Sunday Connection

Gospel Reading
Matthew 5:1-12
Jesus teaches what it means to be happy.

Making the Connection (Grades 1, 2, and 3)

Help younger children understand that the saints are models for us on how to live holy lives. Saints reflect the attitudes Jesus that describes in the Beatitudes.

Materials Needed

• biographical information about your parish saint, including one way the saint was a peacemaker; picture of the saint

Preparation for Scripture Readings

1. Say: Today we celebrate the Feast of All Saints. Invite children to tell you the name of your parish saint. Tell children a few details about your parish saint. Show a picture if one is available.
2. Say: Saints devoted their lives to God. They show us how to live holy lives, just as Jesus taught us. In today’s Gospel, Jesus teaches us what it means to be blessed, or happy.
3. Read aloud Matthew 5:1–12.
4. Say: Jesus tells many different ways to be happy, or blessed. He said, “Blessed are the peacemakers.” What do you think it means to be a peacemaker? (Accept reasonable answers.) The saints that we celebrate today were peacemakers. Give children an example from the life of your parish saint. Ask: What are some ways that we can be peacemakers at home and at school? (Accept reasonable responses.)
5. Conclude by praying for help to be peacemakers like the saints.

Gospel Reading
Matthew 5:1-12
Jesus teaches what it means to be happy.

Making the Connection (Grades 4, 5, and 6)

Children of this age group are in search of role models. Popular stars, sports figures, and others from popular culture are often idolized and emulated. Our Catholic tradition also offers a rich history of people who provide models for Christian living. More than role models, however, the tradition of the Communion of Saints provides a basis for connection and real relationship with those who have gone before us in the faith. This tradition can capture the imagination of our young people and foster their maturation as Christian disciples.

Materials Needed

• Each of the Beatitudes written on a separate slip of paper
• Copy of Litany of the Saints or a prepared short litany

Preparation for Scripture Readings

1. Ask the group: What are some of the traits of a happy person? Write this list on the board.

2. Introduce today's Gospel in this way: Jesus taught us what it means to be happy. Let's listen to what he said. Distribute the various slips of paper with the Beatitudes written on them. Invite readers to read their Beatitude aloud.

3. Ask the group: Is this what you expected that Jesus would teach about happiness? How is Jesus' teaching like the traits we named? How is it different?

4. Say: Every year when our Church celebrates the Feast of All Saints, we proclaim this Gospel. To be a saint means to live in the spirit of the Beatitudes.

5. Conclude by praying a Litany of the Saints. (For example, the leader prays, “St. Elizabeth,” and the children reply, “Pray for us.”)

Gospel Reading
Matthew 5:1-12
Jesus teaches what it means to be happy.

Making the Connection (Grades 7 and 8)

Young people at this age often seek ways to do only the bare minimum, but at the same time they are attracted to heroes who go above and beyond the call of duty. In the Gospel for All Saints Day, Jesus teaches the Beatitudes, which challenge his followers to go beyond the minimum requirements of the Law.

Materials Needed

• None

Preparation for Sunday Scripture Readings

1. Ask the young people to define the word hero. (someone who is admired for showing great courage in accomplishing a difficult task to help others)

2. Point out that heroes are people who “go the extra mile” and selflessly accomplish things that are above and beyond the call of duty.

3. As a group, brainstorm some examples of contemporary heroes, such as people who risked their own lives to save another person.

4. Tell the young people that in general, laws do not require people to be heroic; laws state the minimum requirement.

5. Point out that Jesus' message in the Beatitudes challenges us to go beyond the minimum requirements of the Law.

6. Invite volunteers to read aloud Matthew 5:1-12.

7. Say: Every year when our Church celebrates the feast of All Saints, we proclaim this Gospel. To be a saint is to live in the spirit of the Beatitudes.

8. Conclude by praying a Litany of the Saints. (Example: A leader prays “St. Elizabeth,” and the young people reply “Pray for us.”

Gospel Reading
Matthew 5:1-12
Jesus teaches what it means to be happy.

Family Connection

One of the great gifts of our Catholic tradition is remembrance of and prayer with the saints. The Church offers us an official canon, or list, of saints. On All Saints Day, we recall and pray with these saints. It is important to continue to tell these stories of saints and saintly people to our children so that they have ample models of people of faith for their own lives.

Together as a family, name and tell the story of favorite saints. Together prepare a list of some of the traits that these people have in common (generosity, courage, prayerfulness, and so on) After preparing this list, read together today's Gospel, Matthew 5:1-12. Identify how the attitudes described in the Beatitudes are reflected in the lives of the saints and people you named.

Pray together as a family a Litany of the Saints. (For example, the leader prays, “St. Elizabeth,” and the children are invited to reply, “Pray for us.”) Include in your list the saints and holy people you named in your discussion. Conclude by praying that your family will follow the example of these people as disciples of Jesus.