The True Vine

Last week in Faith Formation, the students explored the image Jesus gave us in the parable of The True Vine. We began by recalling our last story about the Good Shepherd, and then listened closely to  the words of John 15:1–11. We discovered that Jesus is the Vine, we are the branches, and God is the Vine grower. The students learned that just like sap flows through a vine to help it grow, the Holy Spirit flows in us to help us bear good fruit like kindness, love, and peace.
After our discussion, the children helped plant a real grapevine which we will care for throughout the year. It was a special reminder that we are all branches connected to Jesus. For a creative activity, students decorated small grapevine wreaths with flowers and symbols of new life. These wreaths serve as a reminder that we are always part of Jesus’ love.

Enjoying the Gift
• In what ways do you experience the gift of being part of the Vine? 
• How have you seen and enjoyed the beautiful fruits of the branches? 
• What helps you to remain on the Vine and continue to be filled with life-giving sap? 
• What sort of fruit does this sap help you to bear? 
• When you examine your branch and see that there are blocks to the fullness of sap that God desires to give, how could you ask for his help in removing those blocks in order to remain even closer to him and bear, once again, the most beautiful fruit?