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This Sunday, October 18, the Church celebrates World Mission Sunday. Through our Baptism, we are called to collaborate with the Church’s missionary work and support it with our prayers and material aid. Let’s respond with the same words that are included in the theme for this year: “Here I am, send me.” Let’s not forget our fellow catechists that bring the Gospel to the poorest of the poor around the world.
On October 4, the feast of Saint Francis of Assisi, Pope Francis issued his latest encyclical, Fratelli tutti (On Fraternity and Social Friendship). This is more than just another Church document. It is Pope Francis’s “cry from the heart” to all people of the earth to see beyond their differences—indeed to work with their differences—and begin to grow together to build a new and peaceful world. Read more here.
Every week in the GROW newsletter, you will find a helpful tip for teaching your Gospel Weeklies lesson, a reflection on the Sunday Gospel, and information about our online resources and seasonal activities. Here are tips for teaching the Gospel Weeklies lessons this week:
Seeds
Lesson Theme: Jesus teaches us to praise God.
As preparation for this lesson, you will need to prepare copies of the Glory Be to the Father for children to decorate. You can find this prayer on page 33 in the Catechism handbook. Find the solution to the tulip finding activity on page 2 here.
Promise
Lesson Theme: We belong to God’s family.
This lesson focuses on belonging and that we become members of God’s family through Baptism. Promise children will learn more about the Sacrament of Baptism in the lesson in Unit 2 for January 10, the Baptism of the Lord. Be sure to check the materials box on page TG1-20 of the Teaching Guide for materials you’ll need for this class session. Find a story coloring page for “A Home for Betsey” here.
Good News
Lesson Theme: We follow Jesus’ example.
The Pharisees in the Gospel ask Jesus a question about paying taxes because they know that he is honest. The Good News lesson activities focus on the expectation that Jesus’ followers will be honest and fair like he was. Choosing to follow the Eighth Commandment is an important message to impress upon children of this age. Many of their sins likely fall in the category of dishonesty.
Venture
Lesson Theme: We have one faith in God.
In this lesson, the young people will consider the consequence of choices. They will discover that faithful Catholics must also be good citizens. In the political climate of the U.S. as we approach a presidential election, the young people will likely be aware of the negativity of the campaigns and some of the hot-button issues that separate the platforms of the political parties. The Living the Gospel segment focuses on the first three commandments, which make it clear that we are to always put God first. Doing this will affect our daily choices as well as whom we may vote for or support.
Visions
Lesson Theme: We obey civil law and God’s law.
In this lesson, the young people will reflect upon their own allegiances to certain brands on their clothes, electronics, etc. They will consider whether these loyalties interfere or promote their relationship with God. The young people will learn about the common good and identify some things in society that contribute to it. They will participate in an activity in which they will reflect upon priorities and ways to invest and take care of the money that God has given them.
Image credit: missio.org
