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Sunday, November 13, is the World Day of the Poor and the weekend for the special collection for the Catholic Campaign for Human Development in the U.S. In his message for this Sixth Word Day of the Poor, Pope Francis writes: “We are asked to reflect on the summons of the Apostle [Paul] to keep our gaze fixed on Jesus, who ‘though he was rich, yet for [our] sakes became poor, so that by his poverty [we] might become rich’ (cf. 2 Corinthians 8:9).”
At Paul’s request, on the first day of every week, the Corinthians collected what they were able to save to assist those in Jerusalem who were experiencing a dire food shortage. Pope Francis continues, “From that time on, every Sunday, during the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, we have done the same thing, pooling our offerings so that the community can provide for the needs of the poor.” Find resources here.
May this World Day of the Poor be for us a moment of grace. May it enable us to make a personal and communal examination of conscience and to ask ourselves whether the poverty of Jesus Christ is our faithful companion in life. 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:
Sunday Gospel Cartoon Reading and Lesson
Gospel Reading and Reflection for Kids
Holy Heroes
Seeds
Lesson Theme: Jesus is always by my side.
The Gospel for this Sunday is about the pain and struggles that will foreshadow the Second Coming of Jesus. Since this could be unsettling for preschool students, Seeds focuses on the concept of God as the loving Creator and sustainer of the world. We will help the children recognize God’s love for all of us in the beauty of Creation.
For this lesson, you will need pumpkin seeds, craft sticks, glue, scissors, a stapler, clear tape, crayons, copies of the coloring page for the story “Peter’s Pumpkin” (one per child), large envelopes, and a Church Year calendar. We suggest that you separate pages 1–2 from 3–4 in advance. It is also a good idea to arrange for one or two aides to assist with the cutting activity on pages 3–4.
For the pumpkin seed activity on page 1, the children will glue a pumpkin seed on the space provided. We suggest that you use a small piece of clear tape to keep the seed in place while the glue dries.
Teaching Guide
Parent Teaching Pages
Extending Activities
The Gospel at Home
Weekly Review Template
Word of the Week
Seasonal Resources
Videos
Kid-Sized Lessons on the Sunday Gospel with Mrs. Cole
Gospel Reflection and Saint of the Week
Promise
Lesson Theme: Jesus helps with our fears and worries.
The Sunday Gospel contains dire predictions about conditions that will herald the Second Coming of Christ. We have softened this message for Promise children and have chosen to focus on Jesus’ assurance that he will save those who are faithful to him. Young children have fears and worries. Adults in their lives offer comfort and reassurance of their care. How much greater is God’s love and concern for us! In this lesson, the children are invited to put their trust in Jesus and pray to him when they are afraid.
Prepare pencils, crayons, a Bible, and a Church Year calendar for this lesson. Note that Advent begins on 11/27. Order a new Church Year calendar now. You may also wish to prepare your Advent wreath materials soon.
Teaching Guide
Parent Teaching Pages
Extending Activities
The Gospel at Home
Weekly Review Template
Online Assessment
Word of the Week
Seasonal Resources
Videos
Kid-Sized Lessons on the Sunday Gospel with Mrs. Cole
Gospel Reflection and Saint of the Week
Our Father/Lord’s Prayer
Good News
Lesson Theme: Jesus teaches us to trust God.
For this lesson, you will need scissors, crayons, a hold punch or sharp pencil, tape, lengths of yard (one per child), aide(s) to help with the cutting activity, and a Church Year calendar. We suggest that you separate pages 1–2 from pages 3–4 of Promise in advance and to plan for a nature walk if possible. If an outdoor walk isn’t possible, plan for how you might guide your children on an imaginary nature walk.
In Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus tells his friends that even though many hard and sad things happen in our world, we must trust him. The lesson ends with the children coloring an image of The Divine Mercy and memorizing the prayer “Jesus, I trust in you. Amen.”
Note that Advent begins on 11/27. Order a new Church Year calendar now. The Good News lesson cover for 11/27 is an Advent wreath to which you and the children will add a new candle each week of Advent. You can plan to use this page as your classroom Advent wreath.
Teaching Guide
Parent Teaching Pages
The Gospel at Home
Weekly Review Template
Online Assessment
Seasonal Resources
Video
Care for God’s Creation
Venture
Lesson Theme: God stands by us in times of trouble.
In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus talks about the trials of the end times. He reminds his disciples that he will be with them. Remind the children that Jesus’ words are not just for his friends long ago. Jesus is here for us today. Give the children time to consider their response to the cover activity: For what do they risk standing up? Prepare a set of cards for the “What Does it Mean to Be a Catholic” activity on pages 7–8. Remember that Advent begins in two weeks. You may wish to prepare your wreath materials now.
Teaching Guide
Parent Teaching Pages
The Gospel at Home
Weekly Review Template
Online Assessment
Seasonal Resources
Videos
The Sacraments HD
God’s Grace—Fun and Simple Explanation!
St. Elizabeth of Hungary
Visions
Lesson Theme: God helps us to endure.
This Sunday’s Gospel is unsettling but hopeful. Jesus tells his disciples that they will face hard times, even the possibility of death, but he will be with them. Remind the young people that this message was not just a comfort for Jesus’ friends long ago—it’s meant for us still today. The young people are aware of the challenges that face them and our society; in the cover activity, lead them in focusing on the hopes they have for our world. Reserve enough time to thoroughly discuss the comic about bullying in this week’s lesson. Ask the young people whether they think the advice offered would help in real-life situations. Why or why not?
Remember: Advent begins in two weeks. Prepare materials for your Advent wreath.
Teaching Guide
Parent Teaching Pages
The Gospel at Home
Weekly Review Template
Online Assessment
Seasonal Resources
Videos
Seven-Minute Virtual Tour of the Temple
Virtual Tour in Jerusalem on Herod’s Temple Mount
Mary’s Meals—Saving Grace
Image credit: Goffkein/stock.adobe.com
