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On this Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, we hear the Gospel of the Judgment of the Nations. We learn what Saul realized as he encountered our Risen Lord on his way to Damascus to arrest Christians: Jesus identifies with those in need of mercy (see Acts 9:1–5). May our actions lead us to be counted among the sheep to whom Christ our King will say: “Come, you who are blessed by my Father. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world” (Matthew 25:34).
Note: This is the final Sunday in Ordinary Time. Advent begins next Sunday, December 3. You will want to be prepared with an Advent wreath and new Church Year calendar.
Every week in the GROW newsletter, you will find helpful tips for teaching your Gospel Weeklies lesson, a reflection on the Sunday Gospel, and information about our online resources and seasonal activities. Here are tips for teaching the Gospel Weeklies lessons this week:
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
Holy Heroes
Videos About the Works of Mercy
Select an appropriate video as you teach about the Works of Mercy:
What are the corporal and spiritual works of mercy?
Pope in Audience: The works of mercy are the antidote to the virus of indifference
St. Anastasia Lego Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy
Seeds
Lesson Theme: God judges us on how we love.
For this lesson, you will need pencils, crayons, scissors, envelopes, a story coloring page (one per child), and a Church Year calendar. We recommend separating pages 1–2 from 3–4 before your class.
Seeds children will learn to recognize needs and look for solutions. They will realize that they can help others even though they are young. We suggest you send a note home inviting families to decorate a bag or box, fill it with donation items, and take it to their church or to a food bank.
Since this is the last week in the Liturgical Year, we recommend that you prepare your 2024 Church Year calendar for next week. You can find a 2024 Liturgical Year calendar for purchase here.
Teaching Guide
Parent Teaching Pages
Parent/Grandparent Assistance for Home Study
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: Kid-Sized Lessons on the Sunday Gospel with Mrs. Cole
Promise
Lesson Theme: God judges us on how we love.
For this lesson, you will need pencils, crayons, a Church Year calendar, and copies of the story coloring page (one per child).
This Sunday is a special celebration of Jesus Christ as our King. The children may know stories about kings—good and bad. Emphasize that Jesus is the best king ever! When we follow him, he will lead us to Heaven. In the Gospel, Jesus teaches that what we do for others, we do for him. The Word of the Week is saints. Help the children make the connection that following Jesus and caring for others by doing the Works of Mercy will help us become saints in Heaven someday.
Note that In the “I can do Works of Mercy” activity on pages 2–3, the children will not cut out the four boxes on the bottom of page 3. Guide them in identifying these items and finding where they are being shared in the town.
Teaching Guide
Parent Teaching Pages
Parent/Grandparent Assistance for Home Study
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: Kid-Sized Lessons on the Sunday Gospel with Mrs. Cole
Good News
Lesson Theme: God judges us on how we love.
For this lesson, you will need pencils, coins, game markers, and a Church Year calendar.
Note that there are two Catholic Faith Words in this lesson: mercy and Works of Mercy. Use the cover activity to introduce the word mercy, which is further explained as the lesson unfolds.
Find a video of The Old Shoemaker (Martin the Shoemaker) here.
Teaching Guide
Parent Teaching Pages
Parent/Grandparent Assistance for Home Study
The Gospel at Home
Weekly Review Template
Lesson Assessment
Seasonal Resources
Venture
Lesson Theme: We know Christ’s followers by their deeds.
This lesson is about the Works of Mercy. The new story about the Day of Service at Saint Mary School will give the children plenty of ideas about possible service projects during Advent. It will also instill the idea that anyone can serve at any age. We all have something to contribute.
You will need game pieces for the “The Works of Mercy Game” on pages 6–7. Note that you will want to review the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy on page 50 in the What the Church Believes and Teaches handbook with the children before playing the game. Conclude the lesson with a discussion of what it means to be a servant leader. Together, list the qualities of a leader who serves Jesus.
Remember that Advent and the new Liturgical Year begin next week. Bring an Advent wreath (or materials to create one) to use as part of your gathering and closing prayer rituals during this season.
Teaching Guide
Parent Teaching Pages
Parent/Grandparent Assistance for Home Study
The Gospel at Home
Weekly Review Template
Lesson Assessment
Seasonal Resources
Video
St. Mary School Day of Service
Visions
Lesson Theme: Jesus promises us God’s kingdom.
This lesson includes short stories related to the Works of Mercy. Many of these stories include QR codes so you and your students have access to videos that talk about the individual or organization doing the Works of Mercy. You can plan your lesson so you leave extra time for sharing the videos during class or you may suggest that the young people watch them at home with their families. Students will need scissors for the situation cards on page 7. You may wish to provide paperclips, envelopes, or small plastic bags to transport these cards home.
Note that next Sunday is the First Sunday of Advent. Remember to bring an Advent wreath to be used during your gathering and closing prayer rituals (or bring the materials to create a wreath in class). Follow parish and/or school guidelines regarding open flame (you may wish to use battery-powered tealights).
Teaching Guide
Parent Teaching Pages
Parent/Grandparent Assistance for Home Study
The Gospel at Home
Weekly Review Template
Lesson Assessment
Seasonal Resources
Videos
Ample Harvest Live
Saint Joseph of Arimathea Pallbearer Ministry
Malden Brothers Named ‘Heroes’
The Ryan’s Well Foundation
Catholic Social Teaching in 3 minutes
Image credit: Mirek Kijewski/stock.adobe.com
