Good Shepherd Sunday

​This week, we will hear the parable of the Good Shepherd proclaimed at Sunday liturgy. This Fourth Sunday of the Easter Season is lovingly referred to as “Good Shepherd Sunday”.  Because Christ is the fullest manifestation of God, we center on the person of Jesus when speaking with the children about God’s love. We focus especially on Jesus as the Good Shepherd and use two parables, in particular. 

The Parable of the Good Shepherd, John 10: 3b-5, 10b-11, 14-16 The theme of the shepherd who calls and the sheep who are listening to his voice, introduces the child to the reality of the covenant relationship. The covenant theme is central to the Bible: God in search of us and our response to God’s initiative. The element of the parable that most strikes young children is the fact that the shepherd knows and calls each sheep by name. This reveals in an explicit way that the Good Shepherd has a personal relationship with each of us. 

The Parable of the Found Sheep, Luke 15: 4-6 The image of the shepherd who searches for his sheep that was lost has a great impact on children. For the little child this parable offers yet another proof of the Good Shepherd’s infinite love. In the parable of the found sheep children find the uniquely personal and intimate relationship for which they hunger most. It is especially when children are in a situation of suffering that they identify with the sheep the Good Shepherd embraces in his arms and rests on his shoulders.

Exploring the Parable of the Good Shepherd at Home
​
You might enjoy spending quiet moments together exploring the parable of the Good Shepherd. Consider reading just a few verses each night as part of your family’s evening prayers.

• Encourage your child to share their own ideas or feelings about the parable. Wonder together: "When do we hear the voice of the Good Shepherd?"
• Your child might enjoy choosing one verse—or even just one meaningful word—from the parable to write on a prayer card. This special card could be displayed on your family’s prayer table or in your child’s own prayer space.
•  Encourage your child to illustrate the parable freely. You might consider setting up a dedicated art shelf for your family this summer. Gather some colorful pencils, different types of paper, tracing paper, and any other materials your child would like to explore.​

---

​Source: The United States Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, Inc. (2014, May). Parent pages. CGSUSA. https://www.cgsusa.org/parent-pages/