‘Alleluia, the Spirit of the Lord has filled the whole world. Come let us adore him, alleluia.’ (Invitatory antiphon)

The fifty days of Easter conclude with the celebration of Pentecost Sunday, the day the Holy Spirit first came upon the disciples in the form of tongues of fire (Acts 2:1-11).  Hence, fire is one of the symbols of the Holy Spirit.

When Paul arrived in Ephesus, he met some disciples who had ‘not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.’ (Acts 19:2).

One way to identify the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Holy Trinity is to observe its influence on a person. One such person was St Teresa of Avila (1515-1582).  On the eve of Pentecost 1563, the Holy Spirit appeared to her in the form of a brilliant dove with wings like mother of pearl.  She describes this experience in her autobiography.  In 1614, the Flemish painter, Peter Paul Rubens painted St Teresa of Avila with ‘the Holy Spirit fluttering over her as a dove’.  ‘According to St Teresa and as she experienced in her spiritual life, the function of the Holy Spirit is to transform the person to that marvellous love of God.’(Emmanuel Kaniyamparampil OCD).

St Louise de Marillac (1591-1660) co-foundress of the Daughters of Charity with St Vincent de Paul in 1633, also experienced the Light of the Holy Spirit in a profound way.  Louise was a married woman with one son Michel.  In 1623, between the Feast of Ascension and Pentecost, Louise was plagued by three doubts which caused her great suffering.  One doubt was that she should leave her husband, ‘to have greater liberty to serve God and my neighbour’.  Secondly, she doubted her ‘capacity to break the attachment I had for my spiritual director’ and thirdly, ‘the doubt she experienced concerning the immortality of the soul’.  Louise wrote, ‘On the Feast of Pentecost, during Holy Mass or while I was praying in the Church, my mind was instantly free of all doubt.’ (SW, A.2)  This freedom Louise experienced was a life changing moment for her and also for the life of the Church.

The Gospel proclaimed at Mass today (Jn 20:19-23), may be heard via webcam or read in the New Testament.

This Gospel presents an image of the terrified apostles locked in a room because of their fear of the Jews.  In the twinkle of an eye, their fear was turned to joy because Jesus came and stood among them.  He said to them, ‘Peace be with you’.  Then he showed them his hands and his side.  The apostles were filled with joy because they saw the Lord.  A second time, Jesus said, ‘Peace be with you.’ Then, he breathed on them and said, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.’ He gave them the power to forgive sins.

Jesus wanted to give his apostles the gift of joy, peace, and the power to forgive sins when he said, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.’  The gifts were freely given. The disciples were full of joy on seeing the Lord.

We pray on this feast of Pentecost for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the world. May our hearts be open to receive the love, the freedom and the joy of the Holy Spirit.

SEEK THE HOLY SPIRIT IN THE GROW AND LOVE RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PROGRAMME

From Junior Infants/P1 upwards the children are introduced to the person of the Holy Spirit.  They gather in prayer to say, ‘In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.’

Children chat with their families about their Baptism and discover how they received the gift of the Holy Spirit and in faith belong to God’s family. The Story of Jesus’ Baptism reveals how the Holy Spirit came on Jesus and acted in his life.

Through the loving experiences of their own lives, they gradually recognise that the Holy Spirit is the One who teaches them to love, to pray and live like Jesus.

The Holy Spirit prompts a person to love God, themselves, one another and the environment.  Exploration of the lives of saints and Christian heroes/heroines help the children to identify people who lived lives of holiness.

By reciting the Apostle’s Creed, children state their belief in the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

During the celebration of the Eucharist, the assembly are invited to pray for peace, a fruit of the Holy Spirit; and they offer one another a sign of peace. The Holy Spirit helps to bring reconciliation and unity. They recognise that, at the Consecration, which happens during the Eucharistic Prayer, how ordinary bread and wine are transformed into the Body and Blood of Christ, through the action of the Holy Spirit.

In identifying the events of the life of Jesus, his Passion, Death and Resurrection; children hear of Jesus’ promise to send the Holy Spirit to the apostles on his return to the Father.  Jesus fulfills the promise. He remains with them always.

After Pentecost, in the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 2:41-47), children read the account  on the life of the First Christians.

In the Annunciation (Luke 1: 28-38), the children hear the promise of God as the angel said to Mary, ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you.’

Children identify the symbols of the Holy Spirit as wind/ breath, fire, water and the dove. In Sacred Scripture, they read that Jesus was anointed with the Holy Spirit and received his mission. (Lk 4:16-22). They also read from the Old Testament of David being anointed as leader.

In the sacrament of Confirmation, children recognise the role of the Holy Spirit in giving them the sevenfold gift which bears fruit in their lives. They experience anointing and being sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit helps children in their formation of conscience and gives them the freedom, guidance and the grace to make good choices for life. In prayer, they take quiet moments to invite the Holy Spirit into their hearts. They learn to seek and ask for guidance.

There are many resources on the VERITAS website, including songs, prayers, poems, activities and stories including the Children’s Grow in Love e-books to help families understand the person of the Holy Spirit and the transforming power of the love of the Holy Spirit in the lives of disciples.

INVITATION TO:

READ in Grow in Love/I nGrá Dé

The Coming of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2: 1-13); Life among the First Christians (Acts 2:41-47); The Baptism of Jesus (Matthew 3: 13-17); The Spirit of the Lord (Luke 4:16-22).

SING: ‘Tar Anuas, a Spioraid Naoimh’, ‘Spirit Filled Day’, ‘Welcome Holy Spirit, Welcome,’ ‘Send Forth Your Spirit’, ‘Spirit Anthem’, Veni Creator Spiritus’

PRAY with Grow in Love/I nGrá Dé

SIGN OF THE CROSS

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

COMHARTHA NA CROISE

In ainm an Athar, agus an Mhic agus an Spioraid Naoimh. Áiméan.

PRAYER TO THE HOLY SPIRIT

Holy Spirit, I want to do what is right.

Help me.

Holy Spirt, I want to live like Jesus.

Guide me.

Holy Spirit, I want to pray like Jesus.

Teach me.

PAIDIR CHUIG AN SPIORAD NAOMH

A Spioraid Naoimh, ba mhaith liom an rud ceart a dhéanamh.

Cabhraigh liom.

A Spioraid Naoimh, ba mhaith liom maireachtáil mar a mhair Íosa.

Treoraigh mé.

A Spioraid Naoimh, ba mhaith liom

guí mar a ghuigh Íosa. Múin dom é.

COME HOLY SPIRIT

Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful.

Enkindle in us the fire of your love.

Send forth your Spirit and we shall be

created.

And you shall renew the face of the earth.

O God, who has taught the hearts

Of the faithful

By the light of the Holy Spirit,

Grant us in the same Spirit to be truly wise

And ever to rejoice in his consolation,

Through Christ our Lord, Amen.

TAR CHUGAM, A SPIORAID NAOIMH

Tar, a Spioraid Naoimh, líon croíthe

na bhfíréan.

Agus las ionainn tine do ghrá.

Cuir amach uait do Spiorad agus

cruthófar muid,

Agus déanfaidh tú aghaidh na talún a

athnuachan.

A Dhia, a mhúin croíthe na bhfíréan

Le solas an Spioraid Naoimh,

Deonaigh dúinn sa Spiorad céanna a bheith críonna go fíor,

Agus gairdeas a dhéanamh I gcónaí ina shólás,

Trí Chríost, ár dTiarna. Áiméan.

‘Receive the Holy Spirit. Those whose sins you forgive will be forgiven them, alleluia.’ (Benedictus antiphon)

‘This is the day of Pentecost, alleluia; today the Holy Spirit appeared to the disciples in the form of fire and gave to them his special gifts; he sent them into the world to proclaim that whoever believes and is baptised will be saved, alleluia.’ (Magnificat antiphon).

‘When you send forth your Spirit, they are created, and the face of the earth is renewed.’ (Psalm 103:30).

‘Holy Spirit, by your light you guide this world towards the father’s love and accompany creation as it grows in travail. You also dwell in our hearts and inspire us to do good. Praise be to You!’ (Laudato Si’ no. 246).’

Sr Anne Neylon

‘Christ the Lord has promised us the Holy Spirit: come, let us adore him, alleluia.’ (Invitatory antiphon).

‘Everyone has inside of him a piece of good news. The good news is that you don’t know how great you can be! How much you can love! What you can accomplish! And what your potential is!’ (Anne Frank).

A prayer journal might be an opportunity for a person to write their story of life. In deepening a person’s relationship with Jesus, one might record happy and sad moments, doubts and certainties, events, feelings, relationships, times when Jesus was close or absent from one’s life. Sometimes Jesus’ presence is tangible, other times not so. The gentle voice of God might be audible in calling a person by name or God’s voice maybe heard as offering consolation, peace or a word of challenge to discipleship.

As Scripture says, ‘For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.’ (Hebrews 4:12).

On writing the prayer journal the writer might experience a hint of how the Gospel ends today, ‘If all were written down, I think the world itself could not contain the books that should be written.’

Today at Mass, the end of the Gospel according to St John is proclaimed (Jn 21: 20-25). This may be heard via the webcam or in the New Testament.

The dialogue continues between Jesus and Peter. Jesus last words in the Gospel are spoken to Peter. He says, ‘Follow me’. Being a follower meant believing in the person of Jesus to the point of wholly loving him all the days of one’s life and giving up everything for him alone. In T.S. Eliot’ words; ‘costing not less than everything.’  The Scripture tells us that Peter looks back, sees John, the Beloved disciple following Jesus and Peter talks to Jesus about him. Jesus doesn’t engage with Peter’s question at that point. He says to Peter, ‘Follow me.’ John was the last of the witnesses to Christ. Finally, we hear that ‘Jesus did many other things.’ Jesus continues to work today through his disciples. God is always present and creating anew.

SEEK THE LINK IN THE GROW IN LOVE RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PROGRAMME

As children work through the Catholic PreSchool and Primary Religious Education Curriculum for Ireland, in the Grow in Love Religious Education programme, they are helped to understand that God loves them unconditionally. It is not the child’s love for God that is important but their understanding of God’s unique, personal and unconditional love for him/her. Children appreciate this love firstly, through the love of family and friends and subsequently they grow in God’s love by keeping close to God and Jesus.

The dialogue between Jesus and Peter in the Gospel (John 21: 1-25) models the dialogue that Jesus desires with his disciples. Jesus was eating breakfast with his friends and afterwards he spoke to Peter. He asked Peter, ‘Do you love me?’ On hearing Sacred Scripture, children encounter Jesus in dialogue with his followers. In prayer, these chats become very much part of children’s’ own reflection. Children are invited to listen and to chat to Jesus and God in their own words as they take a moment in prayer. They learn to listen and to ask God for their needs. In prayer, a child grows in trust and love of God. Jesus speaks directly and simply.

Children hear Jesus saying to Peter ‘Follow me.’ They recognise the call of Jesus to follow him as an invitation to become a disciple. They explore the freedom they have to respond to the call.

Children from Junior Infants/P1 upwards participate in recording activities and writing prayers at age and ability appropriate levels. In Fifth Class/P7 and Sixth Class, children engage in ‘JOURNAL EXERCISES’. Thoughts, prayers and reflections from their pondering on the ‘BIG QUESTION’ might be a subject of invitation for their journaling. Other entries to the journal may be from their engagement with ‘Lectio Divina’ (Sacred Reading) or ‘Visio Divina’ (Sacred Seeing) as introduced in Fourth Class/P6. Journal activities may take the form of a diary, doodling or drawing in their journal. The important fact about the prayer journal is that it gives each child a unique and blessed space, to express thoughts and feelings and to record anything the Lord might bring to mind in prayer.

There are many journal activities in the Grow in Love e-books accessible on the VERITAS website:

Logon: www.veritas.ie

Email: trial@growinlove.ie

Password: growinlove

INVITATION TO:

READ IN Grow in Love/I nGrá Dé or in the Bible

Mt 18: 21-35, Jn 14:6-12, Jn 2:1-10,

Mt 26:20-30, Jn 21:1-14, Jn 8:1-11,Lk 15, 11-32.

SING with Grow in Love/I nGrá Dé

‘The Summons’, ‘Tar Anuas, a Spioraid Naoimh’, ’Spirit-Filled Day’, ‘Welcome Holy Spirit’, ‘Welcome’, ’Send Forth Your Spirit’.

PRAY with Grow in Love/I nGrá Dé

PRAYER TO THE HOLY SPIRIT

Holy Spirit, I want to do what is right. Help me.

Holy Spirt, I want to live like Jesus.

Guide me.

Holy Spirit, I want to pray like Jesus.

Teach me.

PAIDIR CHUIG AN SPIORAD NAOMH

A Spioraid Naoimh, ba mhaith liom an rud ceart a dhéanamh.

Cabhraigh liom.

A Spioraid Naoimh, ba mhaith liom maireachtáil mar a mhair Íosa.

Treoraigh mé.

A Spioraid Naoimh, ba mhaith liom

guí mar a ghuigh Íosa. Múin dom é.

ACT OF LOVE

O my God,

I love you with all my heart,

with all my soul, and with all my strength.

Lord, increase our love.

Help us to love one another. Amen.

‘Behold, I am with you all days, even till the end of the world.’ (Benedictus antiphon).

‘Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful, and enkindle in them the fire of your love; though the peoples spoke different tongues you united them in proclaiming the same faith, alleluia.’ (Magnificat antiphon).

‘For the Lord is righteous; he loves justice. The upright will see his face.’ (Psalm 10:7)

‘…now we shall try to outline the major paths of dialogue which can help us escape the spiral of self-destruction which currently engulfs us.’  (Laudato Si’, no. 163).

Sr Anne Neylon

‘Christ the Lord has promised us the Holy Spirit: come, let us adore him, alleluia.’ (Invitatory antiphon).

In daily life, people engage in countless chats and encounters. Pre Covid-19, meetings and conversations were of a different nature than what they are presently. People spend an increased time communicating through technological devices. Many miss face to face communication. Even with two metre physical distancing it is less easy to hold a conversation. A zoom meeting or a video conference etc, are altered experiences of dialogue. Perhaps citizens will have to customise themselves to this form of meeting for longer than they might desire. Does technology allow for a true dialogue between persons?

The Gospel proclaimed at Mass today (Jn 21:15-19), is the dialogue between Jesus and Simon Peter at the lakeshore of Tiberius. In this post resurrection event, Jesus and the apostles had just finished breakfast when Jesus began a conversation with Simon Peter. Three times Jesus asked Simon Peter did he love him. Three times Peter said yes. Each time Peter declared his love for Jesus, Jesus answered him saying, ‘Feed my lambs…Look after my sheep…Feed my sheep’. Peter was a bit put out when Jesus asked him the question for a third time.

Jesus entrusts the Church to Peter, as shepherd of the flock. The first condition for Peter is to love Jesus and to give himself wholly to be leader of the flock. With Peter as leader, the disciples were called to obey his authority. The authority was given to Peter and handed on through the Church so that its mission would continue.

Jesus continues to ask disciples daily ‘do you love me?’ We are invited to ponder his question in the silence of our hearts and express that love in doing God’s will in showing compassion, mercy and generosity.

SEEK THE WORD OF GOD IN GROW AND LOVE

This Gospel passage (Jn 21:15-19) focuses on hope. The apostles thought that there was no hope after Jesus died. But with Christ’s Resurrection came new life. Sometimes in the midst of family difficulties, sickness and trauma it is difficult to find hope. Through the exploration of difficult life situations, children discover the hope that comes from trust in God, thier own strength and in the support and love of other people. In Grow in Love 8, Sixth Class, children are faced with the ‘Big Question’, ‘Is there always hope, in every situation?’ There is always hope because Jesus is alive.

Jesus was truly alive at the lake and he ate breakfast with them. From today’s Gospel, children might recall times Jesus shared a meal with people. They may remember the Last Supper and its memory in the daily celebration of the Eucharist.

The Gospel also focuses on Jesus giving authority to Peter to lead the flock. Jesus wanted an assurance that Peter loved him.  Children reflect on the loving encounters with family, friends, teachers and neighbours. They recall Jesus’ love for his disciples when he chose them, called them, taught them and shared his mission with them. Children identify themselves as Jesus’ disciples and they are prompted to hear the still small voice of Jesus asking the question, ‘Do you love me?’

I wonder if children might ask ‘Why did Jesus ask the same question three times of Peter? Might they ask, did Jesus not believe Peter when he said he loved Jesus?

The images of shepherd and sheep are familiar to children in the context of the ‘Parable of the Lost Sheep’ and Psalm 23.

In Third Class/P5, children explore their belonging to a local parish community. Through activity, chat, reading Scripture, church visits, lighting candles, singing, belonging to a parish community, attending Mass and the sacraments they recognise what active participation in the Church means. From concrete experiences of helping, they recognise the importance of the service role in the Church.

Children and families respond to God’s call to serve in the Church in a variety of ways to build community and God’s kingdom. The Holy Spirit who first came at Pentecost helps disciples to continue Jesus’ mission. When the disciples were praying with Mary in the upper room the Holy Spirit came. Soon the Church will celebrate the Solemnity of Pentecost. Our Baptism calls us to share the Good News.

In Fifth Class/P7, pupils recall their experience of parish life. They research their own diocese and bishop in the hope that it will deepen their sense of belonging to the Body of Christ. They explore the role of the bishops and priests. One way men choose to serve the church is through the Sacrament of Holy Orders by which a man is ordained as deacon, priest or bishop.

In the context of today’s Gospel, children hear how Jesus appointed Peter as leader of the people. St Peter became the first Pope. In earlier Grow in Love programmes children were introduced to former popes, St John XX111, St John Paul 11 and Pope Benedict XV1. Children hear about Pope Francis’ vocation story and his teaching throughout Grow in Love.

From Junior Infants/P1 children listened to and read the accounts various accounts of the resurrection and the post resurrection stories in the four Gospels.

Many of stories are available online in the various Grow in Love e-books, with additional resources on the VERITAS website.

Logon: www.veritas.ie

Email: trial@growinlove.ie

Password: growinlove

INVITATION TO:

READ in Grow in Love/I nGrá Dé

Jn 21:1-15, 1 Corinthians 11: 23-25, Luke 24:13-35, Luke 4: 16-22,

SING with Grow in Love/I nGrá Dé

‘They’ll Know We Are Christians By Our Love’; ‘Spirit- Filled Day’; Christ  Be Our Light’; ‘Connected’; ‘Wherever You Go’; ‘Grow in Love’; ‘Creation Story’; ‘Use What You’re Given’, ‘Come Holy Spirit’, ‘Trust in the Lord’, ‘The Summons’, ‘Love’,’ Alleluia’, ‘This is the Day’ ,’The Parish Anthem’

from ‘The Summons’, .

Will you come and follow me

if I but call your name?

Will you go where you don’t know

and never be the same?

Will you let my love be shown,

will you let my name be known,

will you let my life be grown

in you and you in me?

PRAY with Grow in Love/I nGrá Dé

PRAYER OF ST FRANCIS

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace

where there is hatred, let me sow love

where there is injury, pardon

where there is doubt, faith

where there is despair, hope

where there is darkness, light

and where there is sadness, joy

O Divine Master, grant that I may

not so much seek to be consoled as to console

to be understood, as to understand

to be loved, as to love

for it is in giving that we receive

and it is in pardoning that we are pardoned

and it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life

Amen.

LÚIREACH PHÁDRAIG

Críost liom.

Críost romham.

Críost I mo dhiaidh.

Críost ionam.

Críost ar mo lámh dheas.

Críost ar mo lámh chlé.

Críost I mo chuideachta is cuma cá dtéim.

Críost mar chara agam, anois go buan. Áiméan.

‘Jesus Christ died and has risen from the dead; he sits at the right hand of God where he lives for ever, making intercession for us, alleluia.’ (Benedictus antiphon).

‘They all persevered together in prayer with Mary, the mother of Jesus, alleluia.’ (Magnificat antiphon).

‘The Lord has set his throne in heaven; he rules, he has power everywhere.’ (Psalm 102:19)

‘The biblical texts are to be read in their context… they tell us to “till and keep” the garden of the world (cf. Gen 2:15). “Tilling” refers to cultivating, ploughing or working, while “keeping” means caring, protecting, overseeing and preserving. This implies a relationship of mutual responsibility between human beings and nature.’ (Pope Francis, Laudato Si’, no.67)

Sr Anne Neylon

‘Christ the Lord has promised us the Holy Spirit: come, let us adore him, alleluia.’ (Invitatory antiphon).

Traditionally, the week of prayer for ‘Christian Unity’ is celebrated annually from 18–25 January, between the feasts of St Peter and St Paul. Christians come together to pray for their unity.  The theme for 2020 was ‘Unusual Kindness’.  The reading from the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 27:27-28:5) was the text chosen for Week of Prayer 2020.

As noticed in this Sacred Scripture, the hospitality shown was a means to Christian unity. We are called to a spirit of greater generosity to those in need. While on a jouney, Paul and his companions were shipwrecked in a storm. The people who helped them did not yet know Christ. It was through this ‘unusual kindness’ shown at the time of need that brought these divided people closer together.   Our own Christian unity will be realised ‘through loving encounters with those who do not share our language, culture or faith.’

The Gospel (Jn 17:20-26) proclaimed at Mass today may be heard via webcam or read in the New Testament.

This Good News (Jn 17: 1-26), is Jesus’ prayer to the Father for ‘the new holy people’ and is a model for all prayer.

In the Gospel proclaimed today (Jn 17: 20-26), Jesus prays for the apostles and for all who will believe in him. Jesus prays to the Father, and asks that the world will know that God sent Jesus; that they will be all united in God; that they will be where Jesus is; and that they will know they are loved. Jesus promises those who believe that he will continue to reveal God’s name to them.

SEEK THE LINK IN THE GROW IN LOVE RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PROGRAMME

One of the skills taught to children in the Grow in Love programme is to explore the structure of the Prayer of the Faithful read at Mass. Then, the children are invited to write a prayer possibly for the celebration of Eucharist. Jesus’ prayer in St John’s Gospel provides a model for this (Jn 17: 26). For example, Jesus prays for the disciples that they may be one; that they may be united; that they might have joy; that they may be delivered from the evil one; that they may be consecrated in the truth; that they may know that God sent Jesus and that they may know they are loved. The structure of the Prayer of Faithful lies in praying ‘for’… ‘that’ something may happen. We can see that Jesus had many requests for the Father. Families too have many requests in prayer.

In Level 3 of the Catholic Preschool and Primary Religious Education Curriculum for Ireland (2015), under the Christian Faith Strand and Strand Unit, The Mystery of the Church /Kingdom, the curriculum outlines the, ‘Introduction to other Christian churches present in the local community: e.g. Church of Ireland; Methodists and Presbyterians, Orthodox Christians, Evangelical Christians, and Easter Rite Churches.

Children in Fourth Class/P6 are introduced to these five Christian Churches: the Catholic Church, the Church of Ireland, the Methodist Church, the Presbyterian Church and the Orthodox Church. Resources are available specifically in Grow in Love Fourth Class/P6, Theme 8, Lesson 4.

In Fifth Class/P7, Theme 4, Lesson 4, pupils explore how Christmas is celebrated among Christians in a variety of ways. They explore the Coptic Christians celebration of Christmas.

In Grow in Love 8, Sixth Class, Theme 6, Lesson 4, the children are introduced to the main Christian denominations currently in Ireland. They explore the beliefs that are common to all Christians. Through exploration of the work of ecumenism, they see how the Church through dialogue and co-operation seeks unity among all Christians, as Jesus willed for the Church.

Children from five Christian Churches are interviewed on the VERITAS Grow in Love website:

Logon: www.veritas.ie

Email: trial @growinlove.ie

Password: growinlove

Children pray in school each day and many pray at home. With a concrete experience of praying, they explore Jesus’ teaching on prayer. When a disciple asked Jesus to teach him and his friends to pray, Jesus taught them the ‘Our Father’ (Lk 11:1-4). As the children are introduced to the Sacred Scripture they will discover the teachings of Jesus on prayer and discipleship.

Children recall by chatting with their parents, priests and deacons, pastoral workers and teachers about the gift of faith they received at Baptism, helping them to believe in God. Prayer is integral to the Grow in Love programme. Children take a moment ‘to listen to the voice of God as they become ‘quiet and still’. They recognise God’s presence in their hearts and in the world around them, in the beauty of creation and most especially in the person of the poor. They are called by God to ‘listen to the cry of the earth and the poor’. They listen to Pope Francis’ teaching on care of our common home in Laudato Si’. They pray the prayers of St Francis, ‘Praised Be’ and ‘Prayer of St Francis’. They take time to meditate on God’s Word.

Through the love of parents/guardians, extended family, friends and teachers, children experience God’s love. They appreciate and thank God for the love and the encounter they have with Jesus. They share the love with others and the Holy Spirit helps them to do this. Every day, the Holy Spirit invites the children and teaches them to know God as they pray and reflect on their lives in the light of Gospel values. The Church celebrates the coming of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost.

God’s love is for everyone. Jesus told his disciples, ‘Freely you have received; freely give.’ (Mt 10:8).

INVITATION TO:

READ in Grow in Love or in the Bible

1 Corinthians 12:12, 15-16, 18-20, 25-27, Isaiah 9: 2-3, 6, Ephesians 4:5-7.

SING with Grow in Love/I nGrá Dé

‘They’ll Know We Are Christians By Our Love’; ‘Spirit- Filled Day’; Christ  Be Our Light’; ‘Connected’; ‘Wherever You Go’; ‘Grow in Love’; ‘Creation Story’; ‘Use What You’re Given’, ‘Come Holy Spirit’, ‘Trust in the Lord’,

PRAY with Grow in Love/I nGrá Dé

LITURGY OF THE WORD

After the Readings

Reader: The word of the Lord.

People: Thanks be to God.

LIOTÚIRGE AN BHRIATHAIR

I ndiaidh na Léachta

Léitheoir: Briathar an Tiarna.

Pobal: Buíochas le Dia.

OUR FATHER

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

AN PHAIDIR

Ár nAthair atá ar neamh,

Go naofar d-ainm,

Go dtaga do ríocht, go ndéantar do thoil ar an talamh

Mar a dhéantar ar neamh.

Ár narán laethúil tabhair dúinn inniu,

Agus maith dúinn ár bhfiacha,

Mar a mhaithimindne dár bhféachúna

féin,

Is ná lig sinn i gcathú,

Ach saor sinn ó olc. Áiméan.

‘Go into the world and teach all people; baptise them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, alleluia.’ (Benedictus antiphon).

‘When the Spirit of Truth comes he will teach you the whole truth; he will reveal to you things that are to come, alleluia.’ (Magnificat antiphon).

‘Keep me safe O God, for in you I take refuge.’ (Psalm 15:1)

“Now, faced as we are with global environmental deterioration, I wish to address every person living on this planet.’ (Pope Francis, Laudato Si’, no.3)

Sr Anne Neylon

St Augustine of Canterbury, bishop, (1515-1595), Memorial

‘Christ the Lord has promised us the Holy Spirit: come, let us adore him, alleluia.’ (Invitatory antiphon).

People regularly ask others to pray for them; for example, in sickness, at exam time, birth of a baby, searching for employment, during a life crisis, family difficulty, situation of domestic violence, addiction issues and many more situations. Many pray in thanksgiving for what they have received. Some say thanks to God for the person who prayed for their intention. Some people may never have their prayer answered but they don’t give up on God. God doesn’t give up on them either. This month of May, Mary, Mother of God and our Mother invites us to pray the Rosary daily.  Pope Francis issues that invitation also.

At this time of Covid-19, priests via the webcam when celebrating Mass, on occasion tell the parishioners they are remembered in prayer.

The Gospel proclaimed by the priest at Mass today (John 17:11b-19) can be heard via webcam or read in the New Testament.

The Word today is Jesus’ prayer to the Father. Jesus is going to the Father. He will be no longer in the world. He prays for protection for his people from the evil one. He prays that his apostles and all who believe may become a new people dedicated to God. Jesus is entrusting his mission to God’s people so they will be able to share the Good News of God’s love in the world. Jesus will ask the Father to send a Helper, the Holy Spirit.   Jesus prays that his people will know God. This requires taking the Word of God into their hearts and spending time in prayer. With the power of the Holy Spirit, they will do good works. Jesus prays that they will be all united together in God. Jesus asks the Father that the disciples will be a joyful people.

Disciples might thank Jesus for remembering them in prayer and thank the Father for praying, knowing the Father and Jesus are one.

SEEK GOD IN THE GROW IN LOVE RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PROGRAMME

Last week, (16-24 May 2020), the church celebrated Laudato Si’ Week, the theme of which was ‘Everything is Connected.’ Whatever children are taught in school, there are always links to the Good News. We believe that God is ever present and always draws God’s people close to him. That is why the Good News is central to family life and the home/parish/school partnership.

In school, children listen to God’s Word. While these verses of Sacred Scripture (John 17:11b-19), are not included in the Grow in Love programme, children might recognise aspects of Jesus’ life and mission reflected therein, for example, from the Apostle’s Creed and the Nicene Creed they identify that Jesus is in heaven sitting at the right hand of the Father.

From concrete experiences of life, children know people who leave home for one reason or another. Families pray for their safety. They understand that Jesus, because he was going to the Father had to leave his friends behind. He asks God to protect them.

At the Ascension, children read in Sacred Scripture that Jesus is going to the Father and that he will not leave the disciples without a Helper. The Helper is the Holy Spirit. In time, from the experience of their own Baptism, children believe that they have received the Holy Spirit and they are welcomed into God’s family. In the sacrament of Confirmation, they receive the sevenfold gift of the Spirit which helps them live fruit filled lives.

The Holy Spirit teaches God’s people how to pray, to love and to live like Jesus.  Very shortly, the church will celebrate the feast of Pentecost.

We pray for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit on our common home.

As children spend time praying in school throughout the day, they learn to be quiet and still and listen to God in the silence of their hearts. They gradually come to believe and know God by reading and meditating on Sacred Scripture. They acknowledge thanks for God’s love and the gift of faith. In the Bible, they read how Jesus taught his disciples to love. Like Jesus, they too are invited to love God, love themselves, love one another and respect the environment.

The prayers the children learn in school and at home, including the Prayers of the Mass are accessible in the Children’s Grow in Love e-book on the VERITAS website. Many more resources are also available. The prayers and songs addressed to the Holy Spirit are significant at this time of the Liturgical year as is the account of Pentecost found in the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 2:1-13).

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PRAY with Grow in Love/I nGrá Dé

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.

GLÓIR DON ATHAIR

Glóir don Athair,

Agus don Mhac,

Agus don Spiorad Naomh,

Mar abhí ó thus,

Mar atá anois

Agus mar a bheas go brách,

Le saol na saol. Áiméan.

PRAYER TO THE TRINITY

Praise to the Father,

Praise to the Son,

Praise to the Spirit,

The Three in One.

PAIDIR DON TRÍONÓID NAOFA

Moladh don Athair,

Agus don Mhac,

Agus don Spiorad Naomh,

An Triúr ina aon.

COME HOLY SPIRIT

Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful.

Enkindle in us the fire of your love.

Send forth your Spirit and we shall be

created.

And you shall renew the face of the earth.

TAR CHUGAM, A SPIORAID NAOIMH

Tar, a Spioraid Naoimh, líon croíthe

na bhfíréan.

Agus las ionainn tine do ghrá.

Cuir amach uait do Spiorad agus

cruthófar muid,

Agus déanfaidh tú aghaidh na talún a

athnuachan.

‘Let us thank God who has given us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ, alleluia.’ (Benedictus antiphon).

‘Christ will baptise you with the Holy Spirit and with fire, alleluia.’ (Magnificat antiphon).

‘Sing to God, O kingdoms of the world; sing praises to the Lord.’ (Psalm 67:33)

St Augustine of Canterbury, please pray for us.

Sr Anne Neylon

St Philip Neri, (1515-1595), Memorial

‘Christ the Lord has promised us the Holy Spirit: come, let us adore him, alleluia.’ (Invitatory antiphon).

On a day to day basis with the easing of the COVID-19 restrictions, some churches have opened their doors again. This has brought joy to the hearts of many people. Even though no one can attend daily Mass or receive Holy Communion, they are delighted to visit the church to light a candle and pray for their loved ones and their intentions.

People show their confidence and faith in the Sacred Heart, Our Lady and the saints as they sit and take a moment to pray at the tabernacle and the various shrines in the church. Some quietly pray the Rosary or a chaplet.

Sometimes the prayerful atmosphere in the church is enhanced by playing background music or Taizé chants. We continue to pray in a spirit of hope and trust as the church prepares to celebrate the Solemnity of Pentecost.

Families are always welcome in their local church.

The Gospel proclaimed by the priest at Mass today (John 17:1-11a) can be heard via webcam or read in the New Testament.

The Word for today is the prayer of Jesus to his Father in heaven. Jesus is going to the Father. He is concerned about his going and leaving the disciples in the world. Jesus prays to his Father to protect those he is leaving behind. From the time of his Resurrection, Jesus prepared the disciples for his leaving them. He does not intend leaving them alone. He will send the Holy Spirit as a Helper to them. Now before Jesus leaves, he prays to the Father asking him to ‘protect them in your name that you have given me’. Jesus is one with the Father and he desires that the disciples be one with him. God desires to protect those he loves.

The question is what might the children understand from the Gospel today and in the Grow in Love Religious Education programme that would help them come to know something more about Jesus?

Certainly they might understand the fact that Jesus prayed. They might also be aware that Jesus wanted his Father to protect the disciples and God would listen to Jesus’ prayer. Jesus trusted that the Father would answer his prayer.

In the Grow in Love programme, the children reflect on the people who protect them at home and in school. In school, children read verses from the Psalms and come to form an image of God. They see God as shepherd, as a rock and a shield, all images of God’s protection.

They are aware that God is close to them and loves them, that Christ is beside them and that he has given them Mary, Mother of God and Guardian Angel to protect them also.

Prayer is an integral part of the Grow in Love programme.  In Junior Infants/P1 and Senior Infants/ P2 the children learn the Our Father. Later on, they come to understand that Jesus taught his followers the Our Father. Children learn formal prayers and they write their own prayers, as outlined in the journal activities.

In Sacred Scripture, there are moments when Jesus prayed to his Father like in today’s Gospel, in the Garden of Gethsemane and from the Cross on Good Friday. Children in school ‘take a moment to pray’ regularly. They are invited to listen and hear God speak in the silence of their hearts.

Children explore how the Holy Spirit teaches them to pray, to love and to live like Jesus. During this week, they might be aware that the Church is preparing for the feast of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit came upon the apostles.

In prayer, they communicate with God. Children can talk to Jesus and express thanks, sorrow, joy and ask for favours, as Jesus talked to his Father. Children grow in the knowledge and experience that God loves them unconditionally and God invites their trust.

Parents/guardians are always invited to pray with their children.

All the prayers the children learn in school and at home, including the Prayers of the Mass are accessible in the Children’s Grow in Love e-book on the VERITAS website. Many more resources are also available.

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PRAY with Grow in Love/I nGrá Dé

COME HOLY SPIRIT

Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful.

Enkindle in us the fire of your love.

Send forth your Spirit and we shall be

created.

And you shall renew the face of the earth.

TAR CHUGAM, A SPIORAID NAOIMH

Tar, a Spioraid Naoimh, líon croíthe

na bhfíréan.

Agus las ionainn tine do ghrá.

Cuir amach uait do Spiorad agus

cruthófar muid,

Agus déanfaidh tú aghaidh na talún a

athnuachan.

ST PATRICK’S BREASTPLATE

Christ be with me,

Christ be beside me,

Christ be before me,

Christ be behind me,

Christ be at my right hand,

Christ be at my left hand,

Christ be with me, wherever I go,

Christ be my friend forever and ever.

Amen.

LÚIREACH PHÁDRAIG

Críost liom.

Críost romham.

Críost I mo dhiaidh.

Críost ionam.

Críost ar mo lámh dheas.

Críost ar mo lámh chlé.

Críost I mo chuideachta is cuma cá dtéim.

Críost mar chara agam, anois go buan. Áiméan.

‘The Lord has risen from the dead, as he promised; let us rejoice and be glad; he is king for ever and ever, alleluia.’ (Benedictus antiphon).

‘The power of the Holy Spirit will come into you; you will be my witnesses to the very ends of the earth, alleluia.’ (Magnificat antiphon).

‘Sing to God, O kingdoms of the world; sing praises to the Lord.’ (Psalm 67:33)

St Philip Neri, please pray for us.

Sr Anne Neylon

‘Christ the Lord has promised us the Holy Spirit: come, let us adore him, alleluia.’ (Invitatory antiphon).

Those who work on the frontline in hospitals and nursing homes at this time of Covid-19, find themselves in vulnerable positions. They fear for their own safety and that of their families.  As restrictions are lifted, people live in fear of another outbreak of the virus, while on the other hand, there is also a fear of complacency. The authorities regularly tell citizens that they save peoples’ lives by staying at home. Everyone needs courage, patience and perseverance to do what is right each day.

Today’s Gospel proclaimed by the priest at Mass (Jn 16:29-33) may be heard via the webcam or can be read from the New Testament.

In the Gospel, we hear Jesus give a reassurance to the apostles. Even though they say they believe, Jesus understands that they ‘will have trouble’ as they scatter ‘each one to his home.’ (Jn 16:33).  Jesus knows very well that in the world sometimes it is difficult to stand up for what is right. He knows the apostles will need the help of the Holy Spirit, who will give them the gift of Courage to do what is right. When the apostles make the choice to stand up for what is right, they will have the Holy Spirit with them and they will have peace, a fruit of the Holy Spirit.

In relation to this passage of Sacred Scripture, children are taught in the Grow in Love programme as they prepare for the Sacrament of Confirmation about the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit. They know what Jesus taught about love. Jesus said, ‘If you have love for one another, then everyone will know that you are my disciples’. (John 13:35).

Children are taught that the ‘The Holy Spirit’s gift of Courage gives Christians the strength to do God’s will and to stand up for what is right. Sometimes this may not be the popular or easy thing to do. It may often mean being rejected or criticised.’

Children explore how the gifts of the Holy Spirit can make a big difference to a person’s life when the person’s heart is open to receive the Holy Spirit. The children explore the lives of people who allowed the gifts of the Holy Spirit to bear the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, patience and self-control.

Children are taught to pray to the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is always there to help them. They are taught to pray the Sign of the Cross: ‘In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.’

Children and families are invited to pray the Third Glorious Mystery of the Rosary, The Descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.

The account of the coming of the Holy Spirit can be read in the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 2:1-13), or in the Grow in Love e-book.

On line resources, guidance for journal activities and prayers are accessible, including the Children’s Grow in Love e-book, on the VERITAS Grow in Love website with many resources for learning about the Holy Spirit.

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Pray with Grow in Love/I nGrá Dé

SIGN OF THE CROSS

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

COMHARTHA NA CROISE

In ainm an Athar, agus an Mhic agus an Spioraid Naoimh. Áiméan

PRAYER TO THE HOLY SPIRIT

Holy Spirit, I want to do what is right. Help me.

Holy Spirt, I want to live like Jesus.

Guide me.

Holy Spirit, I want to pray like Jesus.

Teach me.

PAIDIR CHUIG AN SPIORAD NAOMH

A Spioraid Naoimh, ba mhaith liom an rud ceart a dhéanamh.

Cabhraigh liom.

A Spioraid Naoimh, ba mhaith liom maireachtáil mar a mhair Íosa.

Treoraigh mé.

A Spioraid Naoimh, ba mhaith liom

guí mar a ghuigh Íosa. Múin dom é.

COME HOLY SPIRIT

Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful.

Enkindle in us the fire of your love.

Send forth your Spirit and we shall be

created.

And you shall renew the face of the earth.

TAR CHUGAM, A SPIORAID NAOIMH

Tar, a Spioraid Naoimh, líon croíthe

na bhfíréan.

Agus las ionainn tine do ghrá.

Cuir amach uait do Spiorad agus

cruthófar muid,

Agus déanfaidh tú aghaidh na talún a

athnuachan.

THE THIRD GLORIOUS MYSTERY

THE DESCENT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT AT PENTECOST

OUR FATHER X 1

HAIL MARY x 10

GLORY BE TO THE FATHER x 1

‘In the world you have suffering. But have courage: I have conquered the world, alleluia.’(Benedictus antiphon).

‘The Holy Spirit, the Advocate, will remain among you and he will dwell within you, alleluia, (Magnificat antiphon).

‘Sing to God, O kingdoms of the world; sing praises to the Lord.’ (Psalm 67:33)

PRAY:

St Bede, (673-735,) please pray for us.

St Gregory V111, (1028-1085), please pray for us.

St Mary Magdalene de Pazzi, (1566-1607), please pray for us

Sr Anne Neylon

‘WORLD COMMUNICATIONS DAY’

‘WORLD DAY OF PRAYER FOR THE CHURCH IN CHINA

LAUDATO SI’ WEEK (16-24 MAY 2020)

‘Alleluia, Christ ascends into heaven as Lord. Come, let us adore him, alleluia.’ (Invitatory antiphon)

From time to time, we experience the death of a loved one and we encounter people who grieve the loss of a family member or friend.  Whether a person dies suddenly or not, the loss felt is great. The sense is, ‘I will never see, touch or hear that person’s voice again.’ In time and with God’s grace, the loved one becomes present in a new way.

Today the Church celebrates the Ascension of the Lord. Jesus is beginning a new kind of presence with his disciples.  The Risen Jesus is now present to all people everywhere without limit of space or time.

The Gospel the priest proclaims at Mass today (Mt 28:16-20) can be heard via webcam or read in the New Testament.

For some time Jesus prepared his disciples and told them he was going to his Father. Now, Jesus told the disciples to go to Galilee.  Before he ascended to his Father in heaven, Jesus approached them and said, ‘Go, therefore, and make disciples from all nations. Baptise them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teach them to observe all that I have commanded you. I am with you always, even to the end of this world.’ (Mt 28:20). With these words, Jesus requested that the disciples would continue his work on earth and he assured them he would be with them to the end of time. This is the message he communicates to his disciples today.

The Church also celebrates ‘World Communications Day’. The theme Pope Francis chose for the day is ‘Storytelling, – “That you may tell your children and grandchildren”’ (Ex 10:2).

The Church also dedicates today as ‘World Day of Prayer for the Church in China.’

Today, the final day of Laudato Si’ Week at noon, local time we are asked to stop and pray as one global Catholic Family all over the world. The Common Prayer for the 5th anniversary of Laudato Si’   is available on the Laudato Si’ Week (16-24 May) website or on the Global Catholic Movement website. A wave of prayer for creation will start as the sun reaches its peak in the Pacific, then roll on through Africa and Europe before reaching the Americas. The global day of prayer will envelop the entire world. That’s the power of this prayerful movement. We face a crisis in love and solidarity because we know that truly, “everything is connected.”

THE ASCENSION IN THE GROW IN LOVE PROGRAMME

Children from the start of school are introduced to the names of the three persons of the Holy Trinity as they pray the Sign of the Cross, ‘In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.’

They identify that Jesus’ Ascension is celebrated forty days after Easter Sunday. Jesus rose to new life, called the Resurrection. He spent the time between Resurrection and Ascension with his apostles. Jesus told them during these days that he would be leaving them and going to his Father. He prepared them for this and promised that he would send the Holy Spirit to be with them. They would not be left alone.

Children explore the sequence of the events in Jesus’ life. They are assured from Sacred Scripture that Jesus is with us always to the end of time. Jesus will keep his promise.

The disciples remembered Jesus’ last words. We too also remember them.

Children and families are invited to pray the Third Glorious Mystery of the Rosary, The Ascension.

In senior classes children are taught that after the Resurrection, Jesus continued to bring his apostles on a journey of faith. They identified him as the Messiah and more than that, they recognised him as God. At the Ascension, the first followers of Jesus began to become fully aware of their mission. Jesus would accompany them with a new presence. Jesus is present with his disciples today as they continue his mission of building God’s kingdom.

On line resources are accessible, including the Children’s Grow in Love e-book, on the VERITAS Grow in Love website to support this lesson on The Ascension.

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Through Sacred Scripture, prayer and reflection, videos, song online activities, art activities, journal activities, poetry and song, the children can discover that Jesus’ Ascension to his Father in Heaven fills him with joy.

We too are filled with joy because where Jesus goes we too will go. Jesus has promised us the gift of eternal life. Today we give thanks to God.

Disciples follow Jesus by doing God’s will. When disciples pray they communicate with God and they take time to listen to God speaking in the silence of their hearts. Disciples are nourished with love by listening to the Word of God and acting on it and by receiving Holy Communion.  This prepares them to witness to Jesus’ love, showing kindness and gratitude. Jesus invites everyone to share in his joy and love.

Pray with Grow in Love/I nGrá Dé

SIGN OF THE CROSS

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

COMHARTHA NA CROISE

In ainm an Athar, agus an Mhic agus an Spioraid Naoimh. Áiméan.

APOSTLES’ CREED

I believe in God,

The Father almighty,

Creator of heaven and earth,

And in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our

Lord,

who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,

born of the Virgin Mary,

suffered under Pontius Pilate,

was crucified, died and was buried;

He descended into hell;

on the third day he rose again from

the dead;

He ascended into heaven,

and is seated at the right hand of God

the Father almighty,

from there he will come to judge the

living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,

the holy Catholic Church,

the communion of saints,

the forgiveness of sins,

the resurrection of the body,

and life everlasting. Amen.

THE THIRD GLORIOUS MYSTERY, THE ASCENSION

OUR FATHER X 1

HAIL MARY x 10

GLORY BE TO THE FATHER x 1

‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’(Benedictus antiphon).

‘King of Glory, Lord Almighty, today you have ascended victoriously above the heavens: do not leave us orphans without a guide, but send the one whom you promised, the gift of the Father, the spirit of truth, alleluia, (Magnificat antiphon).

‘God goes up with shouts of joy, the Lord ascends with trumpet blast.’ (Psalm 46:2)

Our Lady Help of Christians, please pray for us.

Our Mother of Sheshan, please pray for us.

Sr Anne Neylon

‘The Lord has truly risen, alleluia’ (Invitatory antiphon)

‘LAUDATO SI’ WEEK 16-24 MAY 2020… ‘EVERYTHING IS CONNECTED’

Imagine a child wants something or to go somewhere and needs permission from parents/guardian, the strategy might be to go ask one parent/ guardian rather that the other. Many are all too familiar with the response, ‘Did you ask your mother? Or ‘what did your father say when you asked him?

The concluding Prayer for Morning and Evening Prayer in the Divine Office ends with the words, ‘We make our prayer through our Lord.’ We ask God through Jesus.

The Gospel proclaimed at Mass today (Jn 16:23-28), may be heard via webcam or read in the New Testament. In this second farewell discourse, Jesus promises the disciples ‘whatever you ask the Father in my name he will give you.’ (John 16: 23). Jesus speaks with assurance, ‘Whatever you ask the Father for … you will get it.’  The condition is to ask in the name of Jesus. Through their knowing Jesus in a spiritual way, the disciples know for what they should ask and he will give it to them.  In the same way, they will know what God wants to give or not give so they will not desire or ask. So by asking in Jesus name we ask the Father through Jesus.

LAUDATO SI’ WEEK (16-24 MAY, 2020)

This is the eighth day, 23 May 2020, of Laudato Si’ week, to celebrate the fifth anniversary of Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’, On Care for Our Common Home. The overall theme of the week is “everything is connected.” On launching Laudato Si’ week (16-24 May), Pope Francis asked the people, ‘what kind of world do we want to leave to those who will come after us, to the children who are growing up?’

Yesterday, the theme of the presentation was, ‘Social Action: Integral Ecology and Community Building in Times of a Global Pandemic’. We saw inspiring videos and heard testimonies from  project workers, developed by Caritas, Aid Agency, engaged in social action and embedded in Laudato Si’ in the Pacific Islands, New Zealand and Uruguay. One project in Tonga showed the difficulties in distributing relief after cyclone Harold under Covid -19 restrictions, in the volunteers’ efforts to reach and support families whose homes were destroyed. Another video showed a project run by the Sisters of Mercy where they ‘grew a community around a garden’.

Such projects presented at webinars through the week invites people to prepare for  the celebration of the forthcoming ‘Season of Creation’ (1 September-4 October 2020), when Pope Francis invites Catholics to pray for our common home. The week connects the home, school, parish and the generations internationally.

Participation in this dedicated week to Laudato Si’, enables the entire population, especially those most at risk from the consequences of climate injustice to hope ‘for a better world to come tomorrow.’

During this week, Catholics everywhere are invited to reflect and pray for action. Resources are provided to help this preparation for action from 16-24 May 2020. Everyone is free to register for webinars on the Laudato Si’ website. It is never too late to make a promise to build a better world by changing one’s lifestyle. The world waits in anticipation for every small step taken.

“LAUDATO SI’ AND THE CATHOLIC PRESCHOOL AND PRIMARY RELIGIOUS EDUCATION CURRICULUM FOR IRELAND” (2015).

The idea of including Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si, On Care for Our Common Home into the Grow in Love programme helps the home/parish/school to understand the ‘Ecological Perspective’ informing ‘curriculum approach to content, the development of skills and the appreciation of values.’ (The Catholic Preschool and Primary Religious Education Curriculum for Ireland 2015, (CPPRECI)).

The care of the earth takes a prominent place in the curriculum and this is reflected in Grow in Love. The CPPRECI states that, ‘In the Catholic school, ecological respect and concern are rooted in a scripturally-based theology of creation and related ethical considerations. God creates and gives us the gift of creation to care for and celebrate, and the Christian hope for the final renewal for all creation at the end of time encourages our commitment to cultivate and care for the earth (CCC 1042)’.

Children are taught from the Grow in Love programme, which integrates the four Strands, following the spiral curriculum of the Catholic Preschool and Primary Religious Education Curriculum for Ireland (2015), about the ‘unique and special place of God’s creation, the interconnection of all creation… encouraged to develop affection, and care for all creation as a manifestation of the divine. They are taught to contemplate and respect the earth…. The Celtic tradition of respect for God’s creation is woven into the curriculum… A Christian ecological worldview criticises patterns of consumption that relate to ecological degradation. Children are enabled… to develop an ecological conscience… (CPPRECI, p.24).

Given that Grow in Love is designed to be used at home and in the school, it provides links with the parish community. Families are encouraged to support their children by actively participating with the Grow in Love Children’s Book; to teach their child about the faith they chose for them in Baptism, and continue to pass on every day. With the support of the school and the parish community, it is hoped that parents/guardian will pray and accompany their child as they ‘grow in love’ of God and one another. This year many young people in Sixth Class will receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. (Grow in Love 8, Sixth Class, Children’s Book).

So this week, as the Church honours the fifth anniversary of Laudato Si’, the children are enabled to familiarise themselves with Pope Francis and his teaching in Laudato Si’, through Grow in Love. Built on the spiral curriculum, the Christian Morality Strand with Strand Units, ‘Human Dignity’, ‘Social Teaching of the Church’ and ‘RSE in a Christian Context’ are taught on a solid foundation.

‘LAUDATO SI’” AND THE GROW IN LOVE RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PROGRAMME

Pope Francis says that environmental education needs educators, ‘capable of developing an ethics of ecology, and helping people, through effective pedagogy, to grow in solidarity, responsibility and compassionate care.’ (LS, no. 210).

In SIXTH CLASS, as children are formed in their faith it is God’s desire that they would; respond personally to the call to live justly by treating others fairly;  recognise discrimination and respect the human rights of others; grow in awareness of their responsibility to care for the earth and its most vulnerable people.

Grow in Love 8, SIXTH CLASS, introduces the children to the dignity of the human person and to the importance of upholding human rights, understanding that every person is made in the image and likeness of God. The children learn in song the words of the Gospel text (Mt 25:40).

God calls us to stand up for those whose human rights are denied or ignored and to witness to the love of Jesus especially to persons who are poor. Children identify eight of the human rights found in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

In SIXTH CLASS children read the story of Creation (Gen 1: 1-31), The Parable of the Good Samaritan (Lk 10:30-35), The Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus’ (Lk 16:19-31), and other passages of Sacred Scripture that witness to the Gospel values of justice, mercy, compassion and love.

In their response to God’s call to become good stewards of creation, children and families take up the challenges to work on the Green Flag/Eco Schools Award.

In their call to care for our common home in SIXTH CLASS, the focus of Laudato Si’ is on Climate Justice/Injustice. Children revisit the Trócaire Climate Justice Video and discuss their findings in terms of their own life experience. They read some Climate Change Stories of families in the Philippines and Africa. They watch a video on Greta Thunberg speaking to the COP24 Climate Change Summit in Poland in 2018.

Children’s engagement in Grow in Love journal activities help them internalise the Gospel values of respect and human dignity which are fundamental to Pope Francis’ message in Laudato Si’.

Working with the Trócaire resources, children explore the life stories of people who live in poverty due to global warming, climate change, loss of biodiversity, scarcity of water etc. They learn that the sacrifices they make during the Lenten season or any other time, by donating to Trócaire gives witness to their willingness to share and be generous.

In Grow in Love 8, SIXTH CLASS children are introduced to the lives of the saints and other Christian heroes/heroines who lived lives of holiness. They read about Fr Edward Flanagan (1886-1948) who set up ‘Boys Town’ in the USA for boys who were homeless. Pope Francis is also chosen as a Christian hero for his message in Laudato Si’.  In studying the life of St Brigid, children reflect on her response to God’s call to live a Christian life and dedicate her life to God by helping persons who were poor. The Sisters of the Brigidine Order continue to live in faith the charism of St Brigid.

In their inter-religious week of study, children are taught that social justice is part of the teaching of Judaism and Islam. Like Christianity, Judaism teaches that God wishes humankind to pursue justice and mercy, to have respect for each person and to make a contribution to better the social order. The Qur’an considers justice a supreme virtue.

Throughout all the lessons in Grow in Love there are daily opportunities offered for prayer, reflection and reading Sacred Scripture.

Resources are available including a Children’s Grow in Love e-book, on the VERITAS Grow in Love website to support the work of this Christian Morality Strand.

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Email: trial@growinlove

Password: growinlove

The following RESOURCES, for SIXTH CLASS may be helpful, in addition to the resources and online activities for Third class/P5, Fourth Class/P6, Fifth Class/P7 and Junior classes: Slide Show: ‘Prayer/ Prayer Services’, ‘Bible Searches’, Climate Justice Explained’ ; Videos: ‘Climate Change Stories’, ‘Reflective Music’, ‘God has Given Us the Earth’, ‘Take a Moment’, ‘Greta Thunberg’, Climate Activist’, ‘The Big Question’, ‘Curious Clare’, ‘Whatsoever You Do’, ‘Hymn to St Brigid’, ‘ Vox Pop: Interview with Young Travellers’, ‘the Good Samaritan’, ‘Laudato Si’, On Care for Our Common Home’,; Interactive Activities: ‘Human Rights’ .

SONGS from Grow in Love 8 related to the theme of Creation in SIXTH CLASS include: ‘God Has Given Us The Earth’, ‘Connected’,’ Creation Story’, ‘Grow in Love’, ‘Bring Flowers of the Rarest’, ‘ They’ll Know We are Christians By Our Love’, ‘Spirit Filled Day’, ‘Tar Anuas, A Spioraid Naoimh’, ‘Send Forth Your Spirit’, ‘Christ Be Our Light’, ‘ God has Given us the Earth’ ‘The Wood of the Cross’, ‘Go Tell Everyone’.

PRAY with Grow in Love/I nGrá Dé

CARE FOR THE EARTH

God our Creator, you have given us

the earth, and the sky and the seas.

Show us how to care for the earth, not

just for today but for ages to come.

Let no plan or work of ours damage

or destroy the beauty of your creation.

Send forth your Spirit to direct us to

care for the earth and all creation. Amen.

CÚRAM DON DOMHAN

A Dhia ár gCruthaitheoir, thug tú an

talamh, an spéir agus na farraigí dúinn.

Taispeáin dúinn conas aire a thabhairt

don domhan, ní hamháin don lá atá inniu ann,

ach do na haoiseanna atá

le teacht freisin.

Ná milleadh aon phlean ná obair

againne áilleacht do chruthithe.

Seol do Spioraid chugainn chun

cabhrú linn aire a thabhairt don

domhan agus don chruthú ar fad.

ST PATRICK’S BREASTPLATE

Christ be with me,

Christ be beside me,

Christ be before me,

Christ be behind me,

Christ be at my right hand,

Christ be at my left hand,

Christ be with me, wherever I go,

Christ be my friend forever and ever.

Amen.

LÚIREACH PHÁDRAIG

Críost liom.

Críost romham.

Críost I mo dhiaidh.

Críost ionam.

Críost ar mo lámh dheas.

Críost ar mo lámh chlé.

Críost I mo chuideachta is cuma cá dtéim.

Críost mar chara agam, anois go buan. Áiméan.

‘I tell you solemnly, anything you ask from the Father in my name, he will grant it to you, alleluia.’ (Benedictus antiphon).

‘Father, I have made your name known to the men you gave me; now I pray for them, not for the world, since I am coming to you,, alleluia’ (Magnificat antiphon).

‘God is king of all the earth; sing to him a hymn of praise.’ (Psalm 46:8).

‘Some countries have made significant progress in establishing sanctuaries on land and in the oceans where any human intervention is prohibited which might modify their features or alter their original structures.’ (Laudato Si’, no. 38)

Sr Anne Neylon

‘The Lord has truly risen, alleluia’ (Invitatory antiphon)

‘LAUDATO SI’ WEEK 16-24 MAY 2020… ‘EVERYTHING IS CONNECTED’

INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY (IBD)… ‘OUR SOLUTIONS ARE IN NATURE’

Pope Francis on writing the encyclical, Laudato Si’ On Care for our Common Home wrote on the reality of ‘What is happening to Our Common Home’. He expresses the concerns of previous popes about ecological issues.  The picture is not good, but all is not lost.  Pope Francis offers the world the opportunity to work ‘Towards a New Lifestyle.’ He presents a map of what needs to be done by using phrases such as, ‘Unless, we do this’, ‘We need to…’, ‘We also need…’ throughout the text.

So readers learn for example, that if we want to build a better world we need to ‘avoid using plastic, reduce water consumption, separate refuse, cook only what can be reasonably consumed, show care for other living beings, use public transport, car pool, plant trees, turn off light, etc.’ (Laudato Si’, no. 211). These actions won’t change the world but will bring out the ‘best in human beings’.  This is a sign of hope for a better world especially those who suffer most in poverty. Our hope is that the sorrow now experienced with Covid-19 and its consequences will be turned to joy, knowing we are in the season of Easter and Jesus is alive.

The Gospel proclaimed at Mass today (Jn 16:20-23), may be heard via webcam or read in the New Testament. In this second farewell discourse, Jesus promises the disciples that their ‘sorrow will be turned into joy.’ (John 16: 20). An obvious question for the disciples to ask might be, ‘When will that happen?’ Jesus also promises ‘whatever you ask in my name he will give you.’ (John 16: 23). These promises are signs of hope for the disciples. They are also signs of hope for disciples today because Jesus is alive and present among us.

LAUDATO SI’ WEEK (16-24 MAY, 2020)

This is the seventh day, 22 May 2020, of Laudato Si’ week, to celebrate the fifth anniversary of Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’, On Care for Our Common Home. The overall theme of the week is “everything is connected.”

Today we also celebrate UN International Day for Biological Diversity (IBD), to increase understanding and awareness of biodiversity issues.  This year in the light of Covid-19, it is evident that in spite of the many technological advances, human beings are completely dependent on healthy and vibrant ecosystems for their health, water, food, medicines, clothes, fuel, shelter and much more. The theme is ‘Our Solutions are in Nature’. The UN calls for people to work together in harmony with nature especially at this time of pandemic.

We keep in mind Sustainable Development Goal 15 objective of which is to halt biodiversity loss and promote the sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems. There are targets to be reached about this goal by 2030.

On launching Laudato Si’ week, Pope Francis put this question to the world, ‘what kind of world do we want to leave to those who will come after us, to the children who are growing up?’  (Laudato Si’, 160)

In his address for IBD 2020, UN Secretary-General António Guterres also spoke about the ‘future we want’, and said, ‘As we encroach on nature and deplete vital habitats, increasing numbers of species are at risk. That includes humanity and the future we want.’

With much to do, we continue to prepare and act on  Laudato Si’ challenges which were presented at webinars through the week in preparation for the celebration of the forthcoming ‘Season of Creation’ (1 September-4 October 2020), when Pope Francis invites Catholics to pray for our common home. The week connects the home, school, parish and the generations internationally. Participation in this dedicated week to Laudato Si’, enables the entire population, especially those most at risk from the consequences of climate injustice to hope ‘for a better world to come tomorrow.’

“LAUDATO SI’ AND THE CATHOLIC PRESCHOOL AND PRIMARY RELIGIOUS EDUCATION CURRICULUM FOR IRELAND” (2015).

The idea of including Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si, On Care for Our Common Home into the Grow in Love programme helps the home/parish/school to understand the ‘Ecological Perspective’ informing ‘curriculum approach to content, the development of skills and the appreciation of values.’ (The Catholic Preschool and Primary Religious Education Curriculum for Ireland 2015, (CPPRECI)).

The care of the earth takes a prominent place in the curriculum and this is reflected in Grow in Love. The CPPRECI states that, ‘In the Catholic school, ecological respect and concern are rooted in a scripturally-based theology of creation and related ethical considerations. God creates and gives us the gift of creation to care for and celebrate, and the Christian hope for the final renewal for all creation at the end of time encourages our commitment to cultivate and care for the earth (CCC 1042)’.

Children are taught from the Grow in Love programme, which integrates the four Strands, following the spiral curriculum of the Catholic Preschool and Primary Religious Education Curriculum for Ireland (2015), about the ‘unique and special place of God’s creation, the interconnection of all creation and are encouraged to develop affection, and care for all creation as a manifestation of the divine. They are taught to contemplate and respect the earth in all its complexity and beauty. The Celtic tradition of respect for God’s creation is woven into the curriculum at every level. A Christian ecological worldview criticises patterns of consumption that relate to ecological degradation. Children are enabled to understand the concept of eco-sin and to develop an ecological conscience which calls for prophetic challenges to forces destroying the earth. (CPPRECI, p.24).

Given that Grow in Love is designed to be used at home and in the school, it provides links with the parish community. Families are encouraged to support their children by actively participating with the Grow in Love Children’s Book; to teach their child about the faith they chose for them in Baptism, and continue to pass on every day. With the support of the school and the parish community, it is hoped that parents/guardian will pray and accompany their child as they ‘grow in love’ of God and one another. (Grow in Love Fifth Class/P6, Children’s Book).

So this week, as the Church honours the fifth anniversary of Laudato Si’, the children are enabled to grow in familiarity with the teaching of Pope Francis in Laudato Si’, through Grow in Love. The work of each class level is built on a previous ones, so the Christian Morality Strand with Strand Units, ‘Human Dignity’, ‘Social Teaching of the Church‘ and ‘RSE in a Christian Context’ are built and taught on a solid foundation.

‘LAUDATO SI’” AND THE GROW IN LOVE RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PROGRAMME

Pope Francis says that environmental education needs educators, ‘capable of developing an ethics of ecology, and helping people, through effective pedagogy, to grow in solidarity, responsibility and compassionate care.’ (LS, no. 210).

This year in FIFTH CLASS/P7 as children are formed in their faith it is God’s desire that they would; live and act with justice toward God and neighbour; would grow in appreciation of God’s world; recognise themselves as co-creator with God’s plan; appreciate how and why they should respect the world, themselves, other people and God; desire to act justly in their day to day lives; be inspired by St Patrick and their Christian ancestors.

Grow in Love FIFTH CLASS/P7, introduces the children to Catholic Social Teaching as a central element of the teaching of the Catholic Church. This teaching is an expression of God’s plan for all creation. God created each person in God’s image and likeness. God created us to live in harmony with all Creation. God desires we build relationships of love, care, mercy and that we live justly. As Jesus taught us.

In FIFTH CLASS/P7 children explore the Beatitudes (Mt 5: 1-12), in which Jesus taught his followers the attitudes by which people ought to relate to one another.

To act justly is a core theme for the children at this level. They are taught that social justice happens when a society is fair and just in its treatment of people. They recognise that many people are treated unjustly and without dignity. Many people are discriminated against. This is against the law and it is also sinful. Engaging with Jesus’ teaching on love, children recognise how the Church reflects the compassion, tenderness and love of God. Jesus didn’t discriminate, shown in his encounter at the well with the Samaritan woman (John 4:5-19, 25-30).  Jesus invites his followers to follow his way of welcome, love and serving others. Each person living the way of love transforms the world with the help of the Holy Spirit.

In FIFTH CLASS/P7 children read the story of Creation (Gen 1: 1-31), The Beatitudes (Mt 5:1-12), The Samaritan Woman (John 4:5-19, 25-30) and other Gospel texts that witness to justice and love.

As children grow in knowledge and understanding they, with their families respond to God’s call to become good stewards of creation. They understand the reason to make changes to their lifestyle by reducing, reusing and recycling goods. To do this, they take up the challenges to work on the Green Flag/Eco Schools Award. It is essential to eliminate waste and change the mind set away from ‘the throw away culture.’

Ultimately, an ecological conversion can ‘benefit society’ and ‘call forth a goodness’ that is capable of spreading like leaven in the dough (LS, no. 212).

Children’s engagement in Grow in Love journal activities help them internalise the Gospel values of love, respect and human dignity which are fundamental to Pope Francis’ message in Laudato Si’.

Working with the Trócaire resources, children explore the life stories of people who live in poverty due to global warming, climate change, loss of biodiversity, scarcity of water etc. They learn that the sacrifices they make during the Lenten season by donating to Trócaire gives witness to sharing, love and generosity.

In studying the life of St Patrick, children reflect how St Patrick and our ancestors were a deeply spiritual people who experienced the powerful of the divine in the natural world. They lived close to nature, close to the elements and close to God. Children reflect on their lives in the light of these values.

Resources are available including a Children’s Grow in Love e-book, on the VERITAS Grow in Love website to support the work of this Christian Morality Strand.

Logon: www.veritas.ie

Email: trial@growinlove

Password: growinlove

The following RESOURCES, for FIFTH CLASS/P7 may be helpful, in addition to the resources and online activities for Third class/P5, Fourth Class/P6, and Junior classes: Slide Show: ‘Prayer Services’, ‘Rescue of the Migrants’, ‘The Beatitudes’; Video: ‘Climate Change’, ‘Bees in Ireland’,  ‘Capuchin Day Service’, ‘Interview with Lt Daniel Cagney’, ‘Working Together for Social Justice’, ‘Laudato Si’, On Care for Our Common Home’, ‘Fruits of the Earth’; Interactive Activities: ‘Needs versus Wants’ Poster: ‘Map of Israel’: Script for Drama.

SONGS from Grow in Love related to the theme of Creation in FIFTH CLASS/P6 include: ‘Grow in Love’, ‘Close to You’, ‘Love’, ‘The Summons’, ‘Make a Good Choice’, ‘More Than Just’, ‘The Beatitudes’, ‘ God has Given us the Earth’ ‘The Wood of the Cross’, ‘Go Tell Everyone’, ‘Spirit Anthem’, ‘The Servant Song’, ‘The Welcome Table’, ‘We Come to Your Feast’, and ‘Reflective Music.

PRAY with Grow in Love/I nGrá Dé

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.

GLÓIR DON ATHAIR

Glóir don Athair,

Agus don Mhac,

Agus don Spiorad Naomh,

Mar abhí ó thus,

Mar atá anois

Agus mar a bheas go brách,

Le saol na saol. Áiméan.

CARE FOR THE EARTH

God our Creator, you have given us

the earth, and the sky and the seas.

Show us how to care for the earth, not

just for today but for ages to come.

Let no plan or work of ours damage

or destroy the beauty of your creation.

Send forth your Spirit to direct us to

care for the earth and all creation. Amen.

CÚRAM DON DOMHAN

A Dhia ár gCruthaitheoir, thug tú an

talamh, an spéir agus na farraigí dúinn.

Taispeáin dúinn conas aire a thabhairt

don domhan, ní hamháin don l atá inniu ann,

ach do na haoiseanna atá

le teacht freisin.

Ná milleadh aon phlean ná obair

againne áilleacht do chruthithe.

Seol do Spioraid chugainn chun

cabhrú linn aire a thabhairt don

domhan agus don chruthú ar fad.

ST PATRICK’S BREASTPLATE

Christ be with me,

Christ be beside me,

Christ be before me,

Christ be behind me,

Christ be at my right hand,

Christ be at my left hand,

Christ be with me, wherever I go,

Christ be my friend forever and ever.

Amen.

MISSION PRAYER

May all the children

In the world

Share love

Share friendship and live

In the peace

Of God’s love

Now and forever.

ÁR BPAIDIR MHISIN

Go rinne

Gach páiste ar domhan

Grá agus cairdeas,

Agus go maire siad

I síocháin ghrá Dé

Anois agus choíche.

‘In Jesus, we see one who is crowned now with glory and honour because he suffered death, alleluia.’ (Benedictus antiphon).

‘Your heavenly Father will give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him, alleluia’ (Magnificat antiphon).

‘God is king of all the earth; sing to him a hymn of praise.’ (Psalm 97:2).

‘In assessing the environmental impact of any project…. alternatives exist which at least lessen the impact of these projects, like the creation of biological corridors, but few countries demonstrate such concern and foresight.’ (Laudato Si’ no.35).

Optional memorial

St Rita of Cascia, pray for us.

Sr Anne Neylon