Celebrating the Lectionary

Easter People

The high drama of the Triduum introduces the power of the Easter season. Following Easter Sunday, the stories of Jesus' appearances proliferate. Celebrating the Lectionary explores those stories throughout the Easter season as it looks at the impact of the resurrection on the "Easter People," our theme for this season. On the second Sunday, April 19, the Children's Liturgy of the Word looks at the story of Thomas and celebrates our freedom to question and to believe. The following is taken from that session plan.

Dismissal

Presider dismisses children for their own Liturgy of the Word just after the opening prayer. Children follow behind adult carrying a candle or Lectionary for Masses with Children.

Centering

Help the children quiet down before listening to the readings by singing a song or listening to music. Suggestions: "New Hope" from Hi God 2 or a selection from the Centering Music tape.
Jesus, we believe that you have risen from the dead.
Help everyone in the world to share that belief.
Help us to spread that good news wherever we go.
Amen. Alleluia!

Proclamation (Acts 5:12-16)

Before beginning, ask for volunteers to represent the apostles. Have them stand near the ambo. Gesture for the rest of the children to join you at verse 14. After the reading, place your hands on several children's heads to symbolize healing.

Response

"This Is the Day" from the Psalms and Acclamations tape or Psalm 118 from the Lectionary for Masses with Children.

Acclamation

"Easter Alleluia" from the Psalms and Acclamations tape.

Proclamation (Jn 20:19-29)

Read with a serious voice. Help the children to sense the mystery of the event.

Homily

What are some things that you believe in?
Do you believe the sun will rise tomorrow?
Why do you believe that will happen? (e.g., previous experience, trust)
Today, we hear more stories about Jesus and his appearances after the resurrection. Jesus' friends were locked in a room, but Jesus came in, without even opening the door.
How many of you believe that Jesus could come into a room without going through the door?
If you believe that, then you must believe that Jesus rose from the dead. That's exactly what Jesus did. He rose from the dead and appeared to his friends in a locked room. Jesus' friends who were there believed it because they saw Jesus with their own eyes. They saw the wounds on his body. He surprised everyone and his friends were overjoyed.
It was easy for the apostles to believe that Jesus had risen from the dead. They saw Jesus for themselves and did not doubt anymore.
Have you ever doubted what someone else told you?
Can you tell me something you doubted? (Allow for two or three stories.)
Who was gone when Jesus appeared?
Did Thomas believe the story about Jesus' appearance in the locked room?
Why not?
What did Thomas need as proof that Jesus came to the locked room?
Thomas is often called "doubting Thomas." He was a lot like the rest of us. Jesus was not angry with Thomas. Jesus understood. Thomas wanted to see Jesus with his own eyes and touch the wounds that Jesus received. When Thomas saw Jesus, he believed.
We are very lucky because we have these stories about Jesus written down for us in the Bible. We have not seen Jesus nor are we able to touch his body. We believe because Jesus did all the things that he promised. The Spirit gives us the gift of faith. Let's celebrate the gift of the Spirit that makes us free to question and to believe the things that we do not see.

Profession of Faith

Recite the Apostles' Creed.

Prayer of the Faithful

Ask the children to think about people in different parts of the world who do not have the freedom to doubt or question what is going on in their world.
Leader: God, thank you for our freedom to doubt and question things in our faith and in our world. Grant those same gifts to the people of (name the place), let us pray to the Lord.
Children: Lord, hear our prayer.