The Found Sheep

Last Sunday, the younger Faith Formation students continued their Lenten journey by reflecting on how much Jesus loves us and seeks to be close to us. We explored a new parable that helps us understand who Jesus is by listening to Luke 15:4–6 in which Jesus describes himself as the Good Shepherd who leaves the ninety-nine sheep to search for the one that is lost. Using the Good Shepherd materials, the children helped set up the sheepfold and acted out the parable. They watched as the shepherd gently searched for the lost sheep, carried it on his shoulders, and celebrated its return. The children responded thoughtfully to wondering questions such as how the sheep might have felt when it was found and what this story tells us about Jesus’ love for each of us. The students also enjoyed making Easter cards to send to people who are in the hospital this Easter season. This hands-on activity allowed them to express the joy and love of the Good Shepherd by reaching out to others who may need comfort and encouragement.

The older Faith Formation students explored the Parable of the Leaven by making pretzels from scratch. The class learned about the biology of yeast and its power to change flour and water into rising dough, connecting this process to the hidden but powerful work of God’s Kingdom in our lives. They also learned about the Lenten tradition of pretzel-making, a practice begun by monks as a prayerful, simple food during a time of fasting. As they shaped their pretzels into the form of praying arms, students reflected on how Lent invites us to slow down, pray, and prepare our hearts.

Once the pretzels were baked, the kids shared them with the younger children during Children’s Liturgy of the Word. It was a great reminder that God’s Kingdom is something we’re meant to grow and share with others