Para la versión en español, haga clic aquí.
Sunday, November 16, is the World Day of the Poor/Jubilee of the Poor and time for the special collection for the Catholic Campaign for Human Development in the U.S.
In his message for this Ninth Word Day of the Poor, Pope Leo writes: “The poor can be witnesses to a strong and steadfast hope, precisely because they embody it in the midst of uncertainty, poverty, instability and marginalization. They cannot rely on the security of power and possessions; on the contrary, they are at their mercy and often victims of them. Their hope must necessarily be sought elsewhere. By recognizing that God is our first and only hope, we too pass from fleeting hopes to a lasting hope. Once we desire that God accompany us on the journey of life, material wealth becomes relativized, for we discover the real treasure that we need” (2).
May this World Day of the Poor be for us a moment of hope. May we be inspired to work toward a just world in which no one suffers poverty. May this day help us to discover and seek the real and lasting treasure of God who is our first and only hope. 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
• Jubilee 2025
• Pope Leo XIV and the Papacy
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: 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 story coloring page (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.
For the activity on page 2, you could enjoy a small snack with your class and invite the children to thank God for the food.
Teaching Guide
Parent Teaching Pages
Extending Activities
The Gospel at Home
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: Jesus helps us 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.
When discussing fear with young children, please be sensitive and thoughtful in the examples you use. Children in Kindergarten and 1st Grade may have very real and personal fear. Some may be afraid of loud noises, the dark, being alone, or even things they’ve experienced at home or school. Avoid examples that might be too intense or upsetting. Instead, focus on everyday situations where children can relate and feel safe learning how to trust God.
Prepare pencils, crayons, a Bible, and a Church Year calendar for this lesson. Note that Advent begins on 11/30. 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
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: Jesus teaches us to trust God.
For this lesson, you will need scissors, crayons, a hole 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 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 11/30. Order a new Church Year calendar now. The Good News lesson cover for 11/30 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 or create a separate wreath.
Teaching Guide
Parent Teaching Pages
The Gospel at Home
Weekly Review Template
Lesson Assessment
Seasonal Resources
Videos
Coming soon.
Venture
Lesson Theme: Jesus teaches us to trust God.
For this lesson, gather pens or pencils, scissors, small boxes, colored pencils or markers, Bibles (one per child or pair of children), drawing paper with the words of the Act of Hope printed in the center (one per child, see page 55 of the Catechism handbook), and a Liturgical Year calendar.
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 responses to the cover activity about how standing up for another gives them hope.
Reminder: Advent begins in two weeks. Prepare materials for your Advent wreath.
Teaching Guide
Parent Teaching Pages
The Gospel at Home
Weekly Review Template
Lesson Assessment
Seasonal Resources
Videos
Coming soon.
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 some of the challenges that face them and our society. In the cover activity, lead them in identify and expressing the hopes they have for our world. Reserve enough time to thoroughly discuss the comic about bullying on pages 2–3. Ask the young people whether they think the advice offered would help in real-life situations. Why or why not?
Reminder: Advent begins in two weeks. Prepare materials for your Advent wreath.
Teaching Guide
Parent Teaching Pages
The Gospel at Home
Weekly Review Template
Lesson Assessment
Seasonal Resources
Videos
Coming soon.
Image credit: Goffkein/stock.adobe.com
