6th Week of Easter, Thursday (NZ celebrates the Ascension on Sunday)

"In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen."

"Behold I am with you always,
even to the end of the age, alleluia."

(Communion Antiphon)

(Read the quote, then each line slowly, with pauses to allow the children (and us!) to reflect on the questions.)

Jesus spent a short time on earth - only 3 years telling people about the Kingdom of God. He made many friends during that time, who were sad when it was time for Him to go back to Heaven.

But He said that He was with them always, forever. 

Do you remember how Jesus is with us forever?

Yes, at Mass, in the Eucharist. Jesus is present at every Mass and in every tabernacle, waiting for us.

This is such a wonderful gift. Jesus could have just gone back to Heaven, but He knew we would still need His help, so He made sure we would always have it, by giving us priests that could say Mass.

Thank you, Jesus, for giving us your priests. Thank you for being present at every Mass. Thank you that you are always with us.

(Allow any spontaneous prayers, perhaps leading by example. 3-6 year olds relate most naturally to God through prayers of praise and thanksgiving; 6+ will have started thinking about their needs and the needs of those around them in prayers of intercession. Some children may also just want quiet time to speak with God in their hearts.)

(Sing a simple hymn or chant if your children like singing. Or even if they don't ;) This can also be done at the beginning. )

"In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen."