Easter and Liturgy Panel

We had our very last Religious Ed class in the classroom yesterday. We began class with our normal housekeeping such as collecting Homework and bulletins/song sheets to check Mass attendance. We also reviewed the chapter on Easter (page 227 in the book). After that, we had several guest speakers come to speak to us about various parts of Liturgy. They were very impressed with the questions we asked and we learned a lot of good information from them!

Our Panel

Minister of Communion

Mrs. E came to talk to us about being a Minister of Communion. In order to be a Minister of Communion, it takes about 1 day of training. You learn about the church and the history of Communion. Mrs. E explained that God calls us to do different things and this is something she felt called to do. She and her husband decided years ago to do this together. She does not feel like it is hard and she feels it is an honor to be able to help with the Mass and Communion. She likes looking into people's eyes when she gives them Communion. God gives us gifts and it is a gift for us to serve Him. Someone wanted to know if it gets tiring, but Mrs. E said it doesn't because it doesn't last very long. She helps with the bread and the wine. There is a schedule for Eucharistic Ministers to know when it is their turn. Someone else wanted to know when the ministers get Communion. They receive Communion on the altar before coming down to serve it to the congregation.

Mr. G came to talk to us about being a Mass Coordinator. He has been Mass Coordinator at 9:15 for 28.5 years! God called him to this 28.5 years ago. He has to make sure all of the important people are there (such as Ministers of Communion and Lectors). He counts how many people are in the church that day to figure out how many Communion stations there need to be and how many hosts need to be blessed. He gets the cups and hosts ready for Communion. He also makes sure there is a family to bring up the gifts (the bread and wine). If your family is ever interested, just let the Mass Coordinator or an usher know. He has a binder with an ordo inside it that tells everything that is going to happen and be said during Mass. Someone in our class wanted to know what happens if they run out of bread. Mr. G told us that there are extras that have already been blessed in the chapel and we can get them from there. Mrs. E also added that sometimes the Ministers of Communion break the hosts in half if they start to run out. Any little piece is still Jesus' body.

We got to see a bag with unblessed hosts. And a chalice

Another Mr. G came to talk to us about music and choir. He directs the 9:15 choir. He also plays the guitar. His favorite part of church is the music and many of us said the same. He loves to sing in church and thinks singing makes church fun. He remembers in the olden days when the only music in church was an old lady and an organ! After Vatican II, guitars were allowed in church. He started singing and playing his guitar after talking to Fr. George 35 years ago. He sings and plays his guitar every Sunday at 9:15. He plays a 12 string guitar.

Mrs. N came to talk to us about being an Usher. A lot of ushers are men, but there are some women ushers! Ushers help with the collection and ask help show people where to go for communion. They help collect song sheets and pass out bulletins at the end. The ushers are also there to keep things organized and help if there is an emergency. Mrs. N has been doing this for a long time. She started about the same time her husband was a Minister of Communion. She liked being involved in the Mass with her whole family. There used to be a schedule, but now Mrs. N is an usher pretty much every week at 9:15!

Michelle came to talk to us about being an Altar Server. Altar Servers help with the candles, the book, and the priest getting ready for Communion. She really likes being involved and being able to help the priest. The priest is just one guy and he can't do everything himself! There is a schedule so she knows when it is her turn. She told us you can be an Altar Server after you make your First Communion. So we are really excited to do it! You can do it at any Mass. She really likes feeling helpful and special.

Mrs. C-H (Miss Stacy's Mom!) came to talk to us about being a Lector. She explained that there are two readings (we already learned that the First Reading is from the Old Testament and the Second Reading is from the New Testament). The Gospel is read by the priest. A lector reads the First and Second readings. When you are the lector for the first reading, you also walk in carrying the Bible, because it is very important. People in the Vatican pick the readings for 3 years. Then they are repeated. To do the training it takes about half a day. Mrs. C-H practices a lot every time she is going to lector. Lectors have special workbooks that help them prepare and practice. The book also has an explanation of the reading so they can understand it better. She told us she gets nervous EVERY TIME she is going to lector, but she feels that it is really important and that is why she likes to do it. She started a long time ago when Mr. G (the Mass Coordinator) asked her after she did a talk for Mother's Day. When she walks up to the Altar she says a little prayer and again when she walks away. There is a schedule so she knows when it is her turn. Mrs. C-H really likes to be a lector because it makes her feel like she is part of Mass: kind of like it being so much better to play in a soccer game than just watching from the sidelines!

Mr. C (Miss Stacy's Dad!) came to talk to us about Liturgy Planning. The Liturgy planners decide what goes inside the ordo for the week (the papers that say what exactly will be said at Mass). There are 4 teams that take turns. His team is on the First Sunday. The readings every week are the same across the world, but the prayers can be different. They use the readings to help plan. They choose which prayers are said during the Liturgy of the Eucharist. They write the Prayer of the Faithful (when we pray for different things). They begin each planning session by saying a prayer and asking for God's help in planning. He has been doing it for over 20 years. He didn't really have much training, but he said the more he has done it, the better he is at it!

Mrs. W came to talk to us about Liturgy of the Word for Children (or Children's Liturgy of the Word-CLOW). She also showed us the magazines that the kids who go get to use. CLOW happens at 9:15 Mass during the school year. It is for kids about 3/4 years old to about 3rd grade. Kids get to go downstairs in split into groups of younger kids and older kids. They hear a story, say a prayer, do an activity/craft and learn about the Gospel in a way for kids to understand. She loves to see all of the kids at church come join her. Some parents would rather their kids stay upstairs and listen to Mass, and that is OK too. The hardest part is not knowing exactly how long everything is going to take in Mass. Sometimes they need time to fill and sometimes they are rushed! We learned that you don't need to be signed up. You can just go when the priest invites all the kids!

It was really neat to hear from all of these people who participate in making the Mass happen on Sundays. We learned about some things we can participate in, such as being Altar Servers and going to Children's Liturgy of the Word. If anyone is interested in being an Altar Server after making their First Communion, please email Ms. Stephanie or talk to Rosi at church. We also liked learning about roles for adults. This is a great opportunity for parents to get involved! Parents, if you are interested in being a Minister of Communion, Lector, usher or being in the choir, please email Ms. Stephanie and she can put you in touch with the right person. Your kids will love to see you getting involved in the Mass!

Important Notes:

-First Reconciliation and Communion books were due April 2. If you didn't turn yours in, please bring it April 9 to the Family Mass. I look through each one. Those that were already turned in will be given back April 9th so you can continue to review them before First Communion.

-First Reconciliation Mass is next Tuesday, April 12 at 7:00. This is mandatory for anyone making their First Communion.

-April 9 is the closing event for Religious Ed for the year. It is a Family Mass and it starts at 9:00 at the church.

-Kids from our class who are interested have been involved in Mass throughout this year. At our Class' Mass in February, at the Family Mass next week, and at First Communion. It is wonderful to have second graders taking part in the Mass. They are impressive!

-Don't forget to bring your Mass books every Sunday when you go to church and to First Communion to follow along.

First Communion Notes:

-Seats will be assigned on a First Come/First Served basis. The CHILD must be present in order for the seats to be assigned. Doors will open at 10:00.

-Photos may be taken before and after Mass on the Altar. Father John will be available for pictures before Mass.

-If you have special items to be blessed, Fr. John will do a sprinkling rite during Mass. You can hold them up to be blessed during that time. Or see him after Mass.

-The way we practiced taking communion and as is stated here in the earlier post is the proper procedure. In the letter that was sent home, it states the child should make the sign of the cross after consuming the wine and the host. That is not necessary. If your child wants to, that is more than Ok, but it is not "procedure". They are OK with what we practiced. The most important things for them to remember are *saying "Amen" after being presented with both and *praying reverently when they get back to their seat.

Preparing for Lent and The Eucharist

We had a VERY busy class today at Religious Ed.

We started by writing thank you notes to Fr. John and letting him know what we learned from his visit two weeks ago.

Then we did an Echo Pantomime about Lent to prepare us thinking about Lenten season ahead of us. We also learned that Ash Wednesday is this coming Wednesday. We talked about the importance of attending an Ash Wednesday Mass (make sure to bring a song sheet from Mass when you go)!

Watch our video here:



After that we used our Mass books to practice going through the Mass. We practiced all of the responses. While acting out Mass, we had the chance to taste the bread and the wine. We practiced lining up and taking communion like we were at church. We learned that since the gifts were not consecrated (blessed) they are still bread and wine and not yet Jesus' body and blood (but they will still taste the same).

We practiced:
-Holding our hands in front of us-left over right.
-When the priest/minister says, "The body of Christ," we respond, "Amen."
-Then we pick up the host with the other hand and put it in our mouths. We try not to chomp on it like gum, but we can chew it to make it easier to swallow.
-Then we go to the next minister. When the minister says, "The blood of Christ," we respond, "Amen."
-Then we take the cup in both of our hands and take a small sip.
-Though some people do "dip" the host, we are encouraging taking a sip. It is actually more germ-y to dip than sip because people's fingers have more germs than their mouths! And even when people don't think they are, they often get their fingers in the cup. Though some churches do allow parishioners who desire to do so, dip. Proper practice is to sip the wine.
-One of the most important things we learned: When you get back to your seat, it is a time to sit and pray. Thank God for the things in your life and ask for prayers for what you need.

Check out the slideshow of our "communion" today:

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

To Do:
-There's no homework for next week!
-Bring the Mass books to church with you over the next several weeks. They are great to follow along with and help your child learn the responses.
-Make sure you are finishing up your First Eucharist and First Reconciliation books. They are due to class on April 2.
-Attend Ash Wednesday Mass this week.

Liturgy and the Catholic Church

February 12



Last week we learned about the Liturgy of the Eucharist. We learned that that the Liturgy of the Eucharist is the second part of Mass. The most important part of the Liturgy of the Eucharist is the Eucharistic Blessing. When the priest says the Eucharistic Blessing, the bread and wine are transformed into Jesus' body and blood.

After reading the chapter, we wrote prayers for people in our lives.

Dear Lord, we ask for your prayers today:



L-Thank you for my blanket pasa. Thank you for my grama and grampa's pet dog Jake. Thank you for my mom.
M-Thank you Jesus for my cusins and the homeless and my four xstra Gramas and Grampas.
K-Thank you Jesus. Thank you for food. Thank you for are money. Thank you for are school. Thank you fanily. Thank you for are Love. Thank you.
M-Homeles people. My skateboards. My friends. My Master.

D-Pray for animals, homeless people, famils, friends.

M-Pray for Jesus Christ. I will pray that homeless people will soon have a home.

J-Homelis people. Def people. Blind people.

A-I pray for the poor and homelese. And I pray for the people that pick up the litter.
C-I pray for the poor. I pray for the people that pick up the litter. I pray for the people that are in the armey.

R-I pray for the poor. I pray for the army. I pray for my grandma that shy lives longer.
S-I pray for the poor. I pray for my bruther. I pray for the arnmet.

G-My God could you take away my sins. Will you forgive me what I have done wrong. God help all of the people who are indaerger. I want you to take care of the people.

S-Forgive our sins from today. Help my mom to come. Help my sister to feel better.
E-My Grama. My dog. My family. Peple on the street.

B-My frog died, good weather, my gramma, my great grandma, me.
M-I am praying for the army men and women to be safe. And I am praying for my moms paceints.

N-That freddy has a good time in heaven. for the homeless to have gomes. for the animals to have shelter. for the soliders in afganistahn for Lulu to have a good time in heaven.

A-My dads arm to heal. My mom to feel better. My sister to not get frustrated in homework. My other sister to have a good life. Poor people that need food sheleter. Animals for food, shelter and homes with good famlys.

B-Thank you god for food. Thank you god for clots. Thank you god for shelter. Pray for the need. And sick. Thank god for us to be safe.

O-Thank you for all of the food. Thank you for the shletr pray for the need and sick. Thank you for keeping us safe in the storm. Thank you for the clothes.
N-Thank you god for on food. Tank you god for shelter. Pray for heel Daddy sick.

M-Thank you for food. Thank you God for shelter. Thank you God for cloths. Pray for the need. Pray for people how are sick. Thank you for keeping us safe in the storm.

?-A-My dad, mom, thoms, mary, God, Tom, Bill, Samsam, my dog, miss sefunee.

?-Forgive my famly. People how are haveing babeis.

After we wrote our prayers, Ms. Rosi came to talk to us about Liturgy. We helped set up a table like the altar and we learned the imporance of all the people involved in Liturgy.

February 19

Fr. John came to talk to us about being a priest. We had LOTS of questions for him and he spent a lot of time answering our questions and explaining lots of things to us!

Q: Does it take a lot of practice to be a priest?

A: I practice all the time. I went to the seminary and learned what to do. The seminary is a school for people learning to be a priest.

Q: How do you become a priest?

A: When I was young I didn't think about being a priest. My dad had a mold shop and I thought about being a mold maker. I started working in the parish office to earn extra money. I got to know the priest by working in the office. I saw priests experience all important times in life such as funerals and weddings. After high school, I went to the seminary. Then attend Mundelein Seminary for four more years. It take 4 years of college and 4 years in seminary. I was ordained in 1991. I studied a lot! I felt like God called me.

Q: How old are you?

A: 45

Q: Did you go to church when you were little?

A: Every Sunday

Q: Do you have kids?

A: Priests cannot have kids because priests make a promise not to get married.

Q: Why can't you get married?

A: In the Bible, the apostles wives were not mentioned. Jesus talked about dedicating your life to God. Priests give up marriage to focus on the church.

Q: When you retire can you have kids?

A: If you stay a priest, you cannot ever get married or have kids.

Q: What was your first day of being a priest like?

A: Very long and tiring. It was my ordination day. I woke up early, went to Holy Name Cathedral, the ordination was 2.5 hours long. It went by fast for me. We had a really good party afterwards.

Q: Have you ever been to California?

A: Yes. My Grandparents used to live there. And I went on a sabbatical there.

Q: Do you like being a priest

A: Yes. I like celebrating the sacraments. But sometimes it is hard, like running a business.

Q: What's it like?

A: I wake up and exercise. Then I have morning Mass. I go work in the office, meet with people (like couples getting married). On Saturdays I have confession.

Q: How do you get baptised?

A: Water and oil are used. There are special words said. Babies get baptized. But sometimes adults do too.

Q: What are you doing on Presidents Day?

A: When is that?

Q: Do you have a dog?

A: I have been thinking about it. I had a pet parakeet when I was little. My mom was afraid of letting it fly around the house.

Q: Do you read a lot?

A: I love to read.

Q: What's your favorite book?

A: The Shining. I also love Harry Potter.

Q: What do you do for fun?

A: Golf!

Q: Is Holy Spirit the only church you go to?

A: I am the pastor at CHS. I will be for 6 years. Then I could renew for 6 more years. The most is 12. Before this I was at St. Gall's in Chicago for 10 years.

Q: When is your birthday?

A: November 2

Q: Did you have a different job before?

A: I had part-time jobs: bookstore, dad's shop, rectory

Q: Do you get money for being a priest?

A: Yes, I get a paycheck.

Q: Do you go on vacation?

A: I just went to Disney World a couple weeks ago with friends. I have been to Thailand to visit my sister.

Q: Where did you grow up?

A: On the North side of Chicago.

Q: What is your favorite movie?

A: Scary movies

Q: What is your favorite color?

A: Red

Q: What is your favorite animals?

A: I'll have to think about it.

Q: What is your favorite food?

A: Mexican and Italian. But not liver tacos. I had those once!

Q: What is your favorite season?

A: Fall

Q: Do you pray every night?

A: Yes. It is the best time because I have time to reflect on the day. I also have Mass in the morning.

Q: How many siblings do you have?

A: One sister and she and her husband live in Thailand with their son, my only nephew. I miss them.

Q: Where do you live?

A: In a church building. When you go to church, you see the church, the office, and the other building is where I live.

Q: When did you make your First Communion?

A: In 1972. I remember there were a lot of people. I was 7 years old.

Thanks for chatting with us Fr. John!

HW:

-Chapter 23 review

Notes:

-Don't forget that class next week will be at CHS. You will park and bring your child inside the worship space to find our class. Then please be back by 10:55 to pick up your child (park and meet us back in the same spot in the worship space). We will be doing the stations of the cross and taking a church tour.

-March 5 we will be "taste testing" the bread and the wine in class. If your child is unable to make it, please call the Religious Ed office to make an appointment for your child to try it.

-First Eucharist and First Communion books are due (completed) on April 2nd at our last class. Please make sure they have your child's name inside and bring them to the last class.

Second Grade Religious Ed Mass

Today we had the Mass that our class was in charge of helping at. We have spent the last couple of weeks planning who will do what and practicing and talking about our roles.

We:
-helped pass out song sheets
-greeted people
-read the announcements
-did the readings
-helped with the collection
-helped usher people to communion
-passed out bulletins

We worked hard!

The congregation was VERY impressed with all we did and SO many people stopped Ms. Stephanie afterwards to tell her how much they loved our class being part of Mass.

Check out the video of what we did today!



Our next class is next week, February 12. Don't forget to have the homework done.

First Communion and Reconciliation Books:
The completed books are due to class on April 2nd. If you are unable to bring them to class that day, you can turn them in on April 9th at the final Religious Ed Mass.

Liturgy of the Word

Today we reviewed Chapter 17, Liturgy of the Word.

We learned that the Liturgy of the Word is the first part of Mass when we listen to two readings, the Gospel and the Homily.

We learned that the first reading is usually from the Old Testament. The second reading is usually from the New Testament.

The Gospel is read from one of the four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John)

After that, the priest or deacon shares the Homily with us. That is the time that he helps us understand the readings and the Gospel.

We learned about how to listen to God's Word

After that, we used our Mass Books to practice running through the Mass. Ms. Stephanie pretended to be "Father Steven" and stood on a chair to pretend it was the altar. We practiced all of the responses we say at Mass.

We watched a movie about Mass. Then we went back to our room and wrote cards to the military Men and Woman who are currently serving overseas and will not be home with their families for Valentine's Day.

Homework:

Chapter 17 review

Other Notes:

A, B, and M will receive prizes at our next class for attending Mass the most times!

We are helping to participate in Mass on February 6th at 9:15. If you haven't let me know if you will be there, please let me know ASAP!

See you soon!

Reading The Creed together

Reconciliation

Sorry this post is a week late!

Last week we learned about Reconciliation. We reviewed Chapter 12 in our books.

After that, we split into groups to "write" a TV show based on forgiveness. We had to decide:
-Who is in the story
-What happened
-How does the person ask for forgiveness
-How do the people celebrate their reconciliation

Group 1
Who is in the story: God, Jesus and Mary
What happened: Mary had a baby and his name is Jesus
How does the person ask for forgiveness: God was mad because he had a lot to do
How do the people celebrate their reconciliation: God told that Mary should ask forgiveness

Group 2

Who is in the story: J and A

What happened: A stole J's Bon Jovi Tickets

How does the person ask for forgiveness: A goes up to J and asks to forgive me

How do the people celebrate their reconciliation: J forgives A. J and A go to D&B.

Group 3

Who is in the story: Brothers

What happened: He said bad words to someone

How does the person ask for forgiveness: Dear God I'm sorry for saiding bad words

How do the people celebrate their reconciliation: they were friends

Group 4
Who is in the story: K, A, D
What happened: A and K got hurt by D

How does the person ask for forgiveness: D says sorry

How do the people celebrate their reconciliation: By forgiving

Group 5

Who is in the story: C, B, S

What happened: C and B were playing tag and S wanted to play but they did not let her.

How does the person ask for forgiveness: "Sorry. Will you forgive us?" "yes"

How do the people celebrate their reconciliation: By playing with S

Group 6
Who is in the story: B, O, E and Mitchell

What happened: Mitchell hit O

How does the person ask for forgiveness: Mitchell said, "do you forgive me?"

How do the people celebrate their reconciliation: O says, "Of course because you are my brother."

Group 7

Who is in the story: M, N, J

What happened: N and J hurt M

How does the person ask for forgiveness:J and N asked for forgiveness

How do the people celebrate their reconciliation: Going to church together

Group 8

Who is in the story: M, M, L, R

What happened: L stole food from the market

How does the person ask for forgiveness: L said sorry and brought it back
How do the people celebrate their reconciliation: She brought it back.

After that, Ms. Michele the Director of Religious Ed came to talk to us about Reconciliation. She talked to us about what it means, what it will be like when we participate in a Reconciliation Mass, and we acted out participating in confession.

Chapters 11 and 16

This week in class we covered Chapters 11 and 16.

As always, we started off around our prayer table. We always begin with the sign of the cross and Ms. Stephanie leads us in prayer, thanking God for all that we have and asking prayers for those not as fortunate as we are.

After that we get a chance to ask for prayers for those in our lives who need prayer. This week we started all responding, "Lord hear our prayer" after each person's prayer request. We are learning the power of prayer and we are all getting much more comfortable adding to our prayers.

You are encouraged to continue this at home. Any time can be prayer time! Many families make meal times and bedtime special prayer times. It is important to always thank God for what we have in our lives as well as to think about what in our lives or others' lives needs extra help. In Matthew 18:20, the Bible says, "For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them." Anytime your family is gathered together, whether a family of 2 or 4, this is a great time for prayer.

Around our prayer table

In Chapter 11 we talked about our conscience. We talked about it being a little voice inside our heads that helps us decide between right and wrong. We also discussed times in our life that we heard that voice in our head and had to use it to help us make a choice.

We heard the parable of the Lost Sheep:
“Then Jesus told them this parable: ‘Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, “Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.” I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent’” (Luke 15:3-7).

We cut out pictures from the story and used them to retell the story in small groups. Then one person from each group stood up to share the story with the class.

At home: Have your child use those pictures to share with you the story of the lost sheep and ask him or her what that means about God forgiving us.

After that we all held hands as one of us did a reading.

Reminders:
We are about half way through the year. Absences are counted each week and no more than 4 absences are allowed out of out the 16 sessions.

Homework:
Chapter 11 Chapter Review (3 pages)
Chapter 16 Chapter Review (3 pages)
In my Parish drawing-draw a picture of something that happens inside the church that we talked about in these two chapters
*Chapter Reviews-There are 3 pages, but they go quickly. The first page is questions, the second is an activity, and the third is to share with family.

**First Communion Prep**
You should be half way through your preparation books. These are intended to be done as a family. The purple book is preparation for Reconciliation and the blue is reparation for First Eucharist. You can do the purple first and then the blue or switch back and forth between them. If you did the blue first, that is OK, but make sure the Reconciliation preparation is completed before the First Reconciliation Mass. Both of these books must be completed to receive these sacraments.