11th Week of Ordinary Time, Tuesday (Cycle II)

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

"Alleluia, alleluia!

I give you a new commandment:

love one another just as I have loved you,

says the Lord.

Alleluia!"

(Gospel Acclamation)

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

I'm trying a different approach for a little while. My boys are 5 and 6 and have many wonderful ideas to share. I'm going to try just starting with a phrase and exploring it with them - often what I think will help them doesn't seem to hit to spot, so I'm going to try and be guided more by them. I invite you to try the same with your own children.

For younger children for this one, ask them about what they think it means to love as God loves - how He showed that love, and how they can do so in practical ways. See what else they think is important about this snippet. Don't focus on the commandment bit - save that for 6+ when we can talk about how Jesus gives us wonderful rules to help us be close to Him and have a wonderful relationship with Him and others. From 6ish, rules for life are becoming important (kids are focussing on other things before that).

For older children (unsure exactly which age - I wouldn't do it with my 6 3/4 year old and probably not till 8 or 9 at least) you could also look at the Gospel of the day and what Jesus might be trying to get across there: http://universalis.com/20160614/mass.htm

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."