‘The Lord is a great king: come let us adore him.’ (Invitatory antiphon)

In a recent interview on RTE radio, Kerry Kennedy, daughter of Senator Robert F. Kennedy (1925-1968), spoke of her father and her reaction at the time to his sudden and shocking death. She also spoke about her work as a human rights activist and writer. Continuing her father’s work for Human Rights, Kerry is President of R.F. Kennedy Human Rights, a non-profit human rights advocacy organisation.

Kerry was eight years old and woke very early on 5 June 1968 and switched on the TV. She wanted to watch cartoons but instead there was a special news broadcast, in which she heard her father was shot in Los Angeles. Robert Kennedy died at 42 years of age. May his soul rest in peace.

Kerry remembered at the time lying on her bed. She cried and prayed. She prayed to God that they wouldn’t kill the person who killed her father because she didn’t want any other family to have to endure this pain. Neither did she want a ‘mother to lose another son and, if this man had children, for them to lose their father.’ Kerry wanted an end to the violence.

Even though Kerry and her family were broken hearted at the loss of their Dad, she doesn’t carry bitterness in her heart. She loved her Dad but knew that no amount of hate or bitterness would bring him back from death. She continues the good and much loved work of her father in her work of advocacy.

The psalmist might describe Kerry as a person who goes ‘through the bitter valley and makes it a place of springs.’ (Psalm 84:6).

Today’s reading and Gospel (Mt 5:43-48), may be heard proclaimed via the webcam or read from the Old and New Testament.

In the first reading from the Book of Kings (1 Kings 21:17-29), Ahab having been part of the plot with his wife Jezebel to kill Naboth to seize his vineyard, repents before God.

In the Gospel, Jesus continues his teaching on love. He also tells the disciples to pray and to ‘be perfect as his heavenly Father is perfect.’ Jesus is trying to teach the disciples the difference between the Old Law and the New Law. Jesus enlightens the disciples’ minds to model the love of our neighbour on the love of the Father for each and every person. Jesus knows as a victim of injustice, that it is not easy to love everyone.

SEEK GOD IN THE GROW IN LOVE RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PROGRAMME

The children on hearing the first reading might be drawn towards the angry words and threats used by Elijah to Ahab.  Ahab himself knew what he did was wrong and as a sign of repentance ‘he tore his clothes and put on sackcloth.’ God noticed that Ahab was remorseful and repentant.

Children from their introduction to the Grow in Love programme are offered times of quiet and moments of silence to reflect on their lives. In the daily experiences of life they will learn the importance of saying ‘thank you’, ‘sorry’ and ‘I forgive you’.

In preparation for the Sacrament of Reconciliation they learn further about God’s love and desire to forgive. They chat with family, teacher and friends and discuss secular stories and the Parables about forgiveness. When they say ‘The Act of Sorrow’, they realise, before ever they say sorry to God, they thank God for God’s great love, ‘O my God, I thank you for loving me.’

Children explore what it means to repent, to turn away from sin and turn towards God. God is love and loves each person unconditionally. Jesus asks his disciples to love also. Children recognise the call of John the Baptist to the people, ‘Turn away from your sins, because the Kingdom of heaven is near!’

Children grow in the realisation of God’s kingdom in the reality of their lives. They identify their personal role in building up God’s kingdom in the way they live their daily lives. Each day in their Morning Prayer at school, children are invited to acknowledge God’s unique and special love for them and for every person in the whole world. The Holy Spirit is the helper.

Children chat about loving their neighbour; the neighbour means every other person in their lives. They are taught about God’s love for everyone and that God has no favourites. God’s love is inclusive. The disciples’ love is also inclusive. Jesus was inclusive in loving.

In Senior Classes the theme of social justice offers children many opportunities to explore the principles of Catholic Social Teaching and The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (Sixth Class).

Resources are available on the VERITAS Grow in Love website including the Children’s e-books to help children and families deepen their knowledge of Jesus’ inclusive for all, the need for repentance and the sacrament of Reconciliation.

Logon: www.veritas.ie

Email: trial@growinlove.ie

Password: growinlove

INVITATION TO:

SING: ‘Jesus Remember Me When You Come into Your Kingdom’, ‘O Lord hear my Prayer’, ‘The Summons’, ‘They’ll Know We Are Christians By Our Love’, ‘Close to you’, ‘Christ Be Our Light’, ‘Whatsoever You Do’.

READ: ‘John the Baptist ((John 1:6=9, 15), ‘The Preaching of John the Baptist’ (Matthew 3:1-2, 4-6, 11), ‘Parable of the Prodigal Son’ (Luke 15:11-32), ‘The Woman Caught in Adultery’ (John 8:1-11).

PRAY with Grow in Love/I nGrá Dé

ACT OF LOVE

O my God,

I love you with all my heart,

with all my soul, and with all my strength.

Lord, increase our love.

Help us to love one another. Amen.

‘The Lord has raised up a mighty servant for us, as he promised e through the lips of his prophets prophets.’(Benedictus antiphon)

‘My spirit exults in the Lord God, my saviour.’ (Magnificat antiphon).

‘For I acknowledge my wrongdoings and have my sins ever in mind.’ (Psalm50:3).

‘…Such evasiveness serves as a licence to carrying on with our present lifestyles and models of production and consumption. This is the way human beings contrive to feed their self-destructive vices: trying not to see them, trying not to acknowledge them, delaying the important decisions and pretending that nothing will happen.’(Laudato Si’, no. 59).

Sr Anne Neylon

‘Let us come before the Lord, giving thanks.’ (Invitatory antiphon).

Blessed Frederic Ozanam (1813-53), founder of the Society of St Vincent de Paul (1833), in defining charity and justice said, ‘Charity is the Samaritan who pours oil on the wounds of the traveller who has been attacked. But, it is justice’s role to prevent the attacks.’

Trócaire, the official overseas development agency of the Catholic Church in Ireland provides, among many other initiatives, educational resources annually to enlighten people of situations of poverty in long-term developing countries.

This year, the plight of a family living in northern Honduras was highlighted. The mother Angela and two of her children, Jocsan and Helen feature on the 2020 Trócaire box. Angela is a farmer with a small plot of land. The story goes that, ‘She and her husband built their home on ancestral land that has been in their family and their community for generations. They were living a quiet life working hard to put their children through school. Then a few years ago a logging company and a big mining company moved into the area. These companies are moving in on Angela’s community and they want the families to leave.  She has been beaten and tear gassed and told she will be killed.’

Today’s first reading from the first Book of Kings and the Gospel (Mt 5:38-42) are proclaimed via the webcam or read from the Old and New Testament.

In the first reading from the Book of Kings (1 Kings 21:1-16), the story of Ahab’s efforts to desire and seize Naboth’s vineyard, mirrors the story of Angela’s family in Honduras.  Just as Angela’s home was going to be seized from her by the big company, so also Jezebel, in Ahab’s name undermined Naboth to take his ancestral heritage.  Jezebel, wife of Ahab went to the point of having Naboth murdered, in order to seize the heritage from Naboth’s ancestors. The central point of both these situations is about ancestral heritage.

In the Gospel today, God’s people hear Jesus teaching the highest standards of love. It is a hard teaching, which is counter cultural. Jesus himself knew what it was to stand up for just causes. He gave his life which was the ultimate sacrifice.

SEEK GOD’S LOVE IN THE GROW IN LOVE RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PROGRAMME

The theme of justice is prominent throughout the Grow in Love programme. Based on the readings at Mass today, the children are familiar with the work of The Society of St Vincent de Paul. They are also familiar with the work of Trócaire.

It may be timely to return to the stories from the 2020 Trócaire Lenten programme available on the Trócaire website and read about the work of Trócaire among people who are living in poverty. A discussion might be prompted on the relationship between charity and justice.

Appeals are made locally at present for people to return their Trócaire 2020 Lenten boxes to the Church. Families might like to read about Angela and her two children in Honduras from the Trócaire box. Families might chat about the work of Trócaire and justice for all.

Also incorporated in this theme is the letter of Pope Francis’ Encyclical letter to the people of Ireland telling them what is happening to our common home. He names out the challenges of pollution, destructive human lifestyles, contaminated water, global warming, climate change and loss of biodiversity. These issues are addressed throughout the programme and supporting resources are available on the VERITAS website.

Children also explore the plight of the migrants and homelessness. In the Children’s Grow in Love e-books at various class levels, children can engage in various journal activities. Human Rights are an important facet in all lives. Children are introduced to some of the articles of the Declaration of Human Rights. They are also introduced to the lives of the saints and Christian heroes/heroines who worked and still work for justice today.

Children continue to read the Scripture internalising the gospel values and Jesus’ teaching on love. They take time to pray collectively and personally for prayer intentions for themselves and the world. They are guided to reflect on Scripture and to examine their daily lives through praying the Examen.

Children pray in thanksgiving to God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. They also pray for guidance to make good choices for their lives. They ask the Holy Spirit to help them to listen to God’s voice to help them live in a just way so to build the Kingdom of God. They explore what it means to respect human dignity in daily life circumstances and treat themselves, every person and all God’s creation with justice and respect

Resources are accessible, through all the Grow in Love Programme to support the theme of justice including the Children’s Grow in Love e-book.  Online videos and interactive activities may be helpful. The Trócaire website will give the full story of Angela and her family, with accompanying slides and activities and links to the appropriate lessons in the Grow in Love programme.

Logon: www.veritas.ie

Email: trial@growinlove.ie

Password: growinlove

INVITATION TO:

READ from Grow in Love/I nGrá Dé

‘The New Commandment’ (Jn 13:34), ‘The Beatitudes’ (Mt 5:3-13), ‘The Woman Caught in Adultery’ (Jn 8:1-11), ‘Jesus and the Woman at the Well’ (Jn 4:7-15), ‘The Spirit of the Lord’ (Matthew 3:13-17), ‘The Story of Creation’ ( Gen 1:1-31).

SING:  ‘The Beatitudes’, ‘God has Given Us the Earth’, ‘Where Your Treasure Is’, ‘Make A Good Choice’, ‘Christ Be Our Light’, ‘Dayenu’, ‘Christ Be Beside Me’, ‘Spirit-Filled Day’.

PRAY with Grow in Love/I nGrá Dé

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.

ACT OF FAITH

O my God, I believe in you

and in all that your holy Church teaches

because you have said it

and your Word is true.

You are the Christ,

the Son of the living God.

Lord, I believe; increase my faith. Amen.

ACT OF HOPE

O my God, I put my hope in you

because I am sure of your promises.

Deliver us, Lord, from every evil and

grant us peace in our day,

as we wait in joyful hope for the coming of our Saviour,

Jesus Christ, Amen.

ACT OF LOVE

O my God,

I love you with all my heart,

with all my soul, and with all my strength.

Lord, increase our love.

Help us to love one another. Amen.

‘Blessed be the Lord our God.’ (Benedictus antiphon).

‘My soul magnifies the Lord, since God has had regard for my humble state.’ (Magnificat antiphon).

‘Give heed to my groaning, O Lord.’ (Psalm 5:2).

‘Humanity still has the ability to work together in building our common home.’ (LS no.13).

‘O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to Thee.’

Sr Anne Neylon

‘Christ the Lord is the bread of life: come, let us adore him.’ (Invitatory antiphon)

Parades, processions, pilgrimages, and marches have always been part of our cultural, secular and faith tradition since ancient times. During this time of Covid-19, restrictions were placed on such events. These assemblies bring people together for a common purpose. While people recognise the power of one person to influence a situation, it is a fact that ‘together we can do more.’ Once again, the words of the political figures and medical authorities ring in our ears as we hear during the pandemic, ‘we are all in this together.’  Worldwide protests supporting ‘Black Lives Matter’ speak for voices that are not heard.

ABOUT THE SOLEMNITY OF THE MOST HOLY BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST

An annual tradition in the Catholic and Anglican Church is the Corpus Christi procession, though not as popular in Ireland today as in former times. The Feast of Corpus Christi, ‘Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ’ celebrates the ‘Real Presence of the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ in the elements of the Eucharist’.

Two months ago on the feast of Holy Thursday, Jesus shared the Last Supper with his apostles, which was the eve of his death on the cross. On Holy Thursday we also recall Jesus washing the disciples’ feet, the institution of priesthood and the agony in the Garden of Gethsemane.

This Solemnity of ‘The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ’ focuses particularly on the Eucharist and is celebrated in the liturgical calendar on the Sunday after Trinity Sunday.

A procession might take place through the streets of a town or in a parish where people pray and sing in honour of the Blessed Sacrament. During the procession, the consecrated host is displayed in a monstrance held at a height by the priest. At the conclusion of the procession, Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament takes place.

It is customary for the Pope to hold a ‘Corpus Christi’ procession each year in Rome.  It begins at the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran and passes to the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, where it concludes with Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.

The readings and the Gospel (Jn 6:51-58) proclaimed at Mass today, may be heard via the webcam or read in the Old and the New Testament.

The first reading today from the Book of Deuteronomy (Deut 8:2-3, 14-16) reminds God’s people of the journey through the desert for 40 years in which God led the people under the leadership of Moses. On the way, God gave them manna to eat, making them understand that God’s people ‘live not on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ God’s people remember God’s saving love so to lead them to eternal life, having been tested, tried and humbled by God.

In St John’s Gospel, we hear the words of Jesus proclaimed as he reveals himself, ‘I am the living bread which has come down from heaven.’ Jesus told the Jews that ‘anyone who eats this bread will live forever.’ This is our hope, the promise of eternal life, to be with God for everlasting life. God’s people can receive the Body of Christ when they attend Mass. Even during this time of pandemic, the faithful make a spiritual communion which keeps them in Jesus’ presence.

SEEK GOD’S LOVE IN THE GROW IN LOVE RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PROGRAMME

So what can children learn today from their life experience and the Grow in Love programme that enables them to have a deeper understanding of the ‘Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ’?

Children through their prayer and reflection on life experience, and Scripture are inspired by the Holy Spirit to grow in relationship with God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. God is Creator and has created each person in a unique way with individual gifts and talents. God desires a personal relationship him/her. Children grow in God’s love and friendship as they experience the love and friendship of their family and friends. They are also invited to grow in faith as they pray, discuss their faith, read Scripture, show kindness, attend Mass and receive the Body of Christ so they are nourished to love God and one another.

In preparation to receive Holy Communion, the Body of Christ for the first time, children receive the sacrament of Reconciliation at which God forgives their sins.

On listening to the reading from the Book of Deuteronomy; the children recall the story of Moses and how God called Moses to lead the people from slavery into the Promised Land. This journey took a long time. The people travelled with Moses. They celebrated the Passover meal before they began the journey out of slavery. Along the way, the people complained to Moses.  They had no food and God provided them with manna. Children recognise the difficulties crossing through the desert- the story of slavery, the snakes, scorpions, arid land, with no water or food. But God provided. He desired their freedom.

In the New Testament, the children recall what happened at the Last Supper. This was the last Passover celebration for Jesus. Every year, Jesus as a Jewish boy and his family celebrated the Passover festival in honour of God leading the Jewish people from slavery.

At the Last Supper, Jesus blessed the bread and wine, gave it to the apostles and said ‘This is my Body. This is my Blood.’  He said, ‘Do this in memory of me’.  Each time Mass is celebrated the assembly of people remember what happened at the Last Supper. With Jesus they offer themselves in love as sacrifice with the gifts of bread and wine.

Children identify the parts of the Mass. They are taught that Mass is a sacrifice and a celebration. They explore the Liturgy of Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist. They recognise that Jesus is present at Mass in the priest, in the assembly of people gathered, in the Word and in the appearance of bread and wine. They are taught that at the Consecration of the Mass, by the action of the Holy Spirit that the bread and wine are transformed into the Body and Blood of Christ.

The people receive the Body of Christ in Holy Communion, which nourishes them to share the Good News and act in a loving way. It also nourishes their faith in God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Children also learn that the Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist take Holy Communion to people who are sick and housebound.

They also are taught that Jesus is reserved as the Blessed Sacrament in the tabernacle in sacramental form. The sanctuary lamp on the altar is lighting to show that Jesus is present in the tabernacle.

When there is a prayer of Adoration or benediction, the Blessed Sacrament, the consecrated host is taken out of the tabernacle and placed in the monstrance on the altar. People gather in the Church to pray silently to Jesus, in adoration and thanksgiving.

Children might also pray the prayers before and after Holy Communion accessible in the Grow in Love e-books on the back pages from First Class/P3 to Sixth Class. Personally, children address Jesus and pray such words as, ‘Jesus I love and adore you’, ‘Make me strong to show your love’, ‘Lord Jesus friend of children, come to me’, ‘You are my Lord and my God.’

Resources are available on the VERITAS website to support the understanding of this Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ. From Junior Infants/P1, the children are taught about the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist throughout each theme. There are specific resources accessible on The Mass.

Logon: www.veritas.ie

Email: trial@growinlove.ie

Password: growinlove

INVITATION TO:

READ from Grow in Love/ I nGrá Dé:

‘God is Love’ (1 Jn 4:7-8), ‘The New Commandment’ (Jn 13:34-5), ‘Parable of the Real Vine’ (John 15:1, 4-5, 7-10, 16-17), 1 Corinthians 11:23-5, ‘The Walk to Emmaus’ (Lk 24: 13-35).

SING from Grow in Love/I nGrá Dé:

‘Céad Míle Fáilte Romhat’, ‘Parish Anthem’, ‘ The Great Commandment’, ‘Eat This Bread’, ‘Ithigí an t-Arán Seo’, ‘We Come To Your Feast’, ‘The Welcome Table’, ‘The Servant Song’, ‘O Sacrament Most Holy’, ‘Go Tell Everyone’, ‘Whatsoever You Do’, ‘I Watch the Sunrise’, ‘Mass Setting-Bernard Sexton’.

PRAY from Grow in Love/I nGrá Dé:

COMMUNION RITE

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.

DEASGNÁTH NA COMAOINEACH

CUIREADH CHUIG COMAOINEACH NAOFA

Sagart: Seo é Uan Dé, seo é an té

a thógann peacaí an domhain. Is

méanar dóibh siúd a fuair cuireadh

chun séire an Uain.

Pobal: A Thiarna, ní fiú mé go dtiocfá

faoi mo dhian,

ach abairse an focal

agus leigheasfar m’anam.

WHEN RECEIVING HOLY COMMUNION

Celebrant: The Body of Christ.

People. Amen.

AG GLACADH COMAOINEACH

Sagart: Corp Chríost.

Pobal: Áiméan.

ACT OF SPIRITUAL COMMUNION (during the pandemic)

My Jesus, I believe that You are in the Blessed Sacrament.

I love You above all things, and I long for You in my soul.

Since I cannot now receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart.

As though You have already come, I embrace You and unite myself entirely to You;

never permit me to be separated from You.

Amen.

‘I am the living bread which came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever, alleluia.’(Benedictus antiphon)

‘O praise the Lord, Jerusalem! alleuia.’(Psalm 147:12)

‘O sacred feast in which we partake of Christ: his sufferings are remembered, our minds are filled with his grace and we receive a pledge of the glory that is to be ours, alleluia.’ (Magnificat antiphon)

‘It is in the Eucharist that all that has been created finds its greatest exaltation. Grace, which tends to manifest itself tangibly, found unsurpassable expression when God himself became man and gave himself as food for his creatures… In the Eucharist fulness is already achieved; it is the living centre of the universe, the overflowing core of love and of inexhaustible life. Joined to the incarnate Son, present in the Eucharist, the whole cosmos give thanks to God.’ (Laudato Si’, no. 236)

Sr Anne Neylon

St Anthony of Padua, priest and doctor of the Church, Memorial

‘The Lord is the source of all wisdom: come, let us adore him.’ (Invitatory antiphon).

Recently, two people were standing at St Anthony’s shrine lighting candles in the local parish Church. The woman said to the man pointing to St Anthony, ‘Is he your favourite saint?’ Immediately, the man burst into tears and said he had ‘lost his son to death’ in the pandemic a few weeks ago and the family are in such shock they can hardly talk about him. He then said, ‘St Anthony knows all about the pain of loss and so do we’. Immediately, those standing around, at a social distance were caught in the conversation.

A statue of St Anthony usually includes him holding the Child Jesus, a book and lilies. Lilies are used in Christian art as a symbol of purity. With St Anthony lilies have a special significance. His feast day is celebrated annually on 13 June and lilies are in bloom at this time. There are legends attached to the association of lilies with St Anthony.

It is a common tradition for lilies to be blessed in honour of the St Anthony. Many favours have been granted to people who have devotion to St Anthony. The significance of the book is that when St Anthony was reading a book one day, the Child Jesus appeared to him and sat on his arm and spoke lovingly to him.

St Anthony brings consolation to people as he intercedes in prayer for those who believe. If the local parish Church is open, people are invited to say a prayer and light a candle. One might look out for a shrine to St Anthony. There might be a prayer at the shrine to read. Some parishes hold a Novena to St Anthony.

Today’s readings from the (1 Kings 19:9, 19-21) and the Gospel (Mt 5:33-37) are proclaimed at Mass via the webcam or read from the Old and New Testament.

In the first reading, the call of Elisha, God’s people hear how Elijah went to Elisha who was ploughing in the field. Elijah threw his cloak over him, thus securing authority over him. Elisha accepts and responds to the call by destroying the plough, killing the oxen and sharing the food. He renounced his old ways and followed Elijah.

In the Gospel Jesus continues his teaching on love with an emphasis on upholding the dignity of the human person. God asks for integrity and authenticity in all of our relationships. God knows our failures, our sin and our weaknesses. He continually calls his disciples to unconditional, everlasting and abiding love. He calls disciples to repentance and justice. God is faithful, true and trustworthy.

From the readings, God’s people are invited to turn towards God and follow the way of love, the way of Jesus.

SEEK GOD’S LOVE IN THE GROW IN LOVE RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PROGRAMME

The children are introduced to St Anthony of Padua in the context of the Parable of the Lost Coin (Lk 15:8-10).  This parable explores the gallant efforts the woman makes to find the coin she lost and then she celebrates when she finds it.

From the exploration of this Parable the children recognise that God is always seeking out those who are lost. When the person who is lost returns to God he/she is welcomed with love and joy. God desires that every person would repent and turn towards God who seeks their love.

It is hoped that children when they explore the theme of losing something or being lost that they will grow in awareness of God’s unconditional love for them. They are free to respond to God’s love. They are reassured of God’s love in every circumstance of their lives even in their darkest moments.

The children listen to the story about St Anthony (1195-1231) and his life. He was born in Lisbon, Portugal. St Anthony heard God’s call and he responded in love. St Anthony joined the Franciscan Order, who has St Francis as patron saint.

On being elected Pope, Pope Francis chose St Francis as his patron saint. In his Encyclical letter Pope Francis writes, ‘ I do not want to write this Encyclical, without turning to that attractive and compelling figure, whose name I took as my guide and inspiration when I was elected Bishop of Rome.’ (Laudato Si, no. 10).

People pray to St Anthony when they lose something. Children recognise why they do this as they read the story of ‘St Anthony’s Lost Book’ in Fourth Class/P6.

Later on, the theme of being lost and found is explored in the sacrament of Reconciliation. Children read the parables about forgiveness and they are taught the prayers of forgiveness and the Confiteor and the Act of Sorrow.  Families are invited to take their children to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Children might like to light a virtual candle from the Veritas website and offer a prayer to St Anthony.

Resources on the VERITAS website are available to support the Scripture passages on being lost and found and on reconciliation.

Logon: www.veritas.ie

Email: trial@growinlove.ie

Password: growinlove

INVITATION TO:

READ from Grow in Love/I nGrá Dé

‘Jesus and Zacchaeus’ (Lk 19:1-10), Jesus heals a man who is paralysed’ (Mt 9:1-8, Mk 2:1-12), ‘The Parable of the Lost Sheep’ (Lk 15:1-7), ‘The Parable of the Lost Coin’ (Lk 15:8-10), ‘The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant’.

SING from Grow in Love/I nGrá Dé:

‘Song of Repentance’, ‘Our Father’, ‘Parable Song-Parable of the Lost Coin’.

PRAY with Grow in Love/I nGrá Dé

ACT OF SORROW

O my God, I thank you for loving me.

I am sorry for all my sins, for not loving

others and not loving you.

Help me to live like Jesus and not sin again. Amen.

GNíOMH DÓLÁIS

A Dhia, gabhaim buíochas leat as ucht do ghrá dom.

Ta brón orm faoi mo pheacaí uile:

Nach raibh grá agam duitse ná do dhaoine eile.

Cabhraigh liom mo shaol a chaitheamh

ar nós Íosa agus gan peaca a dhéanamh arís.

Áiméan.

PRAYER FOR FORGIVENESS

O my God, help me to remember the times when I didn’t live

as Jesus asked  me to.

Help me to be sorry and try again. Amen.

PAIDIR AG IARRAIDH MAITHIÚNAIS

A Dhia, ár nAthair, cabhraigh liom

cuimhneamh ar na huaireanta

nár mhair mé mar a d’iarr Íosa orm.

Cabhraigh liom brón a bheith orm

agus iarracht eile a dhéanamh. Áiméan.

PRAYER AFTER FORGIVENESS

O my God, thank you for forgiving me.

Help me to love others.

Help me to live as Jesus asked me to.

Amen.

PAIDIR TARÉIS MAITHIÚNAIS

A Dhia, ár nAthair, go raibh maith agat

faoi mhaithiúnas a thabhairt dom.

Cabhraigh liom grá a thabhairt

do dhaoine eile.

Cabhraigh liom maireachtáil mar a

d’iarr Íosa orm.

Áiméan.

‘The learned will shine as brightly as the vault of heaven, and those who have instructed many in virtue will shine like stars for all eternity.’ (Benedictus antiphon).

‘O holy doctor, St Anthony of Padua, light of the Church, lover of the law of God, pray for us to the Son of God.’ (Magnificat antiphon).

My birthright, my cup is Yahweh; you, you alone, hold my lot secure.’ (Psalm15:1).

‘Saint Francis, faithful to Scripture, invites us to see nature as a magnificent book in which God speaks to us and grants us a glimpse of his infinite beauty and goodness. “Through the greatness and the beauty of creatures one comes to know by analogy their maker” (Wis 13:5); indeed, “his eternal power and divinity have been made known through his works since the creation of the world” (Rom 1:20). For this reason, Francis asked that part of the friary garden always be left untouched, so that wild flowers and herbs could grow there, and those who saw them could raise their minds to God, the Creator of such beauty.[21] Rather than a problem to be solved, the world is a joyful mystery to be contemplated with gladness and praise.’ (Laudato Si’, no. 12).

St Anthony of Padua, pray for us.

‘O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to Thee.’

Sr Anne Neylon

‘Indeed, how good is the Lord; bless his holy name.’ (Invitatory antiphon).

These days of Covid-19 with restrictions placed on the activities people are accustomed to attending on a weekly and/or a daily basis, cause a sense of anxiety to some. To others, it all feels like one long break. To those committed to going to the gym, the hairdresser, holidays and weekends away, sports training and matches, drama and music lessons, Mass, devotions and the sacraments,  there is a big gap and a loss in their lives. What is really disconcerting is the fact that no one knows when they will return again to what they think is the familiar.  We wait in hope.

In the first reading today we read Elijah is waiting for God on the mountain. God wasn’t in the wind, or the earthquake or the fire. He was in the gentle breeze. Elijah waited. God came in God’s own time and way. God is the ‘God of Surprises.’

Today’s readings from the first Book of Kings (1 Kings 19:9, 11-16) and the Gospel (Mt 5:27-32) are proclaimed at Mass via the webcam or read from the Old and New Testament.

The first reading, 1 Kings 19:9, 11-16 tells of God’s encounter with Elijah. The path that Elijah took is similar to the one taken by Moses (Exodus). Elijah arrived at Horeb, another name for Sinai. Yahweh passed by Elijah.

There was a mighty wind but Yahweh was not in the wind. After the wind there came an earthquake; but Yahweh was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire; but Yahweh was not in the fire. After the fire there came the sound of a gentle breeze.

When Elijah heard the gentle breeze, he covered his face with his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. Then a voice addressed him: ‘What are you doing here, Elijah?’ He answered, ‘I am filled with jealous zeal for Yahweh Sabaoth’ and he gave him three reasons why.

Yahweh spoke to Elijah and told him to go back to the wilderness of Damascus. He instructed him to do three things; to anoint Hazael king of Aram, Jehu king of Israel, and Elisha to succeed himself, Elijah as prophet.

I wonder what it might feel like to have a ‘jealous zeal’ for Yahweh.

In the Gospel, Jesus continues to point out the way of love, while challenging certain behaviours. God is love. God calls each one to right relationship with God, self, neighbour and environment. We cannot be ‘silent witnesses to injustices.’ As the people are confronted by Jesus, Pope Francis confronts every person in the whole world in Laudato Si’ about ‘what is happening to our common home.’  (LS, pp. 17-36). Pope Francis offers the people an integral ecology.

SEEK GOD’S LOVE IN THE GROW IN LOVE RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PROGRAMME

There is opportunity here for children to revisit the story of Moses in the Book of Exodus to recall; God’s encounter with Moses; how God appeared to Moses in the burning bush; how Moses covered his face at the encounter; how God gave The Ten Commandments to Moses on Mt Sinai as a means of keeping the covenant God made with them; the covenant, that God would be their God and they would be God’s people. Also children recall how God appeared to Abraham, Mary and St Joseph. They recognise how God is present to each person today.

As prayer is a communication with God, children can explore the encounter Elijah had with God and where and how God revealed Godself to Elijah. Children can take a moment in prayer and seek God’s presence in the silence of their heart. Perhaps they may hear God ask them a questions as he asked Elijah? ‘What are you doing here?’ They can explore other places, events and people where they might meet God. God is present in the Word of God and in the Eucharist. They might engage in the Examen prayer during the day, accessible on the website.

Yahweh tells Elijah to go back and anoint Hazael, Jehu and Elisha. Children identify anointing as belonging to God’s family firstly, in Baptism. The young people are sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit at Confirmation. In the Old Testament they will recall how David was anointed at leader. Children will explore the ritual of anointing in the sacraments.

The Gospel will prompt the children to recall promises they make in life, the Lenten promise and the promises they make to God and each other. Once again they recall Jesus teaching on love. God gave the commandments to Moses and the people so they could love God and one another. They might if in Sixth class read the lesson entitled ‘Christian Marriage’ and read ‘Marriage in the Catholic Church’ in their Grow in Love e-book.

Resources on the VERITAS website are available to support the story of Moses, prayer, Eucharist, Sacrament of Confirmation, the Ten Commandments.

Logon: www.veritas.ie

Email: trial@growinlove.ie

Password: growinlove

INVITATION TO:

READ from Grow in Love/I nGrá Dé

‘God Calls Moses’ (Ex 3:1-16), ‘The Covenant at Sinai’ (Ex 19:3-8), ‘The Ten Commandments’ (Exodus 20:1-17), ‘The Story of Ruth’ (Ruth 1:1-17).

SING from Grow in Love/I nGrá Dé:

‘The Salvation Song’, ‘Take Off Your Shoes’, ‘The Great Commandment’, ‘All Things Bright and Beautiful’, ‘Céad Míle Fáilte Romhat’, ‘Wherever You Go’.

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.

ST PATRICK’S BREASTPLATE

Christ be with me,

Christ be beside me,

Christ be before me,

Christ be behind me,

Christ be at my right hand,

Christ be at my left hand,

Christ be with me, wherever I go,

Christ be my friend forever and ever.

Amen.

LÚIREACH PHÁDRAIG

Críost liom.

Críost romham.

Críost I mo dhiaidh.

Críost ionam.

Críost ar mo lámh dheas.

Críost ar mo lámh chlé.

Críost I mo chuideachta is cuma cá dtéim.

Críost mar chara agam, anois go buan. Áiméan.

KYRIE ELEISON

Celebrant: Kyrie, Eleison

All: Kyrie, Eleison.

Celebrant: Christe, Eleison

All: Christe, Eleison.

‘Through the loving mercy of our God, the Rising Sun has come to visit us.’ (Benedictus antiphon).

‘Remember your mercy, O Lord; according to the promise you made to our fathers.’ (Magnificat antiphon).

‘Hear my voice when I call, O lord have mercy on me, and answer. My heart says to you, I seek your face, O Lord.’ (Psalm 26:8).

‘We can be silent witnesses to terrible injustices if we think we can obtain significant benefits by making the rest of humanity, present and future, pay the extremely high costs of environmental deterioration. ‘. (Laudato Si’, no.36).

‘O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to Thee.’

Sr Anne Neylon

St Barnabas, apostle, Memorial

‘Come, before the Lord, singing for joy.’ (Invitatory antiphon).

During the time of Covid-19, good news was/is not in scarce supply. The good news from the final ‘Late Late Show’ of the year, hosted by Ryan Tubridy informed its viewers that donations to Irish charitable causes amounted to over €6 million since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic. It was a proud and humbling moment for the presenter, as he thanked everyone. The generosity of many individuals will help charities, including, The Society of St Vincent De Paul, Pieta, The Julian Benson Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, The Irish Cancer Foundation,  Laura Lynn Children’s Hospice and the Capuchin Day Centre.

Today, the Church celebrates the feast of St Barnabas. He was born on the island of Cyprus. Barnabas, the apostle was sent to proclaim the Good News to the people of Antioch, though not in monetary terms, as in the ‘Late Late Show’ but in the Good News of the person of Jesus.

Today’s readings from the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 11:21-26, 13:1-3) and the Gospel (Mt 10:7-13) are proclaimed at Mass via the webcam or read from the New Testament.

When Barnabas was sent to Antioch he rejoiced at what he saw and heard. It was here at ‘Antioch that the disciples were first called Christians’. The Good News of the Lord Jesus was spreading there and ‘a great number believed and turned to the Lord.’  He encouraged those he met and ‘urged them all to remain firmly faithful to the Lord.’ Barnabas was ‘a good man filled with the Holy Spirit and with faith.’  Because of this, ‘large crowds came to know the Lord.’

The Gospel tells of Jesus sending out the twelve apostles. He instructs them on the way to go. He said to proclaim the Good News that ‘The kingdom of heaven is near.’ He instructed them to ‘heal the sick, bring the dead back to life, cleanse the lepers and drive out demons.’ Jesus tells them that they received without charge and they must give without charge. All the disciples receive from God is always gift.

SEEK GOD’S LOVE IN THE GROW IN LOVE RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PROGRAMME

The themes of the readings are woven through the Grow in Love programme. From their earliest years in school the children are introduced to the twelve apostles.

They do not meet the apostle St Barnabas as one of the twelve apostles in the Grow in Love programme. Children recall that apostles and disciples are called by God to share the Good News of God’s love. They recognise that God’s love is inclusive, unconditional and everlasting. God sent Jesus who promises to remain with those who believe ‘until the end of time.’ The Holy Spirit helps the disciples in their mission.

The children recognise in the first reading that Barnabas rejoiced when he heard that the Good News was spreading; and that a great number believed and returned to the Lord. Children identify as they mature that it takes personal effort to remain in relationship and faithful to God. They learn that to pray is to communicate with God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. They identify that it is not their love for God that is important; it is God’s love for them, because God is love. God will help them to grow in love and to live justly.

The children might be prompted to see how Barnabas went in search of Saul and brought him to Antioch to work with him. They worked together with the Church and instructed many people.

Likewise when Jesus sent out the apostles, he sent them out in pairs. The Church holds the same principle today. Members of the Society of St Vincent de Paul work in pairs or small groups, as also do members of the Legion of Mary and other associations.

God sent Jesus so people might know of God’s love. Jesus taught and witnessed to God’s love. Children are taught that in receiving the sacraments that they meet the risen Jesus. Nourished by the Eucharist and the Word, they participate in the mission of Jesus and share the Good News.

Barnabas was a good man filled with the Holy Spirit and with faith. He was a good role model for those he encountered. Children are taught that they also receive the Holy Spirit at Baptism and the gift of faith. Children pray to the Holy Spirit so they can come to know the Lord Jesus and his will for them. They identify good role models in society who strive to live lives of holiness.

The children are taught about the Kingdom of Heaven as they read the parables. They learn what Jesus said, ‘The Kingdom of Heaven is like a mustard seed…the yeast in the dough… the hidden treasure, the pearl of great price’. They learn that the Kingdom of Heaven is not a place but the reality of where and how we live in the world in imitation of Jesus.

Children might read the promise of the Kingdom of Heaven given to those who strive to live according to Jesus’ teaching on the Beatitudes (Mt 5:1-13).

Resources on the VERITAS website are available to support the teaching of Jesus on love, discipleship and the Parables.

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Email: trial@growinlove.ie

Password: growinlove

INVITATION TO:

READ from Grow in Love/I nGrá Dé

‘The Parable of the Mustard Seed’ (Lk 13:18-19), ‘The Parable of the Yeast’ (Mt 13:33), ‘The Parable of the Hidden Treasure’ (Mt 13: 44), ‘The Parable of the Pearl’ (Mt 13:45-46), ‘The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard’ (Mt 20:1-16), ‘Parable of the Three Servants’ (Mt 25:14-29), Parable of the Unforgiving Servant’ (Mt 18:21-35).

SING from Grow in Love/I nGrá Dé:

‘Our God is an Awesome God’, ‘Go Tell Everyone’, ‘Whatsoever You Do’, ‘Beginning Today’, ‘God is ready to Forgive’, ‘City of God’.

PRAY with Grow in Love/I nGrá Dé

From the Beatitudes (Mt 5:1-13)

‘… Happy are those who know they are spiritually poor;

The kingdom of heaven belongs to them….

Happy are those who are persecuted because they do

what God requires;

the Kingdom of God belongs to them.’

‘Give your people knowledge of salvation, Lord, and forgive us our sins.’ (Benedictus antiphon).

‘The Lord has satisfied and filled with good things, those who hungered for justice.’ (Magnificat antiphon).

‘The Lord has made known his salvation, to the nations.’ (Psalm 15:1).

‘Jesus took up the biblical faith in God the Creator, emphasizing a fundamental truth: God is Father (cf. Mt 11:25). In talking with his disciples, Jesus would invite them to recognize the paternal relationship God has with all his creatures. With moving tenderness he would remind them that each one of them is important in God’s eyes: “Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God” (Lk 12:6). “Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them” (Mt 6:26). (Laudato Si’, no.96).

St Barnabas, please pray for us.

‘O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to Thee.’

Sr Anne Neylon

St Ephrem the Syrian c 306-373, deacon and doctor of the Church,

‘Cry out with joy to God, all the earth: serve the Lord with gladness.’ (Invitatory antiphon).

In celebrating the lives of the saints, the Church provides a history of the goodness of God’s people who lived through the centuries. Remembering a saint from a particular geographical area allows the faithful to remember his/her place of origin and the connection with the place today. The Church invites God’s people to intercede for God’s people through the lives of these saints.

Today the Church celebrates the feast of St Ephrem the Syrian. He was born at Nisibis, which is today in eastern Turkey near its border with Syria. He was impetuous as a young boy but learned the errors of his ways. He willingly transformed his life through prayer and efforts he made to discipline himself. He became a teacher; wrote hymns and biblical commentaries.

His liturgical music is still in use in the Orthodox Church. In his composition of hymns, St Ephrem defended the true Nicene doctrine; that Jesus was at once both human and divine. He was ordained a deacon.

Ephrem is credited for awakening the Church to the importance of music in spreading and strengthening the faith.

On one occasion Ephrem heard about a famine in Edessa in 372. He was horrified to hear that some people hoarded food while others starved. Those who hoarded the food said there was no fair way to distribute it. Ephrem volunteered himself to take up the challenge and with his helpers, they provided food for those in need.

Today’s reading from the first Book of Kings (1 Kings 18:20-39) and the Gospel (Mt 5:17-19) are proclaimed at Mass via the webcam or read from the Old and New Testament.

The sacrifice on Mount Carmel showed the people the difference between Baal and God. Some people named Baal as the true God and others named God as the one true God.  Elijah declared himself as God’s only prophet while Baal had 450 prophets.

Elijah ordered the people to get two bulls Then Baal’s prophets had to choose one bull and Elijah got the other bull. Both bulls were prepared for sacrifice but not set alight. Elijah told them to call on the name of their god and he would call on his God. The one who answers by fire said Elijah was the ‘true God’. All agreed this was good to do.

The people called on the name of Baal all day long. Nothing happened.

Then Elijah prepared the bull, the altar and surrounding area for the sacrifice with his people. At the time of sacrifice, Elijah prayed to God and said, ‘let them know today that you are God in Israel, and that I am your servant, that I have done all these things at your command’. Then the fire of the Lord fell and burned the sacrifice. When the people saw this happen they fell on their faces and said, ‘The Lord is God! The Lord is God!’

God listened to Elijah’s prayer. God wanted to reawaken the people to his life and presence. On Mount Carmel the people were transformed and God’s victory came through the prophet Elijah.

Today God calls God’s people to transformation and conversion. This is the work of the Holy Spirit. In these immediate times, God’s people are called to an ecological conversion in the world. God’s people are unable to ‘hear the cry of the earth and the poor’ because of the worlds’ distractions. Jesus gently continues to call his disciples to the way of love. God speaks in the silence of our hearts.

In the Gospel, Jesus encourages the disciples to obey the commandments and to teach others to do the same. What Jesus taught by words he witnessed to in his life.

SEEK GOD’S LOVE IN THE GROW IN LOVE RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PROGRAMME

Today, children might revise some of the lives of the saints in the Grow in Love programme. They may research the life of St Ephrem as he is not included in the Grow in Love programme.

Children experience love through being loved. As they grow and mature, they come to know the one true God, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. They express their belief in God as they recite the Apostle’s Creed and the Nicene Creed.

As St Ephrem was born on the border of Syria it may be opportune to look at the difficult and challenging life the Christians live in Syria today. There is a story of hope, in the context of the Resurrection in the Sixth Class programme of a Syrian family who came to live in Ireland. Resources on the VERITAS website include an interview with the Syrian family members.

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Email: trial@growinlove.ie

Password: growinlove

As St Ephrem was renowned for writing liturgical music, children might be encouraged to listen to some hymns and Bernard Sexton’s Mass Setting in Grow in Love.

Some of St Ephrem’s liturgical music remains popular in Orthodox Churches. Children might revise the theme on ‘Church’, in Grow in Love, Fourth Class/P6 and watch the video (s) of children from five Christian churches sharing their faith experiences.

Transformation and conversion are important in the lives of God’s people. Pope Francis calls the people of the world to an ‘ecological conversion’. Families might be prompted to examine the ‘reduce, reuse and recycle’ system in use at home, in school and in the parish community.

St Ephrem followed the teachings of Jesus. Children might revise the teachings of Jesus on love, sharing, prayer and forgiveness. They might read some of the parables of Jesus appropriate to their class level, available in the Grow in Love e-book or Bible.

St Ephrem was a deacon of the Church. Children are introduced to the Sacrament of Holy Orders and the ministry of the deacon in the Fifth Class/P7 programme. Children might be encouraged to pray for Pope Francis and the Church throughout the world. Families might also pray for Christians who are suffering because of their efforts to uphold their faith.

The Gospel of the day might prompt a look at the Commandments and the symbols of the Holy Spirit, one being fire. Children might revise the story of Pentecost and the coming of the Holy Spirit and the action of the Holy Spirit in their personal lives. Children might thank God for the gift of faith.

INVITATION TO:

READ from Grow in Love/I nGrá Dé

‘The Coming of the Holy Spirit’ (Acts 1: 1-13),

SING:

‘The Summons’, ‘The Servant Song’, ‘Go Tell Everyone’, ‘Mass setting, Bernard Sexton’,

PRAY with Grow in Love/I nGrá Dé

PRAYER TO THE HOLY SPIRIT

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

Holy Spirt, I want to live like Jesus.

Guide me.

Holy Spirit, I want to pray like Jesus.

Teach me.

PAIDIR CHUIG AN SPIORAD NAOMH

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

Cabhraigh liom.

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

Treoraigh mé.

A Spioraid Naoimh, ba mhaith liom

guí mar a ghuigh Íosa. Múin dom é.

‘Let us serve the Lord in holiness all our days.’ (Benedictus antiphon).

‘Show the power of your arm Lord, put down the proud and exalt the lowly.’ (Magnificat antiphon).

‘Save me Lord, I take refuge in you.’ (Psalm 15:1).

An ecological conversion ‘calls for a number of attitudes, which together foster a spirit of generous care, full of tenderness. First, it entails gratitude and gratuitousness, a recognition that the world is God’s loving gift…it also entails a loving awareness that we are disconnected from the rest of creatures, but joined in a splendid universal communion. ’ (Laudato Si’, no.220).

St Ephrem, please pray for us.

‘O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to Thee.’

Sr Anne Neylon

‘How wonderful is God among his saints; come let us adore him.’ (Invitatory antiphon).

One of the most poignant parts of a funeral is time given to the eulogy. This is a speech that pays tribute to someone at the time of death. It is a time to remember the uniqueness of the loved one.

Today’s first reading (Rm 12:1-2, 9-13) and Gospel (Mt 8:18-27) for the feast of St Columba (AD 521-597) (Colmcille) are proclaimed at Mass via the webcam or read from the New Testament. A variety of readings are offered on the Liturgical Calendar for Ireland 2020.

St Columba is venerated as a national patron alongside St Brigid and St Patrick. St Columba was born in Gartan, Co Donegal, in AD 521.  He is the patron saint of the city of Derry, where he founded a monastic settlement in 540 AD.

The readings chosen for this feast mirror the life of St Columba, as outlined in the Divine Office.

The second reading from the Office of Readings, from The Life of Columba of Adomnan, (p. 444*) has the sense of a eulogy.  The author describes the primacy of God in St Columba’s life. St Columba’s response to God’s call led him in his vocation as abbot and missionary.  Columba is also remembered for his great work of reconciliation and was given the title ‘Patron of the Bards’.

The first reading from Romans (Rm 12:1-2, 9-13), offers a plan for the Christian life, a way it seems, St Columba followed.  The Gospel (Mt 8:18-27), includes the dialogue between Jesus and his disciples on discipleship and Jesus’ challenge to their faith when the storm arose while they were all on the lake in the boat.

According to Adomnan, from boyhood, St Columba was in ‘search for wisdom’. He was ‘refined in speech, holy in his works, pre-eminent in character and great in counsel.’ At 42 years of age, Columba sailed from Ireland to Britain and stayed on the island of Iona for 34 years. There he spent his time in ‘prayer, reading, writing and doing good works.’ He also kept fast and vigils. He was of a cheerful disposition and he lived with the joy of the Holy Spirit. St Columba’s faith was tested from time to time.  At the end of his life, he commanded his monks to live lives of ‘love and peace’.

St Columba’s last written words were: ‘Those who seek the Lord shall want for no manner of good thing.’

At the last communal gathering, St Columba and his monks prayed together and Columba blessed them before he died.

St Columba was single-minded in his love for God and for God’s creation.

SEEK GOD’S LOVE IN THE GROW IN LOVE RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PROGRAMME

From the readings today and the Office of Readings, children might explore a little of St Columba’s life. They recognise God called Columba to be a missionary at 42 years of age, to share the Good News. He is patron saint of Derry and patron saint of schools and churches.

He sailed from Ireland to go to Britain and settled in Iona, where he spent a life of prayer, reading, writing and engaging in good works.

Children might link the Gospel reading of the storm at sea (Mt 8:23-7) with Columba travelling on the boat. The readings today state Jesus words to his disciples ‘Follow me’. The children identify this following of Jesus as a call to every disciple.

They might also associate his life of prayer with St Patrick and St Brigid. St Columba like St Patrick spent whole nights in prayer and he fasted from food. The actions of prayer and fasting might resonate with the Lenten season for the children; and they recognise that Jesus went into the desert and spent forty days and nights in fasting and prayer.

St Columba’s work on reconciliation is well known. This is another aspect of life where children can be invited to engage and reflect on their personal lives. They might like to pray to St Columba for a spirit of peace and reconciliation in the world.

The children recognise that St Columba was a joyful and cheerful person because of his love for God. Joy is a fruit of the Holy Spirit.

Before he died St Columba asked his monks to live together in a spirit of love and peace. On the night he died, Columba got up to pray at midnight as was the custom. He rose before the other monks, went to the Church, knelt, prayed at the altar and he blessed the monks present with him just before he died.

Resources are accessible on the VERITAS website in all programmes to help children understand the lives of the saints. St Columba is not included in the Grow in Love programme, though St Patrick and St Brigid are studied in alternate years through the primary school.  Online videos and interactive activities may be helpful.

Logon: www.veritas.ie

Email: trial@growinlove.ie

Password: growinlove

INVITATION TO:

READ from Grow in Love/I nGrá Dé

‘The Storm at Sea’ (Mt 8: 23-7)

SING:

‘The Apostles’, ‘The Summons’, ‘O Lord, Hear my Prayer’, ‘Go Tell Everyone’.

PRAY with Grow in Love/I nGrá Dé

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.

ACT OF FAITH

O my God, I believe in you

and in all that your holy Church teaches

because you have said it

and your Word is true.

You are the Christ,

the Son of the living God.

Lord, I believe; increase my faith. Amen.

‘The man who lives by the truth comes out into the light, so that it may be plainly seen that what he does is done in God.’ (Benedictus antiphon).

‘Well done, good and faithful servant, come and join in your Master’s joy.’ (Magnificat antiphon).

‘The mighty may be hungry and in need, but those who seek the Lord lack nothing.’ (Psalm 33: 11).

‘Jesus lived in full harmony with creation, and others were amazed: ‘What sort of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him?’  (Laudato Si’, no.98).

St Columba, please pray for us.

‘O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to Thee.’

Sr Anne Neylon

Sr Anne Neylon

Sr Anne Neylon