Sunday School Updates–2021-2022–Week Twenty-Two–“Symbols and Gestures”

For Parents To Teach To Their Children

This coming week, my First Holy Communion class will be receiving the Sacrament of First Reconciliation, in a format that takes social distancing into account. In the church I attend, parents take responsibility to prepare their children at home, using a text book and weekly “Holy Heroes” Mass Prep, with a monthly meeting with a teacher. I email weekly enrichment activities to the families; families email back the Holy Heroes quizzes, and the families and I “meet” monthly via ZOOM. It works, but it is much more rewarding to meet face to face. I teach via ZOOM because of the pandemic, but finally there is “Good News”. The vaccines are being distributed to seniors and other vulnerable people, and numbers of new cases of Covid19 appear to be going down. I am waiting for my second dose of the vaccine, in a week or two, and feel a great relief. I am looking forward to being able to teach my class in person, attend church, not just on live stream, and to be able to travel to see family members, soon. Thanks be to God for the great minds that created these vaccines and for the speedy distribution to those who need it most.  Sincerely, Connie Goldin

 

Our Art Gallery

Sacred Heart of Jesus–The Cross—The Fish Symbol for Jesus

Our Readings

Gospel Mk 1:29-39

“On leaving the synagogue
Jesus entered the house of Simon and Andrew with James and John.
Simon’s mother-in-law lay sick with a fever.
They immediately told him about her.
He approached, grasped her hand, and helped her up.
Then the fever left her and she waited on them.

When it was evening, after sunset,
they brought to him all who were ill or possessed by demons.
The whole town was gathered at the door.
He cured many who were sick with various diseases,
and he drove out many demons,
not permitting them to speak because they knew him.

Rising very early before dawn, he left
and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed.
Simon and those who were with him pursued him
and on finding him said, ‘Everyone is looking for you.’
He told them, ‘Let us go on to the nearby villages
that I may preach there also.
For this purpose have I come.’
So he went into their synagogues,
preaching and driving out demons throughout the whole of Galilee.”

Excerpts from MagnifiKid! “Good News for All” By Lisa Reno

 February 7, 2021 Vol. 18. Part 3. Section 2. Page 3 

“God’s love for us in Jesus is the Good News! Even though life can be very sad and painful sometimes, even though we get sick and suffer, we believe that God is with us through it all. The Good News is needed just as much today in our world. As believers in Jesus, we are called today to be good news for everyone.”

“Be good news”

“Your yourself are called to be good news for others, reaching out, and helping them as Jesus did. Practice throughout the week by noticing the needs of others and offering to help them.”

 

Gestures and Symbols

“Gestures”

“Standing: Standing shows a special level of respect and readiness, e.g., during the Gospel reading. It is also the normal posture when singing or when praying in common.
Genuflection: A genuflection is made by bending the right knee to the ground. It is given to the Blessed Sacrament when entering or leaving the church or when passing in front of the tabernacle. In addition, a genuflection is customarily made when acknowledging the Incarnation or the death of Christ.

Kiss: The Book of the Gospels and the altar are customarily venerated with a kiss.

Profound bow: A profound bow is made to the altar whenever one passes in front of it during Mass and during the Creed at the words that refer directly to the Incarnation: “By the power of the Holy Spirit, he was born of the Virgin Mary and became man.”

Bow of the head: A bow of the head is made during Mass at the name of Jesus, of the three Divine Persons mentioned together (e.g., “Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit”), of Mary, and of the saint in whose honor the Mass is celebrated.

Sitting: Sitting signifies attentiveness, especially to the readings from Sacred Scripture or during the preparation of the altar.

Kneeling: Kneeling signifies adoration of God and humility before him. It is the proper posture for the congregation during the Eucharistic Prayer, and after the Agnus Dei before the reception of Holy Communion.

Striking the breast: Done during the Confiteor, acknowledging our sinfulness.”

Source: Church and Liturgical Objects and Terms

“Gestures”

Excerpt from Book of Catholic Signs & Symbols An Illustrated Guide To Their History And Meaning  By Amy Wellborn, Page 138

“It’s hard to hide happiness–you just have to smile. Our bodies tell the world what we feel inside. When we pray, we also talk to God with our bodies. We make the Sign of the Cross to show that we belong to Jesus. We kneel as a sign of humility. We stand to show that we are ready for the Resurrection. We fold our hands in prayer and bow our heads. We offer ourselves to the Lord, body and soul.”

Our Art Project–Choose a Symbol!

Use whatever art supplies you have at home. Use your imagination!

Week Twenty-Two–Suggested Homework Activities

Get Ready for Lent! Ash Wednesday is February 17th. Here are some ideas for family activities during Lent.