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Last week, the Faith Formation students prepared for the celebration of the Risen Christ. Miss Elsa's class discussed The Last Supper within the broader theme of the Paschal Mystery. The lesson focused on the pivotal moment when Jesus instituted the Eucharist during his last Passover meal with his disciples, emphasizing the significance of the new covenant. The presentation helped deepen the understanding of the Eucharist as a memorial of Christ's death and resurrection, preparing them for a more profound participation in the Easter celebrations. The lesson also included a taste of bread and grape juice, fostering a continued discussion of what it might have been like to eat this meal with Jesus in the Upper Room. The older students had a busy morning which included baking a large batch of “resurrection rolls” and then sharing them with the younger group along with a beautifully presented overview of Holy Week. It was truly inspiring to see the older students take on the role of mentors, sharing the profound events of the last days of Jesus with such care and reverence. Afterward, the sweet cinnamon resurrection rolls were enjoyed by all. Children’s Liturgy of the Word on Palm Sunday was especially exciting. After hearing the story of Easter read aloud, the group engaged in a reflective discussion about the events leading up to the death and resurrection of Christ. A model of the City of Jerusalem helped reinforce the historical aspects of the Triduum and seeing the recently sprouted seeds planted during last week’s class served inspired a deep sense of awe. Just as a seed must be buried in the ground before it can break through the soil in a burst of growth, Christ's resurrection signifies the triumph of life over death, light over darkness. Alleluia!
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The Faith Formation classes concluded their work with the Kingdom Parables, focusing on the Mustard Seed. Students were amazed to see tiny mustard seeds from Israel, just like the one Jesus referred to when teaching about what the Kingdom of Heaven is like. Some reflections included, God's great strength and power within the seed makes the tiny seed grow and change into something much bigger and so very different - a tree. There are so very many seeds in the world, seeds of all kinds, and each of those seeds has this same great strength of God working within it to cause such growth and change. How much of this strength, this energy, is at work in the world all around us! We are like the mustard seed. We began life so very tiny, and yet we are growing and changing. This strength of the life of God that is in the mustard seeds is also at work within us, causing us to keep growing and changing until and beyond our death. Afterward, the students took a close look at various garden seeds, selecting some to plant and sprout for later use in our summer garden. With the remaining time, we couldn’t forget to mention Saint Patrick and some of the many ways he helped share God’s message of love including his creative use of the shamrock to explain the mystery of the Holy Trinity.
Last Sunday, the Faith Formation classes continued their exploration of the Kingdom Parables, focusing on the Pearl of Great Price. Students had the opportunity to look closely at the various shapes and qualities of a small sample of cultured pearls and then reflected on what the Kingdom of God might be like as illustrated by the merchant's actions in the parable.
Stringing beads to make a bracelet and creating a “Pearl in a shell” craft served as a creative and tangible reminder of the lesson's core messages about value, beauty, and the joy of discovery in relation to the Kingdom of God.
"He told them another parable. “The kingdom of heaven is like leaven that a woman took and hid in three measures of flour, till it was all leavened.” ~Matthew 13:31 Last Sunday, the Faith Formation classes discussed the Parable of the Leaven and observed the effects of yeast on flour. This visual and tactile experiment allowed them to witness firsthand the growth and transformation caused by the leaven. After observing the changes in the mixture, including its increased size, smell, and texture, students discussed the implications of the parable, drawing parallels between the yeast's work and the silent, powerful workings of God's Kingdom. The mystery of the Kingdom of God is one of the greatest mysteries of our faith. It was such an important part of what Jesus wanted to communicate during His time on earth that there are over forty parables about the Kingdom in the Gospels How might we answer the question, “What is the Kingdom of God?” • What brings growth and transformation in our lives? • What is most precious to us? • In what way are we part of the Kingdom of God? • How is the Kingdom part of us? • How might the Holy Bible and the Sacraments, particularly the Eucharist, help us to ponder the Kingdom of God? The older group baked a batch of small loaves, taking turns measuring, stirring, and kneading. Everyone enjoyed eating the freshly baked bread on the playground, reveling in the warm sunshine. Spring is on its way! |
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