus truly loves us and wants us to follow Him, to live with Him. Let us pray today, that we will use what He gives us to make us strong, - His Body and Blood in Holy Communion and forgiveness in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. He wants us to keep close to Him. Prayers of the Faithful: Response: Jesus, hear us. 1, Lord, we ask Your special blessing on our Shepherd, Pope Francis, that he will be a true shepherd like Jesus, For this we pray to You, Lord. 2. Lord, we ask your special blessing on our Bishop and Priests that they may always lead us to You. For this we pray to You, Lord. 263. Lord, we pray that all Christians will listen to their Church leaders and so be true followers of Jesus. For this we pray to You, Lord. 4. Lord, we pray that each one of us may be good followers of Jesus and always love Him. For this we pray to You, Lord. 5. Lord, we pray that You will call many young men to become priests, shepherds of Your People and lead us to You. For this we pray to You, Lord, Offertory Hymn: My Shepherd is the Lord OR ... Procession: A child from each class will carry their sheep and place them around the vestments representing our shepherd today. Communion Hymn: Come to Me OR ... Closing Hymn: Follow Christ OR .. 4 A enh Ted' > pt us gen ® Se, Motthe,, dane pe Chai Ste en 2themes: Zhe pPscencion into Heaven Prepare: __ If possible, the Mass will be celebrated outside on a small “ill. A table for an altar ‘Another table for the gifts of bread, water and wine near the altar. The Easter Candle carried by the priest if you have Mass. 12 ‘Apostles’ If possible each could wear a rami tied on one shoulder A flat place to gather before going up the ‘hill’ Opening Hymn: This is the day OR ... Introduction: Today we are remembering when Jesus returned to His Father in Heaven. We begin our Mass here, and we will walk with Jesus, as the Apostles did, when they walked from Jerusalem to the place of His Ascension. Let us remember that He has gone to Heaven to prepare a place for each of us. Let us thank Him, today, for alt He has done for us. Reading: Acts 1:6-8 Reader, Apostles, Jesus OR Dramatized Reader: When the Apostles met together with Jesus, they asked Him: Apostles: Lord, are You now going to give the Kingdom back to Israel? Jesus: __It is My Father who sets the time for this. It Is not for you to know. But, when the Holy Spirit comes to you, you will be filed with His Power and you will be witnesses for me in Jerusalem and Samaria and to the ends of the earth. Hymn: All the earth OR ... Sung as all walk in procession to the place for Mass. The 12 “Aposties will walk with the priest. Gospel: Luke 24:50-53 Talk: For 33 years Jesus had lived as we do. For the last three years he had gathered these twelve men around Him and prepared them for this day, the day He would return to His Father And they would then go out and continue His work. They were sad to see Him go, but He had said to them: "Do not be sad. I will not leave you alone. I will send My Spirit to you. He will teach you and make you strong.” Jesus meant this for us too. ‘As we rejoice that Jesus is now in Heaven with His Father, let us, ike the apostles, begin to prepare for the coming of the Holy Spirit. Like the Apostles, we must spread the fire of God's love to all the people around us, at home, in school and in the village. Prayers of the Faithful: Response: Lord Jesus, we thank You. 1, God our Father, we thank You for giving us Jesus to show us the way to You. 2 Lord, we pray that all priests may be Your true Aposties bringing God's love to us and all people. 3 Besus, we pray that all people may walk the way that leads to You and Your Father. 4, Jesus, teach us to listen to Your Holy Spirit so that we will be helpful and kind to others. 285. Jesus, with Your Holy Spirit, help us to share stories about You with our families and friends. Offertory Hymn: Take my life OR... Procession. One of the 'Aposties’ goes to the front, lifts the Easter candle up high and carries it through the people to the back of the church and then blows it out to show Jesus has disappeared The a oie carry the bread, water and wine to the altar. Communion Hymn: The Lord is my true Shepherd OR .. Closing Hymn: Only a Shadow OR. 29THEME 5: Pentecost Prepare: A Holy Spirit poster on the front of the altar Large paper flames of fire or large red leaves on a string tied up high just in front of the altar and able to be lowered from one end Large paper flames of fire with the following words written on them: LOVE, FORGIVENESS; JUSTICE, PEACE; GUIDANCE; JOY, CARE; UNDERSTANDING, STRENGTH ‘Something to make a ‘wind’ noise Children to speak in different languages "Y come from .... and I can hear them speaking in my language.” Opening Hymn: Come Holy Spirit OR ... Introduction: It Is fifty days since Jesus rose from the dead. It Is called the feast of Pentecost. ‘That day things began to happen. The followers of Jesus were all locked in a room when winds began to blow and rock the house, and flames of fire appeared above the heads of all those in the room. It was the Holy Spirit coming to make these people brave. Many, many people heard the wind and came running to see what was happening. The Apostles, now brave, told all those people about Jesus and many listened to them and changed. Everyone must decide to be for or against Jesus. The Holy Spirit brings His gifts for those who follow Jesus. Today let us ask the Holy Spirit to make us strong followers of Jesus. Reading: Acts 2:1-12 Read and dramatized. The Apostles and Mary stand in front of the altar under the flames on the string. As the story is being read, someone outside makes the sound of the wind at the appropriate time, then someone lowers the flames above the Aposties heads and then ties the string .The Apostles and Mary raise their hands in prayer. At the sound of the wind, other people run to the front to see what is happening. Peter reads his own part. Then, instead of "I come from Persia” etc, They say for example, "I come from Rabaul and I can hear them speaking pigeon.” Have as many different languages as possible. Hymn: 0 breathe on me OR ... Gospel: John 14:15-17 and 16:7-8 Talk: Today is the feast of fire. What are some things fire does? Yes, it heats, burns, spreads ete. Fire is our sign for the Holy Spirit because that is what the Holy Spirit does. He heats our hearts so that we will begin to love Jesus. He bums away all that is in us that makes us greedy, selfish, hard and unkind. Once the fire of the Holy Spirit is in us He makes it spread. If we truly love Jesus, we are the ones who give the fire of the Holy Spirit to others. We show them God's lave by our loving them Jesus gave His Holy Spirit to the 12 Apostles and Mary. They gave Him to others and so on until He was given to us. Now it is our turn to_pass the Holy Spirit on ~ to make the fire of God's love to burn in other people’s lives as well as our own. 30Let us ask the Holy Spirit to be strong in our lives so that we can spread God's love to others. Hymn: Let the fire burn OR ... Prayers of the Faithful: Response: Come Holy Spirit. Those saying the prayers will come in front and hold up the flame with their words written ‘on them. For example, the first prayer will hold up LOVE, FORGIVENESS and say his/her prayer. When all are finished, the flames are attached to the wall or to the altar. 1. Lord, we ask that Your Holy Spirit will fill us with Your Love and forgiveness. Lord hearus. 2. Lord, we pray that Your Holy Spirit will lead our leaders to govern in justice and peace. Lord hear us 3. Lord, we pray that Your Holy Spirit will quide our Pope, Bishops and priests as He guided the Apostles. Lord hear us. 4. Lord, we pray that Your Holy Spirit will be with our families and that our families and villages will be places of joy and care. Lord hear us. 5. Lord, we ask that Your Holy Spirit will give each of us His gift of understanding Your love and the strength to give Your love to others. Lord hear us. Offertory Hymn: Come Holy Spirit I need You OR ... Communion Hymn: God is dwelling in my heart OR Closing Hymn: Spirit of God OR . 31themes: Sfread the Good Mews Prepare: A drawing of a figure telling good news A Bible, A newspaper, A radio around the altar Word cards for WORDS ACTION Opening Hymn: Go tell everyone OR... Introduction: ‘What do these things around the altar tell. This radio and newspaper? Do they always tell us good things that make us happy? What does this Book, the Bible, tell us? Today we are going to listen to the news that comes to us from the Bible, God’s Word, and wwe pray that we might spread God's message to others. The Bible is always good news, Reading: Jeremiah 1:4-6 This reading could be shared or dramatized, Yahweh said to me: “Before I made you, I knew you. Thave made you to be messenger to the nations, 1 sald, “Ah! Yahweh, I do not know how to speak. I am only a child.” But, God said to me, “Go now to those to whom i'send you and say what I tell you. Do not be afraid. T will look after you. It is God who speaks.” Hymn: The more I hear of the Word of God OR .. Gospel: Matthew 28:16-20 Talk: Tell of how St. Paul spread the Good News, going from place to place either walking hundreds of kilometres or on boats, often in rough seas, in danger from storms, robbers, enemies, even his own peopie. Tell the story of one of our own PNG people who has been a missionary of God's Word. Now it is our turn. When we were baptized, we answered God's call to follow Him. Jesus calls us so that He can send us out to others. Jesus told His message to twelve men. They passed it on to others, and they to athers and so that, in time, it spread out to the whole world. We can pass this word on in two ways, by WORD and ACTION. Which of these two is the most important? People may not listen to our words, but, they SEE OUR ACTIONS. If just one person follows Jesus because of what we do or say, that is enough. We have passed on the Word of God, We have passed on the GOOD NEWS. Prayers of the Faithful: Response: Lord, hear our prayer. When the five children come forward, the first three take the Bible, newspaper and radio to hold up. The other two bring up the word cards. All will be replaced near the altar afer the prayers are finished. 1. Lord, we pray that all people who report the news will always be truthful. For this we pray to You, Lord, 322. Lord, we ask you to help us to be ready to help and pray for those hurting people we read about in the newspaper. For this we pray to you Lord. 3. Lord, we pray that we will come to know and love You through the Bible, and that all Christians will spread the Good News of God's love to others through word and action. For this we pray to You Lord. 4, (Action Card) Lord, we pray that everything we do each day will lead others to Jesus. For this we pray to You, Lord. 5, (Word Card) Lord, we ask You to help us to always speak words of love and joy to others that they make come to know Your love for them. For this we pray to You, Lord. Offertory Hymn: Day by day OR ... Communion Hymn: I have decided OR ... Closing Hymn: Go now you are sent forth OR ... (worps | ACTIONS 33theme 7; ‘Peaod of the Sacred Heart Prepare: A picture of the Sacred Heart or a large drawing of His Heart near the altar A wreath of flowers for each class Things that show our love for others: food (share), broom (help), bundle of wood (Care of old), bucket (wash clothes for the sick) Each child will cut out a small heart and write their names on them to place with their flowers during the Offertory Opening Hymn: Jesus in Your Heart OR ... Introduction: Call one by one the children who have the gifts of love and ask questions. ‘Who is this gift to be given to? (To share with the sick and the poor people in the village) (To help my parents to keep our home and grounds clean and tidy) (To care for the old peopie) (To wash the clothes for the sick and old people) The children place their gifts before the altar and return to their places. Look at the sign of Jesus’ love. What do you see? An opened thorn-crowned heart to remind us of Jesus’ love for each of us and for ail people. But Jesus longs for us to love Him too. Let us show Him today how we lave Him by prayer and by showing our love for Him in other people. 1* Reading: 1 John 4:7-10: My peopie whom I love, let us love one another because love comes from God. Everyone who loves Is born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, for, God is love. God showed His love for us in this way: God sent His only Son into the world so that we may have life through Him. This Is love: not that we loved God first, but that God first loved us and sent His Son to take away our sins by dying on the cross for us. My friends, since God loves us so much, we ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God lives in us and His love is made perfect in us. Hymn: Praised be Jesus Christ OR 2° Reading: Philippians 2:6-11 Though Jesus Christ was God, He did not He did not think that He should put Himself up. Instead, He emptied Himself making Himself like a slave by being born as 2 true human, being. He humbled Himself and became obedient, even to death on a cross. Because of this, God has put Him up, giving Him a Name above all other names so that, at the Name of Jesus, everyone in heaven and on earth and under the earth should bow to Him, and everyone should proclaim that Jesus is Lord and so glorify the Father. Alleluia: Gospel: John 19:28-37 34Talk: What do we do if we want to show someone that we love them? Yes, we give them all kinds ‘of good things. We don’t mind what we have to do for them or how much time we spend with them. That is how Jesus loves us. When He was on earth, He gave many good things to show His love. In the end, He gave His life. But, that wasn’t the end because He rose again and left us His Body and Blood in the Eucharist so that He could stay with us always. He loves us so much He doesn’t want to leave us. What does Jesus want us to do? To love Him. How? Jesus told us “If you love Me you will keep My commandments. My commandment is “Love one another as I love you.” Today's feast is the feast of Jesus’ love for us and our love for Him shown in the way we act towards others. Let us truly show Him our love today by all the things we are ready to do for others and by being ready to be happy to spend this time with Him in prayer. Prayers of the Faithful: Response: Jesus, help us to love You. 4. Jesus, thank You for living the same life as we do. Help us to learn Your way of living, Lord hear our prayer. 2. Jesus, we are sorry for the times we have not loved You and others as we should. We are sorry and ask Your forgiveness and help. Lord hear our prayer. 3, Jesus, thank You for the love of our parents. May we always show our love for them. Lord hear our prayer. 4, Jesus, please bless all those who teach others about You, especially our teachers. May they always show You love to others. Lord hear our prayer. 5. Lord, we pray for priests and Brothers and Sisters who work in Your Church, May they always be true missionaries of Your lave. Please call other young people to follow them. Lord hear our prayer. Offertory Hymn: We offer You © Lord OR ... Procession: ‘A representative from one class will carry the wreath of flowers, then each child of that class will come and place his/her heart inside the wreath. Then another class etc. Communion Hymn: Love is His word OR ... Closing Hymn: His banner over me is love ORTheme s: We Follow Yeeus Prepare: Ten large paper footprints with words that make us like Jesus written on them ~ pray, help, give, humble, kind, love, obey, share, joyful, forgive, and placed down the centre of the church. A large poster with the words "WE FOLLOW JESUS” on it and space left for 5 footprints later on which the children saying the Prayers of the Faithful will have written their prayers. Opening Hymn: Come toMe OR... Jesus is our Leader. We follow Him. He shows us the way we should live, love, pray and share. The more we follow Him the more we shall be like Him and make ourselves and others happy. The words on the footprints tell us how to follow Jesus. Reading: 1 John 3:18-19 My little children, love is not to be just words or talk, but something real. We must show our love by the things we do. This is the way we can tell who are the children of the Truth — the followers of Jesus. Hymn: Yes, Lord, Yes OR ... Gospel: Matthew 9:9 Talk: Jesus asked this man, Matthew to leave ALL he had and follow Him. The fishermen Peter, Andrew, James and John and the tax-collector did leave everything to follow Jesus. He gave them a new work to do — to teach His ways to others. At first, they weren't very like Jesus. Peter got angry and he was proud. They wanted to have the best places when Jesus was King. But, slowly they changed. As they watched Jesus and followed His way of being kind and gentle to others, even those who did not like to follow Him, they began to change. We are the followers of Jesus and so we have to change and become (walk along the footprints on the floor saying each word) good, Kind, happy, helpful, prayerful, etc. We will change b only a little at a time. But, it we keep on following Jesus, one day we will become like Him. Prayers of the faithful: Jesus, help us to be good followers. As each child reads, fhe or she will place their footprint on the poster before the next child starts. 1. That we will change and become like Jesus, let us pray to the Lord. 2. That we will always listen to those who teach us about Jesus, let us pray to the Lord. 3. That the Pope and our bishops and priests will always help people to follow Jesus, let us pray to the Lord. 4. That our own people will become true followers of Jesus, let us pray to the Lord. 5. That many young people will be called by Jesus to become His missionaries, let us pray to the Lord. 36Offertory Hymn: This is My commandment OR ... Communion Hymn: Follow Christ OR ... Closing Hymn: Seek first the Kingdom of Heaven OR...THEME 9: Fishermen Prepare: A fishnet around the lectern with paper fish in it. Different kinds of fish drawn on paper for each child in the presenting class to colour, cut out and write their name on A string on which to attach their fish Opening Hymn: While Jesus was walking along the shore Introduction: What kind of work did most of the Apostles do before Jesus called them? Yes, they were fishermen. When Jesus called them, He told them that they still must be good fishermen. but that now, instead of fish, they would draw people to come to His Father. To catch a fish, what do you have to use? Something nice has to be put on the hook. So it is for us. To bring people to Jesus, we have to show them good things. Let us think of those things and the times we have not used them to bring others to Jesus. Reading: Romans 10:1-11 My brothers and sisters, my heart's desire and prayer for unbelievers is that they may be saved. They are good people but they do not know that goodness comes from God, not from themselves. Say in your heart, “The Word is near.” Tt is on your lips. Tt is in your heart. If you confess with our lips that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. ‘The Scripture says, "No one who believes in Him will be shamed.” Hymn: Yes, Lord, Yes OR... Gospel: Luke 5:1-11 This would be good read with a Speaker, Jesus and Simon Peter. Talk: Talk about how to catch fish ~ how to be still and silent, letting the fish find the bait and nibble it, waiting for the right time to pull the line in. Now that the Apostles were followers of Jesus, He had to show them how to do the same thing with catching people to bring them to God. They had to be still and silent , like Jesus, spending time in prayer with the Great Fisherman, God, They had been patient and gentle with the fish. Now they had to be like that with people. Only by kindness would they make friends for Jesus. ‘And now, we are those fishermen. We have to become friends of God in prayer and bring others to Him by our kind words and actions. Prayers of the Faithful: Response: Jesus, make us sharers in Your mission. 1. Jesus, help us to be like You and bring others to know and love the Father. Lord hear us 2. Jesus, please call many young people to be Your fishermen in the world today. Lord hear us. 3, Jesus, please help us to be strong in following You in all we do and say. Lord hear us. 4. Lord, please bless our big Fisherman, Pope Francis and help him in his work. Lord hear us 385. Jesus, bless all those who work on the sea and keep them safe. Lord hear us. Offertory Hymn: Lord I give myself OR... Procession: Several children carry the string of fish and hang it across the front of the altar. Communion Hymn: Love is His Word OR .. Closing Hymn: If we eat of the Lord OR 39THEME 10: Giving Prepare: A leafless branch of a tree set near the altar ‘paper leaf for each child in the presenting class to write on something he/she has given to others Opening Hymn: God gives His people strength OR ... Introduction: ‘Today we are thinking of giving and our sign is this tree. A tree is always giving. What are some of the things a tree gives us? (Shade, fruit, medicine from its leaves, homes for birds, wood for our fires, sticks for our yams, trunks for our canoes, nuts, coconut milk, roofing, walls) We want to grow like trees — ready to give to others. Let us think today of the times we have not been ready to give our time to others. Reading: Sirach 18:16-18 My sons, a word is better than a gift. And sure[ly a good word is better than a good present. But, a good person is ready to give a goad word and a good gift. Hymn: Make me your brother OR ... Gospel: Matthew 9:18-19 Talk: Jesus was always ready to give to others. Sometimes it wasn't much that they wanted. Mothers who brought their children to Him only wanted Jesus to bless their children, The Roman soldier only wanted a word. The people who followed Jesus all day wanted food; a blind man wanted sight; Ten lepers asked for clean skin. Whatever they wanted, Jesus gave. He was God's best tree giving life to all. Jesus tells us we don't have to give great things, just a cup of cold water is enough. Jesus said that to give means to receive because when we give to others, we receive from God. We find that we become happier people when we give to others. What happens when we take fruit from a tree? More comes. ‘And that is what happens when we give ~ we are given more from God. We are friends of Jesus, so let us be like Him and be ready to give our time, our words and our actions to help others. Prayers of the Faithful: Response: Jesus, help us to give like You. 1. Lord we pray that we will become like fruitful trees, always ready to give to others. Lord hear our prayer. 2. Lord we pray that we will give ourselves by sharing time, kind words, and joy with others. Lord hhear our prayer. 3. Lord, help selfish people to learn to give and become happy. Lord hear our prayer. 44, Lord, we pray that parents will be like good trees, giving good example and help to their Children. Lord hear our prayer. 405. Lord, we pray that all teachers will give the fruit of their knowledge to their students and so help them to grow. Lord hear our prayer. Offertory Hymn: All that 1am OR ... Procession: The children in the presenting class take their leaves and tie them on the bare tree. Communion Hymn: His Peace He gives to us OR ... Closing Hymn: Make me a channel of Your peace OR .. 4term 3-tHeme1: 7 ame Spectal Prepare: A large rainbow with each class taking one colour and each child writing his/her name on it. A large piece of cardboard on which to attach the strips before the lituray Opening Hymn: God the Father looks on us with love OR ... Introduction: See the differences in the children here. Some are tall, some are short and some in the middle. Some are fat and some are thin. Some are noisy and some are quiet. God made each one of us different. We are different in looks and different in what we can do. God loves each one of us because we are the way He made us. He wants us to be like we are. OF course, He wants us to change some of our ways and become more like Jesus, but He loves us the way He made us. Reading: Ephesians 1:3-5, 11-12 Blessed be the God and Father of Our lord Jesus Christ. He has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing from Heaven. God chose us in Christ before the world was made. He chose us to be holy and blameless before Him. He chose us to be His adopted children in Jesus Christ because He wanted to do this. In Christ we have become children of God because this is what God wants. Hymn: Abba Father OR... Gospel: John 10:7-15 Talk: ‘A true shepherd knows each one of his sheep and has a name for each one. If one out of a hundred is missing, he knows which one it is. He leaves all the others and goes to look for it because he loves it. He doesn't say, "Maski. I have plenty more.” Each one is precious to Jesus. Jesus told us His stories to teach us this. Jesus and God His Father, love us very much. ‘They love EACH ONE OF US. God wants us to be like only one other person. God doesn’t worry if we are not good at sport, that we cannot sing or draw or do maths. BUT GOD DOES WORRY IF WE ARE NOT LIKE JEAUS. God wants all of us to be good at being nelpful, obedient, kind and cheerful like Jesus. Let’s see if we can be really be like what God wants us to be today. Prayers of the Faithful: Response: Thank You God. 1. Father You have made each of us in a very special way and You love us, so we say: 2. Father, You call each one of us to grow in a special way and be like Jesus, so we say: 33, Father You made us all different so that, together, we can do many things and so we say: 44, Father, some people work for others. For Pope Francis, our Bishop and priests and parents who work for us we say: 425. Father, you have given us good teachers to help us to grow like Jesus, For them we say: Offertory Hymn: All that 1am OR. Procession: Two children from different grades will carry the rainbow chart and place it in front of the so ct aah vl carry the hosts and water and wine. Communion Hymn: I've received the Living God OR Recessional Hymn: Smile, don’t you know God loves you OR ... SUSAN ay Rub ig ESD 43THEME 2: My Talents Prepare: Pictures of people doing special things ‘Things that are signs of out talents: ball, books, garden tools, fish line etc. ‘Opening Hymn: God gives His people strength OR ... Introduction: Some people are very well known for the things they do. Can you name one of these people? God has given EACH ONE OF US something special we can do. That is our TALENT ~ our special gift from God, the thing that we can do well. Tf we don’t know what our talent is, let us pray to God so that we can find out and then use ‘our talent to make others happy. Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 Now there are many gifts, but the same Spirit gives them. There are different kinds of ‘services, but only one Lord. There are different activities but the same God who makes ‘them active in people. We each receive our gifts from God for the good of all. To one, through the Holy Spirit, is given the gift of being wise. To another, the Spirit gives knowledge; to another, the Spirit gives faith and to another the gift of healing. The Spirit gives to one the gift of working miracles and to another the gift of prayer. All these are given by the Holy Spirtt to each one as He chooses. Hymn: Join Together OR Gospel: Matthew 25:14-30 Talk: In our Gospel story, the King shared what he had with three men expecting them to use his gifts and make them grow. He trusted the three men with the talents he knew they could manage. ‘That is what God is asking of us too. If we are good at soccer, we play a lot to improve. If ‘we are good at singing, we like to sing, and we use our talent to help others to be happy and also to sing well in the Church to praise God. Some people have been given the talent of fishing, we enjoy fishing and we learn better ways of to fish. But we don’t only fish for ‘ourselves, but for others too. All these are gifts from God given to us so that they will grow and help others. ‘Some talents are for doing and others are for being. We need people who can do but also people to BE, to be kind, loving, generous cheerful. Let us pray today and ask Jesus to let us know what talents God has given to each of us and to be ready to use them not just for ourselves, but also to help others. Prayers of the Faithful: Response: Lord hear our prayer. 1. Lord, we pray that all of us here find the talents You have given to each of us and use them for others. Lord, hear us.2. Lord, we ask You that each one of us may use our talents to show others how good God has been to us. Lord hear us. 5: Lord, help us to always thank You forthe talents You have given to others and not be jealous of them. Lord hear us, * Tptc we pray that people who have many talents will use them generously to help others who have less talents. Lord hear us. 5. Lord, we pray that You guide those who have the gift of leadership, especially Francis, our Pope, so that they will lead others to You. Lord hear us. Offertory Hymn: We have come OR Procession: Signs of our talents i.e. bal, fishing line etc. are placed before the altar in front of the Posters af people doing special things. Communion Hymn: For all the gifts of God OR ... ‘Closing Hymn: Thank You OR... MY TALENT 45Temes: ‘Prdendd Prepare: A large word card with FRIENDS written on it in front of the altar. Have names of the children in the presenting class written in the letters A basket with enough flowers for each child and teacher placed in front of the Altar. (Flowers not too big) Each child and teacher bring a flower each. These will be used during the Sign of Peace Opening Hymn: Shalom my friend OR Introduction: God has given us many good things. But the best one of all is people ~ mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters and all the people in our families. God has also given us our friends. Look around at the friends who are here with you. Move around and sit near your friend. Our best and truest friend is here with us too. He is Jesus. Today let us show Jesus that He is our Friend and we want Him to be ours. Reading: Sirach 6:14-17 A faithful friend is like a safe shelter. Whoever finds one has found a great treasure. ‘A faithful friend is something we cannot buy. Nothing is as valuable. ‘A person who loves the Lord can make real friendships. Hymn: Peace I leave with you OR... Gospel: John 15:12-15 Talk: Jesus had twelve really good friends and they knew Jesus was their best friend. Jesus said a friend is one who loves and serves. Jesus was a friend to many people, ali of them different and most of them not wanted by others. Tell me some of the people Jesus made His friends. (Zacchaeus, Bartimaeus, Mary Magdalen, Lazarus) For each of these Jesus showed His love by doing something. What did He do for them? What do we do for our friends? What do we do to show Jesus He is truly our friend? Prayers of the Faithful: Response: Jesus, our Friend, help us. 1. Jesus, we want to be kind and helpful to our friends as You were, so we ask: 2. Jesus, we want to help our friends to know and love You, so we ask: 3. Jesus, our friends, Pope Francis and our Bishop need You so they will follow You always, ‘90 we ask: 4, Jesus, we want to see You in the people we meet so that we can love and serve You in everyone, so we ask: 5. Jesus, some people have no friends because their life is very hard. Today we pray for them’and so we ask: Jesus, our Friend, help them. 46Offertory Hymn: Friends are like flowers OR ... Procession: ‘The children process and take one flower from the basket and place it on or near the altar to show Jesus He is our friend. Sign of Peace: The children and teachers move around exchanging their flowers as they sing "Shalom” OR .. Communion Hymi Make me your brother OR ... Closing Hymn: Follow Christ OR ... a7THEME 4: Wy Mother Prepare: Photos or drawings of mothers doing different things A poster of a heart outline of flowers on cardboard with the words THANK YOU MOTHER arranged around the heart. A picture of Mary holding Baby Jesus that will fit in the heart of flowers Opening Hymn: Thank You for giving us our mothers OR... Introduction: A very special person in the lives of all of us is our Mother. What are some things our mother does for us because she loves us? Yes, she cooks for us, teaches us good ways, helps us, washes our clothes, works in the garden, .... Why do our mothers do all these things for us? Yes, because they love us. Even when they are tired ar sick, they do things for us. Because we love them too, we help them in many ways. Reading: Proverbs 31:15,17,25-29 ‘A good woman gets up before daylight to prepare food for her family. She is a hard worker. She is strong and respected and not afraid of the future. She speaks with a gentle wisdom. She is always busy and looks after her family. Her children show their appreciation and her husband praises her. Hymn: Gentle woman OR Gospel: Mark 7:24-30 Talk: What are some of he things we love most about our mothers? They are always thinking of us, they care for us all the time, even when they are tired or sick, they cook our food and wash our clothes and meke gardens for us. Sometimes they correct us because they love us and want us to be good and happy Like the woman in the Gospel story, they ask God to bless us and keep us, ‘They teach us to pray and to love and serve others. Mothers never get tired of caring for us. Sometimes we expect everything from our mothers, but we forget to say “Thank you” or “Can I help you?” Mothers are very special people and we must always love and respect them, Prayers of the Faithful: Response: Jesus, bless our mothers. 1. Jesus, help us to always love and obey our mothers as You loved Your Mother, We pray: 2. Jesus, bless all our mothers with good health and happiness in our families. We pray: 3, Jesus, we ask Your blessing on mothers whose children hurt and disobey them and make them unhappy. We pray: 4. Jesus we pray that all mothers will be like Your Mother, Mary, teaching them to love God and others and so be true children of God. We pray: 485. Jesus, we bring to You all mothers who are old and weak and we ask that they be loved and cared for by their children and grandchildren. We pray: Offertory Hymn: Lady in blue OR... Procession: One child puts a picture of Mary with Jesus in the centre of the poster. A child from each class places a picture of a mother helping her children in different ways. Communion Hymn: (About being brothers and sisters of Jesus with Mary our Mother) Closing Hymn: Mary is our Queen OR Shank You hother 49THEME 5: Wy Father Prepare: A poster with THANK YOU PAPA written on it Objects a father uses, knife, axe, yam, fishing line, a carving etc. placed near the altar Word cards: BUILDS, GARDENS, CHOPS, CARVES, MENDS, TEACHES, HUNTS, FISHES, CUTS Opening Hymn: My Father OR... Introduction: Today we are thinking about and praying for very special persons, our fathers. Look at all these things. Who uses them? Who does he use them for? What are some of the things he does with them? (As children give answers, give them a matching card which they keep until the Offertory procession.) Today let us thank God for being our Father, and for the good fathers He has given to each ‘one of us. Reading: Deuteronomy 5:16 Respect your father and your mother as I, the lord Your God, command you., so that all will ge well with you and so that you may live @ long life in the land I am giving you. Hymn: God is our Father OR ... Gospel: Matthew 7:7-11 Tall Jesus always remembered what Joseph, His father, had been like when He was a smail boy. When He was hungry, Joseph gave Him food. Joseph worked to buy the clothes He needed. Joseph made toys for Him to play with His friends. These are the good things a father does for his children. This is how Jesus came to know and understand what God, His Father, was like. And our fathers are the same. They do lots of good things for us and so we come to understand what God, our Father in Heaven, is like and how much He loves us. Because God our Father, and our fathers at home in the village are so good to us, let us thank both of them with our prayers and our actions. Prayers of the Faithful: Response: Jesus, bless our fathers. 1. Jesus, we ask You to bless in a special way our fathers who love, help and care for us. We pray: 2. Jesus, we ask You to make al fathers strong that they may care and provide for their family’s needs. We pray: 3. Let us pray for our Holy Father, Pope Francis that he will be able to care for and teach God's Family God's ways. We pray: 4. Jesus, may we be always ready to help and obey our fathers and so make them happy. We pray:5. Jesus, we ask Your special blessing on fathers who are sick that they may soon be well enough to care and work for their families and that the fathers who are old will be loved and cared for. We pray: Offertory Hymn: Father we praise You OR... Procession: The children with the cards put them on the poster or around the altar. Communion Hymn: Abba Father OR ... Closing Hymn: God is our Father OR .. [MENDs) 51THEME 6: Wy Family Prepare: A picture of a family (or different families) around the altar Cardboard cut-out figures of a father, a mother, a boy, a girl, and grandparents Opening Hymn: Ina family OR... Introduction: ‘Ask several children “How many children are in your family? How do you help each other in your family? Do you all go together to Sunday Worship? How do you act as a family?” (One house, help each other, happy together etc.) God loves families and God wants families to be happy together, God, Himself, is a Family, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. God wants us to be happy as God is happy. God chose our mother and our father and our brothers and sisters specially for us. Today let us thank God for our own mother, father, brothers and sisters as we pray for each of them. Reading: Ephesians 3:14-19 T fall on my knees before the Father from whom every family in heaven and on earth receives its name. I ask God, from the riches of His glory, to give you power through His Spirit, to strong in yourselves, I pray that Christ might make His Home in your hears through faith. I pray that you may have your roots in love so that you, together with all God's people, may have the power to understand how wonderful is God's love, and to be completely filled with the nature of God. Hymn: We thank You, Father OR ... Gospel: Luke 2:8-12, 15-16 Talk: Mary, Joseph and Jesus were a true family, the kind of family that makes God happy. They were just like our family, a mother, 2 father and a child, Mary and Joseph took Jesus to the temple just as our parents took us to the Church for Baptism. The family from Nazareth went together to worship together each week in the Synagogue ‘(Gewish Church) Jesus retumed to Nazareth to obey His parents for many years. They had family prayers each day. They were a very happy family because the loved and cared for each other, and God was the centre of their lives. They were happy because the father worked to look after Mary and Jesus. The mother cared for the house and looked after the cooking and the clothes. And the Child, Jesus, loved and obeyed them cheerfully and did small jobs . Let us pray to Jesus that each of us can be loving, obedient, helpful and cheerful as He was in His Family Prayers of the Faithful: Response: Lord, bless our families. 52each child saying a prayer places the respective cardboard figure on or near the alter and ‘prays. 1. We pray for our fathers. (The cardboard figure of a father is placed on or near the altar.) God, our Father, we thank You for our fathers and we ask You to bless all fathers so that they will be kind and loving as You are. May they care for their Families and live in peace. Lord hear us. 2. We pray for our mothers.(The cardboard figure of the mother is placed on or near the altar.) Mary, our Mother, help all our mothers to be like you,. May they care for and love their families and make their homes places of peace and joy. Lord hear us. 3. We pray for the boys in our families. Lord, please bless all our brothers. Make them obedient and helpful in their families as Jesus was in His family. May they be kind and protective of their sisters. Lord hear us. 4. We pray for the girls in our families. Lord, bless all our sisters. May they be gentle and obedient and make their parents happy. May they be helpful and kind to their brothers. Lord hear us. 5. We pray for all the old people in our families. Lord, thank You for our grandparents and uncles and aunts. May we listen to them and learn from them, and may we show them. our love by being patient, kind and thoughtful. Lord hear us. Offertory Hymn: We have come OR ... Communion Hymn: For all the gifts OR ... Closing Hymn: God is with us OR .. 53THEME 7: God ‘a Family Prepare: A large map of the world in front of the altar Small figures cut out or drawn to show different people of the world - all members of God's family. Opening Hymn: — We are one big happy family Introduction: Each of us belongs to a family with a father and a mother, brothers and sisters. We also belong to a much larger family. ‘Who's family is that? Yes, it is God's Family. God's family includes ALL the people In the world. We become a real part, a growing part of God's Family when we are baptized and follow Jesus. Let us, today, thank God for taking us into His family for God is truly the Father of each one of us through Baptism, your Father and my Father. Reading: Titus 3:4-7 Y friends, when the kindness and love of God was made known to us, He saved us. Tt was not because of anything good that we did ourselves, but because of God's own mercy that He saved us, through the Holy Spirit, who gives us new birth and new life by washing us. God poured out the Holy Spirit generously on us through Jesus Christ, our Saviour so that, by His grace, we might be forgiven our sins and share the eternal life we hope for. Hymn: He's got the whole world in His hands OR Gospel: John 3:3-7 Talk: Asa child in a family we grow. When we are small we cry and people do things for us, but as we get bigger, we lear to do things for ourselves and for others. ‘As members of God's family, itis the same. Once we are baptised — Jesus calls it being born again - we become a child of God who is growing and so can begin doing things for God, ‘our Father, and for others. We can talk to our Father and ask Him for what we need, especially to be like His Son, Jesus. We begin to look for, knock and ask like Jesus told us to do. God hears and answers us by giving us His gifts Remember, these gifts are not just for ourselves, but are to be used for others. Let us be ready to nelp anyone we meet, even people from other places, because they, too, are part of God's Family. They are truly our brothers and sisters because we all have the one Father, God. (Children hoid up the pictures of children of different nations one by one and in turn say, “The people of Japan are my brothers and sisters” etc. until the pictures are finished.) We are all god’s children no matter where we come from. Prayers of the Faithful: Response: Lord, help us to love all our brothers and sisters. 1. Lord, we pray for all the people of the world who are all members of Your Family. Lord 54hear us. 2. Lord, we pray for all those people who do not yet know that You are their Father. May they one day hear the Good News and accept it and be baptized. Lord hear us. 3. Lord, we pray for ourselves that we will always be Your true children, loving You and all our brothers and sisters. Lord hear us. 4. Lord, we pray for all those people who are preparing to become Your true children by being born again in Baptism. Lord hear us. 5. Lord, many of our brothers and sisters have died. May they live with You, their Father, in heaven forever and may we one day, be with them. Lord hear us. Offertory Hymn: Come my brothers OR ... Procession: Different children carry the figures of different people and place them on the altar or around the map of the world. Communion: Make me Your brother, make me your friend OR ... Closing Hymn: God is our Father OR 55THEME 8: God ‘e House Prepare: A poster “We belong to God's House” ‘A model church Pictures of the house built on rack and the house built placed on the sand on either side of the altar Opening Hymn: God is building a house OR ... Introduction: Houses are made from many different things ~ leaves, grass, timber, iron, sago stems. Today we are going to think about a very special house that is not made of any of these things. We are going to think of the house God builds using people as His building materials. You and I and all the people are part of God's house. Let us begin by thanking God for giving us @ special place in His House. Reading :_Ephesians 2; 19-22 (1 Peter 2:4-5, 9-10) You gentiles are not strangers anymore. You are now fellow citizens with God’s peopie and members of the Family of God. You, too, are built on the foundation put down by the Apostles and Prophets. The corner- stone is Jesus Christ Himself. He is the one who holds the whole building together and makes it grow into a sacred church consecrated to the Lord. In union with Him, you, too, are being built together with all the others into a place where God lives through His Spirit. Hymn: We are the Body of Christ OR ... Gospel: Matthew 7:24-27 Talk: We have heard Jesus’ story of the two house-builders, Where did the first man bulld his house? What happened when the storm came? Why? ‘Where did the second man build his house? What happened when the storm came? Why? Now let us see what is happening to the house God is building today. God has to use the building materials He can find,- US,- as we are. God doesn't just change us into good material ~ we have to want to change ourselves with His help, and so become good material for God to use. God wants each one of us to do a special work in His House, just like in this good house. The windows let in the light, the door lets people in and out, the posts hold up the house the roof gives shelter, and the walls give protection. Each part of the house does something special. So, to0, it is in God's House — each person has something special to do. We have teachers, nurses, mothers, fathers, talkers, leaders, business people ~ all doing something to make God’s House strong and its people happy. God's house is standing strong because It is built around Jesus and He holds it together. Let us pray that we always remember that we belong to God's house and try to do the special work He has for us in His House. 56Prayers of the Faithful: Response: Lord, make us good bullders of Your house, 1. Lord, we pray that all of us will do the special work You have for us in building Your House. We pray to You, Lord, 2. Lord, we pray that all the people here in this parish will do the work You ask of them. For this we pray to You, Lord. 3. Lord, we pray that the Head of Your House on earth, Pope Francis, will work to keep the Church strong. We pray to You, Lord. 4, Lord, we pray that the builders in Your house, the priests, brothers, sisters and animators, may help Your people to be strong and true. We pray to You, Lord. 5. Lord, we pray that all the people in the world who have lost their earthly homes through War or disasters, will find help from others to re-build their houses and their lives, For this we pray to You, Lord. Offertory Hymn: His banner over me OR ... Procession: ‘Two children place the poster and the model church either side of the drawing of the well- built house. Communion Hymn: Fill My House OR... Closing Hymn: God is building a house OR ... 57THEME: 9 Sharing Prepare: A poster for Time A poster for Talents Play things: ball, bat, marbles, etc. Opening Hymn: Make me your brother OR... Introduction: ake @ smal rama about a child sharing time with someone who is sick and how the other Gne of the things Jesus teaches us is to share, Jesus always shared all that He had with others. He shared His time, taking time talking with them, sitting in their houses, walking with them along the road, healing them and making them happy. He shared His love and all His talents — He was ready to help anyone. Let us try to be like Jesus and share what we have with others. Reading: Job 31:16-20 Thave never refused to help the poor. have never let widows live without hope, or let orphans go hungry while I ate. When I found someone in need, too poor to buy clothes, I would give them clothing made of wool from my own sheep. Hymn: This is My commandment OR ... Gospel: John 6:2-13 This may be acted using the congregation as the crowd. Talk: This small boy left home with only enough food for his own lunch, When he saw how much Jesus shared with others — His time, stories, His Father's love ~ the boy was ready to share the little he had, five small buns and three tiny fishes. Of course, he knew ‘that that much food would not feed so many people, but it would do something. His sharing helped Jesus to share more. So with us. When we share what we have with others, it grows and spreads because our sharing helps others to share too. When is the right time to share? Any time. ll the time. Let us pray today that we will be ready to share what we have - time, food, strength, talents, what we know — with others. Prayers of the Faithful: Response: Jesus, help us to share like You. 1. Jesus, we pray that all of us will be ready to share cheerfully with others. Jesus hear us. 2. Jesus, we pray for rich people in the world that they learn to think of others and share with those in need. Jesus hear us. 3. Jesus, we ask You to help we, children, to share our joy and our strength with people who are old and weak. Jesus, hear us. 4, Jesus, we pray that old people will share their wisdom and stories with we, who are young and help us to listen to them. Jesus, hear us. 585. Jesus, we pray that people who are happy will share their joy with those who are sad or lonely. Jesus hear us. Offertory Hymn: We have come OR... Procession: Children place before the altar the two posters and their playthings, Communion Hymn: Fill My house OR Closing Hymn: Jesus in Your Heart we find 59THEME 10: Acwdnedd Prepare: Each child in the presenting class will make two small hearts with the same kind action written on both. Each child in the other classes will make one heart with their kind action written on it. Make @ chain using one heart from each child in the presenting class and place it along the front of the altar. ‘The others are kept for the reflection and offertory. ‘A small container for each class to place their hearts in If possible a picture of the ten lepers Opening Hymn: Give me joy in my heart OR Introduction: Jesus was always kind to other people. He spoke to them, touched them and helped them. We are His followers, so He wants us to be like Him ~ kind to others. Not just kind to our families and friends but to everyone we meet just as He was, even to ten lepers who were strangers to Him. Show the picture of the ten lepers if you have it. Reading: Colossians 3:12, 14-15 You are God's chosen people, His friends and He loves you. You should be kind and forgiving, gentle and patient. Be all these things and be loving- May the Peace of Christ be in your hearts. Hymn: Our God Is a God of love OR ... Gospel: Matthew 25:34-40 Talk: How do we get to Heaven? Yes, by doing good and kind things for others. Think of some of the people Jesus was kind to. Who are they? (en lepers, Zacchaeus, Jarius, Batimaeus, the thief on the cross) We meet the same kind of people in our villages: sick, blind, poor, unwanted old people and children etc. We don't like people who are not as strong as we are, or people who have hurt us. Do we treat them the same way as Jesus would treat them? Jesus prayed to the Father for them and was kind to them. This week, let us see how many kind things we can do for people at home, in school, and in the village. Look now at what you have written on the card heart in your hands. Remember it and try to do this kind thing for others and let us do this every day. Prayers of the Faithful: Response: Jesus, help us to be kind like You. 1. Jesus, help us to remember to help people whe need us just as You helped people. Jesus, 60