Children’s Liturgy Instructions
Eighteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time Cycle B
Welcome children to their worship space.
Ask them to get their carpet squares and sit down in a circle.
Introduce yourself and your helpers.
Ask children to add their names to the cutouts (ovals) provided. Remind the children that we are making a poster for each Sunday and that they will sign a cutout and glue it on when they are here.
Introduce Sunday
Explain: Today is the Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time.
Ask: Does anyone remember what our symbol was for last week? (the bread and fish) And what did it stand for? (to remind us that Jesus will take care of all our needs)
Explain: So we have learned several things about Faith in the last few weeks. Do you remember any of them? We have learned not to worry too much, we have learned to trust in God, we have learned that often God uses us to bring Jesus to others and it is our job to help that happen.
Introduce symbol
Say: Our symbol today is a loaf of bread.
Ask: What does bread symbolize? (nourishment)
Explain: For the next few weeks, we will be hearing Scripture that tells us about the kind of Nourishment that Jesus provides for us. Last week, we talked about how Jesus, through the faith of his followers, provided nourishment (food) for lots of people. Today and for the next few weeks, we will be reading what the Gospel writers have written about the other kind of food Jesus has to offer us.
Say: Now we are going to practice the Responsorial Psalm, that part between the readings where you get to help. The Responsorial Psalm comes from the Bible just like our readings do. Today’s psalm is: The Lord gave them bread from heaven. Can you say this with me? <Have the children repeat it.>
Introduce readings
Say: The first reading today is from the second book of Kings. (ll Kings 4:42-44) It tells the story about Moses leading the Israelites in the desert and what happened when they couldn’t find any more food. Listen closely to see if you have heard this story before.
Say: Now we will have the first reading (light the candle)
Have the first reading
Ask: Did anyone hear what happened? <God sent manna from heaven to feed the Israelites>
Say: Next we will have the Responsorial Psalm
Your part will be to say:
The Lord gave them bread from heaven. (hold up card with psalm)
Have reader read the psalm
Say: The Gospel reading was written by the Apostle John. (John 6:1-15) John’s Gospel today tells how Jesus tried to explain the difference between the bread they received that nourished their bodies and the bread He will provide for them that will nourish their souls. Listen closely to hear what John tells us that Jesus said that God wants for us to do.
Say: Now we will get ready to hear the Gospel
(hold up card) Alleluia! Alleluia!
Read: “a reading from the holy Gospel.....”
All respond: Lord, let your Word be in my mind <make cross on forehead>, on my lips <make cross on lips>, and in my heart <make cross on heart>
Read the Gospel
Hand out the symbols to color and cut out. (The symbol is a loaf of bread)
Explain: Color this symbol of a loaf of bread and bring it to the altar (don’t forget to put your name on the back!) to show that we have learned about God taking care of us.
While the children are coloring, ask them if they remember the name of the bread that God provided to the Israelites <Manna>. Remind them that the things that happened to Jesus in the New Testament are often similar to things that happened in the Old Testament. The Jews of Jesus’ time all knew the Old Testament stories so they were doubly surprised at some of the things that Jesus did.
If there is time, ask questions and go over the lessons one more time to help the children remember.
While they are coloring, explain how we will go back into the church, up to the front with our gifts and rejoin our families.
Give out stickers, parent letters and hand-outs as they leave. (It might be fun to send home small loaves of bread that the children could share with their families – or perhaps a simple bread recipe for families to make together.)
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| Use this graphic for the poster symbol |
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| Use this graphic to make the banner symbol - I used brown for the bread & gilt foil paper for the "rays" behind it. Also use this graphic in black & white so the children can color it for the Offertory gift |
Parent Letter
Eighteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time
Today is the Eighteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time. Today your children heard a simplified version of the same readings that you heard: Exodus 16:2-4, 12-15 and John 6:24-29.
To reinforce at home:
The Gospel today talks about how the people who were fed (in last week’s Gospel) followed Jesus around looking for more food. Jesus tried to explain to them that He was here to bring them a different kind of food that would give them life forever.
Activities to do at home:
*Tell your child what the Eucharist means to you. One of the best ways to teach your child about our faith is to share your own feelings.
*Share ideas of items that nourish you or make you feel more complete - other than food. For instance, a hug from a loved one would nourish your spirit, a laugh can nourish you, anything that makes you feel happier and stronger would nourish you.
Thank you for sharing your children!
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