Primary Session
Luke 2:41-52
Opening Prayer
God our Father and Creator,
thank you for our families who love us and help us to grow.
In the name of Jesus Christ we pray.
Amen.
Opening Life Reflection
On this Sunday we celebrate the Feast of the Holy Family. Our main focus for today’s session is family life. To begin, write the letters to the word FAMILY vertically on a large sheet of paper.
Brainstorm with the children what they think a family is. Invite them to describe family life using each letter of the word Family. Give examples such as: fun for the letter F.
Conclude by explaining to the children that Jesus was born into a family. Because Jesus was part of a family, all families are called to be holy. We call Jesus’ family “The Holy Family. “
Listening to the Word of God
The gospel today tells us about when Jesus was a boy. Listen to what happens to Jesus and his family.
Read Luke 2:41-52.
Allow for silence.
• Where did Jesus and his parents go every year?
• How old is Jesus in this story?
• What happens to Jesus?
• Why does Jesus stay in Jerusalem?
• What is Jesus doing in the Temple?
• Was Mary worried about Jesus when she realized that he was missing?
• What does Jesus say to his Mother when she finds him?
Scripture Background
Provide 2-3 minutes of background information on the gospel using the Catechist Background section.
In today’s gospel reading Jesus is only twelve years old. He travels to Jerusalem with his family and on the journey home his parents notice that Jesus is missing. Of course, this worries Mary and Joseph. They return to Jerusalem and begin to search for Jesus. Finally, they find him in the Temple. Mary asks Jesus why he stayed behind in Jerusalem and caused his parents to worry. Jesus tells Mary that she should know that he would be in his Father’s house.
Because Jesus was born into a family, we now know that family life can be a source of holiness.
Questions for Deeper Reflection
• Do you like to travel with your family?
• Have you ever done something to worry your parents?
• How is your family like Jesus’ family?
[If you are not going to continue with the doctrinal discussion, proceed to the Gospel in Life.]
Doctrinal Discussion Starters
The family as the domestic Church
On this feast of the Holy Family we focus our attention on the role of the family. The Church teaches that our families help us to grow and become good members of society. The love that we experience in family life teaches us about faith in God. Through our families we learn about right and wrong, and we learn what is important in life.
The family is the church of the home because it is a community of people who love each other. This love that a family shares, is a reflection of the love of Christ. The care and support that is experienced within the family helps individuals to reach out to care for the larger community and the world.
• How does your family teach you about God?
• How does your family care for the world?
• How does your family help you to grow?
The Gospel in Life
Talk with your parents about chores that you can do to help contribute to the well being of your family.
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