On this page you will find playlists of different ways to learn about our monthly theme. You can use them to grow in your faith in God and with one another, especially in this time of physical (social) distancing.
Pick a time that works for you and/or your family. Once a week, every day, somewhere in between. Use one or two things or use them all. It's up to you!
Does your family live out of town? Do you have a friend that you would like to shae this with? Share the page, do the activity via zoom or facetime, or call and talk about what you did or read!
Sequence
Ten Commandments Bingo
Each time we come together at Mass we pray the beautiful words of the Responsorial Psalm. Generation after generation has used the words of the psalms to lift up their hearts and lives in praise of God. We can give glory and praise to God with artwork that illustrates the psalms. Print a verse or two from a psalm and post it to the bottom of a small piece of poster board, and then decorate the rest of the poster board with images of what the verse or verses mean.
Some psalm verses that are great for illustration are “May the peoples praise you God” (67:6); “Give thanks to the LORD” (105:1); “Great are the works of the LORD” (111:2); “This is the day the LORD has made” (118:24); “I thank you, LORD, with all my heart” (138:1).
The Gospels teach us about Jesus and what he did and said. At each Mass, we hear a reading proclaimed from one of the Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John. We remember what Jesus taught and all that he has done for us. The homily helps us live the Word of God in our lives.
One Gospel story that we hear at Mass is about Jesus and the children. Role-play this Gospel as it appears in Mark 10:13-16. Invite all family members to play the parts of children, adults, disciples, and Jesus. Improvise actions and facial expressions, with and without words. You can act out the children being brought to Jesus, the disciples telling the adults and the children to go away, and Jesus welcoming the children. This story helps us remember that Jesus loves each of us.
watch “Paul, Apostle of Christ” then use the link below to reflect & share: Teens & Adults
Discussion Guide & Questions for Reflection
Liturgy of the Word with Archbishop Mark Coleridge
The Second Reading at Mass is proclaimed from the letters of the New Testament. Read one of the Scriptures used for a Second Reading, such as the First Letter to the Thessalonians 5:16-18. This reading calls us to “Pray without ceasing.”
Remember that it is important to pray at Mass and throughout the week. Think of times and places when you can pray, including in the morning, at night, and before and after meals. Take prayer breaks during the day, to pray in times of sadness and in times of joy, and to pray at church, at home, and outdoors. Wherever we are, God is—and there can be prayer.
Pray with hearts
Through the Prayers of the Faithful at Mass, we pray as a community for the needs of others. Together we respond, “Lord, hear our prayer.” It is important to pray for other people, such as those who are sick, hungry, or in any kind of need in our communities and around the world.
Continue to pray for the needs of others throughout the week. Cut out red paper hearts and write on them the names of those for whom they will pray during the coming week.
We respond to God’s Word in Scripture and the homily by stating our faith in God. Explore how the Creed is divided into three parts. The first section is about God as Father and Creator. Read Genesis 1:1-3 with your learners; see how God created the heavens and earth. Name some of the things that God has made especially for you
The next part of the Creed is about Jesus Christ. Read Matthew 16:15-16, where Peter proclaims his belief that Jesus is the Son of God. Think of things Jesus has done for you, such as showing us God’s love and bringing us new life.
We then proclaim our belief in the Holy Spirit. Read Romans 5:5, about how the gift of the Holy Spirit is given to each of us. Name ways in which the Holy Spirit helps us, such as guiding us toward making the right choices and filling our hearts with love and mercy for others.