For My Family 29 We Celebrate Easter

Sharing the Bible Story Nurturing Our Children

Alleluia! Jesus Is Alive! Your preschooler has a natural and God-given sense
Early Sunday morning when the sun was just coming up of wonder and awe that intuitively places them in
Jesus’ friend Mary Magdalene went to the place where the presence of God and in communion with him.
the body of Jesus was buried. It was three days after Be aware of this wonderful quality that is so char-
Jesus died. When she reached the place, she was
acteristic of young people. What might seem to be
startled by two angels dressed in robes shining like
bright white snow. simple child’s play to you as an adult, for example,
    “Why are you here looking for Jesus? He is not here,” staring at or playing with an earthworm or smelling
an angel told her. “Do not be afraid. God has given him a flower, can be a moment of exploration that puts
new life. Go quickly and tell Peter, Andrew, James, your child in touch with the unseen presence of God
John and Jesus’ other friends.” Filled with joy, Mary did in their lives. Take the time to enter the world of
just that.
your child and enjoy your time with them.
    Mary ran to Peter and John. When they heard the
good news that Mary told them, they couldn’t believe it
was true. So they ran back to the place where the body of
Jesus had been buried. John ran much faster than Peter
so he waited until Peter caught up with him. What Mary
said was true! Living Our Faith Together
Peter went home, amazed at what he saw.
Based on Matthew 28:1, 5–8; Mark 16:2, 7; Here are two suggested activities to do with your
Luke 24:4–6, 9–12; John 20:1–10 child:
n  Retell the Bible story “Alleluia! Jesus Is Alive” with
your child. Talk with your child about Easter as
a time that we see and hear signs of new life all
around us. Help your child appreciate these signs
as reminders that Jesus is always with us.
n  Create several colorful Alleluia posters and
display them around your home on Easter Sunday
morning.
Reflecting
on Our Faith
In what ways has our family
traditionally celebrated
Easter? What can we do to Praying as a Family
involve our children in the
preparation for and celebra- Incorporate this prayer into your mealtime prayer
tion of Easter? on Easter Sunday and the seven Sundays of Easter
season. Begin with the Sign of the Cross together.
Leader: J esus is always with us.
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
All: Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

Nihil Obstat: Rev. Msgr. Robert Coerver, Censor Librorum. Imprimatur: † Most Reverend Kevin J. Farrell DD, Bishop of Dallas, November 5, 2007. Stories of God’s Love
© 2009 RCL Publishing LLC, 8805 Governor’s Hill Drive • Suite 400 • Cincinnati, OH 45249. Phone: 877-275-4725. Cover art by Dana Regan, Activity illustration by
Peggy Tagel. All rights reserved. No part of the material in this leaflet may be reproduced by any means without permission from the publisher. Printed in the USA. 20635L

Stories of God's Love Grade 4-5 © RCL Benziger, a Kendall Hunt Company

2063514L_Ch29_pt.indd 4-1 11/26/13 10:01 AM

 It Is Springtime!

Find and circle the things you

see and hear in the springtime.
Stories of God's Love Grade 4-5 © RCL Benziger, a Kendall Hunt Company Stories of God's Love Grade 4-5 © RCL Benziger, a Kendall Hunt Company

2063514L_Ch29_pt.indd 2-3 11/26/13 10:01 AM

 For My Family 30 We Honor Mary
Sharing the Story Nurturing Our Children
A Special Celebration for Mary Loving our children includes respecting our children
Adam was standing near the very large statue of Mary as as children of God entrusted to our care. Our
he waited for class to begin. Mrs. Downing taught them children are indeed a gift from God and an expres-
that Mary, Jesus’ Mother, loved each of them very much. sion of his love for us. Take the time to discover
He remembered what Mrs. Downing told them, “During
the wonderful gift of your child. What are the gifts
May, we will show our love for Mary in a very special
way.” Adam couldn’t wait. He and the other children God has given to your child? Provide your children
were going to have a special celebration to honor Mary. with the opportunities to discover those gifts and
    Mrs. Downing called all the children over to ask them to develop them. When we do, we show respect for
if they were ready to practice the song they would sing our children.
during the celebration. “Gather around me, children,”
she said. “Have a seat on the floor, and we will practice
our song so we can sing our best. I know Mary will enjoy
your song as she watches over us from Heaven.”
    Mrs. Downing began to sing and the children joined
Living Our Faith Together
in. They learned their part very well. Here are two suggested activities to do with your
O Mary, we crown thee with blossoms today! child:
Queen of the Angels and Queen of the May.
n  Retell the story “A Special Celebration for Mary”
O Mary, we crown thee with blossoms today!
Queen of the Angels and Queen of the May. with your child. Talk with your child about Mary
    “What a beautiful song. You sang your part so well, and her love for Jesus and Jesus’ love for her.
children,” Mrs. Downing praised them. “Mary is proud of Share the many ways our Church family shows
you. She loves you more than you can imagine.” our love for Mary.
    “We love Mary too, Mrs. Downing,” Adam proudly n  Display a statue or picture of Mary in your home
said, smiling his biggest smile. “I can’t wait for our
if you do not already have one in your home.
­celebration.”
Remind your child that Mary, the Mother of Jesus,
is our Mother also. Use the flower your child
brought home today and place the flower near
the statue or picture. Add flowers during the
month of May and show your love for Mary.

Reflecting Praying as a Family

Incorporate the praying of this part of the Hail Mary
on Our Faith into your mealtime prayer or your child’s bedtime
How does the life of Mary prayers during the month of May. Begin with the
guide our family to Sign of the Cross together.
love God and others
as Jesus taught? Hail Mary,
full of grace,
the Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women.
Amen.

Nihil Obstat: Rev. Msgr. Robert Coerver, Censor Librorum. Imprimatur: † Most Reverend Kevin J. Farrell DD, Bishop of Dallas, November 5, 2007. Stories of God’s Love
© 2009 RCL Publishing LLC, 8805 Governor’s Hill Drive • Suite 400 • Cincinnati, OH 45249. Phone: 877-275-4725. Cover art by Robin Boyer. All rights reserved.
No part of the material in this leaflet may be reproduced by any means without permission from the publisher. Printed in the USA. 20635L

Stories of God's Love Grade 4-5 © RCL Benziger, a Kendall Hunt Company

2063514L_Ch30_pt.indd 4-1 12/11/13 9:47 AM

 Mary, Our Mother

Color the Xs one color.

Color the Os another color.
Pray your prayer to Mary. Stories of God's Love Grade 4-5 © RCL Benziger, a Kendall Hunt Company Stories of God's Love Grade 4-5 © RCL Benziger, a Kendall Hunt Company

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