For Parents To Teach To Their Children
For the next two months, families will be working on learning about “The Liturgy of the Word.” I will be doing my weekly posts on this website for various aspects of the Mass and we’ll be looking at the Sacred Objects in our church that pertain to the Mass. We will also continue to learn about the life of Jesus and his ministry. Since the students are 7 and 8 years old, I’ll make sure that since their collective attention spans can only stay focused for about 10 minutes before eye balls are rolling, I move to another subject. So, we will continue to have an art project related to the Mass; and, we will begin to learn some of the songs we hear during the Mass. I will still read from the Holy Bible as well as reading a story from a Catholic Bible for children. And we’ll practice the new prayers and songs that are in the Mass.
Our Art Project
Learning to Copy a Treasured Painting
For All Ages to Try
I was excited when my husband found a handful of photos this morning, from a trip to Spain a number of years ago. I had never before seen the painting of the Virgin Mary by El Greco on exhibit in Madrid, Spain. I was happy to seen the painting now as a photo, and eager to see if I could draw it in some fashion. I decided to use pastel chalk on watercolor paper. There is special paper for using chalk, but I like watercolor paper because it is so strong. I am focusing on looking at the lines of a drawing or painting. So here is the order of these these versions. I think I like each one, but I think my favorite is the first one, using only the chalk. The beautiful gold and orange around her head is a halo. This time Mary is not “The Lady in Blue,” but is like the Greek style of using black, brown and other somber colors. Don’t judge yourself. Enjoy trying and learning. We all get better through trying and persisting. Have fun!
Our Readings–“The Beginning of the Galilean Ministries.”
Third Sunday in Ordinary Time
Reading I Luke, Chapter 4, USCCB.org
Gospel
that have been fulfilled among us,
just as those who were eyewitnesses from the beginning
and ministers of the word have handed them down to us,
I too have decided,
after investigating everything accurately anew,
to write it down in an orderly sequence for you,
most excellent Theophilus,
so that you may realize the certainty of the teachings
you have received.
Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit,
and news of him spread throughout the whole region.
He taught in their synagogues and was praised by all.
He came to Nazareth, where he had grown up,
and went according to his custom
into the synagogue on the sabbath day.
He stood up to read and was handed a scroll of the prophet Isaiah.
He unrolled the scroll and found the passage where it was written:
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
because he has anointed me
to bring glad tidings to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives
and recovery of sight to the blind,
to let the oppressed go free,
and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord.
Rolling up the scroll, he handed it back to the attendant and sat down,
and the eyes of all in the synagogue looked intently at him.
He said to them,“Today this Scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing.”
Our Reading for Children–The Order Of the Mass
“The Mass Begins!” Pages 5-6
An Excerpt from The Mass Book for Children
“Look down the center aisle!
Everybody stands up as the priest and altar servers walk to the altar of God.
It’s like a parade.
Why does he do this?
He is venerating the altar of God.
Venerating means showing God a lot of loving respect
–from deep in his heart.
Genuflecting means bowing down on one knew.
By genuflecting, they are recognizing
Jesus’ presence in the tabernacle.’
“Then I will go the the altar of God, to God my exceeding joy: and I will praise Him.”
(Psalm 43:4)
Then Father walks around the altar, and kisses the altar!
Isn’t that a funny thing to do?
Not really.
The altar is not an ordinary table.
It symbolizes Jesus.!
The altar is where the sacrifice of Calvary takes place anew.
That’s why Father kisses the altar.
Father is greeting his Friend to Whom he has given his life.!
The miracle of the Mass is an amazing act of love.”
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.
(Colossians 3:16)
Our Mass Song
Our Symbol of the Week– “Jesus–the Lamb of God”
Loyola Kids Book of Catholic Signs & Symbols An Illustrated Guide To Their History And Meaning By Amy Welborn, Page 8
“When God freed the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, the blood of a lamb painted over their doors saved their lives. people sacrificed lambs in temple worship to show their repentance. Jesus is the Lamb of God because he offered his life as a sacrifice for our sins. Sometime in art, the Lamb of God is shown as a sacrifice on an altar. Sometimes the lamb stands and holds a flag, to show that he is conquering sin.”
Our Art Project–A Cross and Symbols
This is a fun, fast and easy craft! I used a rectangle of used cardboard (You can use any paper or material you find at home.) Paint it white in a haphazard style, leaving peeks of the cardboard. Next, I used black India ink and drew with the eye dropped included in the bottle. That works for me, a grandma, or older kids, but for young kids it’s a looming disaster. Give them a Sharpie to draw on the dry, painted cardboard instead of using ink. Suggest your child draw a cross , heart, or other image for the main focus. Then, draw symbols of our faith or whatever the child feels like. Some symbols are: the Cross for the main image, a Heart, symbol of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Water and a Shell for Baptism, a Star of Bethlehem for the Nativity, and a Flower symbolizing Easter. Perhaps they can find some other symbols that they can add to this drawing. Enjoy. This is quick and easy and stylish!
Week Twenty Three–Suggested Homework Activities
Read together with your child, The Joyful Mysteries and the Luminous Mysteries, also called the Mysteries of Light.
Source: LoyolaPress.org
“The Joyful Mysteries”
- The Annunciation
Mary learns that she has been chosen to be the mother of Jesus. - The Visitation
Mary visits Elizabeth, who tells her that she will always be remembered. - The Nativity
Jesus is born in a stable in Bethlehem. - The Presentation
Mary and Joseph take the infant Jesus to the Temple to present him to God. - The Finding of Jesus in the Temple
Jesus is found in the Temple discussing his faith with the teachers.
“The Mysteries of Light”
- The Baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan
God proclaims that Jesus is his beloved Son. - The Wedding Feast at Cana
At Mary’s request, Jesus performs his first miracle. - The Proclamation of the Kingdom of God
Jesus calls all to conversion and service to the Kingdom. - The Transfiguration of Jesus
Jesus is revealed in glory to Peter, James, and John. - The Institution of the Eucharist
Jesus offers his Body and Blood at the Last Supper.