Week 4 - All Souls Day

We read from the Old Testament (Ezekiel 37:1-9) of how Ezekiel was asked to pray over the dead that they may rise from their graves. The important tradition is carried on in the Catholic church today and remembered on All Souls Day(November 2). For this week, the students and teachers have the responsibility of praying for souls of the departed. We each wrote down names of those who have died on smalls slips of paper and randomly drew 2 names per person. We concluded with a Halloween party that was filled with much cheer and laughter. Some of us even dressed for the occasion(a guardian angel and St. Lucy complete with her eyes in hand). Have a great week and remember to pray for those souls who are in your care.
This week's definition:
PURGATORY: temporary state of a soul where we are prepared for life in Heaven.

This week's prayer:
Eternal rest, grant unto them O Lord.
And may perpetual light shine upon them.
May they rest in peace. Amen.

Week 3 - The power of the Holy Spirit, John 7, 37-39

The Holy Spirit is the third Person of the Trinity. The Holy Spirit sanctifies(makes holy) our souls by grace. Just like a garden needs water, so do our souls need grace(life or living water).
Some symbols of the Holy Spirit are: 1) dove 2) tongues of fire and 3) wind, 'the breath of God.'

IN-CLASS PROJECT:
This Sunday our class made 1-decade rosary beads. It took us about 10 decades to make them but it was all worthwhile. Since they're made of natural fibres and wooden/plastic beads, they don't set off the alarm when you go through security. You can also truthfully claim to the security guards that they are weapons - against the Devil(thanks for that insight Grade 6/7)! As you can see, they are as wonderful as the students who made them. Great work!

Week 2 - Jesus Christ, His Son, Luke 1, 26-38

This is about the birth of Jesus. From this we know this:
*He shares our poverty to give us His wealth.
*He shares our suffering to give us His joy.
*He shares our weakness to give us His greatness.
He came to bring us to His Father in Heaven because He loves us.

This week's definition:
INCARNATION: The Son of God took on human nature; God made man.

This week's prayer: The Memorarae
Remember oh Most Gracious Virgin Mary
That never was it known that anyone who fled Your protection ,
Implored Your Help, and sought Your intercession was left unaided.
Inspired with this confidence, I fly to You O Virgin of Virgins, My Mother !
To You I come, Before thee I stand, Sinful and Sorrowful.
O Mother of the Word Incarnate ! Despise not my petitions but in
Thy Mercy please hear and answer me. AMEN.

Week 1 - God the Father, Mark 4, 35-39

This passage is about Jesus calming the sea while his disciples were fishing. This reveals three aspects of God:

*He is all-knowing(He knew there was a storm)
*He can do all things(He stopped the storm)
*He is all-good(He did not want harm to come from the storm)

This week's definition:
YAHWEH: The Hebrew name for God which translates 'I Am Who I Am.'

This week's prayer: The Our Father

Welcome!

Welcome to the St. Mary's Sunday School Program, Welland. The Sisters of the Sacred Heart and lay parishioners of St. Mary of the Assumption Church have been teaching the Catholic catechism to children attending the public schools in Welland. We prepare children for the sacraments, working alongside our parish. Currently, we teach children ages 6 to 13. Feel free to visit our site often for information regarding our program. You can register anytime by phoning your local parish or by contacting me. God bless!!