Tuesday, June 28, 2011



We are heading down to Florida for an undetermined period of time due to a family member dying of cancer and another in ICU. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers.


NOTE: 7/16/11- We are back from Florida. We want to thank you for all your thoughts and prayers during our time of need.





Thursday, June 23, 2011

Celebrating the Mass Lesson- Final Blessing & Concluding Rite





(This lesson is in accordance with the new Roman Missal that is to be implemented on November 27, 2011.)

*Be sure to adjust this lesson to fit the needs of your students.


(Please take in consideration that I am just a Mom and I'm providing these lessons and activities to the best of my abilities. I will try to make them as accurate as possible, but I know I will make a few mistakes and it was not intentional.)



Standing at the altar or at the chair and facing the people, with hands joined, the priest says:

Let us pray.

We all stand and pray in silence with the priest for a while, unless silence has just been observed. Then the priest, with hands extended, says the Prayer after Communion, at the end of which the people acclaim:

Amen.


If there are announcements to be made they are made at this time. If there is any other parish business to be taken care of, it usually will happen at this time as well.


Then the dismissal takes place. The priest, facing the people and extending his hands, says:

The Lord be with you.

People: And with your spirit.


The priest blesses the people, saying:

May almighty God bless you:
the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. (The people make the Sign of the Cross when the priest says this.)

People: Amen.

____________________________________________________________

*On certain days or occasions, this formula of blessing is preceded, in accordance with the rubrics, by another more solemn formula of blessing or by a prayer over the people.

____________________________________________________________

In a Pontifical Mass, the celebrant receives the miter and, extending his hands, says:

The Lord be with you.

All reply:
And with your spirit.

The celebrant says:
Blessed be the name of the Lord.

All reply:
Now and for ever.

The celebrant says:
Our help is in the name of the Lord.

All reply:
Who made heaven and earth.

Then the celebrant receives the pastoral staff, if he uses it, and says:
May almighty God bless you,

making the Sign of the Cross over the people three times, he adds:
the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

All:
Amen.

____________________________________________________________

Then the Deacon, or the Priest himself, with hands joined and facing the people, says:

Go forth, the Mass is ended.

Or:

Go and announce the Gospel of the Lord.

Or:

Go in peace, glorifying the Lord by your life.

Or:

Go in peace.

The people reply:

Thanks be to God.


Then the Priest venerates the altar as usual with a kiss, as at the beginning. After this he is joined by the other ministers in front of the altar, and after a brief moment they all bow toward the altar. While this is happening the congregation sings the final hymn. The ministers of the liturgy, minus the Book of the Gospels, now exit the church. The congregation should remain in their places until the end of the closing hymn.

When you leave your pew, be sure to genuflect and do the Sign of the Cross. Just before you leave the church bless yourself with Holy Water at the water font or stoup, making the Sign of the Cross.



Questions:

Do we sit or stand during the Final Blessing and Concluding Rite? (Stand)

What do we say after the priest says, “The Lord be with you.” (“And with your spirit.”)

May we sit down when the priest sits down? (Yes)

When the priest stands and says, “Let us pray” what do we do? (We stand.)

When the priest blesses us what should we do? (Make the Sign of the Cross.)

At the end of Mass, the priest reminds us to “Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.” (Or, “The Mass is ended. Go in Peace.”) What do we say then? (“Thanks be to God.”)

When can we leave our seats? (The congregation should remain in their places until the end of the closing hymn and then they can leave.)

What do you do when you leave your pew? (Genuflect and make the Sign of the Cross.)

What do you do before you leave the church? (Bless yourself at the water font or stoup.)



Activities:

catholicicing.com- A Picture Book of the Mass! (For Children AND Adults!)

portlanddiocese.org- My Book of New Mass Responses

fatherbrowning.com- The Catholic Mass Booklet

liturgyoffice.org.uk- The Order of Mass

scsba.ca- Mass Prayers and Responses (printable pamphlet)

web.archive.org- Parts of the Mass Printable


This activity is free; however it is only to be used for classroom and personal use. It may not be published on any websites or other electronic media, or distributed in newsletters, bulletins, or any other form or sold for profit. Reproduction or retransmission of any materials, in whole or in part, in any manner, is not permitted. All graphics/images/clipart etc. used on this activity are not my own and are from various internet sources.

Mass Booklet for Children- For you to print out. Make a cover or better yet, have your children make one to make it more personalized.



Crafts:

The Catholic Toolbox- Church Building Crafts

The Catholic Toolbox- People at Mass Crafts

catholicicing.com- Craft a Mass Kit

Liturgical Objects Used in Mass- Activities, coloring, crafts, games, puzzles, quizzes, worksheets, etc.



Games:

studylib.net- The Parts of the Mass (Game 1 & Game 2)

jeopardylabs.com- Parts of the Mass

bingobaker.com- Parts of the Mass Bingo

looktohimandberadiant.com- Order of the Mass Activity Cards

loyolapress.com- Order of the Mass Game
Students identify what happens during Liturgy of the Word and Liturgy of the Eucharist.

thereligionteacher.com- Interactive Catholic Mass Powerpoint Game



These games below are free, however they are only to be used for classroom and personal use. They may not be published on any websites or other electronic media, or distributed in newsletters, bulletins, or any other form or sold for profit. Reproduction or retransmission of any materials, in whole or in part, in any manner, is not permitted.


The Holy Mass Game- Directions and questions.


Actions Speak Louder Than Words Game- A fun review game about actions during Mass.








Mass Review File Folder Game- For 2 Players or 2 Teams

* The idea is to answer questions about Mass so you can trap one or more opponents’ pieces between two of your pieces. Those opponents’ pieces then change color to become your pieces.

* The game ends when both you and your opponent cannot play another piece, or if every square on the board is filled, the game is over. You count up the number of black pieces and the number of white pieces and the winner is the one with the most pieces.



Puzzles:

mycatholicsource.com- Word Search with answers

crosswordhobbyist.com- The Catholic Mass Crossword Puzzle

wordmint.com- Several Mass puzzles posted

whenwecrosswords.com- Catholic Mass Crossword Puzzle

weebelievers.com- Celebrate Mass Crossword Puzzle



Worksheets:

thegomom- Order of the Mass Worksheet
Above are parts of the mass. Choose which part of the mass is described in the sentences below. Write the letter only.

looktohimandberadiant.com- Teaching about the Mass Activity Sheets

thereligionteacher.com- The Religion Teacher Catholic Mass Worksheets


The worksheets below are free, however they can only to be used for classroom and personal use. They may not be published on any websites or other electronic media, or distributed in newsletters, bulletins, or any other form or sold for profit. Reproduction or retransmission of any materials, in whole or in part, in any manner, is not permitted.

Behavior In Mass- Draw a smile face next to the good things to do during Holy Mass. Draw a sad face next to the things not to do during Holy Mass.

The Church is God’s House (for younger students)- Ask your child the following questions about the lesson today and have them circle the answer.

Mass Etiquette Worksheet- Write True or False in the spaces provided.



Friday, June 17, 2011

Celebrating the Mass Lesson- Holy Communion





(This lesson is in accordance with the new Roman Missal that is to be implemented on November 27, 2011.)

*Be sure to adjust this lesson to fit the needs of your students.


(Please take in consideration that I am just a Mom and I'm providing these lessons and activities to the best of my abilities. I will try to make them as accurate as possible, but I know I will make a few mistakes and it was not intentional.)



After the distribution of the Holy Communion to the deacon, the Eucharistic Ministers, and altar servers the congregation may receive Holy Communion.

To receive Holy Communion we must be free from mortal sin. We also need to have the right intention and we need to obey the Church’s laws on fasting before receiving Holy Communion. We are required to fast from all food and drink except water for one hour before we receive Holy Communion. Taking medicine does not break the fast. Holy Communion may also be received without fasting when one is in danger of death.

As the people receive Communion, the communion song is sung. The unity of voices echoes the unity the Eucharist brings. All may spend some time in silent prayer of thanksgiving as well.

We stay kneeled until it is time for us to receive Holy Communion. We then walk slowly with our hands folded as we make our way to the priest or Eucharistic Minister. Remember to bow to show reverence for the Body and Blood of Christ when you stand before the priest or Eucharistic Minister.

*If you have not received first Holy Communion, hold your arms across your chest when you approach the priest to receive a blessing.


To receive the Body of Christ, you should hold your hand open with your other hand below it, making a throne for the Sacrament to be placed in. If on the tongue, open your mouth and extend your tongue in a respectful way allowing the Sacrament to be placed there before closing your mouth. Consume the Eucharist immediately.

Allow the Eucharistic Minister to present the cup to you. Never grab the cup from the minister’s hands. Use both hands to receive the cup. Drink a little and then hand the cup back to the minister.


Priest or Eucharistic Minister: The Body/Blood of Christ.

Each person: Amen


According to General Instruction of the Roman Missal #160: When receiving Holy Communion, the communicant bows his or her head before the Sacrament as a gesture of reverence and receives the Body of the Lord from the minister. The consecrated host may be received either on the tongue or in the hand, at the discretion of each communicant. When Holy Communion is received under both kinds, the sign of reverence is also made before receiving the Precious Blood.


Although many people make the Sign of the Cross after receiving Communion, it is not required. After receiving the Eucharist, walk back to your seat in a respectful manner with your hands folded. When you come to your seat kneel to pray or for meditation.


When the distribution of Communion is over, the Priest or a Deacon or an acolyte purifies the paten over the chalice and also the chalice itself.

While he carries out the purification, the Priest says quietly:

What has passed our lips as food, O Lord,
may we possess in purity of heart,
that what has been given to us in time
may be our healing for eternity.


Then priest may return to his chair and when he sits down the people can sit down. If appropriate, a sacred silence may be observed for a while, or a psalm or other canticle of praise or a hymn may be sung.



Questions:

What must we be free of to receive Holy Communion? (We must be free from mortal sin.)

What must we do for at least one hour before receiving Holy Communion? (Fast)

Does drinking water before receiving Holy Communion break the fast? (No)

Can a sick person take medicine any time before Holy Communion? (Yes)

When can someone receive Holy Communion without fasting? (When one is in danger of death.)

What does a Eucharistic Minister do? (They help the priest administer [give out] the Body and Blood of Christ.)

What do we do until it is time for us to receive Holy Communion? (We kneel.)

What do you do when you stand before the priest or Eucharistic Minister before you receive Holy Communion? (You bow to show reverence for the Body and Blood of Christ.)

What do you do if you have not received first Holy Communion? (Hold your arms across your chest when you approach the priest or Eucharistic Minister to receive a blessing.

Do you consume the Eucharist immediately or can you wait until you go back to your seat? (You consume the Eucharist immediately.)

What do you say after the priest or Eucharistic Minister says, “The Body/Blood of Christ.” (“Amen”)

What do you do after you have received the Body and Blood of Christ? (Walk back to your seat and kneel to pray or for meditation.)



Crafts:



Jesus in the Holy Eucharist Craft The Catholic Toolbox




catholicinspired.design- Jesus in the Eucharist ~ Art Project

catholicicing.com- Host and Chalice Craft for Kids

catholicicing.com- Craft a Monstrance with a Gold Doily

catholicicing.com- True Presence In The Eucharist- Printable Craft For Catholic Kids



Make a Holy Communion Banner:

orientaltrading.com- Holy Communion Banner Craft Kit
You can buy this or get ideas from it to make your own.

manylittleblessings.com- First Communion Banners
Lots of ideas on how to make banners.

manylittleblessings.com- 55 Examples of Catholic First Communion Banners



Games:


These games below are free, however they can only to be used for classroom and personal use. They may not be published on any websites or other electronic media, or distributed in newsletters, bulletins, or any other form or sold for profit. Reproduction or retransmission of any materials, in whole or in part, in any manner, is not permitted. All graphics/images/clipart etc. used on these games are not my own and are from various internet sources.







The Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist (file folder game)- Students collect the most tokens by answering questions correctly about the Sacrament of the Eucharist.








Holy Eucharist Bingo- Students play regular bingo, but they answer questions about the Holy Eucharist.



Lessons:

Lesson 26: The Holy Eucharist (The New Saint Joseph Baltimore Catechism, No. 1, page 124-128). For younger students.

Lesson 26: The Holy Eucharist (The New Saint Joseph Baltimore Catechism, No. 2, page 162-167). For older students.

sophiainstituteforteachers.org- In the Mass Jesus Gives Us His Body and Blood in the Eucharist (lesson)

olrl.org- Lesson 22: The Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist (Holy Communion)

scborromeo.org- Catechism of the Catholic Church
The Sacrament of the Eucharist

thereligionteacher.com- Catholic Thanksgiving Day Lesson Plans on the Eucharist as Thanksgiving (lessons for elementary, middle school, and high school)

hrsjyouth.com- Lesson 4: The Liturgy of the Eucharist (True Presence)



Puzzles:

4catholiceducators.com- Holy Communion - Wordsearch Puzzles

reallifeathome.com- Holy Communion Word Search Printable {Perfect for First Communion Students}

mycatholicsource.com- Holy Eucharist (word search)

reallifeathome.com- Holy Communion Crossword Puzzle

saintagnescatholicchurch.files.wordpress.com- Holy Communion Crossword Puzzle



These puzzles below are free, however they can only to be used for classroom and personal use. They may not be published on any websites or other electronic media, or distributed in newsletters, bulletins, or any other form or sold for profit. Reproduction or retransmission of any materials, in whole or in part, in any manner, is not permitted. All graphics/images/clipart etc. used on these puzzles are not my own and are from various internet sources.


Holy Communion- (word scramble)

Holy Communion- (crossword)
For younger students you can do this together on the board.



Worksheets:

reallifeathome.com- Holy Communion and Reconciliation Worksheet and Activity Packet


This worksheet is free, however it is only to be used for classroom and personal use. It may not be published on any websites or other electronic media, or distributed in newsletters, bulletins, or any other form or sold for profit. Reproduction or retransmission of any materials, in whole or in part, in any manner, is not permitted. All graphics/images/clipart etc. used on this worksheet are not my own and are from various internet sources.

Eucharist worksheet- Follow the directions and fill in the blanks to find out what the message says below.



Thursday, June 16, 2011

Chants of the Roman Missal





These texts and musical settings are provided for study purposes in preparation for the implementation of the new Missal on the First Sunday of Advent, November 27, 2011. For each sung part of the Mass, you will find a recording in MP3 format and a PDF of the text with musical notation. You may freely download and use the files on this page for your own parish or personal use.


npm.org- Chants of the Roman Missal




Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Celebrating the Mass Lesson- Lamb of God





(This lesson is in accordance with the new Roman Missal that is to be implemented on November 27, 2011.)

*Be sure to adjust this lesson to fit the needs of your students.


(Please take in consideration that I am just a Mom and I'm providing these lessons and activities to the best of my abilities. I will try to make them as accurate as possible, but I know I will make a few mistakes and it was not intentional.)



In the Fraction Rite, the celebrant breaks the consecrated bread as the people sing the Agnus Dei or "Lamb of God." John the Baptist proclaimed Jesus as "the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" (Jn 1:29). The action of breaking the bread recalls the actions of Jesus at the Last Supper, when he broke the bread before giving it to his disciples. One of the earliest names for the Eucharistic celebration is the breaking of the bread.

The priest breaks the Eucharistic Bread, assisted, if the case calls for it, by the deacon or a concelebrant. Christ's gesture of breaking bread at the Last Supper, which gave the entire Eucharistic Action its name in apostolic times, signifies that the many faithful are made one body (1 Cor 10:17) by receiving Communion from the one Bread of Life which is Christ, who died and rose for the salvation of the world. The fraction or breaking of bread is begun after the sign of peace and is carried out with proper reverence, though it should not be unnecessarily prolonged, nor should it be accorded undue importance. This rite is reserved to the priest and the deacon.

The priest breaks the Bread and puts a piece of the host into the chalice to signify the unity of the Body and Blood of the Lord in the work of salvation, namely, of the living and glorious Body of Jesus Christ. The supplication Agnus Dei or “Lamb of God”, is, as a rule, sung by the choir or cantor with the congregation responding; or it is, at least, recited aloud. This invocation accompanies the fraction and, for this reason, may be repeated as many times as necessary until the rite has reached its conclusion, the last time ending with the words dona nobis pacem (grant us peace). (General Instruction of the Roman Missal)

Immediately before coming forward to receive the Lord in Holy Communion, we welcome the Lord:

Lord, I am not worthy
that you should enter under my roof,
but only say the word
and my soul shall be healed.

This prayer quotes the words of the centurion who asked Jesus to cure his servant. He would not presume to ask Jesus to come to his home. He trusted in the authority of Jesus’ healing word, saying: “Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof; only say the word and my servant will be healed” (Mt 8:8; see Lk 7:6-7). This new phrasing reminds us that, in receiving Holy Communion, we are to emulate the centurion’s humility and faith. (stelizabethpf.org)





Then the priest takes the host, breaks it over the paten, and places a small piece in the chalice, saying quietly:

May this mingling of the Body and Blood
of our Lord Jesus Christ
bring eternal life to us who receive it.

Meanwhile the following is sung or said:

Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world,
have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world,
have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world,
grant us peace.


*The invocation may even be repeated several times if the fraction is prolonged. Only the final time, however, is grant us peace said.

Then the Priest, with hands joined, says quietly:

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God,
who by the will of the Father
and the work of the Holy Spirit,
through your Death gave life to the world;
free me by this, your most holy Body and Blood,
from all my sins and from every evil;
keep me always faithful to your commandments,
and never let me be parted from you.

Or:

May the receiving of your Body and Blood,
Lord Jesus Christ,
not bring me to judgment and condemnation,
but through your loving mercy
be for me protection in mind and body,
and a healing remedy.


We kneel while the Priest genuflects, takes the host and, holding it slightly raised above the paten or above the chalice, while facing the people, says aloud:

Behold the Lamb of God,
Behold him who takes away the sins of the world.
Blessed are those called to the supper of the Lamb.

And together with the people he adds once:

Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.


The Priest, facing the altar, says quietly:

May the Body of Christ
keep me safe for eternal life.

And he reverently consumes the Body of Christ.

Then he takes the chalice and says quietly:

May the Blood of Christ
keep me safe for eternal life.

And he reverently consumes the Blood of Christ.



Questions:

Who proclaimed Jesus as "the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" (Jn 1:29)? (John the Baptist)

What does the action of breaking the bread recall? (The actions of Jesus at the Last Supper, when he broke the bread before giving it to his disciples.)

What do we say after the priest says:

Behold the Lamb of God,
Behold him who takes away the sins of the world.
Blessed are those called to the supper of the Lamb.

(“Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.”)



Lesson:

rcialessons.blogspot.com- Jesus is the Lamb of God



Crafts:

Introduce craft: What is Jesus called during this prayer? (The Lamb of God.)

makingmusicprayingtwice.com- Agnus Dei – Lamb of God Washcloth

sweetgrace.typepad.com- BaaBaa Black, Pink, and Blue Sheep? An easy yarn craft (scroll down to the white one with ears)

first-school.ws- Handprint Lamb or Sheep Craft
This is a very easy craft that the youngest child can help with and makes a beautiful keepsake. Template included.

craftscollection.net- Sheep Egg

kidscraftroom.com- Clothes Pin Sheep (cute note holder)

roomparentideas.com- Lamb Note Card Holder

dadcando.com- Fluffy Sheep

orientaltrading.com- Lamb of God Paper Plate Craft Kit

Rocking Sheep- Tap the sheep very lightly and they will gently rock from side to side. (The Grolier Kids Crafts Craft Book by Cheryl Owen, page 18 & 19).

The Lord is My Shepherd Magnet- A cute sheep magnet out of popsicle sticks. You can omit the other wooden pieces and mini chalkboard in this craft and just use cardboard or construction paper. (Hands On Crafts for Kids 20-Minute Crafts, page 30 & 31).



Game:

Write each of the following words on index cards (one word on each card): Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed. Divide the class into groups. Have each group put the response together in the correct order. The first group that puts it together correctly wins.



Puzzles & Worksheets:

These activities below are free, however they can only to be used for classroom and personal use. They may not be published on any websites or other electronic media, or distributed in newsletters, bulletins, or any other form or sold for profit. Reproduction or retransmission of any materials, in whole or in part, in any manner, is not permitted.


Lamb of God (handwriting in print)- Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.

Lamb of God (worksheet)- Fill in the blanks with the correct word.

Lamb of God (word search)- Find the words that are hidden in the puzzle.

Lamb of God (tile puzzle)- Unscramble the tiles to reveal a message.

Lamb of God (double puzzle)- Unscramble each of the clue words. Copy the letters in the numbered cells to other cells with the same number.



Thursday, June 9, 2011

Celebrating the Mass Lesson- Sign of Peace





(This lesson is in accordance with the new Roman Missal that is to be implemented on November 27, 2011.)

*Be sure to adjust this lesson to fit the needs of your students.


(Please take in consideration that I am just a Mom and I'm providing these lessons and activities to the best of my abilities. I will try to make them as accurate as possible, but I know I will make a few mistakes and it was not intentional.)



The Rite of Peace follows. The celebrant prays that the peace of Christ will fill our hearts, our families, our Church, our communities, and our world. As a sign of hope, the people extend to those around them a sign of peace, typically by shaking hands.

The priest prays a prayer out loud to Jesus, reminding Him of His gift of peace to the Apostles. He then asks the Lord to look down upon the faith of the people gathered in this church and to grant us His peace and unity.

Saying the prayer before Communion expresses our need to be reconciled with one another. When we receive the Eucharist it is a sign that we are in “communion with the Lord”.

During every Mass the celebrant invites the assembly to “offer each other the sign of peace.” With that gesture, parishioners connect themselves to each other within the parish family.



We are all standing and the priest, with hands extended, says aloud:

Lord Jesus Christ,
who said to your Apostles,
Peace I leave you, my peace I give you,
look not on our sins,
but on the faith of your Church,
and graciously grant her peace and unity
in accordance with your will.

(He joins his hands.)

Who live and reign for ever and ever.

People: Amen



The priest turns toward the people, extending and then joining his hands adds:

The peace of the Lord be with you always.

People: And with your spirit.

Then if appropriate, the deacon or priest adds:

Let us offer each other the sign of peace.


And all offer one another a sign, in keeping with local customs, that expresses peace, communion, and charity. The priest gives the sign of peace to a Deacon or minister.

During the Sign of Peace at our church we greet one another as Jesus greeted his friends. We shake hands with the people around us and say, “Peace be with you” to share God’s love and to bring God’s love and peace to all you meet.



Questions:

Are we standing or sitting during the Sign of Peace? (Standing)

What do we say after the priest says, “The peace of the Lord be with you always.”? (“And with your spirit.”)

What do we do after the priest says, “Let us offer each other the sign of peace.”? (We shake hands.)

What do we say to the person when we shake their hands? (“Peace be with you.”)

How can you share peace with others outside of Mass?



Activity:

loyolapress.com- Role Playing the Sign of Peace from Mass



Class Discussion & Activity:

Discuss with the students what they think the signs of peace in the world are. Where have you seen them? What did the signs say? Why were they publicly shown? Etc. How can you be a sign of peace to other people? Have the students break into groups and create their own sign of peace. Present them to the class and discuss.

*You can also do the above as a journal writing activity. Students can also create their own sign of peace in their journal and describe what it means.



Crafts:

loyolapress.com- Sharing the Sign of Peace

marthastewart.com- Crayon Hearts
Students can write on hearts with a permanent marker: “Peace Be With You”

kids-leader.com- Peace Be With You Handprint Sign

sermonsuite.com- Peace Be With You Mural

Materials:

Large piece of butcher paper, bulletin board paper, etc.
Tape
Crayons, colored pencils, pens, markers
Magazines, newspapers
Scissors
Glue stick


Directions:

1. Hang the newsprint on a blank wall.

2. Have the children create a mural filled with images that make them feel peaceful. They can draw images, cut images out of magazines, or write words that remind them of peace.


Sign of Peace Wreath

Give each student a paper plate. Have them cut out the center of the paper plate to make a large ring to make a wreath out of. Give the students various colors of construction paper and have them trace around their hands to make a handprint. The students then cut out the handprints and staple them to their paper plate to make a wreath. Students then make a sign that says, “Peace Be With You” and attach it to their wreath.



Sign of Peace Mobile

Give each student a picture of a dove on cardstock. Have them cut out the dove and color. On five blank index cards (you can cuts these in half to make them smaller) have the students write 5 ways they can share peace with others outside of Mass. To make a simple mobile attach the dove to a long piece of string and hang the five index cards below it in a line.

*You can also make a dove craft and hang the index cards below it.

artistshelpingchildren.org- Tons of dove crafts posted here.

Taking Flight- A bird that can be a dove that you make out of white paper and using the child's handprints. (From the Hands of a Child by Anthony Flores, page 41).





These activities below are free, however they can only to be used for classroom and personal use. They may not be published on any websites or other electronic media, or distributed in newsletters, bulletins, or any other form or sold for profit. Reproduction or retransmission of any materials, in whole or in part, in any manner, is not permitted. All graphics/images/clipart etc. used on these activities are not my own and are from various internet sources.


Lacing Heart Door/Window Craft- (directions and templates)

Materials:
yarn or ribbon
single hole punch
scissors
card stock


Directions:


1. Print out templates on white or colored card stock.

2. Cut out the templates.

3. Put hearts back to back with words showing outward. Allow the students to make holes around the heart using a single hole punch near the edge (about an inch or two apart).

4. Provide the students with a length of yarn or ribbon. (You can wrap some scotch tape around the end of the yarn/ribbon to make it more like a shoe lace.)

5. Start at the center of the heart on the top or the bottom and have the students lace the yarn through the holes. Be sure to leave enough yarn or ribbon on the end so you can tie it off into a bow.

6. Tie off yarn/ribbon in the center with a bow.

7. Let the students use glitter, markers, crayons, paint, stickers, etc. to further decorate their completed project.

8. Hang craft on a door with a window so you can see both sides or just hang in a window.



Puzzles:

Sign of Peace (cryptogram puzzle)- Try to figure out the message by the letters that are given.

Sign of Peace (fallen phrases puzzle)- Use the letters above to find out what the priest says.



Sunday, June 5, 2011

Daily Devotions for Catholic Kids



From Facebook- Can anyone suggest a good, Catholic, daily devotional book for 10 year old boys?



Well, I found these. I don’t know how good they are, but here is something that might be useful:



livingfaithkids.com- Living Faith Kids features daily devotions based on the daily Scripture readings from the Catholic Mass. Each quarterly issue helps children 8-12 develop the habit of daily prayer and build their relationship with Jesus and the Church. Living Faith Kids is the daily Scripture-based prayer companion for Catholic children and an invaluable resource for parishes, families and schools. (You can buy these in bulk or orders of 5 copies or fewer.)

*Sample pages are provided at website.



Does anyone use Living Faith Kids? How is it?


Does anyone have other suggestions for Catholic daily devotions for boys?





Celebrating the Mass Lesson- The Lord’s Prayer





(This lesson is in accordance with the new Roman Missal that is to be implemented on November 27, 2011.)

*Be sure to adjust this lesson to fit the needs of your students.


(Please take in consideration that I am just a Mom and I'm providing these lessons and activities to the best of my abilities. I will try to make them as accurate as possible, but I know I will make a few mistakes and it was not intentional.)



The Communion Rite follows the Eucharistic Prayer, leading the faithful to the Eucharistic table.

The rite begins with the Lord's Prayer. The Lord’s Prayer is the prayer the entire Church says every single day at every Mass and it is part of the Communion Rite. Jesus taught us The Lord’s Prayer to his disciples when they asked how to pray (cf. Mt 6:9-13, Lk 11:2-4) and it signifies our communion with God and the fellowship we share with one another. In this prayer, the people join their voices to pray for the coming of God's kingdom and to ask God to provide for our needs, forgive our sins, and bring us to the joy of heaven.

There are seven petitions in The Lord’s Prayer. The first three petitions are directed towards God. The last four petitions are directed toward ourselves and our neighbor.

In the Lord's Prayer a petition is made for daily food, which for Christians means the Eucharistic bread, and also for purification from sin, so that what is holy may, in fact, be given to those who are holy. The priest says the invitation to the prayer, and all the faithful say it with him; the priest alone adds the embolism (insertion or addition), which the people conclude with a doxology. The embolism begs for deliverance from evil for the entire community of the faithful.

We stand as we say or sing the Lord’s Prayer just before Holy Communion. In some churches the congregation holds hands to show that they are one family in Christ.



After the chalice and paten have been set down, the Priest, with hands joined, says:

At the Savior’s command
and formed by divine teaching,
we dare to say:

The priest extends his hands and, together with the people, continues:

(The people that are holding hands say this aloud with the priest.)

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.


With hands extended, the Priest alone continues, saying:

Deliver us, Lord, we pray, from every evil,
graciously grant peace in our days,
that, by the help of your mercy,
we may be always free from sin
and safe from all distress,
as we await the blessed hope
and the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

The priest joins his hands.

The people conclude the prayer, acclaiming:

(If the people are holding hands they raise their hands higher and say the following.)

For the kingdom,
the power and the glory are yours
now and for ever.

(The people then stop holding hands.)



An entire section of the Catechism focuses on the Lord's Prayer and it explains in detail the rich meaning of each line of the prayer that was given to us by our Lord Jesus Christ himself as a model. wf-f.org

The New Saint Joseph Baltimore Catechism No. 2
Lesson 38: The Our Father (page 231-235)



Questions:

Who taught us the Lord’s Prayer? (Jesus)

Do we stand or sit during the Lord’s Prayer? (Stand)

Do we say or sing this prayer? (It is sung or said aloud.)

Why do some churches hold hands when they say/sing this prayer? (To show that they are one family in Christ.)



Activities:

ministry-to-children.com- The Lord’s Prayer for Kids – Free Lessons, Activities, & Coloring Pages (be sure to change to your faith teaching)

loyolapress.com- Our Father (discuss the meaning of the words to the Lord's Prayer)

mycatholic.life- Chapter 11 – The Lord’s Prayer

catholicfaithstore.com- Understanding the Lord’s Prayer Line By Line – Our Father

thereligionteacher.com- The Lord’s Prayer Lesson Plan

thereligionteacher.com- Our Father Activity: Pray It And Have Fun Too

4catholiceducators.com- Lesson Plan: Listening to the Lord's Prayer

stpaulparish.com- Lesson on PRAYER

sthelenaedison.org- Chapter 7 - We Pray to God Our Father + Review (online)

avemariapress.com- Our Father (This lesson is an adaptation of an activity that appears in Our Catholic Faith, a textbook for Introduction to Catholicism courses.)

catholicstraightanswers.com- Why does the Catholic “Our Father” have a different ending than the Protestant one?

hnojatl.org- Lesson 9 The Lord’s Prayer

catholiconline.school- God, Our Father - Grade 1 - Religious Education – Catechism

catholicity.com- Lesson 38 from the Baltimore Cathechism



Coloring:

thecatholickid.com- Our Father Prayer Coloring Page

weebelievers.com- Our Father Coloring Page (scroll down to this)

flamecreativekids.blogspot.com- Lord's Prayer Cards (coloring)

web.archive.org- Our Father (mini book)

dltk-kids.com- The Lord’s Prayer (mini book)
Directions and template. (Catholic version posted.)



Crafts:

catholicicing.com/- Prayer Craft for Preschoolers

sundayschoolkids.com- Lord’s Prayer Chain
Be sure to print out the short version (Catholic)

brighthubeducation.com- Teaching the Lord’s Prayer with a Banner Craft

daniellesplace.com- The Lord’s Prayer Bible Crafts Page 2 (be sure to change crafts to Catholic version)

sundayschoolkids.com- Lord's Prayer Fold-up Revealer (be sure to change craft to your faith teachings)








Our Father Magnet

Need: 8 Popsicle sticks, craft foam pieces, “Our Father” prayer printed on paper (size of print should be about 8 pt.), sticky magnet, index card, glue

Directions: Make popsicle stick picture frame. Glue craft foam pieces on frame to decorate. Let frame dry. While frame is drying, go to next activity, then come back and finish frame. Cut out “Our Father” prayer that is printed on paper and glue to index card. Cut to fit on the back of the frame with “Our Father” prayer showing on the front of the frame. Attach sticky magnet to top of frame on back to make it into a magnet.


Introduce craft: What do some parishioners often do during the Lord’s Prayer? (Hold hands.)

Make paper doll chains.

pammshouse.com- Simple Paper Doll Chain template

giocomania.org- Boy and Girl Paper Chain People (scroll down to the word modello about half way down to print out)



Games:

These games below are from nashvilleras.com- More than 100 Missions Bible Memory Games and Other Activities

Spill the Verse- Make several copies of the Lord’s Prayer on construction paper. Cut the paper into several pieces and place in a baby food jar. Children are to spill the Lord’s Prayer onto the table and try to put it together. Check the prayer by looking it up in their prayer books.

Spin the Verse- The Lord’s Prayer is written on a piece of paper and taped to the outside of a soda bottle. Have children sit in a circle. “It” sits in the center and spins the bottle. Whoever the bottle points to when it stops spinning must read the Lord’s Prayer aloud to the group. That person then becomes “It.”

Step on It- Print each word of the Lord’s Prayer in large letters on a separate sheet of paper. Tape in random order onto the floor, close enough for succeeding words to be reached in a step. Children should step on one word at a time in the proper order to quote the prayer. Repeat until all the children have “Stepped on it.”

Tic-Tac-Toe- Divide the children into two teams, the “X”s and “0”s. Draw a tic-tac-toe grid on the chalk or white board. Have the team members recite certain portions of the Lord’s Prayer, eventually reciting the prayer in its entirety. Each time the team members correctly recite the Lord’s Prayer and its sections, mark Xs and Os on the grid until a team gets three in a row.

Tie Up a Verse- Print each word of the Lord’s Prayer on 3” x 5” cards. Make several sets. Give each child a 1 piece of yarn. Punch a hole in the top of each set of cards. Jumble them and ask the children to thread the cards onto the yarn in proper order. Repeat until each child can repeat the Lord’s Prayer from memory.

Token Recall- Say the Lord’s Prayer together as a group. Then, have the children close their eyes. Place a token (small token or inexpensive items for tokens such as candy, erasers, pencils, or other items) under the chair of one of the children. Ask, “Who’s got the token?” to signal for the children to look under their chairs. Whoever has the token stands and says the prayer aloud. If he says it correctly, he gets to put the token under another child’s chair. Give him a token to keep for saying the verse. Be certain each child is rewarded for attempting to say the prayer, even if he does not say it perfectly.

True/False- Say the Lord’s Prayer together several times. Then, change words in the prayer and read it aloud to the children. Let them determine if the reading is true or false. If it is false, they should identify which words were added or removed. (You can also write this on the board to make it easier.)

Undercover Verses- Print the Lord’s Prayer on a piece of construction paper. Cut another piece of construction paper into eight jig-saw pieces. Cover the prayer with the jig-saw pieces, each attached with a small piece of rolled masking tape at the back. Number the puzzle pieces one to eight. Let each child have a turn calling out a number. Remove that puzzle piece.
See if the child can say the prayer. If not, then another child calls out a number and so on until someone can quote the entire prayer.




Introduce games: What prayer did Jesus teach us? Do you know it? Let’s find out.


Prayer Review:

1. Say a line from the prayer “Our Father” and have the students say the following line. Go back and forth until the prayer is finished.

2. Have the students sit in a circle. Tell the students that they are going to recite the “Our Father”. Have each student say one word in the prayer and the next person will say the following word. If someone makes a mistake or gets stuck, he or she begins over again with the first word of the prayer. The last person that says, “Amen” finishes the prayer.

3. Ball Pass: Have the students sit in a circle. The teacher turns her back to the students and she says, "Pass, pass, pass." The students then pass a ball to their right around the circle. When the teacher says, "Stop," the child holding the ball and the person to his right and left say the prayer together.

4. Write the Our Father on strips of paper or card stock. Cut out strips and glue strips of the Our Father in the proper order on a piece of construction paper. (For younger students you can do this together as a group activity.) You can also play this as a game by dividing the class into teams and give each team the strips of the Our Father. See which team can put it in the proper order the fastest.




Rotation Leader Guide- The Lord’s Prayer Ball Bonanza page 11 & 12 (be sure to change to Catholic version)

rotation.org- Lord's Prayer Games (be sure to change to your faith teachings)



This game below is free, however it can only to be used for classroom and personal use. It may not be published on any websites or other electronic media, or distributed in newsletters, bulletins, or any other form or sold for profit. Reproduction or retransmission of any materials, in whole or in part, in any manner, is not permitted. All graphics/images/clipart etc. used on all activities are not my own and are from various internet sources.



The Lord's Prayer File Folder Game- A fun way to practice and see how well you know the Lord’s Prayer. (Catholic version of Debbie's ffg)



Puzzles:

biblewise.com- The Lord’s Prayer (dot-to-dot)

reallifeathome.com- The Lord’s Prayer / Our Father Word Search Printable

mycatholicsource.com- Our Father (word search)

4catholiceducators.com- 3 Lord’s Prayer (word searches)

smp.org- The Lord's Prayer (crossword)

smp.org- Teach Us to Pray: The Lord’s Prayer (Cut out words and put the words in order. Paste the words in order on a piece of construction paper.)

sophiainstituteforteachers.org- Our Father Puzzle (put in order)

mmotcp.org- Our Father Jigsaw Puzzle

wordmint.com- Our Father (word search & cross word puzzles)





faithfirst.com- Cut out words and put the words in order. Paste the words in order on a piece of construction paper.




These puzzles below are free, however they can only to be used for classroom and personal use. They may not be published on any websites or other electronic media, or distributed in newsletters, bulletins, or any other form or sold for profit. Reproduction or retransmission of any materials, in whole or in part, in any manner, is not permitted. All graphics/images/clipart etc. used on all activities are not my own and are from various internet sources.



Lord’s Prayer puzzle- All you need is some heavy paper and a copy machine. Copy the puzzle and have the children glue it on some heavy paper and color. Then have the children cut on the lines to make a puzzle. Have the children put the puzzle together to practice the Our Father. Put puzzle pieces in an envelope or ziplock bag. (Catholic version)




Our Father Tetris Puzzle- A fun way to learn the Our Father



Worksheets & Handwriting:

crusaders-for-christ.com- Our Father handwriting in print and cursive (scroll down for these)

teacherresourcesgalore.com- cloze activity with word bank

faithfirst.com- Cut out words and put the words in order. Paste the words in order on a piece of construction paper.

weebelievers.com- Our Father Tracing Page & Fill in the Blank (scroll down to these)

thereligionteacher.com- Our Father Fill in the Blank Worksheet (scroll down to this)

sophiainstituteforteachers.org- Our Father Worksheets (fill in the blank, answer questions)



These worksheets below are free, however they can only to be used for classroom and personal use. They may not be published on any websites or other electronic media, or distributed in newsletters, bulletins, or any other form or sold for profit. Reproduction or retransmission of any materials, in whole or in part, in any manner, is not permitted. All graphics/images/clipart etc. used on all activities are not my own and are from various internet sources.

Our Father worksheet- Fill in the blanks from a word from below. Do it on the board together with the students if they need help.

The Lord’s Prayer (worksheet)- Answer the following questions about the meaning of The Lord’s Prayer.





Our Father Roll a Prayer Worksheet- Cut out prayer strips. Students roll a die to collect all the pieces to their prayer. The first one to collect all the pieces to the prayer is the winner. Students then glue in the spaces provided the prayer in the correct order.



Friday, June 3, 2011

Celebrating the Mass Lesson- The Great Amen





(This lesson is in accordance with the new Roman Missal that is to be implemented on November 27, 2011.)

*Be sure to adjust this lesson to fit the needs of your students.


(Please take in consideration that I am just a Mom and I'm providing these lessons and activities to the best of my abilities. I will try to make them as accurate as possible, but I know I will make a few mistakes and it was not intentional.)



A doxology is a Greek word that means “a word of praise”. Every Eucharistic Prayer ends with a great doxology singing praise to God. The glorification of God is expressed and is confirmed and concluded by the people’s acclamation, Amen. We stand during the “Great Amen” and it is usually sung and repeated several times in a joyous manner to emphasize that we agree to the Eucharistic Prayer over and over.


"Amen" is a Hebrew word meaning, "So be it" (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2856). By saying “Amen” it means that we agree.


The priest takes the chalice and the paten with the host and raising both, he says:

Through him, and with him, and in him,
O God, almighty Father,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
all glory and honor is yours,
for ever and ever.

People: Amen.



Questions:

What does Amen mean in Hebrew? (So be it.)

Why do we say Amen after the Eucharist Prayer? (To emphasize that we agree with the Eucharistic Prayer.)

What does the priest hold up when we say or sing the “Great Amen”? (The chalice and paten with the host.)



Craft:

Introduce craft: What does Amen mean in Hebrew? (So be it.) Do you know Sign Language? Who uses Sign Language? Why, etc. and discuss. Do you know how to say “Amen” in Sign Language? (Show students the sign for “Amen” in Sign Language from handspeak.com.) Let’s make a craft that says “Amen” in Sign Language.


catholicicing.blogspot.com- Yes Lord Craft
Make this craft, but omit the cross and write “Amen!” with a glitter gel pen on the thumb.



Games:

Amen Go Fish Card Game

A game for 2-5 players, using a standard 52-card deck. Each player gets seven cards (or five, if more than three players). The object is to make "books" – four cards of the same value (e.g. four 2's or four Queens). Each player asks for cards to complete their books, and if the cards are not available the player has to "Go Fish" (draw a card from the pile). The game ends when all thirteen books have been completed.

Object: Be the first player to discard all of your cards and say AMEN!



Amen! (card game)

If you like the card game Uno, you'll love Amen! The object of this challenging game is to get all your cards into the center pile---but it's not so easy when everyone else is doing the same. Cards like ''Trial,'' ''Sin,'' and ''Temptation'' force you to add to your hand. But if you hold ''Prayer,'' ''Ask,'' and ''Blessing'' cards, give yourself another turn or even reverse the direction of play. For two or more players, ages 7 to adult. Card game made by Bible Games Company.



This game below is free, however it can only to be used for classroom and personal use. It may not be published on any websites or other electronic media, or distributed in newsletters, bulletins, or any other form or sold for profit. Reproduction or retransmission of any materials, in whole or in part, in any manner, is not permitted.


Amen Game

Ask each student a question (according to their abilities) about Mass (you can use questions from previous lessons). If it is not true, the student answers, “False”. If it is true, the student answers, “AMEN”. You can play this game individually or in teams. The person or team with the most points is the winner.

*This is a great way to review what the students have done thus far.