Grade 1 – Lesson 13

Key Points  and Sunday.  died to save us from sin and to open the gates of Heaven to us.  The Holy Spirit came to the Apostles on .

Materials  Allelu CD  The Miracle of Easter big book  A Basket of Good Wishes (Active Learning Primary 2)  Palm Branch coloring page  Pentecost coloring page

Catechist Prayer before the lesson: Loving God, may my faith grow stronger and my eternal salvation be assured. Amen.

Before the lesson:  Hand out the Palm Branch Coloring Page for the children to color. If the children have time to cut out their branch, you can use these for the closing song.

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[5 min] Invite – Holy Week (p. 33)

 Pray the Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be.  Explain: Holy Week starts on (April 9th), which is the week before Easter Sunday.  Recite the prayer and Scripture passage on page 33.

[10 min] Discover – Time for Remembering (p. 34)

 Read and discuss Holy Week on page 34. o On Holy Thursday, we remember Jesus’ when he washed his apostles’ feet and gave them the Eucharist for the first time. o On we remember Jesus’ Crucifixion and death. o On , we look forward to Jesus rising from the dead. The priest lights the Easter candle and blesses holy water. Many people are baptized on this day. o Why did Jesus die for us? By dying on the Cross, Jesus saved us from our sins and opened the gates of Heaven to anyone who follows him. o Have the children draw themselves with a palm branch in the Activity Box.

[10 min] Discover - Easter Joy (p. 38)

 Why is Easter a time of joy and happiness?  Read and discuss Easter on page 38.  Why do you think we decorate eggs on Easter? Because eggs are a symbol for new life and Jesus’ Resurrection.  How long do you think the Easter season lasts? 50 days, starting on Easter Sunday.  Have the children color the in the Activity section.

[10 min] The Miracle of Easter

 Read the big story book and discuss the Easter story.

[15 min] A Basket of Good Wishes

 Color the Easter basket and glue to a white sheet of paper. Leave the inner part of the basket unglued, to make a pocket.  Have the children write a special message on each egg for someone, then cut out.

[10 min] Discover – The Holy Spirit (p. 42)

 Remind the children that one symbol for the Holy Spirit is a dove. There are others symbols for the Holy Spirit, such as fire or wind.  Read about Pentecost on page 42.  Pentecost is 50 days after Easter Sunday and ends the Easter season on June 4th.  How did the Holy Spirit help the Apostles?  Hand out the Pentecost coloring page for the children to color.

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[10 min] Discover - Living for the Kingdom (p. 274-275)

 Just like on Pentecost, the Holy Spirit helps each of us live how Jesus wants us to at home and at school.  Read and discuss how to help God’s Kingdom grow on Earth on pages 274-275.

[5 min] Sending – Hosanna (p. 35)

 Recite the prayer on page 35.  Read the Scripture passage from John 12:12-13: o The next day a great crowd who had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. 13 So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!”  Renewal of Baptismal Promises: o V. Do you reject Satan? o R. I do. o V. And all his works? o R. I do. o V. And all his empty promises? o R. I do. o V. Do you believe in God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth? o R. I do. o V. Do you believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was born of the Virgin Mary was crucified, died, and was buried, rose from the dead, and is now seated at the right hand of the Father? o R. I do. o V. Do you believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting? o R. I do. o V. God, the all-powerful Father of our Lord Jesus Christ has given us a new birth by water and the Holy Spirit, and forgiven all our sins. May he also keep us faithful to our Lord Jesus Christ for ever and ever. o R. Amen.  Sing Hosanna (Track 27 on the Allelu CD). If the children cut out their palm branch coloring page, they can wave them around during the song.

[1 min] Announcements

 Remind the children that they should bring their rice bowls back to church. There will be a collection box in the Narthex.  Hand out the FLAME and VBS registration forms for the children to bring home for their parents.  All catechists and aides should fill out the Notice of Intent sheet and leave it your classroom basket.  Please leave your teacher’s manual in the classroom.  Wednesday FLAME: During the last 5 minutes of class, have your students bring your classroom bins to the Upper Level Parish Center to sort and store the classroom materials.

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