Sunday School Updates–Week Twenty-Five–2022-2023–”Learning About The Mass–The ‘Gloria’”

For Parents To Teach To Their Children

We will finish the “Introductory Rites” with reading or singing of the “Gloria”—-“Glory to God in the Highest” and the “Collect” which is a small prayer.  Take time to discuss the meanings of the words in the”Gloria” that your child might not know yet.  For instance, I just wrote “rites” and auto-correct changed it to “rights.” Explain to your children that a “rite” is a “a religious or other solemn ceremony or act.” A “right” is something “morally good, justified, or acceptable.” For example, “The Bill of Rights” which begins with our right to worship as we wish ,which is called “Freedom of Religion.” Source: Google Dictionary

Click Here For an Excellent Explanation of the Liturgy of the Word from the USCCB.com! 

Our Art Gallery

Preparing for Valentine’s Day and Entering Lent

“The Gloria”

The “Collect”

“The priest invites us to pray with him. This prayer is addressed to the Father. In silence, turn your heart to him, listen to what the priest says, join him in prayer, and at the end, reply with everyone: Amen.”

Our Reading–USCCB.org

“The Call of Simon the Fisherman” Luke, Chapter 5:1-11
“While the crowd was pressing in on Jesus and listening to the word of God,
he was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret.
He saw two boats there alongside the lake;
the fishermen had disembarked and were washing their nets.
Getting into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon,
he asked him to put out a short distance from the shore.
Then he sat down and taught the crowds from the boat.
After he had finished speaking, he said to Simon,
‘Put out into deep water and lower your nets for a catch.’
Simon said in reply,
‘Master, we have worked hard all night and have caught nothing,
but at your command I will lower the nets.’
When they had done this, they caught a great number of fish
and their nets were tearing.
They signaled to their partners in the other boat
to come to help them.
They came and filled both boats
so that the boats were in danger of sinking.
When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at the knees of Jesus and said,
‘Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man.’
For astonishment at the catch of fish they had made seized him
and all those with him,
and likewise James and John, the sons of Zebedee,
who were partners of Simon.
Jesus said to Simon, ‘Do not be afraid;
from now on you will be catching men.’
When they brought their boats to the shore,
they left everything and followed him.”

Our Weekly Symbol–The Chi Rho

A Chi Rho Made with Squiggles
Using a black ballpoint pen start making circles, squiggles, or any other random design on paper. A Chi Rho is an old symbol from the early Christians. “The two Greek letters, Alpha and Omega symbolize the beginning and the end.” I found faux antique paper on Amazon.com. I used a fountain pen and black ink with a highlight of copper paint. Any writing tool will work, too!

Our Art Project–Learning About Lent Through Art

Before we know it, Lent will be here. Drawing and painting are great ways for young children to express their ideas and images of the meaning of Lent. This little drawing was made with solid tempera sticks on a 6” by 6” canvas panel. I lightly outlined the cross with a fine point Sharpie. It’s a very easy and quick “painting.” The tempera sticks dry smooth in 90 seconds. It’s a lovely, and fast, no-mess art project for a class or at home.

Our Materials

Week Twenty Six–Suggested Homework Activities

Have your child practice reading the “Gloria” out loud. Go over the vocabulary with your child. This coming Sunday, invite your child to sing or recite it along with all the people. It can be a tongue twister, especially if it goes at a fast tempo. My church has two huge video screens for all the prayers and hymns. It’s a big help!