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

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

During these Covid-19 times, the world waits in anticipation for promises to be realised. People wait to see loved ones in hospital and nursing homes, to return to work, to travel, and for all kinds of restrictions to be lifted. Many seek to go back to normality. Others speak of a new normal. Few acknowledge there is a new normal. Time never goes back.

The Gospel proclaimed at Mass today (Jn 16:16-20), may be heard via webcam or read in the New Testament. In this second farewell discourse, the disciples keep wondering about what Jesus means when he says, ‘a little while, and you will see me no more; and then a little while, and you will see me.’  Jesus makes a promise. They question one another, ‘What does he mean by…? And why did he say…? What does he mean by…?’ Jesus will keep his promise, but not as the disciples might understand it. He addresses their puzzlement. They have to wait.

LAUDATO SI’ WEEK (16-24 MAY, 2020)

This is the sixth day, 21 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.”

Yesterday, the keynote speaker Yeb Saño, from the Philippines, presented the theme of Sustainability: ‘Time for the Church to Lead by Example’. His opening slide rested on the green vestment worn by the priest at Mass in Ordinary Time of the Liturgical Year. He explained the word ‘ordinary’ came from the Latin word ‘ordinarius’ which has theological roots. It is related to the word ‘orier’ which means towards the east, to the rising of the sun.  Our prayer and liturgy, like the sun needs to ‘be stirred’, ‘to rise up’ and ‘to grow’. God calls us to be green, beyond the vestments. The narrative for Church teaching from the beginning is to hear the cry of the earth and to hear the cry of the poor and to be stirred up to act.

With Covid-19 there is an added sense of emergency to the ecological crisis. Laudato Si’ offers urgent challenges in which the Church must take the lead. We must be aware of what is happening to our common home, address the fact that fossil fuels continue to fuel our economics; that oil-based transport is still our main mode of transport; our forests are disappearing and much more.

The session also included a number of case studies that informed what was happening collaboratively, internationally, through project work in various parishes.

With regard to our personal ‘ecological conversion’, Pope Francis says, ‘The goal  is not to amass information or to satisfy curiosity, but rather to become painfully aware, to dare to turn what is happening to the world into our own personal suffering and thus to discover what each of us can do about it.’ (LS, no. 19).

We presently work at these challenges 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 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. (FOURTH 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 the encyclical, 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

Grow in Love FOURTH CLASS/P6, invites the children to see how important it is to try their best to persevere with a task according to their ability, as Moses did. They also learn to hear God’s call to be just and stand for what is right, as Moses stood before the King of Egypt. The children are taught eight of the Ten Commandments, identifying them, evaluating right and wrong actions according to them in their day to day lives and judging whether they think it is reasonable to keep the commandments.  They read about the Covenant God made on Mt Sinai with Moses (Exodus 19:3-8).

In FOURTH CLASS/P5 they are also invited to read the story of Creation (Gen 1: 1-31), Moses and Aaron before the King of Egypt (Exodus 5:1-9, 10: 3-14, 16-20), The Crossing of the Red Sea (Exodus 14:5-31). Through reflection and prayer, the children see how Moses and others trusted God and they too can trust God and God’s word. Children read and sing Psalm 37. Prayer develops from thanks and praise to trust.

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).

Children with their families become good stewards of creation as they grow in awareness about the Green Flag award. They understand they must make changes to their lifestyle by reducing, reusing and recycling goods. Ultimately, an ecological conversion benefits society and calls forth a goodness that is capable of spreading like leaven in the dough. It is essential to eliminate waste and change the mind set away from ‘the throw away culture.’

In school, children further their study and reflection on the encyclical Laudato Si’, On Care for Our Common Home. They read a story of a volunteer, lay missionary who spent time in Kenya working with persons who struggle with poverty. Their daily focus was on getting food and water to stay alive. Respect and human dignity 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 are introduced to the web of life and explore how everything is interconnected and interdependent in the planet.  God calls all human beings to protect the harmony within the web of life.

Children begin to see what happens if there is a disconnection in the web of life. There is a danger of extinction of the species, e.g. the Asian elephant. Other issues include the ‘depletion of natural resources, loss of biodiversity, decline in the quality of human life and the breakdown of society.’

The Tenth Commandment teaches people to take care of the common home that all living beings share. Children learn to respect all creation and to develop attitudes of respect and generosity, rather than jealousy and greed.

Children grow in their knowledge of the life of St Brigid. The Feast of St Brigid occurs annually on 1 February. In Celtic, pre- Christian times, the first day of spring was called Imbolg. This day signals the beginning of spring. Children are taught stories of St Brigid’s compassion for people living in poverty, her gift of healing and teaching, her generosity and courage in the face of adversity. She was a woman of prayer, who upheld human dignity and respect for all life. St Brigid founded an abbey where many pilgrims still travel to St Brigid’s Well to honour and remember her. The Sisters of the Brigidine Order take Brigid as their inspiration and continue her mission. Children make St Brigid’s crosses.

Resources are available including a Children’s Grow in Love e-book, with poems and prayers and activities 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 FOURTH CLASS/P5 may be helpful, in addition to the resources and online activities for Third class and Junior classes: Slide Show: ‘Prayer Services’, ‘Psalm 37’; Video: ‘Climate Change’, ‘Bees in Ireland’,  ‘Celtic Blessing’; Interactive Activities: ‘Promises’ Poster: ‘Care for Our Common Home’: Slide Show: ‘Prayer Services’, ‘The Asian Elephant’: Link to Dublin Zoo’.

SONGS from Grow in Love related to the theme of Creation in FOURTH CLASS/P6: ‘Psalm 37’, ‘Use What You’re Given’, Salvation Song’, ‘The Great Commandment’, ‘All Things Bright and Beautiful’, ‘A Mhuire Mháthair’,‘Hymn to St Brigid’, 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 a short time you will no longer see me, says the Lord; and then a short time later you will see me again, since I am going to the Father, alleluia.’ (Benedictus antiphon).

‘Your sorrow will be turned into joy and that joy no one will take from you, alleluia’ (Magnificat antiphon).

‘The Lord has shown his salvation revealing his justice to the nations.’ (Psalm 97:2).

‘Mary, the Mother who cared for Jesus, now cares with maternal affection and pain for this wounded world….she grieves for the sufferings of the crucified poor and for the creatures of this world laid waste by human power.’ (Laudato Si’, no. 241)

Optional memorial

Ss Christopher Magallánes, priest and Companions, martyrs, pray for us.

Sr Anne Neylon

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

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

Sometimes it is easy to make a promise and difficult to keep it. Each person knows one’s own life pattern in making and keeping promises.

To celebrate the second anniversary of Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’ (June 18, 2015), the Global Catholic Climate Movement (GCCM) launched ‘a Laudato Si’ Pledge campaign to keep the Pontiff’s message alive and encourage mass Catholic action to address the climate crisis.’

This pledge is a way for Catholics to commit to a new way of living Laudato Si’. The Catholic Church had/has a significant role to play in addressing the climate crisis. Hence, people, parishes and organizations were invited to sign the Laudato Si’ pledge, and promise to heed the Pope’s call to pray for and with creation, live more simply, and advocate to protect our common home.

God never gives up on the promises God makes. Pope Francis spells this out clearly in Laudato Si’, God is always present. ‘He does not abandon us, he does not leave us alone, for he has united himself definitively to our earth, and his love constantly impels us to find new ways forward. Praise be to him!’ (LS, no. 245).

It is only by working together towards true conversion and true lifestyle change, by opening ourselves to “hear the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor” that we can make the changes that we need. This encyclical calls each of us to action, as individuals and a church, and gives us hope that by working towards change together we can protect our common home.

The Gospel proclaimed at Mass today (Jn 1612: 15), may be heard via webcam or read in the New Testament. In this second farewell discourse, Jesus explains to the apostles that he still has ‘many things to tell’ them but not now. The Spirit of truth will come and ‘guide them to the whole truth.’ Disciples today believe that the Spirt is with them. The promise is fulfilled and so disciples pray daily to the Holy Spirit to ‘enkindle in us the fire of your love.’

The Holy Spirit has much to tell Christians yet, through Pope Francis and the GCCM about ‘how faith convictions can offer Christians…ample motivation to care for nature and for the most vulnerable of their brothers and sisters.’ Jesus says, ‘Blessed are your eyes because they do see, and your ears because they do hear.’ (Mt 13: 16). The Holy Spirit will guide our action and prayer, in the mission to care for our common home.

LAUDATO SI’ WEEK (16-24 MAY, 2020)

This is the fifth day, 20 May 2020, of Laudato Si’ week, to celebrate the fifth anniversary of Pope Francis’ encyclical on care for our common home. The overall theme of the week is “everything is connected.”

Yesterday the focus was on Laudato Si’, on Eco Spirituality: ‘Deepening Our Communion with Creation’. The focus was on Chapter 2 of Laudato Si’, ‘The Gospel of Creation.’ What was very worthwhile was the practical applications that were offered 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.

“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 doing the activities in 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 Third Class/P5, 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

Grow in Love THIRD CLASS/P5, invites the children to develop a heightened awareness of the need to care for the earth and all God’s creatures. They also grow in praise and thanks for the gifts of creation. They realise and accept that they are called to cooperate with God in building the Kingdom of God. They live their faith through prayer and action and they are inspired by the faith of their ancestors, St Kevin and St Patrick and Confession of St Patrick.

The children in THIRD CLASS/P5 are invited to read the story of Creation (Gen 1: 1-31). They strive to understand that God desires to live in relationship with all those whom God created.  God called people throughout history to co-create with God’s plan. God continues to call disciples today. When God called the people he made a covenant with them. He gave Moses the Ten Commandments to help the people remain faithful to the covenant.

The children explore the first three of the Ten Commandments that help them build their relationship with God and they are taught about the Sabbath and how Jesus taught in the synagogue. A week -long lesson on Judaism is found in the section on additional lessons.

God sent Jesus into the world.  Jesus shared with the disciples the Good News about God’s love. He made a new covenant with them when he gave them the gift of his body and blood at the Last Supper. He said, ‘Do this in memory of me.’ He taught them the New Commandment of Love, the Great Commandment of Love and the Beatitudes.

‘The Eucharist joins heaven and earth; it embraces and penetrates all creation.’(Laudato Si’ no. 236).

Children are encouraged to praise God, the Creator by reading or singing Psalm 148. They invite other creatures and living beings also to praise and thank God.

Children with their families become good stewards of creation as they grow in awareness about the Green Flag award. They understand they must make changes to their lifestyle.

In school, children are introduced to the encyclical Laudato Si’, On Care for Our Common Home. They read an extract from the Canticle of St Francis of Assisi, who saw the earth, fire, wind and water as his brothers and sisters. Children see a video on Climate Change and reflect on the story of a family in Ethiopia whose lives were badly affected by the lack of water due to climate change. However, with the help of Trócaire funding an irrigation system was built which helped the families of the area.

Children also explore reduce, reuse and recycling suggestions to avoid waste.

Children also hear about people like Frederic Ozanam, Jean Donavan and Ruby Bridges, who took up the mission of working to build a just and Christian society. They deepen their knowledge and understanding of the life and the work of St Vincent de Paul and the Society of St Vincent de Paul. They identify ways in which they too can experience God’s call to uphold human dignity and respect in their work for justice. The Holy Spirit will help them as will their parents/ guardian, teachers and others in the local parish community.

Resources are available including a Children’s Grow in Love e-book, with poems and prayers and activities 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 THIRD CLASS/P5 may be helpful, in addition to the resources and online activities for Junior Classes: Slide Show: ‘Prayer Services’, ‘Psalm 148’; Video: ‘Climate Change’, ‘Nature Walk’, ‘Make the World a Better Place’ ‘The Society of St Vincent de Paul’, ‘Celtic Blessing’; Images; ‘St Kevin’,’ The High Crosses’, ‘St Vincent de Paul’, Jean Donavan’, ‘Ruby Bridges’; ‘Portrait of an Old Man and his Grandson’,’ Pope Francis sets an Example’.

SONGS from Grow in Love related to the theme of Creation in THIRD CLASS/P5, : ‘Psalm 148’, ‘Sign of the Cross Chant’, ‘Take Off your Shoes’, ‘The Neighbour Song’,  ‘When Creation Was Begun’, ‘Grow in Love’, ‘Love’, ‘The Spirit of God is Upon Us’, ‘Parish Anthem’, ‘Shalom Aliechem’, ‘Baptism Song’, ‘Lay Your Hands’, ‘I’m Sorry God’, ‘Zacchaeus’, ‘This is the Day’, ‘Jesus Loves Children’, ‘Circle of Friends’, ‘ The Lord, He is My Shepherd, Psalm 23’, ‘Alleluia, Alleluia, give thanks’, ‘Hail Glorious Saint Patrick’, Christ Be Beside Me’, Gifts From God’, and ‘This Little Light of Mine’ 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

Gra agus cairdeas,

Agus go maire said

I síocháin ghrá De

Anois agus choíche.

‘I still have many things to say to you but they would be too much for you now. When the Spirit of truth comes he will lead you to the complete truth, alleluia.’ (Benedictus antiphon).

‘The Spirit will glorify me, since all he tells you will be taken from what is mine, alleluia’ (Magnificat antiphon).

‘Sing a new song to the Lord.’ (Psalm 148:1).

Hymn of St Francis of Assisi

“Praise be you, my Lord, with all your creatures,

Especially Sir Brother Sun,

Who is the day and through whom you give us light.

And he is beautiful and radiant with great splendour;

And bears a likeness of you, Most High……”

(Laudato Si’, no. 87)

Sr Anne Neylon

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

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

When God created the world, God saw everything God created was good. Everything was connected and God’s vision was for every being to live in harmony. When God created humanity, God saw it as very good. God called every man and woman to be stewards of all Creation; but ‘the harmony between the Creator, humanity and creation broke down.’ ‘The rupture is sin.’ (LS, 66).

St Francis of Assisi, (1181-1226) loved God and God’s Creation so much that he said, ‘our common home is like a sister with whom we share our life and a beautiful mother who opens her arms to embrace us.’ (LS, no.1).

Moving through the centuries, Pope Francis heard the call of the earth, ‘she cries out to us because of the harm we have inflicted on her by our irresponsible use and abuse of the goods which God has endowed her.’ (LS, no.2) This is sad news for the people of the twenty first century. In our world we see the consequences of ‘the depletion of natural resources, loss of biodiversity, decline in the quality of life and the breakdown of society.’ Climate is a common good but climate change has reaped havoc particularly among people who live in poverty. Sadly, Covid-19 has added to the already existing crises. Patriarch Bartholomew spoke saying, ‘each one of us’ must ‘repent of the ways we have harmed the planet.’ (LS, no.8).

The three questions Jesus asked his apostles in the Gospel today are also addressed to us as disciples.

This Gospel proclaimed at Mass (Jn 16:5-11) can be heard via webcam or read from the New Testament. Jesus asks the apostles in this second farewell discourse three questions, ‘What is the world’s sin, in regard to me? … What is the path of righteousness? … What is the path of justice?’ Jesus calls the disciples to believe in Jesus and follow his way of love. The Holy Spirit will continue to guide them and Jesus’ promise to be with them remains forever.

LAUDATO SI’ WEEK (16-24 MAY, 2020)

This is the fourth day, 19 May 2020, of Laudato Si’ week, to celebrate the fifth anniversary of Pope Francis’ encyclical on care for our common home. The overall theme of the week is “everything is connected.”

Yesterday the focus was on Laudato Si’, an encyclical as ‘Prophetic and Relevant as ever’. Participants were reminded of the great need for an ecological conversion. This requires ‘individual behaviour change.’ The challenge for the future to address the crises of climate injustice and Covid-19, is to alleviate poverty and to immediately heighten awareness of those persons ‘who are under the line of dignity’. We have heard much, we have seen much. Now is the time to act.

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.

Work and study continue through participation in these online programmes. What is learned and acted on will be celebrated during the season of Creation, 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 climate injustices 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)).

Children are taught from the Grow in Love programme, which follows 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 teach their child about the faith they chose for them in Baptism, and continue to pass on every day. The role of parents and families in preparing children for the Sacrament of Reconciliation and the Sacrament of Eucharist is vital. Parents are invited to teach children about their faith in a way and in a context that is real and meaningful. With the support of the school and the parish community, it is hoped that parents/guardian will accompany their child as they ‘grow in love’ of God and one another. (Grow in Love, Children’s Book).

All of creation reveals God’s glory. Pope Francis says, ‘Our insistence that each human being is an image of God should not make us overlook the fact that each creature has its own purpose. None is superfluous. The entire material universe speaks of God’s love, his boundless affection for us. Soil, water, mountains: everything is, as it were, a caress of God.’ (Laudato Si’, 84).

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)’.

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 through Grow in Love. With the spiral curriculum, the work of one class level is built on a previous class level, 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

Further to the content taught in Junior Infants/ Senior Infants/P2 and First Class/P3, in SECOND CLASS/P4 the children are encouraged to build on their exploration of the Creation story from the Book of Genesis (1:27-31). They discuss the story of Adam and Eve and what happened to them. It was God’s desire for the plan of Creation that all beings would live in harmony with God and with each other. Adam and Eve disobeyed God because they were tempted into believing that they were not made in the image of God. They thought they could become like God by eating the fruit from the tree. Sin entered the world. God in God’s goodness did not abandon God’s Creation. God promised to send a Saviour who would reconcile God’s people with God, with one another and with God’s Creation. The Saviour was Jesus.

Grow in Love SECOND CLASS/P4, invites the children as they grow in faith to appreciate their God-given gifts and talents. As children are formed in their faith, they develop the Christian virtue of a sense of wonder and reverence for God’s creation. They appreciate their dignity and worth as created and loved by God. Children grow in respect of their bodies and the bodies of others because they were created by God.

Children grow in their understanding of human dignity, as they hear the story of St Vincent de Paul (1581-1660) who was deeply committed to the work of justice and charity through collaboration with others. St Vincent de Paul is a household name. He founded the Vincentian Order of priests in 1625. With St Louise de Marillac (1591-1660) he co-founded the Daughters of Charity (1633). In the early years he established the Confraternities of Charity with his collaborators, which is now known as the Society of St Vincent de Paul (1833). The Vincentian Family lives out the Vincentian charism internationally today.

Children are encouraged to nourish their faith and have an active love for their neighbour through prayer and reading Sacred Scripture, making the world a better place and supporting Trócaire, the Society of Missionary Children and other charities. They learn that by their prayer, and their lived faith, goodness and love that they can care for our common home. The Holy Spirit will help them as will their parents/ guardian, teachers and others in the local parish community.

In SECOND CLASS/P4, children have a heightened awareness about the Green Flag Award. They, with their school colleagues are invited to participate in a seven-step programme covering a variety of topics from litter and waste to climate change. All of the themes covered by the Green Flag Award are explored by Pope Francis in Laudato Si’.

Resources are available including a Children’s Grow in Love e-book, with poems and prayers and activities on the VERITAS Grow in Love website to support this this Christian Morality Strand.

Logon: www.veritas.ie

Email: trial@growinlove

Password: growinlove

The following RESOURCES, for SECOND CLASS/P3 may be helpful, in addition to the resources and online activities for Junior Infants/P1, Senior Infants/P2 and First Class/P3: Slide show on ‘Our Gifts and Talents’, ‘St Vincent de Paul’: Videos on ‘Thank You for Making me’, God Created People’, ‘What God wants’, ‘Adam and Eve’,’ The Society of St Vincent de Paul’: Poem, ‘I am Unique’,: Online interactive Activity, ‘ Treasure Trail’, ‘Snake’ : Poster on ‘Adam and Eve’: Colouring Page on ‘Adam and Eve’;, ‘Vincent de Paul’.’

SONGS from Grow in Love related to the theme of Creation in SECOND CLASS/P4, in addition to those taught in Junior Infants/P1, Senior Infants/P2 and First Class/P3 : ‘When Creation Was Begun’, ‘Grow in Love’, ‘Quiet and Still’, ‘The Apostles’, ‘Baptism Song’, ‘Lay Your Hands’, ‘I’m Sorry God’, ‘Zacchaeus’, ‘This is the Day’, ‘When Jesus was a Boy’, ‘Jesus Loves Children’, ‘Circle of Friends’, ‘ The Lord, He is My Shepherd, Psalm 23’, ‘Alleluia, Alleluia, give thanks’ , Christ Be Beside Me’, ‘The Spirit of God is Upon Us’, Gifts From God’, and ‘This Little Light of Mine’ 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.

‘In a short time the world will no longer see me; but you will see me, because I live in you and you will live, alleluia.’ (Benedictus antiphon).

‘I tell you the truth: it is for your good that I am going because unless I go, the Advocate will not come, alleluia’ (Magnificat antiphon).

‘If I walk in the midst of trouble, you give me life. With outstretched arm, you save me from the wrath of my foes, with your right hand you deliver me.’ (Psalm 137:7).

“The violence present in our hearts, wounded by sin, is also reflected in the symptoms of sickness evident in the soil, in the water, in the air and in all forms of life. This is why the earth herself, burdened and laid waste, is among the most abandoned and maltreated of our poor…”

(Laudato Si’, 2)

Sr Anne Neylon

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

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

In our culture when a young person receives the Sacrament of Confirmation, there is an emphasis on gifts and celebration. And rightly so. In addition to material gifts, there are spiritual gifts given. The spiritual joy bestowed in the Sacrament of Confirmation comes from receiving the sevenfold gift, given by the Holy Spirit. This sevenfold gift is precious because the Giver, the Holy Spirit desires to enkindle the fire of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness and self-control in one’s heart. A person who receives the Sacrament of Confirmation is a witness to Jesus and his love.

The Gospel proclaimed at Mass today (Jn 15:26-16:4) can be heard via webcam or read from the New Testament. Jesus tells the apostles in this second farewell discourse that he will send them the Spirit of truth from the Father. The Spirit is a witness to Jesus. Furthermore, the apostles will be witnesses to Jesus because they have been with him from the beginning. The Spirit will remain with them always even in the challenges of life, when their faith is ridiculed or when they meet with opposition. Jesus wants them to remember that the Holy Spirit will be always with them.

The Holy Spirit, the third person of the Blessed Trinity helps and guides the disciples to remember Jesus’ way of love. Prayer and reflection keep the Holy Spirit alive in our hearts.

During this time, the Holy Spirit prompts the people of the world to celebrate ‘Laudato Si’’ week so we can hope ‘for a better world to come tomorrow.’

LAUDATO SI’ WEEK (16-24 MAY, 2020)

This is the third day, 18 May 2020, of Laudato Si’ week, to celebrate the fifth anniversary of Pope Francis’ encyclical on care for our common home. The theme of the week is “everything is connected.” During the 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.

Work and study continue through participation in these online programmes. What is learned and acted on will be celebrated during the season of Creation, 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’ Week, enables the entire population, especially those most at risk from climate injustices 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’” 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)).

Children are taught from the Grow in Love programme, which follows 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 teach their child about the faith they chose for them in Baptism, and continue to pass on every day. The role of parents and families in preparing children for the Sacrament of Reconciliation and the Sacrament of Eucharist is vital. Parents are invited to teach children about their faith in a way and in a context that is real and meaningful. With the support of the school and the parish community, it is hoped that parents/guardian will accompany their child as they ‘grow in love’ of God and one another. (Grow in Love, Children’s Book).

As children are formed in their faith ‘they develop the Christian virtue of a sense of wonder and reverence for God’s creation. They appreciate their dignity and worth as created and loved by God.’

All of creation reveals God’s glory. Pope Francis says, ‘Our insistence that each human being is an image of God should not make us overlook the fact that each creature has its own purpose. None is superfluous. The entire material universe speaks of God’s love, his boundless affection for us. Soil, water, mountains: everything is, as it were, a caress of God.’ (Laudato Si’, 84).

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)’.

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 through Grow in Love. With the spiral curriculum, the work of one class level is built on a previous class level, 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

Further to the content taught in Junior Infants/P1 and Senior Infants/P2, in FIRST CLASS/P3 children are encouraged to wonder at the great mystery of Creation and the gifts given by God to God’s people. A sense of wonder, a spirit of gratitude and a readiness to praise and thank God are fostered.

In Laudato Si’ Pope Francis’ reminds us that to care for every aspect of creation and of our environment is our duty as Christians, ‘ Living our vocation to be protectors of God’s handiwork is essential to a life of virtue; it is not an optional or a secondary aspect of our Christian experience.’ (LS, 217).’

Grow in Love FIRST CLASS/P3, invites the children to tell the story of Creation (Gn 1:1-25) in their own words; seek through engaging in a concrete experience to understand how God made the world from nothing but love; and to consider their response to God’s Creation. God created people in God’s image and likeness-to be good, kind and loving. God created people to take care of the gifts of Creation.

Children grow in their understanding of human dignity, as they hear how St Thérèse of Lisieux lived according to the ‘little way’. This meant that when she did the ordinary things in life she did them with an extraordinary love. Children appreciate that they too can do great things with love and they can ask Thérèse of Lisieux to help them.

They also are taught that when St Patrick lit the paschal fire on the Hill of Slane light was brought to those in darkness. St Patrick taught the people about God and helped them grow in faith. Fire is one of the symbols of the Holy Spirit. It symbolises an energy that is transformative. The children read the Story of Pentecost (Acts of the Apostles 2:1-12).

Children are encouraged to nourish their faith and have an active love for their neighbour through prayer and reading Sacred Scripture, making the world a better place and supporting Trócaire, the Society of Missionary Children and other charities. They learn that by their goodness and love, they can care for our common home. The Holy Spirit will help them.

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

Logon: www.veritas.ie

Email: trial@growinlove

Password: growinlove

The following RESOURCES, for FIRST CLASS/P3 may be helpful, in addition to the resources and online activities for Junior Infants/P1 and Senior Infants/P2: ‘A Poster on ‘St Thérèse of Lisieux ’; Videos on ‘What is Your Favourite Animal?’, ‘Creation Story, from Genesis:1,2’ ‘ Colour Your World With Kindness’, ‘St Thérèse of Lisieux ’, ‘Acts of Kindness’, ‘St Patrick’s Day Parades’; Slide show on ‘Doing Little things with Love’ , ‘ St Thérèse of Lisieux’, ‘The Life of St Patrick’ ‘St Patrick’s Fire’ Colouring pages on ‘Creation’, and ‘St Thérèse of Lisieux’, and St Patrick , ; and a Power point on ‘The Beauty of God’s Creation’; Online Interactive Activity on ‘We Can Care For Our World’.

SONGS from Grow in Love related to the theme of Creation in FIRST CLASS/P3, in addition to those taught in Junior Infants/P1 and Senior Infants/P2: ‘When Creation Was Begun’, ‘Grow in Love’, ‘Quiet and Still’, ‘Baptism Song’, , ‘When Jesus was a Boy’, ‘Jesus Loves Children’, ‘Circle of Friends’, ‘Psalm 23’, ‘Alleluia, Alleluia, give thanks’ , Christ Be Beside Me’, ‘The Spirit of God is Upon Us’, Gifts From God’, and ‘This Little Light of Mine’ and Reflective Music.

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 Naomh, ba mhaith liom an rud ceart a dhéanamh.

Cabhraigh liom.

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

Treoraigh mé.

A Spioraid Naoimh, ba mhaith liom

guí mar a ghuigh Íosa. Múin dom é.

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.

‘God has given us new birth as his sons and daughters, by raising Jesus Christ from the dead, so we have a sure hope and the promise of an inheritance that will never perish alleluia.’ (Benedictus antiphon)

‘The Spirit of truth who comes from the Father will be my witness. And you also will be my witnesses, alleluia’ (Magnificat antiphon).

‘Praise him with dance and tambourines; praise him with pipes and strings.’ (Psalm 149:2).

“Everything is connected. Concern for the environment thus needs to be joined to a sincere love for our fellow human beings and an unwavering commitment to resolving the problems of society.” (Laudato Si’,91)

Sr Anne Neylon

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

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

A promise made by one person to another is something very sacred. Healthy relationships of trust are formed when people make promises and keep them. The connection between them grows and deepens.

The Gospel proclaimed at Mass today (Jn14:15-21) can be heard via webcam or read from the New Testament. The Word tells us what Jesus is going to do for his apostles. He is going to ask the Father to give them another Helper to be with them forever. The Helper is the Spirit of truth. Neither the Father nor Jesus will break the promise because the Father and Jesus are one. Jesus assures the apostles that the world cannot receive the Spirit of truth because ‘it neither sees him nor knows him’ (Jn14:16). But Jesus says to them, that they already know him. When he leaves, he will ‘not leave them orphans.’ He, the Spirit of truth will be in them.

St Matthew’s Gospel also expresses Jesus’ reassurance of his promise to be with his disciples, ‘I am with you always even to the end of this world.’ (Mt 28:20). Jesus is connected to his disciples forever.

To keep the commandments is the key to loving Jesus. Christians strive to do this, but not on their own. The one who loves Jesus is loved by the Father. Jesus promises each of the apostles his love, ‘I too shall love him and show myself clearly to him.’ (Jn 14:21).

The poet Edward Spenser in his poem ‘Easter’ writes:

‘So let us love, dear love, like as we ought.

Love is the lesson which the Lord has taught.’

LAUDATO SI’ WEEK (16-24 MAY, 2020)

This is the second day, 17 May 2020, of Laudato Si’ week, celebrating the fifth anniversary of Pope Francis’ encyclical on care for our common home. The theme of the week is “everything is connected.” 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, https://laudatosiweek.org

Work begun this week will continue and be celebrated during the season of Creation, when Pope Francis invites Catholics to pray for our common home.

We participate in Laudato Si’ Week, ‘preparing for action together’ so we can hope ‘for a better world to come tomorrow.’

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

The idea of including Pope Francis’ encyclical “Laudato Si’” into the Grow in Love programme helps the home/parish/school link 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)).

Children are taught from the Grow in Love programme, beginning in Junior Infants/P1 and following the spiral curriculum, 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’ (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 teach their child about the faith they chose for them in Baptism, and continue to pass on every day. It is hoped that as children are formed in their faith they would become more aware of the ‘beauty and wonder of the natural world; that they begin to appreciate the love and care God has for God’s creation; and they begin to thank God for the gift of Creation.’ (Grow in Love, Children’s Book).

So this week, as the Church honours the fifth anniversary of Laudato Si’, the children grow in familiarity with the teaching of Pope Francis through Grow in Love. With the spiral curriculum, the work of one class level is built on a previous class level, 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.

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)’.

Further to what children were taught in Junior Infants/P1, SENIOR INFANTS/P2 are helped to develop a sense of gratitude for the natural world and develop a sense of wonder and awe in the created world. They are helpers in the ongoing work of creation and Jesus, the Spirit of truth is always with them as they respond in love. Children pray with thanks to God for all the gifts of Creation.

In Pope Francis’ address on Vatican radio 21 May 2024, he said ‘Creation is not a property, which we can rule over at will; or even less, is the property of only a few: Creation is a gift, it is a wonderful gift that God has given us, so that we use it and care for it and we use it for the benefit of all, always with great respect and gratitude.’

Grow in Love SENIOR INFANTS/P2 invites the children to tell the story of Creation (Gn 1:1-25) in their own words. They identify that human beings are the high point of God’s Creation. They are introduced to an adapted form of Psalm 139. They understand that reading a psalm is one way of giving thanks to God for the gifts of Creation. They explore how they and their families can care for the world as God asked God’s people to be good stewards of creation. These pointers invite families to accompany their children in faith.

Children are helped to understand human dignity, as they hear how St Teresa of Kolkata showed and her Sisters continue to show God’s love by caring for persons who are sick and dying. Most of these people are living in extreme poverty and each one is our brother and sister. They see St Brigid as one who loved God’s Creation.

As in Junior Infants/P1, children are encouraged to have an active love for their neighbour by praying, making the world a better place and supporting Trócaire, the Society of Missionar Children and other charities.

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

Logon: www.veritas.ie

Email: trial@growinlove

Password: growinlove

The following RESOURCES, for SENIOR INFANTS/P2 may be helpful, in addition to the resources and online activities for Junior Infants/P1: ‘A Poster on Creation’; Videos on ‘Summer’, ‘See how Seeds Grow’, ‘Colour Your World With Kindness’, ‘Creation Story, from Genesis:1,2; Colouring pages on ‘Creation’, and ‘Recycling’; Online Interactive Activity on ‘We Can Care For Our World’.

SONGS from Grow in Love related to the theme of Creation in SENIOR INFANTS/P2: ‘When Creation Was Begun’, ‘Grow in Love’, ‘They Care for Me’, ‘I am Special’, ‘When Jesus was a Boy’, ‘Jesus Loves Children’, ‘The Gift of Love’, ‘Water’, ‘We Give Thanks’, ‘Summertime’, ‘Quiet and Still’, ‘Thank you God, for our World’, ‘Caring for God’s World’,’ We Sing A Song To Brigid’,and Psalm 104.

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.

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.

‘As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you.’ (Benedictus antiphon)

‘If anyone loves me he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we shall come to him and make our home with him, alleluia’ (Magnificat antiphon).

‘Shout with joy to God, all you on earth’ (Psalm 65:1).

“Interdependence obliges us to think of one world with a common plan.” (Laudato Si’,164)

Sr Anne Neylon

St Brendan, abbot

Today is the feast of St Brendan. He was born in AD 484 in Tralee, Co Kerry
Feast days are special occasions in the Church. They are days to celebrate those women and men who lived lives of holiness. Of course, there are many people who lived good, holy and wholesome lives who don’t have the title of saint. Pope Francis said, “It is by living with love and offering Christian witness in our daily tasks that we are called to become saints” (Nov 19, 2014).
St Brendan is honoured as the patron saint of boatmen, mariners, sailors, travellers, and whales. He is considered as one of the “Twelve Apostles of Ireland”, one of those said to have been tutored by the great teacher, Finnian of Clonard.
At the age of twenty-six, Brendan was ordained a priest by Erc. He founded a number of monasteries. He was an abbot, which meant he was leader of the monks in the monastery. Brendan’s first voyage and foundation took him to the Aran Islands. On that voyage he also visited the island of Hinba (Argyll), Wales and Brittany. Brendan built monastic cells at Ardfert and Shanakeel, at the foot of Mount Brandon.
From there he allegedly embarked on his famous legendary voyage to the Isle of the Blessed. Brendan built a currach, a small boat of wattle, covered it with hides tanned in oak bark and softened with butter, and set up a mast and a sail. He and a small group of monks fasted for 40 days, having prayed on the shore and embarked in the name of the Most Holy Trinity.
The journey is described in the ‘Voyage of Brendan the Abbot’ of the ninth century. Many accounts exist that describe his voyage on the Atlantic Ocean with the monks, to search for the Garden of Eden. On the journey, Brendan is claimed to have seen Saint Brendan’s Island, a blessed island covered with vegetation. He also encountered a sea monster.
The First Reading proclaimed at Mass this morning (Acts 16:1-10), can be heard via webcam or read in the New Testament, also tells of a journey. The Scripture gives an account of the disciples Paul and Timothy who travelled from town to town to deliver ‘the decisions of the apostles and elders in Jerusalem for the people to obey’ (Acts 16:4). It was a good time, ‘as the churches grew stronger in faith and increased in number every day’ (Acts 15:6).
Coinciding with the feast of St Brendan is the beginning of Laudato Si’ week (16-24 May 2020). It is held to honour Pope Francis’ encyclical on care for our common home. The theme of the week is “everything is connected.” During this week Catholic everywhere will reflect and pray for action. Resources are provided online to prepare for action from 16-24 May 2020. Preparation and action made this week will be celebrated during the season of Creation, when Pope Francis has invited Catholics to pray for our common home.
We can see a connection with Laudato Si’ in the sea-related themes of which St Brendan is patron that is, boatmen, mariners, sailors, travellers, and whales. We conclude from the facts of St Brendan’s life and the times in which he lived that he spent much time outdoors, in the country side and in the ocean as he journeyed. So his livelihood was spent in dependence on God’s creation.

“LAUDATO SI’ AND THE GROW IN LOVE RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PROGRAMME’”
The idea of including Pope Francis’ encyclical “Laudato Si’” into the Grow in Love programme helps the home/parish/school link in understanding 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)).
Children are taught from the Grow in Love programme beginning in Junior Infants/P1 and following the spiral curriculum, 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’ (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 teach their child about the faith they chose for them in Baptism, and continue to pass on every day. It is hoped that as children are formed in their faith they would become more aware of the ‘beauty and wonder of the natural world; that they begin to appreciate the love and care God has for God’s creation; and they begin to thank God for the gift of Creation.’
So this week, as the Church honours the fifth anniversary of Laudato Si’, the children grow in familiarity with the teaching of Pope Francis through Grow in Love. With the spiral curriculum, the work of one class level is built on a previous class level, 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.
The care of the earth takes a prominent place in the curriculum and this is reflected in the Grow in Love programme. 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)’.
In Junior Infants/P1, the children are helped to develop a sense of wonder in the world. God is the author of creation. Children learn firstly, that God is all powerful and secondly, everything created by God is good. They are invited to take responsibility for the earth that God has created.
Grow in Love Junior Infants/P1 introduces the children to the story of Creation, from the Book of Genesis in the Old Testament of the Bible which is sacred to both Christians and Jews. In some parts of the Qur’an it states that the process of Creation is spaced out over six periods (cf. Surah 7:54). There are also Hindu creation stories, but Buddhists do not generally speculate on the ultimate origin of life.
At Junior Infant/P1 level children identify God as the Creator of the world. They tell the Creation story in their own words and they are invited to describe their favourite part of creation.

Resources are available including a Children’s Grow in Love e-book on the VERITAS Grow in Love website to support this theme.

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The following resources may be helpful: ‘A Poster on Creation’, Vimeos on ‘Our Wonderful World’ Creation Story, Part 1,2,3, from Genesis:1, the song and lyrics ‘Quiet and Still’, ‘Reflective Music’, a colouring page on ‘Creation’, and two more songs ‘Do you know who made the world?’ and ‘Thank You God.’
The children in Junior Infants also study the theme of Water as a preparatory lesson to Baptism. They identify some of the ways water is used on a daily basis. They recognise that in some parts of the world water is not freely available. They describe ways they can conserve water and they thank God for the gift of water.
This theme links with the work of Trócaire and the Society of Missionary Children where children are taught about the poverty that is brought about by a lack of water and the hazards of dirty water.
Children are taught that they can pray for people who live in poverty and can help them. They can also pray for a generous spirit for everyone and for justice for all.
Resources are available on the website that will help conversation. Activities are available online for conserving water and caring for water and a song about Water.

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.

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.

SONGS RELATED TO THE THEME OF CREATION: ‘When Creation Was Begun’, ‘Grow in Love’, ‘They Care for Me’, ‘I am Special’, ‘When Jesus was a Boy’, ‘Jesus Loves Children’, ‘The Gift of Love’, ‘Water’, ‘We Give Thanks’, ‘Summertime’.
‘Christ died and came to life again to establish his dominion over the living and the dead, alleluia.’ (Benedictus antiphon)
‘I shall ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever, alleluia.’ (Magnificat antiphon)
‘All you lands, acclaim the Lord.’ (Psalm 99:1)

St Brendan, pray for us.

Sr Anne Neylon

St Carthage, bishop

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

Various forms of media provide daily updates during this time of Covid-19 on the number of persons who died in the pandemic. These include people who work and minister in professional and pastoral services. Such people gave their lives in serving persons who are sick. Among them internationally are, health care workers, nurses, priests, chaplains, volunteers, doctors and others who died while working on the front line. Covid-19 continues to spread around the world mercilessly. The pandemic leaves workers in a very vulnerable position.

We pray for all who have died. We pray for families who are bereaved and mourn the loss of a loved one. We pray for a spirit of courage, perseverance and trust for those who dedicate their lives to the care of the sick and dying. We pray for all who are suffering right now through war, violence, hunger, thirst and all forms of poverty and injustice. May our eyes and hearts be opened to their every need.

Sadly, many people die alone, and some deaths will never be recorded due to people dying in poor circumstances and lives of poverty.

We thank God for those who are cured from the coronavirus and are now reunited with their families.

The Gospel (Jn 15:12-17) the priest proclaims today at Mass may be heard via the webcam or read from the New Testament. Jesus commands the disciples to love one another. He says, ‘There is no greater love than this, to give one’s life for one’s friends; and you are my friends, if you do what I command you.’ Jesus explained to the disciples that he will not call them servants any more. He calls them friends. This is an endearing term because he says he has ‘made known to them everything I learned from my Father.’ It was Jesus who personally chose each one of them, ‘to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last.’ (Jn 15: 16). As the Father and Jesus are one, Jesus assures them that ‘everything you ask of the Father in my name, he will give you.’ (Jn 15:17). What the disciples are invited to do as friends of Jesus is ‘to love one another.’(Jn 15: 17). This is a big challenge, and Jesus promises his friends that he will be with them always to the end of time.

‘GIVING ONE’S LIFE FOR ONE’S FRIENDS’ AND THE GROW IN LOVE RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PROGRAMME

In Christus Vivit, the Apostolic Exhortation to the Young People and the Entire People of God, Pope Francis writes that ‘the heart of the Church is full of young saints who devoted their lives to Christ, many of them even dying a martyr’s death’ (no.49). These ‘young saints…in their day have been real prophets of change. He says, ‘Their example shows what the young are capable of, when they open themselves up to encounter Christ’ (no. 49). The Pope recalls some of the young people ‘who each in his or her own way, and at different periods in history, lived lives of holiness.’ (no.49).

The young people who prepare in Fifth Class/P7 and Sixth Class to receive the sacrament of Confirmation, using the Grow in Love Religious Education programme are introduced to a number of people who lived lives of holiness. Some of these were very young when they died. Many never received sainthood. Some did. Short passages about the lives of a selection of Christian heroes/ heroines and saints are accessible on the VERITAS Grow in Love website in the e-books.

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A series of questions about each hero/heroine/saint accompanies each short life story which allows for reflection on the life of the person and their contribution to life. Then the pupils reflect on their lives in the light of Christian values.

The final question about each Christian hero/heroine/saint is, ‘How might his/her life and the things he/she did and said inspire you?’ Pupils find this exercise very helpful and with discussion, prayer and reflection they come to a greater understanding and knowledge of themselves.

Pupils reflect on the variety of gifts and visions of these people: appreciation of the gift of life; giving up one’s life for others; do the ordinary things in life with an extraordinary love; dedicate their lives to prayer; work to promote unity; promote justice and fairness; cherish the gift of faith; cherish forgiveness and reconciliation; reach out to those who live in poverty and with injustice; care for persons who are homeless; are ecologically aware; values education; are ambassadors for peace; are loving parents and grandparents; and proclaim the Good News.

Pupils identify that people like St Oscar Romero (1917-1980) and St Maximilian Kolbe (1894-1941) willingly gave up their lives for others and consequently they died. Jesus was the first to give up his life for all. He died on the Cross on Calvary. He is our Redeemer and Saviour.

Children learn that they too have to sacrifice their lives in small ways for example, sometimes putting other people before themselves; by sharing something they would like to keep for themselves; by listening to their parents and teachers. Through the guidance of their parents/guardian/teachers and the help of the Holy Spirit, children learn to make good choices.

Pupils are encouraged to see that the world needs them and their gifts and talents. Each one is chosen by God to follow Jesus and his way of love. Disciples are ‘sent to bear fruit, fruit that will last.’ God’s promise to them is, ‘And everything you ask the Father in my name, he will give you.’ (Jn 15: 17).

SONGS from Grow in Love that support this theme: ‘Whatsoever You Do’, ‘Go Tell Everyone’, ‘Love’, ‘Connected’, Circle of Friends’ ‘Spirit Anthem’, ‘Spirit Filled Day’, ‘Make a Good Choice’. All are available as video lyrics.

From 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.

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.

PAIDIR CHUIG AN SPIORAD NAOMH

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

Cabhraigh liom.

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

Treoraigh mé.

A Spioraid Naoimh, ba mhaith liom

guí mar a ghuigh Íosa. Múin dom é.

‘S É DO BHEATHA, A MHUIRE

‘S é do bheatha a Mhuire,

atá lán do ghrásta

tá an Tiarna leat.

Is beannaithe thú idir mhná,

agus is beannaithe toradh do bhroinne,

Íosa.

A Naomh Mhuire,

a mháthair De,

guigh orainn, na peacaigh,

anois agus ar uair ár mbáis. Áiméan.

‘This is my commandment: love one another, as I have loved you, alleluia.’ (Benedictus antiphon)

‘A man can have no greater love than to lay down his life for his friends.’ (Magnificat antiphon)

‘I will give thanks to you O Lord among the people; I will sing praise to you among the nations.’ (Psalm 56:11).

St Carthage, pray for us.

Sr Anne Neylon

Feast of St Matthias, Apostle

‘Alleluia, the Lord is the king of apostles: come, let us adore him, alleluia’ (Invitatory antiphon).

When a person takes time to ponder on the wonder of God’s creation, the response can only be that of gratitude, wonder and awe. God saw that everything God created was good. God is goodness and love. God loves unconditionally. God’s people praise and thank God in song, praise and prayer.

The composer pays tribute to God in a four-line song, ‘Our God is an Awesome God’. (Grow in Love 8, Sixth Class)

The poet, Gerard Manley Hopkins, described the world as, ‘charged with the grandeur of God… through which Generations have trod, have trod, have trod.’ (God’s Grandeur).

Sometimes with the pace of life, we do not remain long enough to gaze on God’s creation or meditate on and contemplate God’s Word. Today Jesus invites the disciples to ‘remain in my love’ (Jn 15:9).

The Gospel proclaimed by the priest at Mass today describes an image from nature, the vine, the branches, and its fruit. This was a popular image for Jesus and the people of his time where they lived, so Jesus used the image to teach. Right now, we possibly must try to imagine an image of the vine with its branches and fruit.

The Gospel proclaimed today is ‘The Parable of the Real Vine’ (Jn 15:9-17) which can be heard at Mass via the webcam or read in the New Testament. In the parable, Jesus compares himself to the vine, and the members of the Church to the branches of that vine. Just as the branches are attached to the vine, God’s people, the Body of Christ remain united to Jesus. When united to Jesus, the disciples bear fruit in the world, because the sap runs from the vine through the branches.

Jesus’ desire is that the disciples remain in his love. The Father and Jesus are one and draw the disciples into that love, so in turn the disciples will share the love with others in the way Jesus invites them.

That is why we say the prayer, ‘Christ has no body now on earth but yours.’ Jesus depends on his disciples to witness to his love, by loving.

‘THE PARABLE OF THE REAL VINE’ AND THE GROW IN LOVE PROGRAMME

In exploring and reflecting on this parable (Jn 15:1-17) in the Grow in Love programme, the children begin to appreciate their role as members of the Body of Christ. They identify and talk about the ‘fruits of the Vine’ that others can see in them as a result of their being followers of Jesus. The fruit will show itself as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control. Children through chat, reflection on the Parable, and prayer learn how these fruits make a difference in their own lives and the lives of others.

They also engage in journal activities alone and with family from the Grow in Love e-book from Sixth Class which is accessible on the VERITAS website. Resources are also available to support the teaching of this lesson e.g. ‘Look and Respond, Jesus the Vine’, Prayer Resources’ and ‘Interactive Activities’

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Pupils are taught how by receiving the Body of Christ at Mass, they become the Body of Christ in the world.

At Mass, the gifts of bread and wine are presented to the priest, after which he blesses and offers them to the Lord. The assembly gathered offer themselves with Jesus as a sacrifice. Later, at the Consecration of the Mass, the priest blesses the bread and the wine and through the action of the Holy Spirit the bread is transformed into the Body of Christ and the wine is transformed into the Blood of Christ.

During the Rite of Communion, the priest or the Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist distributes Holy Communion to the people. This consecrated host is Jesus in sacramental form. The priest or the extraordinary minister of the Eucharist takes the consecrated host from the ciborium and shows the host to the person who will receive saying these words, ‘The Body of Christ’ to which the person responds, ‘Amen.’ The person receiving ‘The Body’ of Christ prays in preparation to receive Holy Communion and afterwards in thanksgiving, welcoming Jesus into his/her heart.

The term ‘The Body of Christ’ also refers to the People of God, the members of the Church. When the people of God receive the ‘Body of Christ’ at Mass, they are nourished and sent out to bring the Good News of Jesus’ love to others. Jesus remains with each person as they joyfully ‘go in peace, glorifying the Lord by your (their) lives.’ (Concluding Rite of the Mass)

At this time of the pandemic we receive a spiritual communion.

SONGS that are connected with this theme are, ‘O Sacrament Most Holy’, ‘We Come to You, Lord Jesus’, ‘More than Just’, ‘Céad Míle Fáilte Romhat’, ‘Our God Is an Awesome God’, ‘We Come to Your Feast’, ‘The Welcome Table’.

PRAY from Grow in Love/I nGrá Dé

INVITATION TO HOLY COMMUNION

Celebrant: Behold the Lamb of God,

Behold him who takes away the sins of the world.

Blessed are those who are called to the supper

of the Lamb.

People: Lord, I am not worthy

that you should enter under my roof,

but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.

WHEN RECEIVING HOLY COMMUNION

Celebrant: The Body of Christ.

People. Amen.

CONCLUDING RITE

DISMISSAL

Celebrant: Go in peace.

People: Thanks be to God.

PRAYER BEFORE HOLY COMMUNION

Lord Jesus, come to me.

Lord Jesus, give me your love.

Lord Jesus, come to me and give me yourself.

Lord Jesus, friend of children, come to me.

Lord Jesus, you are my Lord and my God.

Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

PAIDIR ROIMH CHOMAOINEACH

A Thiarna Íosa, tar chugam.

A Thiarna Íosa, tabhair dom do ghrá.

A thiarna Íosa, tar chugam agus

Tabhair tú féin dom.

A Thiarna Íosa, a chara na bpáistí, tar

chugam.

A Thiarna Íosa, is tú mo Thiarna agus mo Dhia.

Moladh leat, a Thiarna Íosa Críost

PRAYER AFTER HOLY COMMUNION

Lord Jesus, I love and adore you.

You’re a special friend to me.

Welcome, Lord Jesus, O welcome,

Thank you for coming to me.

Thank you, Lord Jesus O thank you

for giving yourself to me.

Make me strong to show your love

wherever I may be.

Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask you to stay

Close by me forever and love me, I pray.

Bless all of us children in your loving care

and bring us to heaven to live with you there.

PAIDIR TARÉIS COMAOINEACH

A Thiarna Íosa, gráim agus adhraim thú.

Is tú mo chara dílis.

Fáilte romhat, a Thiarna Íosa.

Go raibh maith agat as teacht chugam.

Go raibh maith agat, a Thiarna Íosa,

as ucht tú fein a thabhairt dom.

Cabhraigh liom do ghrá a léiriú

cibé áit a mbím.

Bí taobh liom, a Thiarna Íosa,

fan in aice liom go deo.

Beannaigh sinn, na páistí atá faoi do chúram

agus tabhair ar neamh sinn chun cónaithe leat féin.

Táim reidh anois, a Thiarna Íosa,

tá grá agam go leor.

Taim reidh anois le do ghrá a thabhairt

sa bhaile is don saol mór. Áiméan.

‘The holy city of Jerusalem had twelve foundation-stones, and on them were the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. The Lamb himself was the light of that city, alleluia.’ (Benedictus antiphon)

‘When all is made new and the Son of man sits on his throne of glory ‘, you will sit on twelve thrones to judge the twelve tribes of Israel, alleluia.’ (Magnificat antiphon)

‘He makes them sit with princes, with rulers of his people.’ (Psalm 112:8)

St Matthias, pray for us.

Sr Anne Neylon

Optional memorial of Our Lady of Fatima

‘Keep these days with joy, and give glory to the Lord, alleluia.’ (Antiphon, Morning prayer)

A child once described his mother’s love saying, ‘she loves me to the moon and back.’ Fleshing this out, the child couldn’t identify words quickly enough to describe his mother’s love who was caring, loving, kind and protective. This child also knew his mother wouldn’t give him everything he asked for, no matter how much he pleaded.  However, that didn’t stop him asking her. He trusted her and hoped it was possible for her to change her mind.

This month of May, the Catholic Church honours Mary, Mother of God and Our Mother. As the child pleads to his mother for something he wants, we too can ask Mary for our needs and those of the world. We wait like a child in hope. Right now we need an end to many injustices in our world and we need an end to Covid-19. We can pray and intercede through Mary. Mary always leads us to Jesus.

Today is the memorial of Our Lady of Fatima. Our Lady of the Rosary appeared to the three children, Lúcia, Jacinta and Francisco, on the 13th May, in summer of 1917. The ‘Lady’ asked the children to pray for sinners and for an end to the World war. In the final apparition on 13 October, the ‘Lady’ identified herself as Our Lady of the Rosary. Our Lady called for prayer and conversion. She taught the children several prayers. One of these prayers is sometimes recited after each decade of the Rosary. These two prayers are addressed to God.

‘O Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell. Lead all souls to heaven, especially those who are in most need of your mercy.’

Another popular Fatima prayer that is well known is, ‘My God, I believe, I adore, I hope and I love You! I ask pardon of You for those who do not believe, do not adore, do not hope and do not love You.

Today we recall that as Our Lady repeatedly asked the children to pray the Rosary, she is also inviting us to pray, ‘Continue always to pray the Rosary every day.’ We are free to accept her invitation.

Pope Francis shows a great confidence in Mary, Mother of God and in her love and protection. He prays regularly at various Marian Shrines. In August 2018, on the occasion of Pope Francis’ visit to Ireland for the ‘World Meeting of Families’, Pope Francis visited the Marian Shrine in Knock, Co Mayo.

On 25 April 2020, Pope Francis wrote a letter to the people of the world. He invited and encouraged them to pray the Rosary at home during the month of May.

In addition, the Pope offered two prayers to people to say daily, with the Rosary to pray for an end to the spread of the corona virus. If and when we choose to pray the Rosary, the Pope promises, ‘I myself will pray in the month of May, in spiritual union with all of you.’ (Pope Francis, 25-4-2020).

The Rosary is an ancient prayer in the Catholic Church.

THE ROSARY AND THE GROW IN LOVE RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PROGRAMME

There are many children and families who know how to pray the Rosary, but there are some who may not. The Grow in Love programme introduces the Rosary, a prayer dedicated to Our Lady, in the junior classes of the school. As they are taught the various mysteries of the Rosary, they come to know Mary, Mother of God and Our Mother as the Holy Family lived in Nazareth. They see that Mary always leads us to Jesus. They also read the Sacred Scripture and learn how Mary accompanied her Son, Jesus in times of sorrow and joy. Jesus grew up with Mary and Joseph. The family lived in Nazareth.

In school, the children are taught how to pray the Rosary and they can pray with their family and in their parish. Today, many children are the evangelisers in their own families. The school supports the home and the parish in Religious Education.

To pray a decade of the Rosary, we say one Our Father, ten Hail Marys and one Glory be to the Father.

When children use the Rosary beads to pray a decade of the Rosary their finger/thumb co-ordination develops. They also acquire other skills while praying, for example, they learn to be quiet and still; to focus; to ponder on the prayers; to count; to reflect; to pray with others; to read Sacred Scripture and learn about the life of Jesus.

When children pray the Rosary regularly they grow in appreciation of prayer and the life of Jesus. They also learn to honour Our Lady, Mother of God. The Mysteries of the Rosary are accessible in the e-books for all classes on the VERITAS Grow in Love website.

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The Grow in Love e-books for GIL First Classes/ P3 and Second Classes/P4 provide helpful child friendly resources for learning how to pray the Rosary. The prayers required i.e., The Sign of the Cross, Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be to the Father (revised from Junior Infants/P1) may be accessed at the back of the Grow in Love e-book.

The Grow in Love dashboard on the VERITAS website provides the following resources for GIL First Class/P3 and Second Class/P4; video of ‘The Presentation in the Temple’, slideshow of Jesus’ life, video of children praying the ‘Hail Mary’ using gestures, video of the Joyful Mysteries’, lyrics of ‘Grow in Love’, ‘Quiet and Still’ and ‘Mary Our Mother’, Colouring page of the ‘Rosary’ and ‘the Visitation’ and also an Art Activity and reflective music.

Resources for the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary and songs/ hymns/ prayers to Mary are available in Third Class/P5 and Fourth Class/P6.

Resources for Fifth Classes/P7 and Sixth Classes are also accessible on the website. Additional prayers are included at this level to pray the Rosary, i.e. The Sign of the Cross, The Apostles’ Creed and the ‘Hail Holy Queen’.

SONGS to sing from Grow in Love during the month of May: ‘Mary our Mother’, ‘Quiet and Still’, ‘Mary’, ‘A Mhuire Mháthair’, ‘Bring Flowers of the Rarest’, ‘The Magnificat’, ‘Regina Coeli’. All these are available as video lyrics on the VERITAS website.

PRAY from 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.

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 ata ar neamh,

go naofar d-ainm,

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

mar a dhéantar ar neamh.

Ár naran laethúil tabhair dúinn inniu,

agus maith dúinn ár bhfaicha,

mar a mhaithimindne dár bhféachúna

féin,

is ná lig sinn i gcathú,

ach saor sinn ó olc. Áiméan.

HAIL MARY

Hail Mary, full of grace,

the Lord is with thee.

Blessed art thou among women,

and blessed is the fruit of thy womb,

Jesus.

Holy Mary, Mother of God,

pray for us sinners,

now and at the hour of our death.

Amen.

‘S É DO BHEATHA, A MHUIRE

‘S é do bheatha a Mhuire,

atá lán do ghrásta,

tá an Tiarna leat.

Is beannaithe thú idir mhná,

agus is beannaithe toradh do bhroinne,

Íosa.

A Naomh Mhuire,

a mháthair Dé,

guigh orainn, na peacaigh,

anois agus ar uair ár mbáis. Áiméan.

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 do Athair,

agus don Mhac

agus don Spiorad Naomh,

mar abhí ó thús,

mar atá anois,

mar a bheas go brách,

le saol na saol.

Áiméan.

THE MYSTERIES OF THE ROSARY

The Joyful Mysteries

1. The Annunciation
2. The Visitation
3. The Nativity (The Birth of Jesus)
4. The Presentation
5. The Finding of the Child Jesus in the Temple

The Mysteries of Light

1. The Baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan
2. The Wedding Feast of Cana
3. The Proclamation of the Kingdom of God
4. The Transfiguration of Our Lord
5. The Institution of the Eucharist

The Sorrowful Mysteries

1. The Agony in the Garden
2. The Scourging at the Pillar
3. The Crowning With Thorns
4. The Carrying of the Cross
5. The Crucifixion

The Glorious Mysteries

1. The Resurrection
2. The Ascension
3. The Descent of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles
4. The Assumption of Our Lady to Heaven.
5. The Crowning of Mary, Queen of Heaven

‘I, am the true vine, alleluia; you are the branches, alleluia.’ (Benedictus antiphon)

‘If you remain in me and my words remain in you may ask what you will and you shall have it, alleluia.’ (Magnificat antiphon)

‘Listen, O daughter, pay attention. Forget your father’s house and your nation.’ (Psalm 44:11).

Our Lady of Fatima, pray for us.

Sr Anne Neylon

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

Certain products can never be bought, regardless of whether one has money or not. Something very sought after in the 21st century, more particularly in this time of Covid -19, is peace. Peace is one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit. People seek peace in a variety of ways. In the current world people seek calmness, quiet, stillness, tranquillity, silence, harmony and serenity. They will pay any price to experience this state which is good for their well-being.

However, the peace that Jesus offers ‘is not as the world gives peace.’ (Jn 14:27). Besides peace being a fruit of the Holy Spirit, others include love, joy, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control. St Paul spoke to the people of Galatia about the fruits of the Holy Spirit (Gal 5:22-23). The Holy Spirit is our helper and teacher and will remind us of how Jesus taught and showed his disciples how to love. Then we too with the help of the Holy Spirit will try to live the way of love.

Every year Catholic schools, primary and post-primary, celebrate Catholic Schools Week. This year, 2020, the theme for Catholic Schools Week was ‘Living in Harmony with God’s creation’. Catholic schools celebrated how each person is called to promote peace, unity and harmony in the world, in their words, thoughts and actions. When God’s people strive to live in this way, they follow the way of Jesus, the way of love. Each day of Catholic Schools Week held a focus i.e. Living in Harmony with God; Living in Harmony with Neighbours; Living in Harmony with All Generations; Living in Harmony with the Earth; and Living in Harmony in our Catholic School. This week is hugely positive in Catholic Schools and great efforts are made to build the partnership between school, parish and home. Celebrating such a week helps focus on the lived ethos of the Catholic School and highlights its inclusivity.

In today’s Gospel (Jn 14: 27-31) proclaimed by the priest at Mass which can be heard on the webcam or read in the New Testament, Jesus says, ‘Peace be with you! My peace; not as the world gives peace do I give it to you.’ Jesus desires to give his apostles his gift of peace and tells them, ‘Do not be troubled; do not be afraid.’ In this first farewell discourse to his apostles, Jesus is trying to draw near to them. Jesus is gently telling them he is going away but he will not leave them alone. That’s why he says if they loved him, they would be glad he was going. Jesus loves the Father and is doing what the Father taught him.

Jesus now wants his disciples to do what he has taught them. Disciples today are invited to live in the same way. Jesus assures us, his disciples that there is no need to be afraid. He will give us his gift of peace and remain present to us. We thank God for his presence among us always and for the gift of peace. We pray for peace in our world.

THE GROW IN LOVE PROGRAMME AND THE MASS

From the early stages of the Grow in Love series the celebration of the Eucharist is taught. Children are taught about the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist. In time they recognise the sequence of the Mass, the gestures the priest uses at Mass, the parts of the Mass where the assembly of people sit and stand. They are taught how to pray for and offer a sign of peace, how to prepare and receive Holy Communion. They also come to understand that Jesus is present in four ways at Mass: in the priest, the assembly of people, under the appearance of bread and wine and in the Word. They are taught that when Mass is finished, everyone present is sent out to live like Jesus and to proclaim the Good News.

Because today’s Gospel (Jn 14:27-31) has a focus on Jesus offering peace to his disciples, it might be a good opportunity to see how within the Mass, the priest prays for peace and blesses the assembly with peace at Mass. These prayers from the Mass follow on below.

The Prayer of St Francis is one of the formal prayers taught in Sixth Class as children prepare to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation.

There are lessons in all the Grow in Love e-books on the Mass with resources to support the teaching of the Mass. All are available on the Grow in Love website.

Logon: www.veritas.ie

Email: trial@growinlove.ie

Password: growinlove

Helpful resources from the GIL might include: vimeos on the ‘First Reading’, ‘the Psalm’, ‘Gospel’, from a Mass setting,’ Interactive Activities’, ‘The Eucharistic Prayer’.

SONGS that might suit the theme of peace: ‘The Lord, He is my Shepherd’,’ Gathering Song’, ‘Alleluia’, ‘Psalm 148’, ‘We Come to You, Lord Jesus’, ‘Parish Anthem’, Céad Míle Fáilte Romhat’, ‘Eat This Bread’, Ithigí an t-Arán Seo’, ‘Spirit Anthem’. There are songs in the Fifth Classes/P7 and Sixth Classes programme, including songs/hymns to the Holy Spirit and on the theme of peace available as video lyrics on the website.

PRAY from 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.

PRAYERS FROM THE MASS

(where peace is invoked and offered)

INTRODUCTORY RITES

Celebrant: Grace to you and peace from God our

Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

THE GLORIA

Glory to God in the highest,

and on earth peace to men of good will.

We praise You.

We bless You.

We adore you.

We glorify You.

We give You thanks for Your great

glory.

Lord God, heavenly King,

O God, almighty Father.

Lord Jesus Christ, Only-Begotten Son

Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the

Father,

you Who take away the sins of the world,

have mercy on us;

you take away the sins of the world,

receive our prayer;

you Who sit at the right hand of the Father,

have mercy on us.

For you alone are the Holy One,

you alone are the Lord, you alone, are the Most High,

Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit,

in the glory of God the Father. Amen.

COMMUNION RITE

Celebrant: 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 Saviour, Jesus

Christ

People: For the kingdom,

the power and the glory are yours

now and forever.

SIGN OF PEACE

Celebrant: The peace of the Lord be

with you always.

People: And with your spirit.

Celebrant: Let us offer each other

the sign of peace

AGNUS DEI

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.

CONCLUDING RITE

DISMISSAL

Celebrant: Go in peace.

People: Thanks be to God.

‘Peace, I leave you, alleluia: it is my own peace I give you, alleluia.’ (Benedictus antiphon).

‘If you loved me you would be glad that I am going to the Father, alleluia.’(Magnificat antiphon)

‘They will tell of the glory of your kingdom that all may know of your mighty deeds, your reign and its glorious splendour.’ (Psalm 144:12)

St Nereus, Pray for us.

St Achilleus, pray for us

St Pancras, pray for us

Sr Anne Neylon