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This week, on February 2, the Catholic Church around the world celebrates the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord. According to Jewish tradition, every firstborn male was taken to the Temple to be presented forty days after birth. Joseph and Mary followed God’s Law, so the Church counts forty days after Christmas Day to celebrate this occasion.
On his homily for this Feast in 2019, Pope Francis said that “[The Presentation] shows Jesus who goes out to meet his people. It is the feast day of encounter. . . . We too are called to welcome Jesus who comes to meet us. To encounter him: the God of life is to be encountered every day of our lives; not now and then, but every day.”
Loving God, open our hearts to be prepared to encounter your love in everything we do and in everyone we meet. Amen.
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 (Luke 4:21–30)
Use these videos as you discuss the Sunday Gospel. Please preview all videos you plan to share with your class:
Gospel Readings for Kids
Holy Heroes
Luke 4:21–30
Seeds
Lesson Theme: We listen to Jesus’ Good News.
For this lesson, you will need drawing paper, crayons, scissors, envelopes, a Church Year calendar, and copies of this week’s story coloring page.
The story of Jesus’ rejection in this Sunday’s Gospel is difficult for young children to grasp, so this lesson focuses on the loving, healing actions God sent Jesus to do. You will help the children explore their skill of listening, which is important for discovering Jesus’ message. Throughout the lesson, make sure you commend them for listening to your instructions.
Teaching Guide
Parent Teaching Pages
Extending Activities
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
Promise
Lesson Theme: Jesus had problems too.
For this lesson, you will need pencils, scissors, tape, envelopes, a Church Year calendar, and a Bible.
You will teach the children some memory aids to help them learn about the Blessed Trinity and the Holy Spirit. These are found in the gold What the Church Believes and Teaches box (first column on page TG3-15 in your Teaching Guide). This part of every lesson plan includes the main doctrine of the lesson. We encourage you to make time for this every week.
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
Good News
Lesson Theme: We believe in Jesus.
For this lesson, you will need scissors, pencils, crayons, a Church Year calendar, and materials for the Apostles’ Creed activity. Three options for an Apostles’ Creed activity can be found in the gold What the Church Believes and Teaches box (first column on page TG3-15 in your Teaching Guide). You may wish to use one, two, or all three options as time allows. This part of every lesson plan includes the main doctrine of the lesson. We encourage you to make time for this every week.
Teaching Guide
Parent Teaching Pages
The Gospel at Home
Weekly Review Template
Lesson Assessment
Seasonal Resources
Venture
Lesson Theme: Jesus’ neighbors reject him.
Share with the children that being known as a Christian was risky for Jesus’ followers. In some areas of the world, this is still true. Jesus takes a risk in this Sunday’s Gospel and is rejected by people in his hometown. Encourage discussion about the idea of the risks we take to stand up for others and for our faith. Remember to have scissors available so the children can cut out the activity cards. They will need Bibles to complete the Our Catholic Faith feature.
Teaching Guide
Parent Teaching Pages
The Gospel at Home
Weekly Review Template
Lesson Assessment
Seasonal Resources
Video
Saint Maximilian Kolbe
Visions
Lesson Theme: Jesus’ neighbors reject him.
Being known as a follower of Jesus was risky for his friends. In some areas of the world, this is still true. Jesus takes a risk in this Sunday’s Gospel and is rejected by people in his hometown. Encourage discussion about the idea of the risks we take to stand up for others and for our faith. This week’s cover activity will require the use of a Bible or Bible app. The Living the Gospel activity invites the young people to examine and confront prejudices they may have—sometimes without even realizing it. Make sure to reserve time to discuss what they discover.
Teaching Guide
Parent Teaching Pages
The Gospel at Home
Weekly Review Template
Lesson Assessment
Seasonal Resources
Videos
Catholic Sacraments: Anointing of the Sick
World Day of the Sick Video Reflection
Image credit: Julia Raketic/Shutterstock.com
