Primary Session
Matthew 28:16-20
Opening Prayer
Let us pray the Glory Be.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end.
Amen.
Opening Life Reflection
The topic for today is the Holy Trinity. Begin the session with a three dimensional craft activity. Provide scrap pieces of material, felt, wrapping paper, scissors, and glue. Invite the children to create a work of art using three different materials. Invite volunteers to share their design with the large group. Discuss:
• What was it like to create a work of art?
• How did using three different materials create one work of art?
• How can your design remind us of our belief that there is one God in three Persons?
Allow time for discussion. We believe that there is one God in three persons-Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We call this belief the mystery of the Holy Trinity. Let your work of art remind you of the Holy Trinity.
Listening to the Word of God
In the gospel today listen to find out what Jesus tells his disciples to go out and do.
Read Matthew 28:16-20.
Allow for silence.
Scripture Discussion Starters
• Where does Jesus meet the disciples?
• What does Jesus tell his disciples to do?
• How does Jesus help his friends understand that he will always be with them?
Scripture Background
Provide 2-3 minutes of background information on the gospel using the Catechist Background section.
In today's gospel the disciples meet Jesus on a mountain top. When they see him some are excited and some are filled with doubt. There is an end to all doubt when Jesus tells his friends to go out and spread God's love to all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Jesus commissions the disciples to carry his gospel to the ends of the world. He tells them that they are not alone. Jesus will always be with them.
Questions for Deeper Reflection
• How can people spread God's love?
• Why does Jesus want his friends to know that he will never leave them alone?
• How is Jesus always with us?
[If you are not going to continue with the doctrinal discussion, proceed to the Gospel in Life.]
Doctrinal Discussion Starters
The Holy Trinity
We believe in one God, who is Father, Son and Holy Spirit. At baptism we are baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Catholic teaching describes the Trinity as the central mystery of our Christian faith because it is the mystery of God's very self.
There are important parts to the Church's teaching about the Holy Trinity. First, we believe there is only one God. The Trinity is one. We do not believe in three Gods, but one God in three persons. Second, we believe that there are three divine Persons-Father, Son, and Holy Spirit-who are whole and complete. Third, the divine persons of the Trinity are related to one another. The relationship between them is so close, it unites them as one God.
• What do we believe about the Holy Trinity?
• Who are the three Persons in God?
• Where can we learn more about the Holy Trinity?
Sacrament Connection
At baptism we are baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. This professes our belief in the Holy Trinity.
The Gospel in Life
This week when you begin your prayers with the Sign of the Cross, think about the three Persons in one God.
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