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The Catholic Church in the United States celebrates National Vocations Awareness Week November 2–8. This is an effort to promote vocations to the priesthood, diaconate, and religious life. The word vocation comes from the Latin word vocare, which means “to call.” All of us who have received the Sacrament of Baptism are called to follow Jesus in a unique way, this includes those who are called to priesthood, diaconate, or religious life. They are particularly called to a life of service in the Church.
Once a bishop from Chile asked Pope Francis, “What would you say to a young person who feels a vocation to the priesthood or religious life?” The Pope’s answer was simple, “That he allows himself to be gazed at by Jesus. Jesus is the one who calls, not the priest, nor the bishop or the Pope. It is Jesus who gazes at him with love, who shows him the people, who shows him the needs of the people of God and says, ‘if you wish, come help.’”
Let us pray for the young people in our communities, that they allow themselves to be looked at by Jesus and respond with love and generosity to the Lord’s invitation to serve the Church. Amen.
Every week in the GROW newsletter, you will find helpful tips for teaching your Gospel Weeklies lesson, a reflection on the Sunday Gospel, and links to online resources.
Videos of Sunday’s Gospel
Use these videos as you discuss today’s Gospel. Please preview all videos you plan to share with your class:
Gospel Reading and Reflection for Kids
Sunday Setup—Weekly Video and Post (courtesy of the Diocese of Bridgeport)
Other Resources
For Catholic Schools
Albert’s Expeditions Join Albert, a fierce yet friendly Peregrine Falcon, named after Saint Albert the Great (who even gave the Peregrine Falcon its name 800 years ago!) on scientific expeditions all around the globe. From under the soil to the sky full of stars, discover the stunning natural world full of life that God has created. Meant for children ages 5–10 and all families who want to learn more about their beautiful world around them and the Divine Creator who formed it all.
Seeds
Lesson Theme: We belong to God’s family.
For this lesson, you will need scissors, crayons, and a Church Year calendar. It is a good idea to have at least an aide for the cutting/folding activity on pages 3–4. We suggest you separate pages 1–2 from 3–4 in advance.
Explain that today we celebrate a very special church called the Lateran Basilica. It’s like the ‘mother church’ of all Catholic churches in the world! That means it’s the oldest and most important church in Rome, even more than St. Peter’s. If you can find an image of the Lateran Basilica on Internet, you can show it to the children.
Weekly Review Template
Word of the Week
Seasonal Resources
Videos
Gospel Reflection and Saint of the Week with Miss Heidi
Bible Bag Gospel Lesson with Mrs. Cole
Promise
Lesson Theme: God’s house is holy.
For this lesson, you will need envelopes, crayons, pencils, copies of the story coloring page (one per child), and a Church Year calendar.
After the activity on pages 2–3, make sure you send the small pictures home in an envelope so the children can show this activity to their family.
Explain that today we celebrate a very special church called the Lateran Basilica. It’s like the ‘mother church’ of all Catholic churches in the world! That means it’s the oldest and most important church in Rome, even more than St. Peter’s. If you can find an image of the Lateran Basilica on Internet, you can show it to the children.
Lesson Assessment
Word of the Week
Seasonal Resources
Videos
Gospel Reflection and Saint of the Week with Miss Heidi
Bible Bag Gospel Lesson with Mrs. Cole
Good News
Lesson Theme: God’s house is holy.
For this lesson, you will need crayons or colored pencils, scissors, pencils, and a Church Year calendar. Plan ahead for a church visit if possible. Prepare six Liturgy of the Eucharist cards in advance. See the gold box on page TG1-35 for guidance. Find an answer key for “Church Visit and Activity” on page 2 (page TG1-34) here.
The Lateran Basilica (also known as St. John Lateran) is the church of the Bishop of Rome, who is the Pope. This makes it an important church building for all Catholics. We use this feast of celebrating the dedication of the Lateran Basilica as an opportunity to focus on the holiness of all churches and the significance of the Mass that is celebrated within Catholic churches.
Venture
Lesson Theme: God’s house is holy.
For this lesson, gather pens or pencils, coins or game pieces, Bibles (one per child), name cards and class motto from 9/21 lesson, and a Liturgical Year calendar.
The Lateran Basilica (also known as St. John Lateran) is the church of the Bishop of Rome, who is the Pope. This makes it an important church building for all Catholics. We use this feast of celebrating the dedication of the Lateran Basilica as an opportunity to focus on the holiness of all churches and the Church community that gathers for worship. The Church and its individual members are the living (and loving) temple of God and Body of Christ in the world.
Weekly Review Template
Lesson Assessment
Seasonal Resources
Videos
Visions
Lesson Theme: We are God’s temple.
For this lesson, gather pens or pencils, small slips of paper numbered 1–20, and Bibles (one per student).
The Lateran Basilica (also known as St. John Lateran) is the church of the Bishop of Rome, who is the Pope. This makes it an important church building for all Catholics. We use this feast of celebrating the dedication of the Lateran Basilica as an opportunity to focus on the holiness of all churches and the Church community that gathers for worship. The Church and its individual members are the living (and loving) temple of God and Body of Christ in the world.
Weekly Review Template
Lesson Assessment
Seasonal Resources
Videos
Image credit: yaalan/stock.adobe.com
