St.Mary's Sunday School

All Saints Day

2008-10-26T09:26:00.002-05:00

All Saints' Day (also called All Hallows or Hallowmas), is often shortened to All Saints, is a feast celebrated on November 1 in Western Christianity, and on the first Sunday after Pentecost in Eastern Christianity in honour of all the saints, known and unknown.

In terms of Roman Catholic theology, the feast commemorates all those who have attained the beatific vision in heaven, while the next day, All Souls' Day, commemorates the departed faithful who have not yet been purified and reached heaven.

On Sunday November 2nd we will be dressing up as our favourite Martyr Saint.

Here is a link to a list of martyrs that you can dress up as.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Catholic_martyrs_of_the_English_Reformation

Stations of the Cross

2007-03-25T09:32:00.001-05:00

Although it is not required, it is best to begin with an Act of Contrition between each station. Then think of Our Lord’s suffering as you visit each station. Let your heart speak to him.

1. Jesus is Condemned to death.
2. Jesus accepts his cross.
3. Jesus falls under the cross.
4. Jesus meets his mother.
5. Simon helps Jesus.
6. Veronica wipes the face of Jesus.
7. Jesus falls again.
8. Jesus speaks to the woman.
9. Jesus falls a third time.
10. Jesus is stripped of his clothes.
11. Jesus is nailed to the cross.
12. Jesus dies on the cross.
13. Our Lady receives the body of Jesus.
14. Our lady watches her son being buried.

Prayers For Everyday

2007-02-25T09:57:00.001-06:00

The sign of the cross
In the name of the Father the Son and the Holy Ghost.

The Lord’s Prayer

OUR FATHER how art in heaven, hollowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it was in heaven. Give us your daily bread; and forgive us trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us no into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

The Hail Mary

HAIL MARY, full of grace! The Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among woman, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Glory Be the Father

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.

The Apostles Creed

I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, Our Lord; who was concieved by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pointus Pilate, was cruicfied, died, and was buried. He descened into hell; the third day He arose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, sitteth at the right hand of God, The Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, The Holy Catholic Church, The Communion of Saints, The Forgiveness of Sins, The Ressurection of The Body, and Life Everlasting. Amen.

The Confiteor

I confess to the Almighty God, to the blessed Mary ever Virgin, to blessed Michael the Archangel, to blessed John the Baptist, to the exceedingly in thought, word and deed, through my fault, through my most greivous fault. Therefore, I beseecg blessed Mary ever Virgin, blessed Michael the Archangel, blessed John the Baptist, The Holy Apostles Peter and Paul, and all the saints, to orat to the Lord our God for me. May Almighty God have mercy on me. forgive me my sins, and bring me to everlasting life. Amen. May The Almighty and merciful Lord Grant me pardon, absolution, and remission of all my sins. Amen.

Week 15 - Saint Project

2006-02-05T10:44:00.000-06:00

Today and next week we will continue to do research on the saints.
These websites are helpful:

htt p://catholic.org/saints
http://www.catholic-pages.com/dir/saints.asp

Use this format to help you gather information:

NAME:
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN:
BORN/DIED:
FEAST DAY:
SYMBOL:
PATRON OF:
PRAYER FOR THIS PARTICULAR SAINT:
BRIEF BIOGRAPHY:
HOW THEY WERE CHRIST-LIKE:

This week's definition:
SAINTS: are those who were very close to God on earth nad practiced virtue iand who are now in heaven. The Church honours the saints because they hlep us by their prayers and by the good example of their lives.

This week's prayer:
Please find a prayer attributed to the saint you have chosen for your project. Grow in knowledge and prayer of this saint.

Week 14 - Saints, Relics & Images

2006-01-29T12:34:00.000-06:00

We all like to carry pictures of our loved ones so that we may feel close to them. Religious objects work in the same way. A crucifix reminds us of Jesus' great sacrifice and love for us. We remember a certain saint when we see their picture and they help us to think and pray better. Saints were people just like us. Now they are in Heaven. God wants us to honour them. We should not only pray to them but imitate their love for Christ.

This week's definition:
RELIC: An object connected with a saint, such as a part of the body or clothes. A relic is holy.

This week's prayer:
PRAYER FOR PEACE
Lord Jesus Christ, we praise You. Bring peace into the world by bringing Your peace into the hearts of all. Help us to turn away from sin and to follo you in love and service. Glory be yours for ever and ever. Amen +

HAVE A GREAT WEEK!

Week 13 - The Resurrection & Life Everlasting

2006-01-22T10:34:00.001-06:00

Death is a part of life. We all must die but there is life beyond death. Jesus is in Heaven, our true home, where He is preparing a place for us when we die. Jesus rose from the dead so that we may live forever. He rose from the dead to show that He is true God and that we also will rise again. He shares His resurrection with us by grace in our souls. We can receive this grace from the sacraments.

This week's definition:
RESURRECTION: those who have done good will rise to live an eternal life with God.

This week's prayer:
JESUS PRAYER
Jesus, our Lord and our Brother, save us in your love. Amen. +

HAVE A PEACEFUL WEEK!

Week 12 - The Communion of Saints

2006-01-15T13:24:00.000-06:00

Our Catholic faith is rich in spirit and history. After Christ ascended into heaven, His followers gathered together and obeyed lovingly all that Christ asked of them. This togetherness is what we refer to as communion. The rituals and faith we share in the Church was started by Christ while He was on earth and handed down to us through His apostles. We are also in spiritual communion with those who share in our baptism - the saints in heaven and the holy souls in purgatory. Truly we have alot to be proud of.

This week's definition:
COMMUNION OF SAINTS: the spiritual union between the faithful on earth, the souls in purgatory and the saints in heaven.

This week's prayer: taken from 'The Apostle's Creed'
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church,the communion of saints,the forgiveness of sins,the resurrection of the body,and life everlasting.Amen +

Week 11 - The Epiphany

2006-01-08T12:33:00.000-06:00

In our new year of study, let us try to follow the example of the Magi who were humble, steadfast and wise in their studies which led them to Christ. Like them, we too must journey to Christ. This journey can be physical, mental, emotional and sometimes scientific. Like them we must acknowledge Christ in humility and adoration, bringing what gifts we have to honour His divinity and humanity.

This week's definition:
EPIPHANY: The feast on which we remember Christ's making Himself known to the Magi. Epiphany comes from the Greek word meaning 'manifestation.'

This week's prayer:
God of love, Father of all, the darkness that covered the earth has given way to the bright dawn of your Word made flesh. Make us a people of this light. Make us faithful to your Word, that we may bring your life to the waiting world. Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen. +

Have a super week everyone!

BLESSED CHRISTMAS!

2005-12-18T12:18:00.001-06:00

We will resume Sunday School January 8th, 2006(the Sunday before vacation ends).
Please take time to read the Holy Father's Christmas message.

At Christmas we contemplate God made man, divine glory hidden beneath the poverty of a Child wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger; the Creator of the Universe reduced to the helplessness of an infant. Once we accept this paradox, we discover the Truth that sets us free and the Love that transforms our lives. On Bethlehem Night, the Redeemer becomes one of us, our companion along the precarious paths of history. Let us take the hand which he stretches out to us: It is a hand which seeks to take nothing from us, but only to give. With the shepherds let us enter the stable of Bethlehem beneath the loving gaze of Mary, the silent witness of his miraculous birth. May she help us to experience the happiness of Christmas, may she teach us how to treasure in our hearts the mystery of God who for our sake became man; and may she help us to bear witness in our world to his truth, his love and his peace. +

The Chronicles of Narnia - December 18

2005-12-11T11:35:00.000-06:00

Hello everyone,
As you may already know, Miss Purcell's catechism class is invited to see the 'The Chronicles of Narnia,' next Sunday for a Matinee performance. Judging by the response of the class, many of them would prefer the later showing which would be around 3:00 or 3:30(you can check here). I will purchase the tickets ahead of time and am asking for $4 (since I have coupons that I must use soon). I will be able to transport only 7 students including myself but will come to some sort of arrangement with regards to transportation. After the film(it's 2hrs.20min.) everyone is welcome back to my home for pizza and dessert. Roughly the festivities should end around 6-6:30.

This is a great opportunity for young people, as they discern their vocation, to see a magnificent film with strong, Christian values embedded in it.

See you at the movies!

Week 10 - Confession

2005-12-11T08:45:00.000-06:00

When an important guest comes to our home, we do our best to make our home look perfect and welcoming. We wear our best clothes and offer our best hospitality. In this special season, when we welcome Jesus into our hearts, we must go to confession in order that our soul may be beautiful for Jesus, our Guest. Read this description of confession:

The Sacrament of Penance Or Reconciliation
Jesus gave us the sacrament of Penance on the evening of the day he rose from the dead. When He first appeared to the fearful apostles, He said to them, "Peace be with you". They were glad that Jesus was with them once more. He again wished them peace and added "As the father has sent me, so i send you". Then He breathed on them saying, " If you forgive sins, they are forgiven; if you hold them bound, they are held bound". Centuries later, we celebrate the forgiveness of our sins in the same Sacrament of Pennance.
After we confess our sins to the priest, we express how very sorry we are for them. We also promise to do better in the future. The priest then forgives us in the name of Jesus. He gives us penance, something to make up for our sins( prayer or good deeds), because we have offended God.
Sometimes this Sacrament is called the sacrament of reconciliation. Through reconciliation, we are helped to make peace with God, our father, and with our brothers and sisters whom we may have hurt by our words or actions.

This week's definition:
CONFESSION: When we confess our sins to a priest. When we show true sorrow for sins Jesus grants us His forgiveness.

This week's prayer: ACT OF CONTRITION
my God, I am sorry and beg pardon for all my sins, and detest them above all things, because they deserve They dreadful punishments, because they have crucified my loving Saviour Jesus Christ and, most of all, becuase they offend Thine infinite goodness; and I firmly resolve, by the help of Thy grace, never to offend Thee again, and carefully to avoid the occasions of sin.
Amen +

Have a fantastic week everyone!

Week 9 - We believe in the Holy, Catholic Church

2005-12-04T08:59:00.000-06:00

The Catholic church is the union of all baptized persons under the Holy Father, the Pope.The people in the Catholic Church have the same true faith, the same Sacrifice of the Mass, and the same Sacraments. Jesus started the Church to lead all people to heaven. Jesus started the Church by picking twelve apostles who were always with Him. Jesus gave His apostles the power to teach, to make people holy and guide them to God. Jesus gave special power to St. Peter by making him the head of the Apostles and the chief teacher and ruler of the Church. The Holy Father, the Bishop of Rome, takes the place of St. Peter today. The bishops of the Church take the place of the Apostles today. The priests help the bishops to take care of God's people. Jesus gave His Church the truths of faith and the seven Sacraments.

This week's definition:
Pope: The head of the church who lives in Rome and takes the place of Jesus on earth. Jesus gave a special power in His church to St. Peter, the first Pope, by making him the head of the apostles. The Pope is the successor of St. Peter.

This week's prayer: ACT OF FAITH
O my God, I firmly believe that You are one God in three Divine Persons, Father, Son and Holy Ghost; I believe that Your divine Son became man, and died for our sins, and that He will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe these and all the truths which the Holy Catholic Church teaches, because You have revealed them, who can neither deceive nor be deceived. Amen +

Have a great week everyone!

Week 8 - Advent

2005-11-27T08:52:00.001-06:00

O come, thou Rod of Jesse, free thine own from Satan's ' tyranny; From depths of hell thy people save and give them victory o'er the grave. Rejoice, rejoice! Emmanual shall come to thee, O Israel.

SYMBOLS OF ADVENT
What is a Jesse tree? It is a small, leafless tree decorated with symbols portraying Jesus' spiritual heritage. It is a kind of family tree which was suggested by Isaiah's prophecy: "There shall come forth a shoot from the stub of Jesse and a branch shall grow out of it's roots."

The Advent wreath is a part of our long-standing Catholic tradition. The circle symbolizes eternity while the light from the candles signify Jesus - the Light of the world. The word advent is taken from the Latin word "advenio" meaning to come.

HOMEWORK: Students, this week please add daily to your Jesse tree. Write a 1 sentence description of the symbol for each day.

This week's definition:
Advent: The four weeks before Chistmas. Advent is a time of prayer in preparation for the birthday of Jesus Christ.

This week's prayer: Act of Hope
O my God, relying on Thy almighty power and infinite mercy and promises, I hope to obtain pardon of my sins, the help of Thy grace, and life everlasting, through the merits of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Redeemer. Amen. +

Week 7 - The Sacraments

2005-11-20T09:06:00.000-06:00

Christ instituted seven sacraments. They are outward visible signs of God's grace given at special moments in a person's life. They help us live our lives more fully.

1.Baptism: Baptism is also called christening.

2.Confirmation: Confirmation bestows the special seal of mark of the Holy Spirit.

3.Holy Eucharist: Communion is often called the greatest sacrament because Christ himself is present in the consecrated bread and wine.

4.Reconciliation: The sacrament brings us God's forgiveness through the words of a preist.

5.Anointing of The Sick: The sacrament is for the seriously ill, the infirm and the very old.

6.Holy Orders: This sacrament gives priests the power to forgive sins, the power to anoint the sick, then power to change bread and wine into the blood and body of Christ, and the power to prepetuate Jesus' sacrifice, which is the Mass.

7.Matrimony: The sacrament is received when a husband and wife pronounce their marriage vows.

This week's definition:
SACRAMENT: An outward sign given by Christ to produce grace in the soul.

This week's prayer:
AN ACT OF LOVE
O my God, I love Thee above all things, with my whole heart and soul, because Thou art all-good and worthy of all love. I love my neighbor as myself for the love of Thee. I forgive all who have injured me, and ask pardon of all whom I have injured. Amen +

Have a wonderful week everyone!

Week 6 - Suffered, died and was buried

2005-11-13T09:06:00.001-06:00

When we say that someone does something with passion, we mean that they do something with great emotion and/or love. Someone might play the piano with great passion. Another might play hockey with alot of passion. When we talk about the passion of Christ, we mean that the suffering( all the humiliation and pain) He felt on the way to His death, was all done out of great love and passion for us.

This week's definition:
PASSION: The suffering and death of Jesus Christ. The Passion shows how much Jesus loved His father and us - enough to die and save us.

This week's prayer: THE STATIONS OF THE CROSS
Pictures do say a thousand words. When you walk through your church, reflect upon the images of the stations. Each station is a step leading to the death of Jesus. Let each picture guide you in prayerful reflection.

1. Jesus is condemned to death.
2. Jesus carries his cross.
3.Jesus falls the first time.
4.Jesus meets his afflicted mother.
5.Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus to carry his cross.
6.Veronica wipes the face of Jesus
7.Jesus falls the second time.
8.Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem
9.Jesus falls the thrid time.
10.Jesus is stripped of his clothes
11.Jesus is nailed to the cross
12.Jesus dies on the cross.
13.The body of Jesus is taken down from the cross
14.Jesus is laid in the tomb
15.The resurrection of Jesus.

Have a wonderful week everyone!

Week 5 - Born of the Virgin Mary

2005-11-06T10:17:00.001-06:00

This week we learned about Mary's gift to us. Yes, she gave us her Son Jesus but she also gave us her example. She said 'yes' to God's will which we must always strive to do, no matter how difficult it is to do so. We are asked to respond 'yes' to God in many ways. It could be to help a friend or stranger in need or to say a special prayer for the dead. We may feel lazy, afraid or unable. But if we say 'yes' as Mary did, God will give us all the graces we need to accomplish His work.

PRAYER TO MARY ASSIGNMENT
IN YOUR PRAYER:
1. CHOOSE THREE (3) ADJECTIVES TO DESCRIBE MARY
2. REMEMBER AN EVENT FROM MARY’S LIFE
3. RELATE THAT EVENT TO YOUR OWN EXPERIENCE
4. ASK MARY TO INTERCEDE FOR YOU
5. CLOSE THE PRAYER WITH ‘AMEN.’

This week's definition:
PRAYER: talking with God; lifting up the mind and heart to God.

This week's prayer:
Angel of God, my guardian dear, to whom God's love, commits me here, ever this day be at my side, to light and guard to rule and guide. Amen.
Have a great week everyone!!

Week 4 - All Souls Day

2005-10-30T10:19:00.000-06:00

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

2005-10-23T20:15:00.000-05:00

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

2005-10-09T20:03:00.000-05:00

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

2005-10-02T19:44:00.000-05:00

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!

2005-10-02T19:35:00.000-05:00

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!!