For Parents To Teach To Their Children
This week we begin with the “Introductory Rites” and the “Penitential Acts.” Slowly going in depth into the order of the Mass is very helpful for the children. Reading it aloud together will be a memorable experience for the family. We have one more part of the Introductory Rites and that is the singing or reciting the “Gloria.” There is a wonderful explanation of the “Liturgy of the Word” on the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB.org) website. I recommend that you read it. It is not long and is very helpful. It clarified points in the “Liturgy” for me. Here is the link: USCCB.org “Liturgy of the Word”.
Our Art Gallery
Jesus Forgives People’s Sins
“The Peter Principle”
By
Jesus Forgives
“In Matthew 18:21-22, Peter asked Jesus how many times he should forgive someone who’d wronged him-seven times? Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy times seven.” Jesus then drove home the point with the parable of the unmerciful servant.
(Luke 5:23-35).
“You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven.”
(Matthew 16:18-19)
“God never gave up on Peter. He didn’t remove his strong personality. Instead he transformed and perfected it. God didn’t give up on Peter, and he won’t ever give up on any of us, either.”
(Brenda Morrow, Author)
Our Readings–USCCB.org
Tuesday of the First Week of Lent, February 28, 2023
Luke, Chapter 4:16-30 “Rejection at Nazareth”
“Jesus began speaking in the synagogue, saying:
‘Today this Scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing.’
And all spoke highly of him
and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth.
They also asked, ‘Isn’t this the son of Joseph?
He said to them, “Surely you will quote me this proverb,
‘Physician, cure yourself,’ and say,
‘Do here in your native place
the things that we heard were done in Capernaum.’
And he said, ‘Amen, I say to you,
no prophet is accepted in his own native place.
Indeed, I tell you,
there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah
when the sky was closed for three and a half years
and a severe famine spread over the entire land.
It was to none of these that Elijah was sent,
but only to a widow in Zarephath in the land of Sidon.
Again, there were many lepers in Israel
during the time of Elisha the prophet;
yet not one of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian.’
When the people in the synagogue heard this,
they were all filled with fury.
They rose up, drove him out of the town,
and led him to the brow of the hill
on which their town had been built,
to hurl him down headlong.
But Jesus passed through the midst of them and went away.”
Reading 2–1 Corinthians 8-13
This is an excerpt of a famous letter from Saint Paul to the early Christians in Corinthian.
“Brothers and sisters:
“Love is patient, love is kind.
It is not jealous, it is not pompous,
it is not inflated, it is not rude,
it does not seek its own interests,
it is not quick-tempered, it does not brood over injury,
it does not rejoice over wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth.
It bears all things, believes all things,
hopes all things, endures all things.”
Learning About The Mass–“The Introductory Rites ” and the “Penitential Act”
Source: A Missal for Children By Rev. Matthew Ernest, S.T.D.
“With the Introductory Rites, the congregation prepares to celebrate the sacrifice of the Mass:
- We begin by making the sign of the cross, slowly to show reverence. It reminds us that Jesus saved us by dying on the cross, and it makes us invoke the Holy Trinity. It is a sign of faith in God, and it prepares you to receive his grace.”
- Then the priest greets us in one of three ways.
Introductory Rites
- “In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. All say: ‘Amen.'”
- “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. +Or, “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” +Or, “The Lord be with you.”
Penitential Act
“Brothers and sisters, let us acknowledge our sins, and so prepare ourselves to celebrate the sacred mysteries.”
“A brief pause for silence follows.”
“Then all recite together:”
The Confiteor (I Confess)
“I confess to almighty God
and to you, my brothers and sisters,
that I have greatly sinned
in my thoughts and in my words,
in what I have done,
and in what I have failed to do;
through my fault, through my fault,
through my most grievous fault;
therefore I ask blessed Mary ever-Virgin,
all the Angels and Saints,
and you, my brothers and sisters,
to pray for me to the Lord our God.”
The Priest Says:
“May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to ever lasting life.”
All: Amen.
Kyrie, Eleison (Lord, Have Mercy)
Priest: “Lord, have mercy.” or, “Kyrie, eleison.”
All: “Lord, have mercy. or, “Kyrie, eleison.”
Priest: “Christe, have mercy.” or, “Christe, eleison.”
All: “Christe, have mercy.” or, “Christe, eleison.”
Priest: “Lord, have mercy.” or, “Kyrie, eleison.”
All: “Lord, have mercy.” or, “Kyrie, eleison.”
Note* We will end this portion of the Introductory Rites with the Gloria (Glory to God), and the Collect next week. Then we enter into the “Liturgy of the Word.”
Our Symbol of the Week– “Flowers for Mary”
Our Art Project–Heart Finger-Painted on Aluminum Foil
Although this is finger painted onto the aluminum foil, it isn’t just for small children. I had some cardboard, which I covered with the foil giving it stiffness. You could cover a cutting board with the foil and when the painting has dried, remove the foil and cut it out. I used liquid and tube acrylic paint made for children. I squeezed out a small circle of paint and began to smear it into the shape of the heart. I used both copper and white paints, as well. Black could make a nice border or highlight, too. I didn’t use a brush. It is fun and creative to feel the paint as you move it over the paper. Then, if your child wishes, the dry drawing can be glued to a strong piece of paper, like watercolor paper. Then they can hang it for display. Our Materials
Week 30–Suggested Family Activities
Please read “The Penitential Rite” with your child from The Mass Book for Children, page, 8:
“When we go to see someone we really love, we get ready!
We wash our faces and hands and put on our good clothes.
Now we’re at Mass!
We have to get ready! How?
We pray a confession of our sins.
We ask God to purify our hearts and we ask the saints, the angels, and our Blessed Mother to pray for us. And guess what?
They listen!
And they really do pray for us!
This is how we get ready to hear God’s word.”