Children’s Liturgy of the WordHAPPY FATHER’S DAY!

12th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Sunday, June 21, 2020

St. Stephen Church, Kingsville, MD

Welcome, Families!

Dear Friends,

We are glad that you are joining us in prayer today! Please gather your family in a quiet, peaceful space.

In the following slides you will find this Sunday's Gospel reading and reflection questions to help you understand Jesus' message to us.

You'll also find a family activity idea and some printable sheets for children appropriate for two different age groups.

Blessings to your family!

Opening Prayer

In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Our Father, Who art in Heaven,

Hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth

As it is in Heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread

And forgive us our trespasses

As we forgive those who trespass against us

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

In Today’s Gospel…

DO NOT BE AFRAID

Jesus gave his friends a job to do: to share the Good News. They were not having an easy time and often felt afraid of doing things that they hadn’t done before. Do you ever feel like that? Let’s stand and listen to Jesus’ words in the Gospel that tell us how God watches over us at times like this.

Gospel Reading -Matthew 10:26-31

All: Alleluia, Alleluia!

A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Matthew.

All: “Glory to you, O Lord”.

Jesus said to his disciples: “Don’t be afraid of anyone! Everything that is hidden will be found out, and every secret will be known.

“Whatever I say to you in the dark, you must tell in the light. And you must announce from the housetops whatever I have whispered to you.

“Don’t be afraid of people. They can kill you, but they cannot harm your soul. Instead, you should fear God who can destroy both your body and your soul in hell.

“Aren’t two sparrows sold for only a penny? But your Father knows when any one of them falls to the ground. Even the hairs on your head are counted. So don’t be afraid! You are worth much more than many sparrows.” The Gospel of the Lord.

All: “Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.”

Reflection Questions§ Do you know how tall you are and what you

weigh? How many teeth do you have? If someone asked you exactly how many hairs were on your head, could you say?

§ What does Jesus tell us about the hairs on our head? What does he mean? (God knows us so well, even better than we know ourselves, and loves and values us). How special does this make you feel?

§ Have you ever been afraid of something? Or of doing something new?

§ Have you ever felt unpopular, or that you were on your own against the crowd?

§ Did anyone stick up for you or take your side?

§ (continued)

Reflection Questions

The disciples were having a difficult time like this and were feeling afraid. The Jews were pushing them out of the synagogues because of their belief that Jesus was the Messiah. Jesus told them that God had special love for each of them and would help them.

§ How did Jesus tell his disciples about how much they meant to God?

§ What about the sparrows Jesus mentioned–have you ever seen them in your garden?

§ What do you think they might be worth? In Jesus’s time sparrows were sold in the market for about a penny (not very much).

§ But how does Jesus say God watches over them? (Not one falls to the ground without the Father knowing about it! Even they are special to Him).

§ What does this tell us about how God loves and cares for us, we who mean SO much more than tiny sparrows?

A Father’s Day Prayer

Now think about YOUR dad! He watches over you just like God watches over the tiny sparrows. Let’s all honor our fathers today with a special prayer:

Dear Lord,Thank you for my Dad. Bless him and help him to be a good father.Help him when he is tired, when he is worried, when he is in a hurry.Give him pride in his work and a little more time to have fun.Help me to show my dad how much I love him.Amen.

Let’s listen to a special song

“Through the Eyes of My Father”Click link here:

https://youtu.be/I7SH9eP7Q_o

To Do for Father’s Day§ Find special ways today to show your father how much you love

him and to thank him for all the ways he shows his love for you!

§ Here’s one idea: Make a Spiritual Bouquet to St. Joseph who lovingly watched over Jesus and his Blessed Mother Mary

Materials:

§ Garden flowers, greenery, or some other type of small gift

§ Small note cards or slips of paper

§ Pens, crayons, or markers

§ Small basket or other container to hold the prayer intentions

§ Vase of water (if using fresh flowers), box or basket to hold gifts

§ Image of St. Joseph (print from slide below and color it)

§ Write a prayer intention (especially for your dad) on a slip of paper and place it, along with a flower or some other type of gift, beneath an image of St. Joseph, a holy example for all fathers everywhere. Use the coloring picture below for your picture.

§ When ready, say the Prayer to St. Joseph in honor of your dad.

Prayer to St. JosephSt. Joseph,

watch over me and our familyand care for us

just as you cared forthe child Jesus and his mother Mary;

and by your help,may I come to know

your Son, Jesus,and grow

in strengthand wisdom

and the favor of God.

Closing Prayer

§ God of life, help us to see the beauty of your world, and to treat all people around the world with respect and love. May we share your hope and love with others. Amen.

§ THANK YOU FOR JOINING OUR CHILDREN’S LITURGY! HAVE A BLESSED WEEK!