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Our long Lenten wait is over! Easter has come again! We raise our voices in singing “Alleluia!”
Even if we slipped up and ate meat on a Friday (as I did on my birthday while on vacation), the Lent police didn’t come calling. Did we ask for God’s forgiveness but not forgive ourselves or someone else? Did we sacrifice but do so grudgingly? Did our concerns about our own finances affect how generously we gave alms for those whose lives are far less secure?
One glance at Christ on the crucifix, the empty tomb, or an image of The Divine Mercy will convict us of God’s great love and mercy for us who are weak and sinful. God is far kinder to us than we sometimes are to ourselves. May that be a Lenten lesson that we can carry into the Easter season and beyond! Jesus, we trust in you!
Every week in the GROW newsletter, you will find helpful tips for teaching your Gospel Weeklies lesson, a reflection on the Sunday Gospel, and links to many online resources.
Videos of the Sunday Gospel (John 20:1–9 & John 20:19–31)
Use these videos as you discuss the Sunday Gospel. Please preview all videos you plan to share with your class:
Easter Sunday
Holy Heroes
God’s Story: Easter
Gospel Reading and Reflection for Kids
2nd Sunday of Easter/Sunday of Divine Mercy
Gospel Reading and Reflection for Kids
John 20:19–31
Thomas Believes
Holy Heroes
Divine Mercy Sunday Explained
What Is Divine Mercy Sunday?
Divine Mercy Sunday (Second Sunday of Easter)
Seeds
Lesson Theme: Jesus is risen!
Happy Easter! This lesson is for two Sundays (Easter Sunday and the Second Sunday of Easter). If your group meets for Easter, follow this lesson plan through the Gospel and end with the “My Easter Egg” activity. For the Second Sunday of Easter (Divine Mercy Sunday), repeat the Gospel, cover the Catechism handbook material, and make the Easter booklets.
For this lesson, you will need crayons, scissors, glue, a stapler, a Church Year calendar, and story coloring pages for “Whose Eggs are Best?” (one per child). We suggest that you separate pages 1–2 from 3–4 in advance.
This is a great opportunity to emphasize to the children that the real meaning of Easter is more than the Easter Bunny and getting treats. Easter is the most important celebration for our church family since we remember that Jesus raised up from the death to give us new life.
Teaching Guide
Parent Teaching Pages
The Gospel at Home
Weekly Review Template
Word of the Week
Seasonal Resources
Videos
Weekly Gospel Video and Saint of the Week: Easter
Bible Bag Gospel Lesson with Mrs. Cole: Easter
Weekly Gospel Video and Saint of the Week: 2nd Sunday of Easter
Bible Bag Gospel Lesson with Mrs. Cole: 2nd Sunday of Easter
Promise
Lesson Theme: Jesus is risen!
This lesson includes the Gospels for Easter Sunday and the Second Sunday of Easter (Sunday of Divine Mercy). If you meet with the children twice during that two-week period, follow the lesson plan through the Gospel in the first session. Repeat the Gospel and complete the activities that follow in your second session.
For this lesson, you will need scissors, crayons, family and Church Year calendars, story coloring pages for “The Little Tree” (one per child), and aide(s) to help with cutting and folding. We suggest that you separate pages 1–2 from 3–4 in advance.
Since your parish may have suspended the Sign of Peace at Mass for the past two years, some children may not recall that it is part of the Mass during “normal” times. As we recall Jesus’ greeting of peace when he appeared to his followers after his Resurrection, this is a good time to review the Sign of Peace, especially if it has been restored in your parish.
Teaching Guide
Parent Teaching Pages
Extending Activities
The Gospel at Home
Weekly Review Template
Lesson Assessment
Word of the Week
Seasonal Resources
Videos
Weekly Gospel Video and Saint of the Week: Easter
Bible Bag Gospel Lesson with Mrs. Cole: Easter
Weekly Gospel Video and Saint of the Week: 2nd Sunday of Easter
Bible Bag Gospel Lesson with Mrs. Cole: 2nd Sunday of Easter
Good News
Lesson Theme: We are Jesus’ witnesses.
This lesson includes the Gospels for Easter Sunday and the Second Sunday of Easter (Sunday of Divine Mercy). If you meet with the children twice during that two-week period, follow the lesson plan through the Catholic Faith Word in the first session. Begin the second session with the Gospel for the Second Sunday of Easter and finish the activities that follow.
For this lesson, you will need pencils, crayons, scissors, drawing paper, and a Church Year calendar. If time is limited, you may wish to cut open the tomb on page 1 of the children’s lessons in advance.
Children can and should be witnesses to Jesus’ Resurrection. The sincere witness of a child can have great power and effect on adults. In the “How Will I Be a Witness?” activity, help the children come up with practical things they can do to share the Good News of God’s love and witness to the Resurrection. Gently lead them to practical and doable ways to witness.
Teaching Guide
Parent Teaching Pages
The Gospel at Home
Weekly Review Template
Lesson Assessment
Seasonal Resources
Venture
Lesson Theme: Jesus is risen.
Note that this lesson covers both Easter Sunday and the 2nd Sunday of Easter (Sunday of Divine Mercy). The Gospel Readings may be read in one sitting—you may wish to have the children act it out to hold their attention. Also note that the editors include the story of Mary Magdalene as a bridge between the two Sundays. Ask the children to consider what person in the story in the Easter story they relate to most—Mary, the Beloved Disciple, Thomas? Why are each of these faith stories important? Prepare a sample of the activity on pages 7–8.
Teaching Guide
Parent Teaching Pages
The Gospel at Home
Weekly Review Template
Lesson Assessment
Seasonal Resources
Video
Pope Francis Discusses Earth Day
Visions
Lesson Theme: Jesus is risen!
Note that this lesson covers both Easter Sunday and the 2nd Sunday of Easter (Sunday of Divine Mercy). The Gospel Readings may be read in one sitting—you may wish to have the young people act it out to hold their attention. Also note that the editors include the story of Mary Magdalene as a bridge between the two Sundays. Ask the young people to consider what person in the story in the Easter story they relate to most—Mary, the Beloved Disciple, Thomas? Make sure to have plenty of markers or colored pencils available so the young people can illustrate the scenes of the Easter Gospels. You may wish to play a recording of “Jesus Christ Is Risen Today” as part of the closing prayer and activity.
Teaching Guide
Parent Teaching Pages
The Gospel at Home
Weekly Review Template
Lesson Assessment
Seasonal Resources
Videos
Jesus Christ Is Risen Today (Modern Version)
Jesus Christ Is Risen Today (Traditional Version)
Image credit: LumoProject.com
