“Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world.”
Source: USCCB.org John, chapter 1:29-34
For Parents to Teach to Their Children
Hello Parents, this is the second week of preparing for First Holy Communion on SundaySchoolUpdates.com. The Gospel of John, chapter 1, tells us about the life of Christ, beginning with Genesis, “He was in the beginning with God.” Your children will learn more about Jesus, “The Lamb of God” through reading, prayers, songs, and art.
I am reading a beautiful book, The SACRED That Surrounds Us How Everything in a Catholic Church Points to Heaven. Looking at the wonderful photography and reading the text by author, Andrea Zachman is teaching me so much about the sacred objects, vestments and the Mass. I am excited to use the book in my teaching. I am basing the art projects on the sacred objects in our church.
Our Art Gallery
Chalice, Communion Cups, Paten
Excerpt from The SACRED That Surrounds Us By Andrea Bachman
“The mixed cup (water and wine) and the baked bread receive the Word of God and become the Eucharist, the body of Christ and from these the substance of our flesh is increased and supported.”
“–St. Irenaeus of Lyons (AD 189)”
Our Readings
“Alleluia”
“R. Alleluia, alleluia.
The Word of God became flesh and dwelt among us.
To those who accepted him,
he gave power to become children of God.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.”
Source: USCCB.org
“The Gospel of John, chapter 1:29-34”
“John the Baptist saw Jesus coming toward him and said,
‘Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.
He is the one of whom I said,
‘A man is coming after me who ranks ahead of me
because he existed before me.’
I did not know him,
but the reason why I came baptizing with water
was that he might be made known to Israel.’
John testified further, saying,
‘I saw the Spirit come down like a dove from heaven
and remain upon him.
I did not know him,
but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me,
‘On whomever you see the Spirit come down and remain,
he is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’
Now I have seen and testified that he is the Son of God.’”
Reading for Children
“Have you ever tried to put something big into a small box? Have you ever tried to fit too many things into a suitcase? No matter how hard you try, the lid just won’t close. It’s like that when we talk about God. God is so wonderful, so powerful, and so present to us that no words can fully describe him. Nor can any name or title we might give to him. That’s one of the reasons why Jesus has many names. These titles express the many special aspects of Jesus and his mission. Like nicknames, they also express our special love for Jesus. In the Mass, we hear many of Jesus’ names, such as Lord, Savior, Son of God, and Bread of Life. This week, John the Baptist reveals another title for Jesus: Lamb of God. Jesus is gentle, like a lamb, and his blood takes away our sins. He invites you to know him better. Open the box and let him surprise you!”
Our Prayers
The Sign of the Cross.
- In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen
- The Lord’s Prayer, or Our Father. (Given to us by Jesus, when he taught followers how to pray.)
Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.
- Glory Be to the Father
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
- The Hail Mary.
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
- To the Guardian Angel
Angel of God, my guardian dear, To whom His love commits me here, ever this day be at my side, to light and guard, to rule and guide. Amen.
- Grace Before Meals
Bless this O Lord and these Thy gifts which we are about to receive from Thy bounty through Christ our Lord. Amen
Source: Catholic Kids
Our Writing Project
Invite your child to write the words from the reading above in MagnifiKid!, “Lord, Savior, Son of God, and Bread of Life, and Lamb of God.” Ask your child if he or she can think of anything else, such as, “Most High” and “Prince of Peace.” Have a conversation with your child about the meaning of these titles, or names.
Music and Singing
“Lamb of God” from Catholic Book Of Worship III, #293
Source: Hymnary.org
“Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world:
have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world:
have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world:
grant us peace.”
“Worthy is The Lamb” from Handel’s “Messiah,” with Text (YouTube Video)
Our Art Project–Sacred Vessels for Eucharist
(I “updated” two paintings to add the communion cups and hosts, from previous post.)
Method and Materials for Making Collages
The two painted collages at the top of this page, were painted with children’s liquid acrylic paint on watercolor paper.
The process is as follows:
1. Squirt an Oreo-size glob of both white liquid glue and liquid acrylic paint onto a paper plate, for the back ground color.
2. Mix with brush and start painting the watercolor paper, rapidly. You can make stripes or any design you like on the glue/paint mixture.
3. While still wet, add the color you want for the background.
4. Using a wide paint brush, drag the brush over the white mixture to allow for incomplete coverage. I like seeing bits of white peek through the color. Let dry.
5. Repeat the process for the second color needed to make the chalice, and paten.
6. When completely dry, flip painted side with (second color) over to trace an inverted bowl or plate to make a circle for the paten. For the chalice, I drew, free-hand, the top part of the chalice, the cup, and the stem and base of the chalice, and added “gold” circles made with large hole punch. The parts of the chalice are the cup, the stem, the base that is wider than the cup, and midway down the stem, a “knot,” which is made for easy drinking from the chalice. I made the two communion cups and the hosts in the same manner.
7. Finish with gold and silver metallic children’s acrylic paint and let dry. Cut out drawings and glue down onto background painting.
Suggested Homework Activities–Week Sixteen
A Suggestion for Praying from MagnifiKid! January 19, 2020, Page 2
“In his name”
“Did you know that the name Jesus in Hebrew means “God Saves”? When you pray, think about the name you are giving to Jesus. If you notice that you are always using the same name, try to change it so that you enrich the way you speak to the Lord.”
What is Your Name?
Discuss the meaning of your child’s name and why you chose it for him or her. Is your child named after a saint? I just learned that my first name, Constance, is the name of a first century saint who was martyred. I am sure my parents had no idea! I simply had to Google it, and there it was. With the Internet it is easy to look up the origin and meanings of names.
Read to Learn About Jesus’ Life
Please read the story of “Jesus in the Wilderness” from a child’s Catholic Bible, your family Bible, or on-line at USCCB.org. Matthew, chapter 4:1-11. Discuss with your child the word and meaning of “temptation”
What name does Jesus call the devil? (Satan)
How did Jesus defeat the devil? (By quoting Scripture.)