The great Fifty Days of rejoicing in the Risen Lord begins at the Great Vigil of Easter and leads us to the great feast of Pentecost. During this season, the Paschal Candle is lit at all worship services and "Alleluia" is sung on every possible occasion. It is a time of great festivity, especially after the simplicity and austerity of Lent and quiet solemnity of Holy Week. There is no fasting - and usually no kneeling since standing is the symbolic posture of living the risen life. The liturgical color is white, except for the day of Pentecost when red dominates as a reminder of the flame of faith brought by the Holy Spirit. Some other notable features of this season:
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, we cannot yet gather as a group until conditions are safer. As we enter this joyous season, we are given the opportunity to give thanks to God and our express hopes for the future by making time to grow more deeply in our faith.
- All through Eastertide, we read from the Acts of the Apostles, the story of the beginnings of the Church.
- We focus on the post resurrection appearances of Jesus to the first disciples - a way of strengthening their faith until the coming of the Holy Spirit.
- We acknowledge the coming of Spring in the celebration of Rogation Days in the Sixth Week of Easter - asking for God's blessing on the new life growing after winter sleep. This is also a time to focus our attention on our stewardship of Creation.
- We reflect on how Jesus remains among God's people in the Holy Spirit.
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, we cannot yet gather as a group until conditions are safer. As we enter this joyous season, we are given the opportunity to give thanks to God and our express hopes for the future by making time to grow more deeply in our faith.
Scroll down this page to the current Sunday to find resources and suggestions for each week. Since you know your family's needs better than anyone, you will be able to use these resources and suggestions in ways uniquely appropriate to your family.
The Fiftieth Day of Easter - Pentecost
The Blessing of New Fire - the Great Vigil of Easter at St. Luke's
Scholars who study human history and development (anthropologists) describe fir as one of the markers of the progress of humans. For tens of thousands of years, humans gathered around fire for light, warmth, protection, community, and better food. From our own experience, we know that fire has the power to sustain life and to destroy. In this way, it speaks of the power of God. Think fire, think God.
READINGS FOR THIS SUNDAYThe readings for Pentecost Sunday:
(Click on the link for the text of each reading for this Sunday)
Resource CornerWatch the Legos tell the story of when Jesus' friends receive the Holy Spirit.
This video helps to explain the day of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit filled the disciples of Jesus Christ, and the Church was born. (Well suited for ages 5-12 but anyone can enjoy it!)
Family Activity
Pentecost is sometimes called the birthday of the Church. The Gospel for Pentecost reminds us that the Church begins with the command to forgive.
Within the family, the domestic church, we learn how to forgive and how to accept forgiveness. The gift of the Holy Spirit enables us to do both. Today is a fitting time to share a family celebration of reconciliation. As you gather together as a family, sit quietly for a few minutes, inviting everyone to reflect upon their need to forgive and to receive forgiveness. If there is a situation or issue within the family that needs attention, spend some time reflecting on how your family might address it. Read together today’s Gospel, John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15 . Talk together about how Jesus gave us the gift of the Holy Spirit to help us in all the works of discipleship, including forgiveness, and to bring us peace. Pray together today’s psalm (Psalm 104:25-35, 37) or the Prayer to the Holy Spirit, asking that the Holy Spirit help your family. Share with one another the Sign of Peace. Facebook discussion group
Also available for parents is a special Facebook Group where parents can support one another, ask questions, offer advice, share ideas and insights as we work together to strengthen the faith of our children. For permission to participate in this discussion forum, please contact Mother Mary at youth@stlukeslebanon.org |
GODLY PLAY ON LINE!Godly Play teacher Rose Brown leads us through this week's Godly Play Online lesson . . .
Jesus told the disciples to wait together, and to pray for the coming of the Holy Spirit. That day has come and now the Spirit comes to them in a surprising way! What will happen next? Putting Faith into Practice
(Use examples from everyday life to teach a vital truth about the faith. They don't need to be structured into a lesson plan but are part of how we live out our faith.)
Activities for Children
Click on the file below to download "The Sunday Paper and "The Sunday Paper - Junior" for this week. 
Prayer to the Holy Spirit
Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful. And kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created. And you will renew the face of the earth. Lord, by the light of the Holy Spirit you have taught the hearts of your faithful. In the same Spirit help us to relish what is right and always rejoice in your consolation. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. | ||||
The Seventh Sunday of Easter - Sunday in Ascensiointide
Part of Disney's Fantasia movie was created when artists listened to classical music and drew or painted what they heard in the music. They were asked to let go of any plans and just listen to their hearts and their souls as the music played. Sometimes it is difficult to let go of control and simply let God work through us - to paint what music makes us feel at the moment. God calls us to do just that: God calls us through Jesus to volunteer to serve God's people in God's name, however that needs to happen in any time and place.
READINGS FOR THIS SUNDAYThe readings for the Seventh Sunday of Easter:
(Click on the link for the text of each reading for this Sunday)
resource cornerJesus has offered a special prayer for us, and we can recall its blessings for joy and hope in our lives. The words of this prayer also remind us that we should live as people who love God, sharing His compassion with those around us. This video offers a lesson on the gospel of the day.
Family Activity
Pentecost is sometimes called the birthday of the Church. The Gospel for Pentecost reminds us that the Church begins with the command to forgive. Within the family, what we sometimes call "the domestic church," we learn how to forgive and how to accept forgiveness.The gift of the Holy Spirit enables us to do both.
Today is a fitting time to share a family celebration of reconciliation.As you gather together as a family, sit quietly for a few minutes, inviting everyone to reflect upon their need to forgive and to receive forgiveness. If there is a situation or issue within the family that needs attention, spend some time reflecting on how your family might address it. Read together today’s Gospel - John 17:6-19. Talk together about how Jesus gave us the gift of the Holy Spirit to help us in the work of forgiveness and to bring us peace. Pray together the Prayer to the Holy Spirit, asking that the Holy Spirit help your family. And then share with one another a Sign of Peace and Reconciliation. Prayer to the Holy Spirit
Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful. And kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created. And you will renew the face of the earth. Lord, by the light of the Holy Spirit you have taught the hearts of your faithful. In the same Spirit help us to relish what is right and always rejoice in your consolation. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. |
GODLY PLAY ON LINE!Mother Mary Kisner leads us through this week's Godly Play Online lesson . . .
There were many people in Jerusalem for a festival that day. But God had something else in mind. The disciples were waiting for the Holy Spirit, just as Jesus told them to. And the Spirit arrived in a surprising way. This is the closing story in the series "Knowing Jesus in a New Way." We will continue with two additional stories from Godly Play in May, then take a break until the fall.
Meanwhile on the first Sunday of June, July, August, and September, we will feature activities for families entitled "Celebrating God's Creation." Putting Faith in Practice
(Use examples from everyday life to teach a vital truth about the faith. They don't need to be structured into a lesson plan but are part of how we live out our faith.)
Activities for Children
Click on the file below to download "The Sunday Paper and "The Sunday Paper - Junior" for this week.
Facebook discussion group
Also available for parents is a special Facebook Group where parents can support one another, ask questions, offer advice, share ideas and insights as we work together to strengthen the faith of our children. For permission to participate in this discussion forum, please contact Mother Mary at youth@stlukeslebanon.org | ||||
tHE sIXTH sUNDAY OF eASTER
This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you." Jesus' command open us to lives that are changed and transformed by his love. Each time we renew our baptismal promises, we remind ourselves and one another that we will "seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving [our] neighbor and [ourselves] . . . strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being.
rEADINGS FOR THIS sUNDAYThe readings for the Sixth Sunday of Easter:
(Click on the link for the text of each reading for this Sunday)
Resource CornerA video explanation of why Jesus calls us his friends. (from ShareFaith KIDS)
Jesus said, "As the Father loved me, I also have loved you. Abide in my love." (John 15:9)
The children in this video perform this memory verse with hand motions! They are really enthusiastic about sharing the love of Christ with people. They pray your heart is touched by the Lord! Join in! Family Activity
In family life, we have many opportunities to show love in action. Each time we postpone a task to tend to the needs of another, we show ourselves to be on the path to following the example of love shown to us by Jesus. Sometimes the sacrifices we are called upon to make for others are small. But these small choices to love and to serve others prepare us for the larger choices and sacrifices that we may be called upon to make. If we are people who have practiced showing our love for others with generosity, we will also be people who are willing to lay down our lives for those we love.
As you gather as a family, talk about the meaning of the word generosity. Ask each family member to describe an action that shows generosity. To be generous is to give freely to others without counting the cost. Recall that generosity is one of the Fruits of the Holy Spirit. Introduce today’s Gospel reading by saying that Jesus taught us to be generous in showing our love for one another. Read together today’s Gospel, John 15:9-17. What examples did Jesus give to us that show this kind of love? (washing his disciples’ feet; accepting death on the cross) Jesus helps us to show this kind of love to others. In today’s Gospel, Jesus promised that God will give us whatever we ask for. One of the things we can ask for from God is a generous spirit so that we can love others as Jesus did. Conclude in prayer together by praying Saint Ignatius of Loyola’s Prayer for Generosity. |
godly play online!Mother Mary Kisner leads us through this week's Godly Play Online lesson . . . What did Jesus do for 40 days after his resurrection from the dead? He met several times with his disciples, and gave them a mission to go out and tell the good news of God's kingdom. Then he met with them one last time and told them to wait for the Holy Spirit
Putting Faith in Practice
(Use examples from everyday life to teach a vital truth about the faith. They don't need to be structured into a lesson plan but are part of how we live out our faith.)
Activities for Children
Click on the file below to download "The Sunday Paper and "The Sunday Paper - Junior" for this week.
Prayer for Generosity
Eternal Word, only begotten Son of God, Teach me true generosity. Teach me to serve you as you deserve. To give without counting the cost, To fight heedless of wounds, To labor without seeking rest, To sacrifice myself without thought of any reward Save the knowledge that I have done your will. Amen. (St. Ignatius of Loyola) Facebook discussion group
Also available for parents is a special Facebook Group where parents can support one another, ask questions, offer advice, share ideas and insights as we work together to strengthen the faith of our children. For permission to participate in this discussion forum, please contact Mother Mary at youth@stlukeslebanon.org | ||||
THE Fifth SUNDAY OF eASTER - May 2
The new life Christ promises is lived in relationship with God, as intimate as the connection between a vine and its branches. The Holy Spirit flows through us because of our connection to Christ, and, apart from Christ, we can do nothing. In the Baptismal Covenant, we promise to nurture those connections - through the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, the breaking of bread, and the prayers.
READINGS FOR THIS SUNDAYThe readings for the Fifth Sunday of Easter:
(Click on the link for the text of each reading for this Sunday.)
RESOURCE CORNERJesus is the vine, and we are the branches. When we choose to be connected to Him, He helps us to produce good fruit, like love, peace, joy, and forgiveness. This illustrated video explains how this happens.
God is the Vine is worship music for kids based on John 15:5. This fun song can help in explaining "I am the vine you are the branches". Enjoy! (The lyrics are printed in the file below the video.)
Family Activity
The goal of our life of prayer is to increase our awareness that Jesus lives with us always. Prayer is more than a dialogue with God; prayer is a lifting of our minds and hearts to God so that God might dwell and act within us and through us. The pinnacle of our life of prayer is our communion with Jesus in the Eucharist. Through this sacrament, we receive Jesus himself, and he remains with us. Our life of prayer and our union with Jesus will lead us to fruitful service to others. Place a plant in your gathering space. Invite everyone to look at the plant, noting the connection between the plant and its leaves. Talk about the connection between all the parts of a healthy plant. Introduce today’s Gospel by saying that Jesus talked about his relationship to his disciples using this metaphor. Read today’s Gospel lesson, John 15:1-8 . Talk about the ways in which we are invited to relate to Jesus as his disciples today—prayer, Scripture, the Eucharist, and so on. When we do these things, Jesus promises to remain with us and to lead us to serve others well. Pray together that we will continue to be attentive and open to Jesus as he works in our lives today. Pray together the Acts of Faith, Hope, and Love. |
GODLY PLAY ONLINE!Mother Mary Kisner leads us through this week's Godly Play Online lesson . . .
Jesus calls the disciples to a mountain in Galilee where he gives them one last instruction. Putting faith into practice
(Use examples from everyday life to teach a vital truth about the faith. They don't need to be structured into a lesson plan but are part of how we live out our faith.)
Activities for Children
Click on the file below to download "The Sunday Paper and "The Sunday Paper - Junior" for this week.
Act of Faith
O my God, I firmly believe that you are one God in three divine Persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. I believe that the Son became one of us and died for our sins, and that he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe these and the truth which the one, holy, catholic and apostolic church teaches, because you have revealed them to us. Amen. Act of Hope
O my God, relying on your infinite mercy and promises, I hope to receive, the help of your grace, the forgiveness of my sins, and life everlasting, through the merits of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Redeemer. Amen. Act of Love
O my God, I love you above all things with my whole heart and soul, because you are all good and worthy of all my love. I love my neighbor as myself because you firs loved us. I forgive all who may have injured me and I ask forgiveness from those whom I have injured. Amen. Facebook discussion group
Also available for parents is a special Facebook Group where parents can support one another, ask questions, offer advice, share ideas and insights as we work together to strengthen the faith of our children. For permission to participate in this discussion forum, please contact Mother Mary at youth@stlukeslebanon.org | ||||||
THE FOurth SUNDAY OF SUNDAY - APRIL 25
The Fourth Sunday of Easter is known as "Good Shepherd Sunday." The Good Shepherd knows us by name, protects us from evil, and lays down his life for his sheep. This shepherd seeks out the lost and restores them to their community.
READINGS FOR THIS SUNDAY |
GODLY PLAY ONLINE! |
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The readings for the Fourth Sunday of Easter:
(Click on the link for the text of each reading for this Sunday.)
RESOURCE CORNERCartoonist Ron Wheeler illustrates the story of Jesus as the Good Shepherd
Douglas learns how Jesus is like our shepherd and we are like his sheep. Douglas' grandma let him borrow a little sheep stuffed animal so he could help explain to kids how we are kind of like sheep and Jesus is our Good Shepherd.
Family Activity
The Good Shepherd makes sacrifices for the sheep not because it is required, but because it is a choice. That sounds a lot like parenting and the dynamics of a healthy family life. Parents choose to make sacrifices for their children out of love, not obligation. Christian parents model and invite their children to choose to make sacrifices for other family members and for other people, acting out of love rather than obligation. When you gather as a family, invite each family member to consider the attitude that permeates their participation in family life. Read a common examen, such as any of the following: Do we do family chores cheerfully and without having to be asked multiple times? Do we gladly share with others? Do we willingly contribute to the family good when asked? Read aloud today’s Gospel, John 10:11-18. Discuss together how the example of the Good Shepherd might inspire your family life. Invite each family member to make a renewed commitment to one action/attitude to focus on in the upcoming week that show that we will choose to follow the example of the Good Shepherd. Pray together that we will be able to honor our commitment. Pray together Saint Ignatius of Loyola’s Prayer for Generosity. |
Mother Mary Kisner leads us through this week's Godly Play Online lesson . . .
The disciples return to the work they did before they knew Jesus - fishing. But there is someone on the shore making breakfast for them. When they meet up with Jesus, he will have a message for Peter. Activities for Children
Click on the file below to download "The Sunday Paper and "The Sunday Paper - Junior" for this week.
Putting faith into practice
(Use examples from everyday life to teach a vital truth about the faith. They don't need to be structured into a lesson plan but are part of how we live out our faith.)
Facebook discussion group
Also available for parents is a special Facebook Group where parents can support one another, ask questions, offer advice, share ideas and insights as we work together to strengthen the faith of our children. For permission to participate in this discussion forum, please contact Mother Mary at youth@stlukeslebanon.org Prayer for Generosity
Eternal Word, only begotten Son of God, Teach me true generosity. Teach me to serve you as you deserve. To give without counting the cost, To fight heedless of wounds, To labor without seeking rest, To sacrifice myself without thought of any reward Save the knowledge that I have done your will. Amen. | ||||
tHE tHIRD sUNDAY OF Sunday - April 18
Today we hear about the living power of Jesus to pen new life to all. Our prayers and action can reflect God's desire to reconcile all things to himself. We ask this day, "Open our eyes of faith, that we may behold Christ in all his redeeming work." This reminds us that the actions of the Church and of individual Christians must be judges as to whether they are redeeming works or demeaning works. We are all called to heal bodies and souls both of individuals and our society.
Readings for this SundayThe readings for the Third Sunday of Easter:
(Click on the link for the text of each reading for this Sunday.)
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Godly Play online!Mother Mary Kisner leads us through this week's Godly Play Online lesson . . .
After Jesus walks to Emmaus with two disciples, that same evening he appears to the others in Jerusalem. Only, Thomas was not there. He meets Jesus one week later in a stunning encounter |
Resource CornerThe video below describes how Jesus appeared to the disciples after the resurrection from the dead. (Please note that the phrase "for fear of the Jews" is about the political leaders of Jerusalem at the time and not all people who held Jewish beliefs.)
Here is a video presentation using Legos to tell the story of Jesus' appearance to the disciples.
Family Activity
Family life is strengthened through storytelling and shared meal times. In a similar way, Christian life is sustained by God’s word in Scripture and by Christ’s presence in the Eucharist. We are especially sustained in our faith through our weekly celebration of Mass. Today’s Gospel reading reminds us that the Scripture and the Eucharist are given to us so that our acts of bearing witness to Christ might be strengthened. As you gather as a family, ask each person to share their favorite story about your family. Talk about the importance of these memories about your family life and the importance of the meals you have shared together as a family. Recall that these stories and meals strengthen the love you share. In a similar way, our Christian life is strengthened by sharing God’s Word and the Eucharist at the Church's liturgy. Read together today’s Gospel, Luke 24:36b-48. Discuss the mission that Jesus gave to his disciples after their shared meal. The Eucharist also sends us to be Christ’s witnesses in the world today. Conclude by praying together that we will be strengthened by God’s word and by Jesus’ presence in the Eucharist to be witnesses to Christ. |
Activities for Children Click on the file below to download "The Sunday Paper and "The Sunday Paper - Junior" for this week.
Putting faith into practice
(Use examples from everyday life to teach a vital truth about the faith. They don't need to be structured into a lesson plan but are part of how we live out our faith.)
Facebook discussion group
Also available for parents is a special Facebook Group where parents can support one another, ask questions, offer advice, share ideas and insights as we work together to strengthen the faith of our children. For permission to participate in this discussion forum, please contact Mother Mary at youth@stlukeslebanon.org | ||||
The Second sunday Of Easter - April 11
This Sunday is often called "Thomas Sunday" because the gospel lesson focuses on Thomas, whose name means twin, stands alone in the gospel. Perhaps we are his twin, each of us standing in his shoes, asking to touch the wounds in which life became unsustainable, more inclined toward knowing the power that fascinates us, than the power that liberates us. Perhaps we need to focus less on Thomas' doubts and more on the fact that he believed.
Readings for this SundayThe readings for The Second Sunday after Christmas are:
(Click on the link for the text of each reading from this Sunday.)
Resource CornerIN this video, children tell and reflect on the story of Thomas from today's gospel lesson.
Here's the same story with a little different approach.
Peace Prayer
attributed to St. Francis (BCP p.810) Lord, make me an instrument of your peace: where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy. O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console, to be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive, it is in pardoning that we are pardoned, and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen. |
Godly Play Online!Two people on the way home to Emmaus invite a stranger to share a meal. It turns out this person is none other than the risen Jesus.
Putting faith into practice
(Use examples from everyday life to teach a vital truth about the faith. They don't need to be structured into a lesson plan but are part of how we live out our faith.)
Activities for Children
Click on the file below to download The "Sunday Papers" for this week.
Family Activity
Within normal family life, there are many opportunities for conflict. Jesus did not promise us the absence of conflict in our lives. Instead, he gave us the gifts of peace, forgiveness, and reconciliation so that we could reduce conflict. The measure of Christian family life is not the absence of conflict, but the manner in which conflict is resolved. Filled with the gift of the Holy Spirit, we ask Jesus to help us to bring peace and forgiveness to situations of conflict in our families. As your family gathers, take this opportunity to examine how your family resolves conflict. Recall a recent argument or disagreement and discuss how the conflict was resolved. Consider whether the conflict was resolved peacefully, in the spirit of Jesus. If not, discuss alternatives that might be tried in the future. Read together today’s Gospel, John 20:19-31. Recall that we have each received Jesus’ gift of the Holy Spirit and that the Holy Spirit helps us to be people who forgive others and seek peace. Pray together the Prayer to the Holy Spirit or the Peace Prayer of Saint Francis. | ||||
Facebook discussion group
Also available for parents is a special Facebook Group where parents can support one another, ask questions, offer advice, share ideas and insights as we work together to strengthen the faith of our children. For permission to participate in this discussion forum, please contact Mother Mary at youth@stlukeslebanon.org
Also available for parents is a special Facebook Group where parents can support one another, ask questions, offer advice, share ideas and insights as we work together to strengthen the faith of our children. For permission to participate in this discussion forum, please contact Mother Mary at youth@stlukeslebanon.org