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This Sunday is the Third Sunday of Advent, which is also known as Gaudete Sunday. The use of pink (officially rose) vestments and candle on the Advent wreath signifies that our time of preparation is progressing toward its end. Our time of celebration is drawing near.
December 12 is also the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, patroness of the Americas. This day helps us to acknowledge and celebrate the diversity of our Church, in particular, the gift of our brothers and sisters in Christ who are from Mexico and other countries in Central and South America. You may wish to read and share these resources related to Our Lady of Guadalupe:
A Prayer to Our Lady of Gaudalupe
John Paul II’s Prayer to Our Lady of Guadalupe
Our Lady of Gaudalupe, An Icon Not Made by Human Hands
Mother of All the Inhabitants in the One America
Religious Liberty Prayer Card (English, Spanish)
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.
Video of Sunday’s Gospel (Luke 3:10–18)
Use these videos as you discuss today’s Gospel. Please preview all videos you plan to share with your class:
Holy Heroes
Gospel Readings for Kids
God’s Story: John the Baptist
Use these videos to talk about Advent:
A Journey Through Advent
Liturgical Calendar: Saints and Seasons with Shannon
Advent in 2 Minutes
What Is an Advent Wreath?
Advent: Waiting for Jesus
Share this video with families about the importance of attending Mass, especially at Christmastime:
Find the Perfect Gift
Use this video to share about Our Lady of Guadalupe (feast day 12/12)
Our Lady of Guadalupe
Seeds
Lesson Theme: We get ready for Christmas.
For this lesson, you will need an Advent wreath, crayons (make sure you have at least one purple and one pink crayon per child), scissors, one half oatmeal box, strips of yellow paper, Church Year calendar, and the paper wreath from 11/28. Here you can download a printable coloring page for the “Getting Ready for Ruby” story.
Today you will prepare a manger by cutting an oatmeal box in half the long way. You can decorate it as you desire. During the lesson, the children will add one yellow strip of paper symbolizing hay for every loving action they do. Make sure you notice their kind actions and hand them a strip of paper to prepare Jesus’ manger.
Point out the change in liturgical color on the cover of the Seeds student lesson. It’s Gaudete Sunday. Gaudete means “rejoice.” We are joyful because our celebration of the birth of Jesus is so near. He is the best possible gift we could ever hope to receive.
Teaching Guide
Parent Teaching Pages
The Gospel at Home
Weekly Review Template
Word of the Week
Seasonal Resources
Videos
Weekly Gospel Videos and Coloring Pages
Bible Bag Gospel Lesson with Mrs. Cole
Advent Wreath
Promise
Lesson Theme: Sharing brings joy.
For this lesson, you will need an Advent wreath, scissors, crayons, Church Year calendar, and the Advent calendar from the 11/28 lesson. We suggest that you separate pages 1–2 from 3–4 before your class session.
Point out the change in liturgical color on the cover of the Promise student lesson. It’s Gaudete Sunday. Gaudete means “rejoice.” We are joyful because our celebration of the birth of Jesus is so near. He is the best possible gift we could ever hope to receive.
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 Videos and Coloring Pages
Bible Bag Gospel Lesson with Mrs. Cole
Advent Wreath
Good News
Lesson Theme: We can be kind and fair.
The supplies you need for this lesson are basic: Advent wreath, pencils, crayons, and Church Year calendar. Point out the change in liturgical color on the cover of the Promise student lesson. It’s Gaudete Sunday. Gaudete means “rejoice.” We are joyful because our celebration of the birth of Jesus is so near. He is the best possible gift we could ever hope to receive.
Within this lesson, the children will be introduced to (or review) the meaning of the term sin and use the What the Church Believes and Teaches handbooks to learn about sin and conscience. The activity suggested in that section of the lesson plan will help the children clarify the difference between an accident or mistake and a sin.
Teaching Guide
Parent Teaching Pages
The Gospel at Home
Weekly Review Template
Lesson Assessment
Seasonal Resources
Videos
Advent Wreath
What Is the Symbolism of the Advent Wreath?
Venture
Lesson Theme: How can we prepare for Jesus?
Advent may be overlooked by children in the excitement of Christmas. Pause and discuss what gifts they can share. Note the change in liturgical color on the cover of the lesson. It’s Gaudete Sunday. Gaudete means “rejoice.” We are happy because our celebration of the birth of Jesus is so near. He is the best possible gift we could ever hope to receive.
Spend some time with the John the Baptist activity. Help the children understand that John’s advice was not meant only for the people who heard his voice. John’s words—and all of Scripture, for that matter—were meant for all people in all times, including us.
Teaching Guide
Parent Teaching Pages
The Gospel at Home
Weekly Review Template
Lesson Assessment
Seasonal Resources
Videos
What Is the Symbolism of the Advent Wreath?
The Meaning of the Advent Wreath
Temple Mount Video Tour
St. Lucy
Visions
Lesson Theme: John the Baptist helps us prepare.
Refer to the cover of the November 28 for this week’s opening prayer mantra: I will rejoice and be thankful. Note the liturgical color change on the cover of this week’s Visions lesson. This Sunday is also known as Gaudete Sunday. Gaudete means “rejoice.” In this Sunday’s Gospel, John the Baptist gives us reason to rejoice; he lets the people know that Jesus is coming, so they must prepare by treating each other fairly and repenting of their sins. This week, we celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Reserve time to share the prayer service together.
Teaching Guide
Parent Teaching Pages
The Gospel at Home
Weekly Review Template
Lesson Assessment
Seasonal Resources
Videos
What Is the Symbolism of the Advent Wreath?
The Meaning of the Advent Wreath
St. Wenceslaus School Cardboard Box City
Cardboard Box City
Our Lady of Guadalupe
Image credit: © 2020 by Jon P. McKamey