tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33582680162876711812024-03-12T16:17:04.512-07:00a little liturgyweekly reflections on the Liturgy of the Word for Catholic children, parents and catechistsAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00588697147094317880noreply@blogger.comBlogger48125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3358268016287671181.post-81996424389693145572015-09-15T07:24:00.003-07:002015-09-15T07:24:47.689-07:00If anyone wants to be first, he must make himself last... 19/9/15<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">25th Sunday in Ordinary Time</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgd27YZix4HN9TbdFwnT-O2xfJRd7vzAOa85VCq1CgmV025NuwpYgWy4-pH79-kozCVKPFz_QWSk6RTa8xAAQcWh20ALUYfFcZyF5GRdxWFFyt_e979vhRV-6Ox9NTWpRqm4hA30ZSqC0/s1600/sacrachurch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgd27YZix4HN9TbdFwnT-O2xfJRd7vzAOa85VCq1CgmV025NuwpYgWy4-pH79-kozCVKPFz_QWSk6RTa8xAAQcWh20ALUYfFcZyF5GRdxWFFyt_e979vhRV-6Ox9NTWpRqm4hA30ZSqC0/s320/sacrachurch.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The Seven Sacraments displayed above the door of an Irish church. </span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Welcome back to </span><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">a little liturgy</span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">. Apologies for the short break - I am hoping to resume blogging weekly now. This week's picture of a church offering the Sacraments with open gates struck me as I was holidaying in Ireland. I hope you can use it with your children this week. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Summary of the Liturgy of the Word</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">First Reading </span><br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Wisdom 2:12, 17-20</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">People who do not follow God will try to put the "virtuous man" to the test. They say "Let us condemn him to a shameful death since he will be looked after". </span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Psalm 53</span><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The Lord upholds my life.</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Second Reading</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">James 3:16-4:3</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">James tells us that jealousy and ambition cause trouble and that we should follow the wisdom that comes down from heaven which is pure. Kindness, consideration and compassion are recommended. He tells us off for fighting between ourselves and says that when we pray we should not pray to indulge our own desires. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Gospel</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Mark 9:30-37</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Jesus predicts his death and resurrection but the disciples do not understand and are afraid to ask. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Next the disciples start arguing about who is best. Jesus says "If anyone wants to be first, he must make himself last of all and servant of all." He also tells them that if they welcome him they are welcoming "the one who sent me". </span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Discussion</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This week the readings tell us clearly to avoid focussing on ourselves and not to be arrogant. Both James and Jesus' audiences have been quarrelling and arguing. These texts are timeless, as we still argue amongst ourselves today. By doing this, we are doing what the Book of Wisdom foretells by lying "in wait for the virtuous man". Instead we should be following Jesus who will lead us to the father. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Activity</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Click <a href="http://www.oystermouthparish.com/lord-of-the-dance" target="_blank">here</a> for the words of the hymn "Lord of the Dance". These words tell the story of Jesus' life and death - just as we hear him telling them in today's Gospel. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Draw a picture for each verse to show the pattern of Jesus' life. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #595b5b;"><span style="line-height: 17px;">The hymn ends with "I'll Iive in you if you'll live in me".</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #595b5b; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 17px;">What does it mean to live in Christ?</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #595b5b; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 17px;">One of the ways we can help ourselves to live in Christ is to read the Bible and participate in the sacraments:</span></div>
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<span style="color: #595b5b; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 17px;">Baptism</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #595b5b; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 17px;">Reconciliation</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #595b5b; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 17px;">Holy Communion</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #595b5b; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 17px;">Confirmation</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #595b5b; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 17px;">Marriage</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #595b5b; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 17px;">Ordination</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #595b5b; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 17px;">The Sacrament of the Sick </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #595b5b; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 17px;">Make sure that you understand what each of these are and then choose one to research further. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>I hope you have found something to prompt discussion this week!</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>Maria</i></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00588697147094317880noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3358268016287671181.post-90951021547756270012015-08-22T08:38:00.001-07:002015-08-22T08:38:38.347-07:00We know that you are the Holy One of God 23.8.15<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">21st Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B)</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs2mNLxJB6km9krEhdnB1EE0BMIVncomPpIKIn9gFM9oXJ-TKhlONRz5m0AcZtjqOfgk6SD-I_fkZ4HHXcOyejyTBDHwXpsDKGU8rOtH9iepcl1T_nMfd4dZTw9QKvIRppZ6YsZSOuUPs/s1600/DSCN0209.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs2mNLxJB6km9krEhdnB1EE0BMIVncomPpIKIn9gFM9oXJ-TKhlONRz5m0AcZtjqOfgk6SD-I_fkZ4HHXcOyejyTBDHwXpsDKGU8rOtH9iepcl1T_nMfd4dZTw9QKvIRppZ6YsZSOuUPs/s400/DSCN0209.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Cross of the Scriptures, Clonmacnoise, Co. Offaly</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This week <span style="color: #990000;">a little liturgy </span>looks again at belief and our relationship with God. This week's photo shows one of the more famous Irish high crosses which were often used to illustrate the Bible and as a teaching aid to help understanding of the scriptures; I guess we have the internet today!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Summary of the Liturgy of the Word</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">First Reading</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Joshua 24:1-2,15-17,18</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Joshua tells the people that they must serve the Lord or go and find another God. They state their allegiance to the God who brought them out of slavery, saying "We too will serve the Lord, for he is our God". </span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Psalm33</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Taste and see that the Lord is good.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Second Reading</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Ephesians 5:21-32</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">St Paul tells us that the Church is Christ's body and "we are its living parts". Christ loved the Church like a husband loves his wife and we must become one with him. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Gospel</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">John 6:60-69</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Christ asks the twelve if they will stay with him. They reply "Lord, who shall we go to?" However, some others found his teachings too difficult and left.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Discussion</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">All of these readings explore the relationship between God and humankind. It is not always an easy one. The Israelites complained just as the disciples complained. In the Gospel some followers say "This is intolerable language. How could anyone accept it? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This question is an important one for us because some of the things we believe are very difficult to accept. Jesus says that no one can come to believe in him "unless the Father allows him." This is what we mean when we say that someone has faith; they are led to Jesus through the Father. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Activities</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">A) Consider the first section of the Creed. Fill in the gaps below:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I believe in --- --- , the Father --------, maker of ------ and ----- , of all things ------- </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">and ---------.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I believe in one ---- ----- ------, the ---- -------- Son of God, </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">born of the Father before --- ---- ,</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">God from God, ----- from -----, true --- from ---- God,</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">begotten, not ---- , -------------- with the Father;</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">through him all things were made. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">B) Now think carefully about what you are saying here. Write out the passage in your own words. Imagine that you have to explain this to someone who is not Christian. How would you help them understand what you believe?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">C) Draw out the story of the Gospel today. Use speech bubbles to show what the believers and the non-believers say and what Jesus said to them. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">D) We did not read the previous section from the Gospel of John last week as it was the Feast of the Assumption. Look back in your missal or Bible and find out what it was that made Jesus's followers so upset.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">E) Make a list of some things that you find difficult to believe. Ask someone about them and try to do some research about why we believe these things. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I hope you all have a good week!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>Maria</i></span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00588697147094317880noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3358268016287671181.post-50614663592835500592015-08-12T14:25:00.001-07:002015-08-17T13:29:46.891-07:00Of all women you are the most blessed. 16/8/15<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaEDclKh2tLAXh3ZG5AQ1oPUxx1i8dtaoS5CaPyN1lyTS-QnWoivyqYShpwYVY5NK_wuscHmw3mJQYG2_3z06mYOKf13UN7lIkcdQXrGfg-RLkLu5uJzHmJJCQ99EyQf8Hk0cCPYDy37M/s1600/OLOKnock.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaEDclKh2tLAXh3ZG5AQ1oPUxx1i8dtaoS5CaPyN1lyTS-QnWoivyqYShpwYVY5NK_wuscHmw3mJQYG2_3z06mYOKf13UN7lIkcdQXrGfg-RLkLu5uJzHmJJCQ99EyQf8Hk0cCPYDy37M/s400/OLOKnock.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Statue of Our Lady at Knock Shrine Co. Mayo</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This week in </span><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">a little liturgy</span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> we celebrate the Feast of the Assumption (moved from 15th August). I have always found the passage from the Apocalypse a difficult one and remember being mystified and somewhat horrified by it as a child. I hope that you are able to explore it in a fruitful way with the resources below. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Summary of the Liturgy of the Word</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">First Reading</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Apocalypse 11;19; 12:1-6,10</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This reading tells of a vision where a woman appeared in the heavens, standing on the moon with stars for a crown. The woman gave birth to a son but a seven headed dragon was waiting to eat him. However, the child was taken up to heaven away from danger. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Psalm 44</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">On your right stands the queen, in garments of gold.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Second Reading</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Corinthians 15:20-26</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Paul reminds us that death came to the world through Adam but Christ came to conquer death. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Gospel</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Luke 1:39-56</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Luke tells of Mary's visit to her cousin Elizabeth; when Mary arrived the child Elizabeth was carrying in her womb leapt for joy. (This was John the Baptist.) Elizabeth recognised that Mary was blessed and carrying the Lord. Mary says a prayer that we now know as "The Magnificant", praising God. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Discussion</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The Book of the Apocalypse (also known as the Book of Revelation) is quite different from other books in the New Testament. It was written in order to encourage early Christians who were suffering persecution. It is in line with the Jewish tradition of using rich imagery to sum up mankind's situation in the world and the relationship with the world to come. We might look at the writings as a puzzle to be solved and indeed, if we look back to the Old Testament, much of the imagery and many of the references are apparent. The passage in today's First Reading highlights Mary's role in the birth of the Saviour and hence her part in the redemption of the world. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The Gospel shows a more human and practical side to Mary, as a cousin visiting her cousin. When she is greeted and recognised as blessed she praises the Lord. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">These two Biblical accounts encapsulate the diversity of Mary's role, showing the simplicity of her everyday life combined with her special calling to be the mother of God. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Activities</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1. Read again the passage about the seven headed dragon. Draw a picture of it and then consider what this might represent. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">2. Elizabeth says to Mary "Of all women you are the most blessed, and blessed is the fruit of your womb." Which prayer do these words remind you of?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">3. Look back at the words Mary says from Today's Gospel starting, "My soul proclaims..."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Write down other words or phrases that could be used instead of the words listed below to give the same meaning:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">proclaims</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">exults</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">lowly</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">handmaid</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">routed</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">exalted</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">4. Mary's prayer is often referred to as a canticle and has its roots in Jewish tradition. Look, for example, at the Song of Hannah in 1 Samuel 2. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">5. Click <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b0yzZZ4e87c" target="_blank">here</a> for a rendition of the Magnificat with pictures and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X-6k6qTOMvE" target="_blank">here</a> for the beautiful Taize version. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>I hope you have enjoyed thinking about Mary this week. </i></span><br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>Maria</i></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00588697147094317880noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3358268016287671181.post-61413320798073070092015-08-08T07:58:00.002-07:002015-08-17T13:28:55.883-07:00Anyone who eats this bread will live forever (9.8.15)<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">19th Sunday of Ordinary Time (Year B)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Welcome to <span style="color: #990000;">a little liturgy</span>. If you have not visited the blog before please click <a href="http://alittleliturgy.blogspot.co.uk/2014/10/introducing-little-liturgy.html" target="_blank">here</a> to find out what it's about. This week I thought we might begin to address transubstantiation and explore how we think about everlasting life. There is also a brief reference to the current debate about assisted suicide at the end of today's blog, as I think it is important to discuss ethical issues from a young age. However, I have put it at the end as I am aware that some children may not be ready for such a discussion. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Summary of Liturgy of the word</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">First Reading</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Kings 19:4-8</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Elijah is fed up and wishes that he were dead. He says "Lord, I have had enough. Take my life." God responds by sending an angel and giving him bread and water. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Psalm 33</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Taste and see that the Lord is good. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Second Reading</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Ephesians 4:30-5:2</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">St Paul urges us to be kind to each other and not to hold grudges. We must treat each other as God treats us with forgiveness and love. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Gospel</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">John 6:41-51</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">People were complaining about Jesus and said that he was boasting because of his words "I am the bread that came down from heaven". They said that he was Jesus, son of Joseph and could not have come from God. Jesus tells them that people are drawn to him by the Father and that "everybody who believes has eternal life". He says that he will give his flesh as living bread for the life of the world. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Discussion</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">There are some very complex ideas presented to us in today's Gospel. Jesus says "the bread that I shall give is my flesh, for the life of the world". The apostles found it difficult to accept the idea that the bread Jesus offered was his own flesh. Certainly, it seems an extraordinary claim and even a little unpleasant. Over the last two thousand years, there has been much debate about how these words should be interpreted. Catholics believe that the bread and wine offered at Mass actually becomes Christ's flesh and blood and that in receiving Holy Communion we receive the body and blood of Christ. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Perhaps even more difficult to understand is Jesus' promise that anyone who eats his flesh and drinks his blood will live forever. We know that one day we will die but we believe that there is a better life to come which we can experience with God. To be Christian is to believe that Christ died and rose again so that we can enjoy a life with God after death. It is not easy to understand how this might happen because we have a very limited view of our existence. One way that we can grow in understanding is to focus closely on Biblical passages, like this one from St John's Gospel, and pray and discuss things with our friends and family. </span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Today we hear the story of Elijah. Draw a picture for each part of the story:</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1. Elijah sat exhausted under a furze bush.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">2. Elijah complained to God.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">3. An angel appeared and gave Elijah bread and water. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">4. Elijah ate and drank.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">5. Elijah was strengthened and walked a long way to reach Horeb. </span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Now consider the Jewish people at the time of Jesus: </span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1. They felt oppressed by the Romans.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">2. They grumbled and were waiting for a Messiah to set them free.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">3. Jesus was born into the world.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">4. He gave his flesh and blood at the Last Supper and on the cross.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">5. The early apostles followed Jesus and built his Church. </span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Now consider ourselves:</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1. We can get disheartened by life and doubt our faith. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">2. We can grumble and complain about the Church and our lives.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">3. We are baptised and become part of the Church. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">4. We take part in the sacraments and receive Holy Communion.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">5. We are encouraged and strengthened to follow Christ to eternal life. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This week we hear that Elijah is fed up and wants to die. God does not let him; he still has a plan for him. This reading provoked me to think about the current debate around assisted suicide and to introduce the topic in family discussion. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The article below might be a helpful starting point but please vet it first before reading with your child as it addresses some sensitive issues.</span><br />
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<a href="http://kids.britannica.com/comptons/article-9274230/euthanasia" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Kids Britannica article on Euthanasia</span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">For adults, there are some informative views about the debate expressed <a href="http://www.thetablet.co.uk/news/984/0/assisted-dying-legislation-passes-despite-faith-leaders-campaigning-" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/society/assisted-suicide" target="_blank">here</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I hope you have found something helpful in this week's a little liturgy.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>Maria</i></span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00588697147094317880noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3358268016287671181.post-74127227655345116922015-08-01T03:20:00.000-07:002015-08-17T13:29:08.169-07:00I am the bread of life. (2.8.15)<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">18th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Welcome to <span style="color: #990000;">a little liturgy</span>. This week we focus on bread. We see the links between the Old and New Testament and consider our expectations about God. </span>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Summary of Liturgy of the Word</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">First Reading</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Exodus 16:2-4, 12-15</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The Israelites were hungry and complained to Moses. They said he had led them into a wilderness with no food. They even said that they would have been better as slaves back in Egypt. The Lord said to Moses, "I will rain down bread for you from the heavens." </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">When they woke in the morning the Israelites saw a powdery substance on the ground. Moses told them that it was the bread that the Lord had provided. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Psalm 77</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>The Lord gave them bread from heaven.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Second Reading</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Ephesians 4:17, 20-24</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">St Paul warns us that we should not live aimless lives but should ignore false desires and listen to Christ. He says that we should undergo a "spiritual revolution" and start a new life. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Gospel</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">John 6:24-35</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Jesus tells us that we should not look for food that cannot last but work for food that will last for ever. He says that just as Moses and his people received bread from heaven, we too can receive everlasting bread. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">He then says, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never be hungry; he who believes in me will never thirst". </span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Discussion</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Jesus says "I am the bread of life". Bread is something crucial for most people. He is saying that without him we cannot survive. As Christians, we are hungry and thirsty, just like the Israelites in the desert. They were released from slavery but freedom was not as easy as they had anticipated. We were released from the slavery of death when Christ died for us but we do not always find this freedom easy or what we might have expected. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Make a list of all the different types of bread you have eaten this week. Do a little research about how bread is made how different cultures and places have different bread according to their needs. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Draw a storyboard of the Israelites complaining and then waking up to find manna on the ground. Write in what they might have said to each other.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Jesus said "I am the bread of life." Many people found this difficult to understand. Look at the parts of the Mass that talk about bread and discuss what he means by this. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Have a good week!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>Maria</i></span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00588697147094317880noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3358268016287671181.post-73904550970631627782015-07-24T03:24:00.001-07:002015-07-24T03:24:34.303-07:00You open wide your hand, O lord, and grant our desires. 26.7.15<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">17th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B)</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm53D5a5hY36C0euGlDBhgNNyxOWb5OS6lQVDrMvVTI0HWW94F4OUBs8MrgDr_Uv2jIyGdIre6vxcl4wz28c5j1mTFLftAiaAU3t6pKXPCr5re0qHySl77ZbOlL4wISA7e7pxDQl30iq8/s1600/lourdes+photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm53D5a5hY36C0euGlDBhgNNyxOWb5OS6lQVDrMvVTI0HWW94F4OUBs8MrgDr_Uv2jIyGdIre6vxcl4wz28c5j1mTFLftAiaAU3t6pKXPCr5re0qHySl77ZbOlL4wISA7e7pxDQl30iq8/s400/lourdes+photo.JPG" width="285" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The basilica in Lourdes</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #666666;">Welcome to </span><span style="color: #990000;">a little liturgy</span><span style="color: #666666;">. This week we talk of miracles. As I write, I am thinking of my friends in Lourdes on the Ampleforth Pilgrimage. As everyone knows, it is a place of many miracles; as everyone who has visited knows, the miracles are not always of the conventional kind. It is a place where it seems natural to follow the advice of St Paul to "bear with one another charitably, in complete selflessness, gentleness and patience." </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Summary of Liturgy of the Word</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">First Reading</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Kings 4:42-44</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Elisha gives food to his servant to distribute to a hundred men. His servant remarks that it is not enough but Elisha tells him that the Lord has said, "They will eat and have some left over". </span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Psalm 144</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>You open wide your hand, O Lord, you grant our desires. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Second Reading</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Ephesians 4:1-6</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">St Paul tells us to be charitable, selfless, gentle and patient. He also reminds us to be together always, since there is "one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God who is Father of all". </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Gospel</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">John 6:1-15</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The Gospel tells us the familiar story often known as "the feeding of the five thousand" or the "miracle of the loaves and fishes". Jesus notes that the people who had gathered to listen to him might need feeding and asks the disciples to distribute food to them. There are only "five barley loaves and two fish". The disciples are incredulous but after Jesus has said the blessing, they gave out as much as was wanted and there were twelve basketfuls remaining. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Discussion</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Miracles are difficult to comprehend and perhaps even more difficult to distinguish from magic. Certainly, it is easy in this Gospel story, to imagine Jesus' words of blessing acting as some kind of multiplying spell and, hey presto, there were many more loaves and fishes. It may be more helpful to consider what the miracle signifies. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Paragraph 547 of the Catechism says, "</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Jesus accompanies his words with many "mighty works and wonders and signs", which manifest that the kingdom is present in him and attest that he was the promised Messiah."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Some people believe that everyone present became aware of the needs of their neighbour and that they followed the example set by the young boy and Jesus and all shared. This is exactly what St Paul asks of us in his letter to the Ephesians today; we should be "charitable" and "selfless".</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #342d1c; font-family: proxima-nova-condensed, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 20px;">Pope Francis talks about this kind of charity below: </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #342d1c; font-family: proxima-nova-condensed, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">"When we are generous in welcoming people and sharing something with them—some food, a place in our homes, our time—not only do we no longer remain poor: we are enriched. I am well aware that when someone needing food knocks at your door, you always find a way of sharing food; as the proverb says, one can always ‘add more water to the beans’! Is it possible to add more water to the beans?…Always?…And you do so with love, demonstrating that true riches consist not in materials things, but in the heart!"(Pope Francis, Address during Visit to the Community at Varginha, 7/25/13)</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #342d1c; font-family: proxima-nova-condensed, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #990000; font-size: x-large; line-height: 20px;">Activities</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">The events described in the Gopsel today can be linked to the Last Supper and the fact that in the Eucharist God provides food for his people. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Below is the start of the blessing used in Jewish households </span><span style="line-height: 20px;">before eating bread: </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">"</span><i>Blessed are you Lord King of the universe who brings forth bread from the earth</i><span style="font-size: large;">."</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Find the similar words in the text of the Mass you are following. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Continue the words of this blessing to write your own grace before a meal. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The link below shows a modern Jewish family blessing and sharing bread. How is this ritual similar to what the priest does at Mass? What makes our Eucharist different from this? </span><br />
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<span style="color: #342d1c; font-family: proxima-nova-condensed, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 20px;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iwMeIQNxX4M" target="_blank">Jewish blessing for eating bread</a></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #342d1c; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I hope you all have a good week and enjoy the challenge of considering miracles. </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00588697147094317880noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3358268016287671181.post-64131770353142143392015-07-17T08:00:00.002-07:002015-07-17T08:00:25.492-07:00They were like sheep without a shepherd. (19/7/15)<br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">16th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B)</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYv88VmHyxEY9tz4LTKi-nkDmbJsXOIaTPGbtJyMBXX4DepmkjcL_iX-JA8AQRf5teUSITEAUjXEbmnIwy0BFL3i8LkS_PvRhEMP6pc7QJw3B9glbXUo82ZxTY42-1O12DwCxRdMJ3sgU/s1600/DSC_2504.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYv88VmHyxEY9tz4LTKi-nkDmbJsXOIaTPGbtJyMBXX4DepmkjcL_iX-JA8AQRf5teUSITEAUjXEbmnIwy0BFL3i8LkS_PvRhEMP6pc7QJw3B9glbXUo82ZxTY42-1O12DwCxRdMJ3sgU/s320/DSC_2504.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Welcome to </span><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">a little liturgy</span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">. This week we return to thinking of ourselves as sheep. I hope you find something thought provoking below. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Summary of Liturgy of the Word</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">First Reading</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Jeremiah 23:1-6</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Jeremiah tells us of God's message about his sheep. God says that his sheep have been scattered and not cared for properly but that he intends to gather them back together. He says that he will also raise a new king who will practise "honesty and integrity".</span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Psalm 22</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Second Reading</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Ephesians 2:13-18</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">St Paul tells us that Christ brought unity amongst people and also peace. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Gospel</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Mark 6:30-34</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The apostles were tired from preaching so Jesus took them by boat to a quiet place to rest. However, word spread and their followers had already arrived ahead of them. There was now a large crowd. Jesus took pity on them because "they were like sheep without a shepherd". He spent time teaching them himself. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Discussion</span><br />
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<span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Sheep without a shepherd lack a purpose and any sense of direction. From very early days, as shown in today's reading from Jeremiah, the idea that the people were like sheep in relation to God was familiar. This imagery is taken up in the New Testament and confirms for us the relationship between God the Father and God the Son who are both cast as shepherds. </span><br />
<span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Today we cannot see the shepherd but are familiar with his words and directions. Being led by a shepherd also makes us one of a whole flock. Sometimes this can be troubling; indeed it is not a great compliment to be called a "sheep." Even though, as members of Christ's church, we have many essential things in common, we do not always have to behave in exactly the same way. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Paragraph 1776 of the Catechism notes: </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Deep within his conscience man discovers a law which he has not laid upon himself but which he must obey. Its voice, ever calling him to love and to do what is good and to avoid evil, sounds in his heart at the right moment. . . . For man has in his heart a law inscribed by God. . . . His conscience is man's most secret core and his sanctuary. There he is alone with God whose voice echoes in his depths."</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This voice calling could be rather like a shepherd. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">It is interesting to think about what exactly we mean by conscience and how we develop a conscience. Of course what ultimately makes us part of the flock is our willingness to follow the Good Shepherd and trust in him. </span></span><br />
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<sup><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Activities during the homily</span></sup></div>
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<sup><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Look again at the Psalm - it is probably the most well loved psalm. Draw out the images below:</span></sup></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1. fresh and green pastures</span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">2. the right path</span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">3. a banquet</span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">4. an overflowing cup</span></div>
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<sup><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">5. the Lord's house</span></sup></div>
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<sup><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Match these pictures with the verb phrases below:</span></sup></div>
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<sup><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">A. drinking from</span></sup></div>
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<sup><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">B. reposing in</span></sup></div>
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<sup><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">C. dwelling in</span></sup></div>
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<sup><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">D. being guided along</span></sup></div>
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<sup><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">E. eating </span></sup></div>
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<sup><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">All these activities are pleasant and comforting. They are associated with caring and giving protection. The psalmist says that even if he had to walk through "the valley of darkness" he would not be afraid. This is what Jesus gives us as the Good Shepherd. He gives us a confidence that we will be cared for and that with him we should not fear evil. </span></sup></div>
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<sup><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Extra Resources</span></sup><br />
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<sup><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">For a lovely rendition of Psalm 23 click on to youtube <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98br3RuMrJE" target="_blank">here</a>. The more traditional version can be sung along to <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NKK6GLOpguw" target="_blank">here</a>. </span></sup></div>
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<sup><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I hope you have a good week.</span></sup><br />
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<sup><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>Maria</i></span></sup></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00588697147094317880noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3358268016287671181.post-611082061526947922015-07-02T15:22:00.005-07:002015-07-03T14:12:15.516-07:0012/7/15 Take nothing for the journey. <span style="background-color: white; color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">15th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B)</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjE0PhLGfeMHetcOlu9SPNmhFhDqhqUtzleST1Ck0bBJHYg-vRAUIHa2FJTECS3JOHcNBEoQEExTIY_C9StoB0RlsMbn_B393_19iwQ_0OAUAVTTll23HWMnbZ5NwGGHoo2tEi-tVC-es/s1600/St+Benedict.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjE0PhLGfeMHetcOlu9SPNmhFhDqhqUtzleST1Ck0bBJHYg-vRAUIHa2FJTECS3JOHcNBEoQEExTIY_C9StoB0RlsMbn_B393_19iwQ_0OAUAVTTll23HWMnbZ5NwGGHoo2tEi-tVC-es/s320/St+Benedict.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Statue of St Benedict at Ampleforth Abbey</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large;">This week </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #990000; font-size: large;">a little liturgy</span> <span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-size: large;">focusses on discipleship and hospitality. These themes were prompted by the today's gospel and the celebration of the feast of St Benedict yesterday. </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">If you are new, click on "Introducing </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #990000; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">a little liturgy</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">" to find out more. </span><span style="background-color: #d9ead3; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">N.B. this post is a week early - if you are looking for resources for 14th Sunday in Ordinary time, please scroll down.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Summary of Liturgy of the Word</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">First Reading</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Amos 7:12-15</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The priest, Amaziah rejects the prophet Amos and tells him to leave the area. However, Amos says that he was chosen by God and left his job as a shepherd when God said, "Go, prophesy to my people Israel. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Psalm 84</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Let us see, O Lord, your mercy and give us your saving help. </i></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Second Reading</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Ephesians 1:3-14</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">St Paul tells us that we are blessed and that we should become God's adopted children. He also reminds us that Jesus shed his blood so that we may be free. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Gospel</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Mark 6:7-13</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This week we see Jesus sending his disciples out in pairs to preach repentance for sins and heal their problems. He said that they would not need money or possessions but that they were to rely on the hospitality of others. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Discussion</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #bf9000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Last week we heard that Jesus was rejected in his own homeland and today we see an Old Testament prophet, "Amos", being rejected by a local priest. In the Gospel, Jesus advises the disciples to walk away from those who will not listen and "shake off the dust from under your feet as a sign to them." </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #bf9000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It is not always easy to preach God's word and it is not always easy to accept it. Jesus tells his disciples to accept hospitality and "take nothing for the journey except a staff". He knows that their job will not be easy but wants them to trust in God to provide shelter and people who will listen. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #bf9000;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">As a young </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">nobleman, St Benedict was disgusted by the way the rich lived and were obsessed with possessions. When he wrote the rules for his monastery he said, "All guests who present themselves are to be welcomed as Christ". Today, Benedictine monasteries still have guesthouses and welcome people from all walks of life. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #990000; font-size: x-large;">Activity during Homily</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #38761d;">When we say that we believe in Christ we are welcoming him into our lives and offering him hospitality. We do not want him to walk away disappointed. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #38761d;">When a friend visits us:</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #38761d;">1. We greet them </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #38761d;">2. We apologise if we have upset them</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #38761d;">3. We listen to what they have to say</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #38761d;">4. We share a meal</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #38761d;">5. We honour them</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #38761d;">6. We say thank you</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #38761d;">The experience of being in church for Mass is rather like offering hospitality to Christ. He is bringing us great news and gifts. We offer him hospitality in our lives and we are able to do this in a special way through the Mass. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #38761d;">See if you can link the parts of the Mass below to the actions above:</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #38761d;">A. The Gloria</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #38761d;">B. The Introductory Rite</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #38761d;">C. The Liturgy of the Word</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #38761d;">D. Prayers after Communion</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #38761d;">E. The Confiteor (I confess...)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #38761d;">F. Holy Communion</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white;">When we receive Holy Communion we are united to Christ in a very close way. Look at the prayer below:</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #38761d;">"Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed." This is said before communion and acknowledges that our hospitality is not always good but that we trust in God. (Link to story of centurion below.) </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #38761d;">Even the apostle were not always good at offering Christ hospitality. They sometimes lacked understanding, were afraid, fell asleep or even denied that they knew Jesus. Make a list of things in your life that make it difficult for you to offer Christ hospitality. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #990000; font-size: x-large;">Other activities and resources</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Click <a href="http://www.stbenedictelementary.com/docs/st_benedict_story.pdf" target="_blank">here</a> to find out more about St Benedict. And <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G3LZRQmGC1Y" target="_blank">here</a> to watch an informative youtube video.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">You might also like to listen to some modern Benedictine monks at prayer <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBwh1OXw6uI" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">Read more about the Gospel story of the centurion who asked Jesus to heal his servant - you can find it in St Matthew's Gospel, Chp.8. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">I hope you have found something helpful this week. </span><br /><i><span style="color: #990000; font-size: x-large;">Maria</span></i></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00588697147094317880noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3358268016287671181.post-74655162652067297962015-07-01T14:07:00.002-07:002015-08-12T13:22:49.410-07:005/7/15 For it is when I am weak that I am strong. <span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B)</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgWVuRPkIeJbX7G3-0AyC11x0QH7A7EiewUMQdEuNY_XUyrS6zvU3oSVTVUNuUNFL2-pj1nPSqVw8EA0aUj8eq0jFFJljA1fR-X2n73qqR3WAymqJjwcNbzeQyIvu22QJcw5TTSDGjFZM/s1600/thorns.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgWVuRPkIeJbX7G3-0AyC11x0QH7A7EiewUMQdEuNY_XUyrS6zvU3oSVTVUNuUNFL2-pj1nPSqVw8EA0aUj8eq0jFFJljA1fR-X2n73qqR3WAymqJjwcNbzeQyIvu22QJcw5TTSDGjFZM/s320/thorns.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Welcome back to </span><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">a little liturgy</span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">. This week's focus is on St Paul and his work. After a shaky start, he became a great missionary and travelled widely around the Mediterranean sea. Perhaps this week is a good opportunity to think of the difficulties that people who live in this area are having at the moment and to keep them in our prayers. I hope you find something useful this week. Please click on "introducing </span><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">a little liturgy"</span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> if you are new! </span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Summary of Liturgy of the Word</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">First Reading</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Ezekiel 2:2-5</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Ezekiel tells how he is sent by God to the Israelites who have become obstinate. God says to him that the Israelites "shall know that there is a prophet among them". </span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Psalm 122</span><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Our eyes are on the Lord till he shows us his mercy. </span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Second reading</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">2Corinthians 12:7-10</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">St Paul tells us that he feels very privileged to have heard God's special words but that he could get a bit too arrogant about it. He says that God has given him a "thorn in the flesh" or an "angel of Satan" to stop him from getting too proud. He is happy to have this problem because, as he says, "it is when I am weak that I am strong". </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Gospel</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Mark 6:1-6</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Jesus went to his home town to preach but the people were suspicious as he had grown up there. They were too familiar with him and could not respect him or believe in his words. Jesus said "A prophet is only despised in his own country among his own relations and in his own house." </span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Discussion</span><br />
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<span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Last week, we celebrated the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul but focused a little more on Peter than Paul. This week, we hear St Paul talk about a problem that he has. Interestingly, he uses two metaphors to describe it but does not ever describe it in a straightforward way. This could suggest that he is too embarrassed to talk about it or that his immediate audience already knew what it was. Over the years, many scholars have suggested what it might be. Some say that he struggled with belief, some that it was a physical illness and some say that he had difficulty controlling anger. Others suggest that it was a reference to the difficulties he experienced in life.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">St Paul says "it is when I am weak that I am strong". Many things about being a Christian seem contradictory. To many people, Jesus was not the sort of Messiah they were looking for. They thought that someone would come and fight for them to be free from Roman rule. They might well have viewed Jesus as weak. However, even though in human terms he appeared weak and was crucified, he conquered death and demonstrated the power of God. St Paul tells us that he has a problem to deal with and he finds strength in fighting against it and following the word of God. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Activity during Homily</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1) Draw a picture of a "thorn in the flesh". </span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This is clearly an unpleasant image. It makes us think of pain and being hurt. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Now draw two images that make you think of pleasant feelings and being close to God. You might choose a rose in contrast to a thorn and another thing that makes you feel safe and happy. Look around your church for some inspiration. Sometimes symbols can help us express feelings and ideas more clearly than words.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">2) St Paul wrote many letters to people after he had visited them to remind them about the important things that Jesus taught.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Make a list of 5 things that you consider are important to know about Jesus and his teaching. You could look in the Creed if you need some help. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">2.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">3.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">4.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">5.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Jesus left us the Church to help us deal with the "thorns" that we encounter in life. One could say that St Paul himself started as a thorn in the flesh of the Church but then turned into a positive influence!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Other Activities and Resources</span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">A) Click <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kDUFEBjjlno" target="_blank">here</a> for a lighthearted account of some of the difficulties that Paul encountered </span><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">and </span><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hy4K1pP408Y" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;" target="_blank">here</a><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span></span><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">for another lighthearted account of where he went. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">B) For the more serious minded, click <a href="http://restoredtraditions.com/blogs/catholic-art/11833765-conversion-of-st-paul-artwork" target="_blank">here</a> to view artwork based on St Paul's conversion story and read more about him <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/christianity/history/paul_1.shtml" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I hope you all have a good week. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>Maria</i></span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00588697147094317880noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3358268016287671181.post-88084399767419876022015-06-27T12:52:00.000-07:002015-06-28T10:43:54.633-07:0028.6.15 On this rock I will build my church. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL4FAs1BVztXxoDey7LyY4ibQSY48-iV-Za37MmLCm87JDd-1f3kgPKUMSeI3LHHCeqxlXY7TuqGFoMEm4s45O83VEonso8y7u1rOpmBtMYVEbd8SbdzhRp6lKzafYvA5hoqDnUifSS7Q/s1600/DSC_5105.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL4FAs1BVztXxoDey7LyY4ibQSY48-iV-Za37MmLCm87JDd-1f3kgPKUMSeI3LHHCeqxlXY7TuqGFoMEm4s45O83VEonso8y7u1rOpmBtMYVEbd8SbdzhRp6lKzafYvA5hoqDnUifSS7Q/s400/DSC_5105.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Monastery at Skellig Michael ?6th-8th Century</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Feast of Saints Peter and Paul</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">As this week's readings are so rich, I have used a slightly different format for </span><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">a little liturgy</span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">,</span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> to encourage us to think about them in a more focussed way. </span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This week's picture is of a monk's cell on Skellig Michael. I often think of this when I hear the words, "You are Peter and on this rock I will build my church." </span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">As always, if you are new, do click on "Introducing </span><span style="color: #990000; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">a little liturgy</span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">" and feel free to copy and use anything you like.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Summary of the Liturgy of the Word</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">First Reading </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Acts of the Apostles 12:1-11</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">King Herod decided to arrest Peter and put him in prison. He was guarded by soldiers and locked up with chains.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">During the night an angel came to rescue Peter and he was able to get free from the chains and walk past two sets of guards and out of the prison door without being discovered. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">At first Peter thought it was all a dream but then he realised that he had been rescued by God.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Psalm 33</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>From all my terrors the Lord set me free.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">or </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>The angel of the Lord rescues those who revere him. </i></span><br />
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Second Reading - </span><br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Second Letter of St Paul to Timothy 4:6-8, 17-18</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">St Paul tells Timothy that he has done all that he can do to spread the word about Jesus. He says he has "fought the good fight" and "run the race until the finish". He is certain that God will look after him after he dies.</span><br />
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Gospel </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Matthew 16: 13-19</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Jesus was talking to his disciples and asked them who they thought he was. He called himself "the Son of Man".</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">His disciples told him that many people had different opinions about who he was. Some thought he was John the Baptist, some said Jeremiah and some said Elijah.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">When Jesus asked the disciples what they thought, Peter spoke up and said "You are the Christ, Son of the living God".</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Jesus knew that Peter had been inspired by God in this answer and replied "You are Peter and on this rock I will build my Church."</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">First Reading:</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">What happens in our own time when religious messages come into conflict with the government of a country? Do people go to prison because of their beliefs?</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Where else do angels appear in the Bible and what is their purpose?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Second Reading:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Consider what participating in a fight and a race is like and how we feel when it is over.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Think about how fighting and running might be similar to following Jesus. </span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Why might many people choose this passage as a reading for a funeral?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Gospel:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Who were John the Baptist, Jeremiah and Elijah?</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Why might people have given these names as answers to Jesus question?</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Consider how our church today is similar and different to the church that St Peter would have known.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">1) St Peter said to Jesus, </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">"You are the Christ, Son of the living God".</span></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"> What do we call Jesus today?</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;">Look at the text of the Mass which can be found below:</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><a href="http://www.liturgyoffice.org.uk/Missal/Text/MCFL.pdf" target="_blank">Liturgy Office</a></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">If possible, print it out and use a highlighter to mark all the different names we use for God. Below are some to look for:</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;">Lord Jesus Christ</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Holy Spirit</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">God the Father</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Almighty God</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Lamb of God</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Heavenly King</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The Holy One</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Lord God</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Son of God</span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">2) Listen to:</span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LFBIJgkj_-g" target="_blank">Handel's Messiah excerpt</a></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In this piece of music, known as "For unto us a son is born", God is called:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #cc0000;">Wonderful</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Counsellor</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The Mighty God</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The Everlasting Father</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The Prince of Peace</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Consider why we have all these different names for God and what they might mean.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><br /></span><span style="color: #cc0000;">3) </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">You can find out more about Skellig Michael </span><a href="http://www.worldheritageireland.ie/skellig-michael/" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;" target="_blank">here</a><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: large;">I hope you have enjoyed</span><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"> a little liturgy </span><span style="color: #666666; font-size: large;">this week.</span><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>Maria</i></span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00588697147094317880noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3358268016287671181.post-50511438560382876352015-06-20T13:48:00.000-07:002015-06-20T13:48:14.884-07:0021.6.15 Even the wind and the sea obey him.<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">12th Sunday in Ordinary Time</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilrOR6N4UHiZ64U8zwT6RtyH7n4f2s_xBFBdbFROevYdaPY4CRc8YKpWfmA2T3HhelpuVsNJVLnEraoFKU_d54eOfv5sDwKO5DZnM6BYbiYNBj7h-AdyKZVzozYChWJeTwmj6BF5Odv_g/s1600/ID-100326928.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilrOR6N4UHiZ64U8zwT6RtyH7n4f2s_xBFBdbFROevYdaPY4CRc8YKpWfmA2T3HhelpuVsNJVLnEraoFKU_d54eOfv5sDwKO5DZnM6BYbiYNBj7h-AdyKZVzozYChWJeTwmj6BF5Odv_g/s400/ID-100326928.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Hello again form </span><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">a little liturgy</span><span style="color: #999999; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">. This week I have taken the opportunity to focus on the environment and the papal encyclical "Laudato Si". Just as Christ calmed the storm for the disciples, Pope Francis is attempting to calm the troubled waters of environmental damage and make us aware of our responsibility as stewards of nature. The name of the encyclical is taken from the start of a canticle written by St Francis in the 13th century. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Liturgy of the Word</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">First Reading</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Job 38: 1, 8-11</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The Lord asks Job who it was that made the sea and created its limits. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Psalm 106</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">O give thanks to the Lord, for his love endures for ever. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Second Reading</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">2 Corinthians 5:14-17</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">St Paul tells us that Christ's love for us is overwhelming. Christ makes us see the world differently. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Gospel</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Mark 4:35-41</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Mark tells us the story of the calming of the storm. Jesus was asleep in the boat when a storm blew up and the disciples woke him as they were terrified. Jesus spoke to the wind saying "Quiet now! Be calm!" and the wind died down. Afterwards the disciples were filled with awe, saying to each other "Who can this be? Even the wind and the sea obey him." </span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Discussion</span><br />
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<span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The sea and the wind are aspects of the natural world that humans find very difficult to control. They can be very helpful to us but also very harmful and cause great damage. Today there are many challenges facing us and our relationship with the environment. </span><br />
<span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This week the Pope issued a special letter to the whole world (an encyclical). It asked us to change the way we treat the natural world. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Here is a passage that he wrote on global warming:</span><br />
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<span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">"<span style="line-height: 25.600000381469727px;"><i>Climate change is a global problem with grave implications: environmental, social, economic, political and for the distribution of goods. It represents one of the principal challenges facing humanity in our day. Its worst impact will probably be felt by developing countries in coming decades. Many of the poor live in areas particularly affected by phenomena related to warming, and their means of subsistence are largely dependent on natural reserves and ecosystemic services such as agriculture, fishing and forestry.</i>"</span></span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 25.600000381469727px;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Activities</span></span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 25.600000381469727px;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Asnwer the questions below and consider our relationship with the sea and the wind. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 25.600000381469727px;">Make a list of all the positive ways we use the sea:</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 25.600000381469727px;">Now make a list of what humans do to abuse this resource:</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 25.600000381469727px;">How can the sea be dangerous?</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 25.600000381469727px;">How do humans benefit from the power of the wind?</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 25.600000381469727px;">How can the wind be dangerous?</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="line-height: 25.600000381469727px;">Extra Resources</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 25.600000381469727px;">There is a good summary of the encyclical below:</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 25.600000381469727px;"><a href="http://time.com/3925520/pope-francis-climate-change-encyclical/" target="_blank">5 key points</a></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Or click for a more detailed analysis:</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.focus.org/blog/posts/summary-of-laudato-si-pope-francis-encyclical-environment-quotes.html" target="_blank">fuller discussion</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">You can listen to the canticle written by St Francis here:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hzr5wNtgx-o" target="_blank">Canticle of the Sun</a></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 25.600000381469727px;">Image courtesy of "foto 76" at "freedigitalphotos.net"</span></span><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00588697147094317880noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3358268016287671181.post-47308240060498372902015-06-13T11:18:00.001-07:002015-08-11T09:54:01.184-07:0014.6.15 The Kingdom of God is like a mustard seed<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">11th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B)</span><br />
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<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This week </span><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">a little liturgy</span><span style="color: #999999; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> looks at imagery used to talk about the Kingdom of God and our lives as Christians. We are reminded that small things grow into great things. I hope you find something useful this week.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">First Reading</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Ezekiel 17:22-24</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Ezeikiel says that the Lord says he will take a branch from the top of the cedar tree and plant it on the high mountain of Israel where it will become a tree for birds to shelter in. The Lord has the power to determine which trees wither and which thrive. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Psalm 91</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It is good to give you thanks, O Lord.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Second Reading</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">2 Corinthians 5:6-10</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">St Paul reminds us that when we live in this life we are not fully with Christ and rely on faith because we cannot see God. Although we look forward to being completely with God, even in this life we are keen to please him. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Gospel</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Mark 4:26-34</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Jesus tells us that the Kingdom of God is a bit like the experience of growing a crop. The seed is sown then the crop grows and the sower turns into a reaper at harvest time. He also compares the Kingdom of God to a mustard seed which is one of the smallest seeds but grows into one of the biggest shrubs. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">St Mark tells us that Jesus used many parables to explain things to his disciples. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Activities</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">In the first reading we see a cedar tree growing that will allow the birds of the air to shelter in its shade. </span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Draw a cedar tree with some birds sheltering in its shade: </span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">In the Gospel we hear about a sower sewing seed then watching the crop grow. </span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Draw a seed then an ear of grain:</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We also hear about a tiny mustard seed growing into a big tree. </span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Draw a mustard seed then a big tree:</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Fill in the gaps in the passage below:</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Jesus used ____________________ to help explain things to his _________________________ . Today we can read two of these stories in the Gospel written by _____________________. Jesus uses imagery from the natural world because it is familiar to everyone. He often chooses to focus on things that grow like seeds growing into grain. Today we heard the story of a tiny _______________ seed that grows into one of the biggest trees. Jesus could be saying that we should not judge the importance or power of things by their appearance but by the things that they can achieve. This parable could also suggest that even if our faith starts off as a small thing it has the potential to become great. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Make a list of some tiny things that turn out to be very important in our world today:</span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Other resources and activities</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://buildingontheword.org/small-things-matter/" target="_blank">Fr George Smiga's thoughts</a></span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>I hope you enjoyed the activities today!</i></span><br />
<i style="color: #990000; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Maria</span></i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00588697147094317880noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3358268016287671181.post-56352358955145721052015-06-05T05:13:00.001-07:002015-06-05T05:13:42.081-07:007.6.15 The Perfect Sacrifice<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Feast Of Corpus Christi (Year B)</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Welcome to </span><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">a little liturgy</span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">! It's a little brief this week and I should apologise for last week's lapse. Hoping to be back on form in the coming weeks but for now I wish you all a happy and holy Corpus Christi.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">First reading</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Exodus 24:3-8</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Moses writes down God's law and says to the people "We will observe all that the Lord has decreed; we will obey". Moses then took some animal blood saying "This is the blood of the Covenant that the Lord has made with you" and he threw the blood towards the people.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Psalm 115</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The cup of salvation I will raise;</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I will call on the Lord's name.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Second Reading</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Hebrews 9:11-15</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">St Paul tells us that Christ offered himself as the perfect sacrifice "to purify our inner self from dead actions so that we do our service to the living God". Christ brings us a new covenant. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Gospel</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Mark 14:12-16, 22-26</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Mark tells us the story of the Last Supper when the disciples celebrate the Passover with Christ. The words said are those of the consecration at Mass. Jesus tells us that he is making a covenant with us. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Discussion</span><br />
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<span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The readings today remind us of Christianity's roots in the Jewish Religion and the place of sacrifice and covenant. The new covenant depends on Christ taking the place of the animal as a sacrifice and giving up his life so that we can gain eternal life. We join with this sacrifice at Mass. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Activity during homily</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Draw two sequences of pictures to illustrate how bread and wine are made. You may find it helpful to use the prompts below:</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">BREAD</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">sowing seed</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">growing ears of wheat </span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">ripening grain</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">harvesting</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">threshing</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">grinding</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">kneading </span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">baking</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">EATING</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">WINE</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">sewing seed</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">growing vine</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">producing grapes</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">ripening</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">harvesting</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">pressing</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">fermenting</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">DRINKING</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Both of these natural products require significant human involvement to turn into the substances that we are familiar with. Why do you think Jesus chose these particular items?</span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Other Activities and Resources</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The links below might be of interest:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.biblewalks.com/info/WinePresses.html" target="_blank">Winemaking in Biblical times</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wvsmwbc9cQ" target="_blank">Making altar bread</a></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Have a good week!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>Maria</i></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00588697147094317880noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3358268016287671181.post-68540606193799444222015-05-22T13:39:00.002-07:002015-06-05T05:14:43.436-07:0024.5.15 They were amazed and astonished.<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Pentecost Sunday (Year B)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #666666;">Welcome, once more, to</span> <span style="color: #990000;">a little liturgy</span><span style="color: #666666;">. This week we celebrate the feast of Pentecost, one of the occasions when the apostles experience the presence of God in a very powerful and public way. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Liturgy of the Word</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">First Reading</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Acts of the Apostles 2:1-11</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The apostles were gathered in one room to celebrate a feast day when they heard a loud wind and saw tongues of fire. They were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in foreign languages and started to preach about the marvels of God. Everyone was amazed! There were many people in Jerusalem to celebrate the feast and they all spoke different languages but everyone could understand what the apostles said. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Psalm 103</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Send forth your Spirit, O Lord, and renew the face of the earth. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Second Reading</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Letter to the Galatians 5:16-25</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">St Paul tells us to be guided by the Spirit and to avoid self-indulgence which, he says, leads to all sorts of bad results. The Spirit gives us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, trustfulness, gentleness and self-control. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Gospel</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">John 15:26-27; 16:12-15</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Jesus tells the disciples that he will send the Advocate (Spirit) to help them be his witnesses. The Sprit will lead them to the complete truth. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Discussion</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The readings this week are all about the Spirit. After the Ascension, the apostles found it difficult to continue preaching without Jesus to advise and support them. They were in much the same position as we are today. However, God sent his Spirit to them to encourage them and give them strength. This is demonstrated with the imagery of wind and fire. The senses of hearing, touch and sight were all involved in this experience. The apostles found strength and new talents and were able to preach to people and make them understand the marvels of God, even though they did not speak the same language. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We can sometimes find it difficult to be Christians and communicate our faith to others. However, we too have been given the Spirit to encourage and support us. It does not always appear quite so dramatically as it did to the apostles; it could come as a kind word or thought from somebody or an idea that suddenly comes to us. Many people speak of being "moved by the Spirit" or having a sense of what they should do that they cannot explain. It is important that we are open to these experiences and think carefully about how we can live lives that are guided by the Spirit. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Activity during Homily</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The Church suggests that we can express God's love in us if we demonstrate certain qualities, traditionally known as the <u>12 fruits of the Holy Spirit</u>. They are based on what St Paul says in the reading we heard today. Some have been jumbled up; try to work them out. You can check with St Paul's list in the Second Reading if you are struggling!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">voel</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">yjo</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">ecpae</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">goodness</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">generosity</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">faithfulness (trustfulness)</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">modesty </span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">flse - ncotlor</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">chastity </span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The Church also recognises the <u>7 gifts of the Holy Spirit</u>. They are based on a list from Isaiah 11, which describes these qualities as being the qualities of the Messiah. Jesus made it possible for us to share these gifts when he gave us his Spirit. They are:</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">wisdom</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">understanding</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">counsel (good advice)</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">fortitude (strength)</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">knowledge</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">piety (treating religion carefully and with respect)</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">fear of the Lord (being amazed and awestruck by God)</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Think about the people in your life. Do they have these qualities? </span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1. As well as a list of positive qualities, St Paul gives us a list of negatives; many of these are the opposite of the positives and he explains them to be the result of "self indulgence". They are:</span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">fornication, gross indecency and sexual irresponsibility</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">idolatry and sorcery</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">feuds and wrangling</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">jealousy, bad temper and quarrels</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">disagreements, factions, envy</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">drunkenness, orgies</span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">You may need to ask for some help to understand these. Many of them are the opposite of modesty and chastity which appear in the Church's list of fruits of the Holy Spirit. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">2. Investigate the Jewish feast that the apostles had gathered to celebrate called "Shavuot". Some information can be found on the link below:</span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/judaism/holydays/shavuot.shtml" target="_blank">info about Shavuot</a></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">3. You might also like to read the Old Testament story about how people came to speak different languages in the first place:</span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qwcV9CWM2Jk" target="_blank">You tube Bible extract</a></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">4. Click below to see map of countries represented in Pentecost account:</span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.generationword.com/notes/bible-information/acts-maps.html" target="_blank">map</a></span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Have a good week!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>Maria</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Picture courtesy of fotographic1980 at free digital photos.net</i></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00588697147094317880noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3358268016287671181.post-34230969754677665422015-05-16T15:38:00.002-07:002015-06-05T05:15:39.962-07:0017.5.15 Proclaim the Good News to all creation<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">The Ascension of the Lord (Year B)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Welcome again to <span style="color: #990000;">a little liturgy</span>. This Sunday we celebrate one of the most important feasts of the church year - the Ascension. It is as difficult for us to comprehend now as it was for the apostles who were left looking up into heaven. I hope this week's activity will raise as many questions as answers!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Discussion</span><br />
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<span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Since the time of Jesus, we have made scientific discoveries that prove that heaven is not just beyond the clouds. We know that God is not looking down on us in a literal sense from a place up in the sky. We do not understand exactly where Jesus went on the day of the Ascension but we can say that he went to be with the Father. We also know that he intended for us to receive the Holy Spirit as a guide and inspiration when he had returned to the Father. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">In today's readings, we see that the apostles were still expecting that Jesus was going to "restore the kingdom to Israel". However, he is "lifted up while they looked on, and a cloud took him from their sight". Imagine how amazed and frightened they must have been. It may be helpful for us to consider their confused expectations of Jesus. We too have expectations of what God is like and sometimes of how he should behave. However, we cannot create an accurate image of him because he is beyond our understanding. When he does not conform to our expectations or behave in the way we would like or agree with, we are left much like the apostles; confused and frightened. The best definition of God to turn to at these moments is that God is love. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Activity</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Find the lines in the Creed that state our belief in the Ascension. Write them here:</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Now consider the line, near the start of the creed, that states that we believe that God is maker of all things "visible and invisible'. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We say both of these phrases in the Creed and therefore state our belief that things exist that we cannot see. Jesus frequently refers to a place that we cannot see. For example:</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1. Jesus says "my kingdom is not of this world" (to Pilate).</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">2. Jesus says (to the good thief) "today you will be with me in paradise".</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">3. Jesus says "my Father's house has many rooms". </span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Try to write a sentence for each of these statements to explain what you think he meant. Then write a sentence explaining what you mean when you use the word "heaven". </span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">2. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">3. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">For me heaven is .........</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The idea of heaven is certainly very difficult to understand and many people struggle to believe that there is such a place. As Christians, we believe that Jesus shows us that our earthly death is not a final end but a beginning of a new life with him and the Father. He also shows us that we can share in some of that new life here and now by loving God and loving our neighbour. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Finally, reflect on the first lines of the "Our Father" written out below:</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">"Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name;</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven." </span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">When you pray these words how do imagine God in heaven? </span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I hope you have found something thought-provoking this week. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>Maria</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Picture courtesy of Salvatore Vuono at Freedigitalphotos.net</span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00588697147094317880noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3358268016287671181.post-43602559581925582192015-05-09T11:25:00.002-07:002015-06-05T05:16:07.975-07:0010.5.15 Remain in my love<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Sixth Sunday of Easter</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #999999;">Welcome back to</span> <span style="color: #990000;">a little liturgy.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">In a departure from the normal structure, we are looking at things Marian this week in order to celebrate the month of May. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Discussion</span></div>
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<span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The readings this week are all focussed on LOVE. St Peter tells us that "God does not have favourites" and we hear that the Holy Spirit is "poured out on the pagans too." John tells us that "anyone who fails to love can never have known God". In the Gospel Jesus commands "Love one another as I have loved you." </span></div>
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<span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">If we look at the life of Mary we see that it is a good example of loving God. Throughout her life she accepted the events in Jesus' life and did her best to support him even though it was often difficult and she did not fully understand his ways. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">One of the most famous Catholic prayers is the Rosary. The traditional form groups prayers into three "Mysteries".</span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The Joyful Mysteries</span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">The Sorrowful Mysteries</span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">The Glorious Mysteries</span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The Joyful Mysteries trace the early life of Jesus and celebrate Mary's role as his mother. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1. The Annunciation</span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">2. The Visitation</span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">3. The Nativity</span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">4. The Presentation</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">5. Finding the child Jesus in the Temple. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Write a number between each of the statements below to show which of the Joyful mysteries of the rosary they are associated with. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Mary visited her cousin.</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Mary and Joseph went to Bethlehem to be counted for the census. </span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Jesus was interpreting the scriptures at the temple.</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Mary spoke with Simeon. </span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Mary accepted her role as mother according to God's will. </span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Joseph and Mary took an offering of doves to the temple. </span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">John the Baptist jumped in his mother's womb when she met Mary. </span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Mary and Joseph took shelter in a stable.</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Mary was greeted by an angel. </span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Mary and Joseph were worried that Jesus was lost. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Think about how each of these five mysteries might be joyful for Mary. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Find a rosary and sit down with someone who can explain it to you. Try praying one decade of the Joyful Mysteries with them. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Below is a useful link to help you understand and remember how to pray the rosary.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.loyolapress.com/praying-the-rosary.htm" target="_blank">Explanation of the rosary</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">Many people suggest that it was St Dominic who first started praying with a rosary. You may like to find out more about this.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">I hope you find something helpful this week. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="color: #990000; font-size: x-large;"><i>Maria</i></span></span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00588697147094317880noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3358268016287671181.post-8083656701188534902015-05-01T05:03:00.001-07:002015-06-05T05:16:59.293-07:003.5.15 I am the true vine.<span style="background-color: white; color: #a64d79; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Fifth Sunday of Easter (Year B)</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #999999; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Welcome to the Fifth Sunday of Easter. This week we explore another beautiful metaphor used by Jesus to help us understand our relationship with him and the Father: the vine. I hope that </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #a64d79; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">a little liturgy</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #999999; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> will assist the process of pruning! Check out some great artwork for this topic over at: <a href="https://thekidsbulletin.wordpress.com/2015/04/29/the-kids-bulletin-for-sunday-may-3rd-2015/" target="_blank">the kids bulletin</a></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #ead1dc; color: #a64d79; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Summary of Liturgy of the Word</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">First Reading</span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Acts of the Apostles 9:26-31</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Barnabas stands up for Paul (who used to be called Saul) and says that although he used to persecute the Christians, he is now one of them and bravely teaches Christ's word. Paul tried to explain himself to the Hellenists but they would not listen and started to plot to kill him. </span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">You, Lord, are my praise in the great assembly. </span></i><br />
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<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1John 3:18-24</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">St John says that we must show that we are Christians by our love and by keeping God's commandments. These commandments are "that we believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ" and "that we love one another as he told us to". </span><br />
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<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">John 15:1-8</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Jesus uses the metaphor of the vine to describe our relationship with him: "I am the vine, you are the branches". If we stay attached to him we will bear fruit; if we leave his way we will be like withered branches that are collected and thrown on the fire. He says that God the Father is like the vinedresser. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Just as last week we explored the shepherd metaphor, this week we are asked to think about the vine. A key phrase to think about from the Gospel might be "A branch cannot bear fruit all by itself". If we are the branches of the vine, we require the rest of the vine (Christ) to sustain ourselves and the Word of God to nourish and tend us. It is also notable that vines begin to grow again after pruning and then produce grapes. We should also think about the connection between Christ as the vine and the wine that we offer at Mass as a sacrifice which then becomes Christ's blood. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #ead1dc; color: #a64d79; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Activity during Homily</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">1. <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Draw a grape vine</span> and label each branch with the name of someone you know who helps in your life. Label the main stem as "Jesus".</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">2. <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Read the prayer below</span> and listen out for it at Mass today. You might like to wink discretely at who ever is with you when you hear it!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">Blessed are you, Lord God of all creation,</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">for through your goodness we have received the wine we offer you:</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">fruit of the vine and work of human hands,</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">it will become our spiritual drink. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">3. We also hear Jesus say:</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">"I am the light of the world"</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">"I am the bread of life"</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">"I am alpha and omega"</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">"I am the door"</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">For each of these symbols <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">draw a picture and try to write one sentence</span> to describe what this symbol is saying about Jesus. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #ead1dc; color: #a64d79; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Other activities and resources</span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">You might like to find out about different types of farming in Biblical times at:</span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.bible-archaeology.info/agriculture.htm" target="_blank">Farming in Biblical times</a></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Below is a beautifully illustrated hymn based on today's Gospel:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHr7Z7ZS3GE" target="_blank">"I am the vine" youtube clip</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;">I hope that a little liturgy has been fruitful for you this week!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #a64d79; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>Maria</i></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00588697147094317880noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3358268016287671181.post-22719035930972621252015-04-19T10:06:00.001-07:002015-04-20T03:42:41.450-07:00I am the good shepherd.<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Fourth Sunday of Easter (Year B)</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The good shepherd is one who lays down his life for his sheep.<br />
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<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Welcome to </span><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">a little liturgy</span><span style="color: #999999; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">. If you haven't visited before, you might want to check out "introducing </span><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">a little liturgy</span><span style="color: #999999; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">". This week I am concentrating on the Gospel and will look at sheep and shepherd imagery. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #ead1dc; color: #a64d79; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Summary of Liturgy of the Word</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">First Reading</span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Acts 4:8-12</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Peter tells the people and their leaders that a man has been cured in the name of Jesus of Nazareth. He says that Jesus who was rejected and killed was the "keystone" or corner stone.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Psalm 117</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>The stone which the builders rejected has become the corner stone</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Second Reading</span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1 John 3:1-2</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">God loves us and we can be called God's children. We cannot know what the future holds but we hope to see God as he really is. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Gospel</span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">John 10:11-18</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Jesus refers to himself as the "Good Shepherd" who is prepared to die for his sheep. A good shepherd knows his sheep and will not run away when his sheep are in danger. He also refers to "other sheep I have that are not of this fold, and these I have to lead aswell". However, there will only be one flock and one shepherd. He tells us that he lays down his life at his own free will. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #ead1dc; color: #a64d79; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Discussion</span><br />
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<span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The readings today focus on our relationships with Jesus. He is the corner stone - the most important stone in holding a building up and the Good Shepherd who looks after his flock and even endures death to save them. St John reminds us that we are lucky to be able to call ourselves God's children. These images all demonstrate how we rely on God to sustain us in our lives - we would crumble like an unsupported building or be eaten by wolves like unprotected sheep if we did not have Jesus. It is easy to remember Jesus and ask him for help when we are in need. However, we should remember that he is always with us to accompany us at every moment of our lives and helping us with the general business of living. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #ead1dc; color: #a64d79; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Activity during Homily</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Today the Communion Antiphon reflects the Gospel:</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">"The Good Shepherd has risen, who laid down his life for his sheep and willingly died for his flock."</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Why do sheep need a shepherd?</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1) to protect them from predators</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">2) to lead them to new pastures</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">3) to heal their injuries</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">4) to make sure they have food and water</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">5) to keep them free from dirt and disease</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">6) to find them if they get lost</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">7) to untangle them if they get stuck in a hedge</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">8) to look after their young</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #d9ead3; color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Think about the Gospel stories below and see if you can link Jesus' actions to some of the activities above. Put the numbers of the actions next to the story:</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">curing the man with leprosy</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">feeding the five thousand</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">raising Lazarus from the dead</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">eating at Zaccheus' house</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">turning over the stalls of the money lenders</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">talking to the Samaritan woman at the well</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">washing the disciples' feet</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">telling his disciples to allow the children to listen to him</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">giving a new commandment "love thy neighbour as thyself"</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">the Crucifixion</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">explaining the scriptures to the disciples</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">the Last Supper</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Last week we said that God gave us the Church as a kind of map to help us with living. One way the Church does this is by giving us the Seven Sacraments. <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Think about how these link to the role of a shepherd. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Baptism</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Reconciliation</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Eucharist</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Confirmation</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Marriage</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Holy Orders</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Sacrament of the Sick</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Every Bishop has a crozier which is like a shepherd's crook. A crook was used to rescue sheep and herd them. This is a symbol of his responsibility to look after his flock. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #ead1dc; color: #a64d79; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Other activities and resources</span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Pope Francis recently told priests and bishops to "be shepherds with the smell of sheep". What do you think he meant by this? You might like to see a picture of him doing just this!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.catholicbishops.ie/2014/05/01/vocations-sunday-2014/" target="_blank">Pope Francis the shepherd</a></span><br />
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Handel wrote a wonderful chorus about sheep going astray as part of "Messiah". Listen and watch on the link below:</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ixmNZQH0NjU" target="_blank">Handel chorus on youtube</a></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Jesus calls himself "the Good Shepherd" and we are therefore his flock. However, we also call him the Lamb of God. The Lamb was sacrificed for his flock. What do you think about these connected but very different images of the role of Jesus in our lives?</span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #a64d79; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>Maria</i></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00588697147094317880noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3358268016287671181.post-73426899722769315702015-04-16T13:30:00.001-07:002015-04-17T01:55:36.967-07:00He is the sacrifice that takes our sins away.<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Third Sunday of Easter (Year B)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #999999;">This week the emphasis in </span><span style="color: #a64d79;">a little liturgy</span><span style="color: #999999;"> is the forgiveness of sins. I have tried to point to the sacrifice of the Mass and the parts of the liturgy where we ask for forgiveness. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #ead1dc; color: #a64d79; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Summary of Liturgy of the Word</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">First Reading</span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Acts 3:13-15, 17-19</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Peter tells the people that they disowned the Holy One and killed the Prince of Life. God, however, raised him from the dead. They did not know what they were doing but they must now repent and turn to God. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Psalm 4</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Lift up the light of your face on us, O lord. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Second Reading</span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1 John 2:1-5</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">John says that we need to stop sinning but that if we do sin Jesus Christ is the sacrifice that takes our sins away. He says not only our sins but "the whole world's". We must keep God's commandments to show that we know him. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Gospel</span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Luke 24:35-48</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Jesus appears to the disciples and tries to calm them. He says "Peace be with you!" and explains that he is not a ghost. He shows them his hands and his feet and then eats a piece of fish. He explains that the scriptures said that the Christ would suffer and rise from the dead on the third day. He also reminds them that the scriptures say that repentance for the forgiveness of sins would be preached. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #ead1dc; color: #a64d79; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Discussion</span><br />
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<span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">All three readings today stress Christ's role in the forgiveness of sin. St Peter says we must repent, St John says that Christ's sacrifice was for the whole world and Christ himself explains that the scriptures say repentance for the forgiveness of sins would be preached. St Peter refers specifically to the sin of rejecting the Messiah. However, it is not just the people of Jesus' time who reject him. We too reject him when we do not follow his teaching and when we fail to show love. Fortunately, God gives us Jesus to make up for our failures and to show us that death does not need to be the end. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #ead1dc; color: #a64d79; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Activity during the homily</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Jesus' sacrifice takes away our sins. Every time we go to Mass we join him in that sacrifice and can share in the Resurrection. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">After the consecration we say the Lamb of God. <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Fill in the words below:</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Lamb of _ _ _, you take _ _ _ _ the _ _ _ _ of the_ _ _ _ _ , have _ _ _ _ _ on us. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">_ _ _ _ of God_ _ _ take away the sins of the world, _ _ _ _ mercy on _ _ . </span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, _ _ _ _ _ us _ _ _ _ _ . </span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">There is another special prayer where we ask God to forgive our sins. <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">See if you can write it out here:</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">key word clues: <i>trespasses, temptation</i></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #ead1dc; color: #a64d79; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Other activities and resources</span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The Jewish religion has a tradition of sacrificing animals for the forgiveness of sins. Read more about one example on the link below: </span><br />
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<a href="http://www.learningscriptures.info/bible-stories-old-testament/day-of-atonement-bible-story.htm" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Scapegoat story</span></a><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I have just come across a wonderful poem and blog entry that would have been perfect to link to for last week - so here it is. Better late than never!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://malcolmguite.wordpress.com/blog/" target="_blank">Doubting Thomas poem</a></span><br />
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<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>Maria</i></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00588697147094317880noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3358268016287671181.post-62216801013756759902015-04-10T02:41:00.001-07:002015-08-11T09:55:33.403-07:00My Lord and my God!<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Second Sunday of Easter (Year B)</span><br />
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<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Last week in </span><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">a little liturgy</span><span style="color: #999999; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> the activity involved writing "I do" to the questions asked in the baptismal rite. In our discussions at home, we felt that for some answers we considered putting "not so sure". Today we discover that Thomas also felt this way and that Christ was there to answer his doubts. This week, I have tried to explore how Christ is also there to answer our doubts. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #ead1dc; color: #a64d79; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Summary of Liturgy of the Word</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">First Reading</span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Acts 4:32-35</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Everyone in the group of believers was united, heart and soul. They shared everything they had so that no one went without. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Psalm 117</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Give thanks to the Lord for he is good, for his love has no end. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Second Reading</span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1 John 5:1-6</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">If we love God and follow his commandments, we can overcome the world.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Gospel</span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">John 20:19-31</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The disciples were hiding from the Jews in a locked room when Jesus came and stood among them. He greeted them, saying, "Peace be with you". Next he said: "As the Father sent me, so I am sending you." </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Thomas was not with the others when this happened and he did not believe that they had seen Jesus. Eight days later, Jesus returned and spoke especially to Thomas. He said that he could touch his wounds and then said "Doubt no longer but believe". Thomas answered "My Lord and my God." Then Jesus said "You believe because you can see me. Happy are those who have not seen and yet believe." </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #ead1dc; color: #a64d79; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Discussion</span><br />
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<span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Thomas famously found it difficult to believe that Christ had risen so he earned the name "Doubting Thomas". Jesus sought him out and helped him to believe. We may think that it was easy for the disciples to believe because they "were there". However, they did not have the benefit of the New Testament collected as a book, they were scared and often persecuted and they did not always have the support of their friends and families. We can now look back over nearly 2,000 years of Christianity for inspiration and assistance. Like us, the disciples were often puzzled by what Jesus taught and found things difficult. Peter, himself, was often slow to understand things and indeed denied that he knew Jesus when he was scared. We should take courage from this. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #ead1dc; color: #c27ba0; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Activity during Mass</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Listening to the scriptures is a bit like being with the disciples when Jesus spoke to them. Today Jesus says:</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> "_ _ _ _ _ _ _ longer _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ". After the Gospel, the priest gives a homily and then we say the Creed. The word "Creed" comes from the Latin word "credo" meaning "I believe".</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">In today's Gospel, we see that Thomas had a hard time believing that Jesus was not still dead. <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Look at some of our beliefs listed from the Creed below and underline the one that Thomas was finding difficult to believe:</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I believe in one God</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I believe that Jesus came down from heaven</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I believe that Jesus was born of the Virgin Mary</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I believe that Jesus suffered death and was buried</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I believe that Jesus rose again on the third day</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I believe that Jesus ascended into heaven</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I believe that God's kingdom will have no end</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I believe in the Holy Spirit</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">I believe in the life of the world to come</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3; color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Now put a mark out of 10 by each statement. Put 10 if you find it easy to believe and 1 if you find it difficult to believe. Now add up to find your score out of 100. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Everybody finds believing difficult at times. That is why Jesus gave us the Church. The Church is a bit like a map to help us to follow Jesus. It attempts to explain things and gives us company, help and energy on the way. When Jesus says "Happy are those who have not seen and yet believe", he is talking about us. He gave us the map so we can find him. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #ead1dc; color: #a64d79; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Other activities and resources</span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Look up some information about the early church and how they decided what to put in their creeds. The following link might be useful:</span><br />
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<a href="http://encyclopedia.kids.net.au/page/fi/First_Council_of_Nicaea" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Information about Council of Nicaea</span></a><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">A famous painting may help you to explore today's Gospel:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.artble.com/artists/caravaggio/paintings/doubting_thomas" target="_blank">Caravaggio's painting</a></span><br />
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<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I hope you have found something useful this week.</span><br />
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<i style="color: #a64d79; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Maria</span></i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00588697147094317880noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3358268016287671181.post-17931178110616951232015-04-03T07:43:00.001-07:002015-08-11T09:56:36.137-07:00Resurrexit sicut dixit. Alleluia!<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Easter Sunday (Years A,B and C)</span><br />
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<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">a little liturgy</span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> for Easter Sunday departs from the usual format, since I'm sure that some of you will be going to the Vigil Mass and others the Mass during the day. So I have concentrated on moving from darkness into light and renewing baptismal promises. May I extend a warm welcome and many congratulations to those who will be baptised and received into the Church on Saturday evening. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The Easter Vigil service portrays dramatically the move from darkness into light and this is of course what Baptism is all about. On Easter night the Gloria is sung, bells are rung and candles are lit to divide the readings of the Old Testament from the New. At Mass during the day we light candles when we renew our baptismal promises. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Here is a drawing of the Pascal Candle. <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Add in the symbols for alpha and omega, the numerals for the current year and the five grains of incense.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">When the priest does this at the Easter Vigil he says the following words:</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>"Christ yesterday and today, the Beginning and the End, the Alpha and the Omega, all time belongs to him and all ages.</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>To him be glory and power through every age and forever. Amen</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>By his holy and glorious wounds, may Christ the Lord guard us and protect us." </i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">After the Gospel and homily we usually say the Creed which is a statement of our beliefs. On Easter Day we go one step further and renew our baptismal promises by saying them out loud, just as we or our Godparents did at our baptism. <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Add in the words "I do" after every statement:</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Do you renounce Satan?</i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>And all his works?</i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>And all his empty show?</i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Do you believe in God the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth?</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Do you believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was born of the Virgin Mary, suffered death and was buried, rose again from the dead and is seated at the right hand of the Father?</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Do you believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting?</i></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #d9ead3; color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Put these phrases in your own words:</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">do you renounce</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">empty show</span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">Below is a link to the stations of the cross at Lourdes. Obviously more appropriate for Good Friday than Easter Sunday. I include it because in Lourdes there are fifteen Stations of the Cross - the last represents the Resurrection. It is striking in its simplicity and yet rich in symbolism. I hope it provides some interesting discussion. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.rcsouthwark.co.uk/lourdes_stations.htm" target="_blank">Stations of the Cross at Lourdes</a></span><br />
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<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I wish you every joy and blessing for the Easter season. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>Maria</i></span><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00588697147094317880noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3358268016287671181.post-49691769193629830992015-04-03T05:56:00.001-07:002015-04-03T05:56:17.733-07:00It is accomplished.<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Good Friday (Year A,B and C)</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Just a quick post from </span><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">a little liturgy</span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> today to point you to:</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://thekidsbulletin.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">https://thekidsbulletin.wordpress.com</a></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">There are some fantastic resources on this blog but the Stations of the Cross are exceptional. I hope you get as much from them as we do. Many thanks to "Sparky". </span><br />
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<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>Maria</i></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00588697147094317880noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3358268016287671181.post-78861477697068588202015-04-02T08:30:00.003-07:002015-04-03T05:56:49.977-07:00I give you a new commandment.<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Maundy Thursday (Year A,B and C)</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Welcome to </span><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">a little liturgy</span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> for Maundy Thursday. Apologies for the brief disruption recently - a nasty virus got the better of me. I think my little boy found it refreshing to attend Mass without pen and paper for once! It made me realise that one can do too much... This week the liturgies speak for them selves so what follows is a light touch!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #ead1dc; color: #a64d79; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Summary of Liturgy of the Word</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">First Reading</span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Exodus 12:1-8,11-14</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">God gives Moses and Aaron instructions for the passover meal. The Israelites must slaughter a perfect sheep or goat and roast it. They are to put the animal's blood on the doorposts of their houses and then eat the meal hastily. God will destroy the first-born of their enemies but save the Israelite children. They must remember this night for ever. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Psalm 115</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">The blessing cup that we bless is a communion with the blood of Christ.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Second Reading</span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Corinthians </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">11:23-26</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">St Paul tells us and the Corinthians about the Last Supper. He says "every time you eat this bread and drink this cup, you are proclaiming his (Jesus') death."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Gospel</span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">John 13:1-15</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">John tells us how Jesus washed the feet of the disciples. Peter was reluctant and tried to stop Jesus but he was told "If I do not wash you, you can have nothing in common with me." He also says "I have given you an example so that you may copy what I have done to you."</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #ead1dc; color: #a64d79; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Discussion</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The readings today reflect the history of the Eucharist and connect the actions of the Last Supper to the Jewish passover and the sacrifice of the cross. These events are at the heart of Christianity and remind us of links with the Jewish tradition. The disciples and Jesus were celebrating the passover at the meal we now know as the Last Supper. Jesus made a new covenant with his people by offering himself as a sacrifice to conquer death. When we celebrate the Eucharist we are celebrating this sacrifice and joining with it. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #ead1dc; color: #a64d79; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Activities during Mass</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #d9ead3; color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Look again at the First Reading and answer these questions:</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Describe what the sheep or goat should be like: </span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">a) b) c)</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">What should the meat be eaten with?</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Draw a picture of someone eating the Passover meal and label the figure.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #d9ead3; color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Below is a checklist for the order of today's liturgy. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1. (This morning or yesterday the holy oils were blessed at the Cathedral and all the priests renewed their dedication to Christ.)</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">2. We meet together to begin the Easter Triduum - the statues and pictures are covered and the tabernacle is open.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">3. Mass begins with the Sign of the Cross</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">4. Penitential Rite (we ask for forgiveness for our sins)</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">5. The Gloria is sung and the bells rung</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">6. The Liturgy of the Word (Readings, Psalm, Gospel)</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">7. Homily</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">8. Washing of Feet (Mandatum - Maundy antiphon sung)</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">9. Liturgy of the Eucharist - Consecration</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">10. Communion Rite</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">11. The Transfer of the Blessed Sacrament - procession</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">12. Hymn "Pange Lingua" is sung</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">13. The altar is stripped</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #ead1dc; color: #a64d79; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Other activities and resources</span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Find out about the famous painting of the Last Supper here:</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Last_Supper_(Leonardo_da_Vinci)#/media/File:%C3%9Altima_Cena_-_Da_Vinci_5.jpg" target="_blank">The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci</a></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The name Maundy Thursday comes from the Latin translation of Jesus' words to the disciples:</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">"Mandatum novum do vobis, ut diligatis invicem, sicut dilexi vos, dicit Dominus."</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">in English:</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">"I give you a new commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you, says the Lord". </span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Try and work out what the following words mean:</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Dominus</span><br />
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<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>Maria</i></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00588697147094317880noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3358268016287671181.post-76638596657054258492015-03-15T03:10:00.001-07:002015-03-15T03:10:18.494-07:00We are God's work of art!<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">4th Sunday of Lent (Year B)</span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Welcome to another </span><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">little liturgy</span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">. Today there is a little relief from Lent as it is Laetare Sunday and also Mother's Day. I hope all the mothers out there have a peaceful day.</span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">First Reading</span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The priests and people of God did not listen to his word and laughed at his prophets. Their enemies destroyed the temple and took them in exile to Babylon. After many years, king Cyrus of Persia was encouraged by God to have the temple rebuilt. </span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Psalm 136</span></span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">O let my tongue cleave to my mouth if I remember you not!</span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Ephesians 2:4-10</span></span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">St Paul tells us that God loves us so much that, even though we are sinners, we are brought to life in Christ. </span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Gospel</span></span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">John 3:14-21</span></span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Jesus says that God loved the world so much that he gave his only son to bring light into the world. When we do wrong we are still living in darkness but if we live by the truth we live in the light. </span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Today the Gospel talks about people who do evil things living in darkness and other people hating darkness and choosing to live in the light. Jesus came so that we could choose the light. <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Draw a cartoon of people in darkness meeting Jesus and then moving into the light. List down some of the things that you imagine people of light doing.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Today the priest's vestments are rose or pink. Normally in Lent they are violet or purple. At other times they can be white, green, gold or in some traditions even black. <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">Draw out a vestment shape for each of these colours and colour it in. Write down when you think that colour is used and why. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #ead1dc; letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Other activities and useful resources</span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">You might want to research more about Nebuchadnezzar and Cyrus mentioned in the Old Testament reading today. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>Maria</i></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00588697147094317880noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3358268016287671181.post-23879312847241718222015-03-07T07:49:00.001-08:002015-03-07T07:49:34.704-08:008/3/15 I am the Lord your God. <span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Third Sunday of Lent (Year B)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #666666;">Today we encounter the Ten Commandments and I have tried to explore the notion of conscience. A couple of phrases really stood out for me from today's Gospel: "He (Jesus) never needed evidence about any man; he could tell what a man had in him." I hope you find something interesting in this week's </span><span style="color: #a64d79;">a little liturgy</span><span style="color: #666666;">.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">First Reading</span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Exodus 20:1-17</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">God gave Moses the Ten Commandments:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1. I am the Lord your God: you shall not have strange gods before me.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">2. You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">3. Remember to keep holy the Lord's Day.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">4. Honour your father and your mother.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">5. You shall not kill.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">6. You shall not commit adultery.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">7. You shall not steal.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">8. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbour.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">9. You shall not covet your neighbour's wife.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">10. You shall not covet your neighbour's goods.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">You, Lord, have the message of eternal life.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Second Reading</span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1 Corinthians 1:22-25</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">St Paul says that Christ is the power and the wisdom of God. He tells us that "God's foolishness is wiser than human wisdom, and God's weakness is stronger than human strength."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Gospel</span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">John 2:13-25</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Before the Passover, Jesus went to the temple in Jerusalem. There he found people who were selling things and trading. He made a whip and drove them out of the temple saying, "Take all this out of here and stop turning my father's house into a market." </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">He then said that if the sanctuary were destroyed he would raise it up again in three days. (The disciples understood that he was talking about himself after they witnessed the resurrection.)</span><br />
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<span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The Ten Commandments form the basis of all Christian morality. They can be divided into two sections: one concerning God and one concerning your neighbour. However, rules can only take us so fa, and sometimes we must consider other ways of helping us to live good lives, such as listening to the Gospels and praying. The Church teaches that we must also use our conscience to decide what is right and wrong. "Conscience" could be described as a mixture of feeling, knowledge and experience. We have a responsibility to think about what is right, not according to selfish desires but according to respect for God and our neighbour. </span><br />
<span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Today's Gospel reminds us that we should have respect for holy places and behave appropriately; it is not acceptable to make money out of religious things and places. Interestingly, this was one of the criticisms levelled at the Catholic Church during the Reformation; priests were selling indulgences and relics. This is not strictly against the commandments but is obviously not respecting God or your neighbour. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Imagine that you are shipwrecked on a desert island. You are part of a group of twenty people and you need to make up some rules to help you all get along together. <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">List down five rules that you would choose:</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">2.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">3.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">4.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">5.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">In the psalm today the psalmist praises God and his rules. He uses five different words to refer to God's rules. They all appear in the phrase "the ................. of the Lord". <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">List them here:</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">2.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">3.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">4.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">5.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The Ten Commandments are written in the Old Testament. In the New Testament we hear a story about these rules. Jesus says: "You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your mind.... You must love your neighbour as yourself." (Luke 10: 27-28)</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #f4cccc; color: #cc0000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Look up this reference and read the next section about how to look after your neighbour.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Have a good week!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>Maria</i></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00588697147094317880noreply@blogger.com0