As pre-adolescents, sixth graders are inbetween being children and teenagers. They need both the acceptance of their peers and the approval and direction of caring adults. Their faith in God is more likely directed by reason rather than emotion--yet ,Scripture, liturgy, prayer, Bible stories, role-playing, music, and poetry are essential ways to tap the depths of this relationship. Through interactions with peers and adults, they are open to "making a difference" by responsible choices for goodness and justice.
When we are traveling to an unfamiliar place, we usually use maps or a guidebook of the area. These provide us important information to help us find our way and wisely plan our time.
God, through the Church, has provided us with many resources to help us on our life journey to holiness. Included in these resources are the Sacred Scriptures, the sacraments, and the Church’s social teachings.
Scripture Cookie Baking Printable Activity
(Additional materials needed: flour, baking powder, butter, sugar-sweet cane, eggs, vanilla extract-"flavor", salt, and Bibles.) Follow the recipe by finding the "ingredients" in the Scripture passage.
Answer Key:
Genesis 18:6—flour
Leviticus 6:10—leaven or baking powder
Psalms 55:22—butter
Jeremiah 6:20—sweet cane or sugar
Luke 11:12—egg
Wisdom 16:21—flavor or vanilla extract
2 Kings 2:20—salt
**Alternative Activity: Discuss how we can all make use of the resources God gave us. What resource do you turn to when you are in need of guidance?
The Mass is the most important sacramental celebration of the Church, and it always follows a set order. As Catholics, we are familiar with the order. When the priest says, “The Lord be with you,” without any thought or hesitation the congregation responds, “And with your Spirit.” The priest says, “Let us pray,” and the congregation stands up. But how often do we stop and think of reasons why respond the way we do? How often do we really engage in each part of the Mass?
Discussion Topic:
Watch: Understanding the Mass by: Breaking In The Habit, or review the order of the Mass below. We have included a link to talk about each part of the Mass and discuss your favorite. Is it a prayer you feel most connected to, or a song that brings you joy?
Introductory Rites—preparing to celebrate the Eucharist
Entrance Chant
We gather as a community and praise God in song.
Greeting
We pray the Sign of the Cross. The priest welcomes us.
Penitential Rite
We remember our sins and ask God for mercy.
Gloria
We praise God in song.
Collect
We ask God to hear our prayers.
Liturgy of the Word—hearing God’s plan of salvation
First Reading
We listen to God’s Word, usually from the Old Testament.
Responsorial Psalm
We respond to God’s Word in song.
Second Reading
We listen to God’s Word from the New Testament.
Gospel Acclamation
We sing “Alleluia!” to praise God for the Good News. During Lent, we use a different acclamation.
Gospel Reading
We stand and listen to the Gospel of the Lord.
Homily
The priest or the deacon explains God’s Word.
Profession of Faith
We proclaim our faith through the Creed.
Prayer of the Faithful
We pray for our needs and the needs of others.
Liturgy of the Eucharist—celebrating Christ’s presence in the Eucharist
Presentation and Preparation of the Gifts
We bring gifts of bread and wine to the altar.
Prayer over the Offerings
The priest prays that God will accept our sacrifice.
Eucharistic Prayer
This prayer of thanksgiving is the center and high point of the entire celebration.
Communion Rite—receiving the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ
Concluding Rites—going forth to glorify the Lord by our lives
Final Blessing
We receive God’s blessing.
Dismissal
We go in peace, glorifying the Lord by our lives.