Primary Session
Luke 5:1-11
Opening Prayer
Let us pray.
Loving God,
help us to learn more about your Son Jesus
so that we can tell others the good news of your love.
In the name of Jesus we pray.
Amen.
Opening Life Reflection
For today’s session invite the children to participate in a fishing exercise. Cut out the outline of a fish using construction paper and have one fish available for each child. Inside each fish, write a suggestion of how children can follow Jesus. Spread the fish out on the floor with the written side face down. Invite the children to go fishing. Direct each child to catch one fish.
After the children have their fish, have them look at the message on the back. Suggest that the message is there to help them follow Jesus. Explain that today we will be hearing about Jesus and Peter catching fish. Peter also gets a message about how to follow Jesus.
Listening to the Word of God
In today’s gospel reading Jesus goes fishing with Peter. Listen to what happens.
Read Luke 5:1-11.
Allow for silence.
Scripture Discussion Starters
- Why does Jesus get into Peter’s boat?
- What does Jesus tell Peter to do?
- What happens when they lower the nets into the water?
- Why does Peter fall down on his knees?
- What does Jesus tell Peter?
Scripture Background
Provide 2-3 minutes of background information on the Gospel.
The setting for today’s Gospel is in a boat on a lake. It is a familiar setting for Peter. We hear that Peter has been fishing all day with nothing to show for it. Jesus enters Peter’s boat and asks him to throw the net into the lake once again. Peter listens to Jesus. They let down the net and what a catch they get! The miraculous catch of fish is Peter’s encounter with the presence of God. This encounter is so powerful that Peter gets on his knees before Jesus. Jesus tells Peter, “Do not be afraid, from now on you will be catching people.” Peter accepts Jesus’ call to follow him. He leaves everything and follows Jesus.
Questions for Deeper Reflection
- How can you follow Jesus today?
- How do you learn about Jesus?
- What do you tell people about Jesus?
[If you are not going to continue with the doctrinal discussion, proceed to the Gospel in Life.]
Doctrinal Discussion Starters
Tradition
Jesus invited people to come and follow him. Followers of Jesus spread the good news of the kingdom of God to others. Peter and others told people about Jesus’ life, his works, and the importance of the resurrection. Eventually, followers of Jesus wrote down the good news.
Catholics believe that not only was God revealed to people long ago, but also God speaks to people today. God continues to speak to us through Scripture and Tradition.
- How do you learn about the life and works of Jesus?
- How do you learn about the Catholic faith?
The Gospel in Life
Bring home the fish that you caught in the opening exercise. Let the message on your fish help you to follow Jesus.
Connecting to Faith First® Legacy Edition
At Home Family Guide, theme 6
Kindergarten, chapter 12
Grade 1, chapter 8
Grade 2, chapter 10
Grade 3, chapter 8
Blest Are We
Grade 2, chapter 4
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