Teaching Guide 1

Unit 1: We Are the Church

P F L A U M G O S P E L W E E K L I E S F a i t h F o r m a t i o n P r o g r a m

Teaching Guide Unit1

Preschool

ContentsFor Catechists and Teachers page 2

Unit 1: Scope and Sequence pages 2–3

Lesson Plan, September 20 • 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time pages 4–7

Lesson Plan, September 27 • 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time pages 8–11

Lesson Plan, October 4 • 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time pages 12–15



Lesson Plan, October 25• 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time pages 24–27

Lesson Plan, November 1 • Solemnity of All Saints pages 28–31

Lesson Plan, November 8 • 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time pages 32–35

2020-2021 Scope & Sequence Chart page 36

Unit Overview Webinars and Teaching

Guides available in Spanish and English atgospelweeklies.com

25th–32nd Sundays in Ordinary TimeSeptember 20–November 8, 2020

Volume 26, Number 1

Jesus Is the Heart of Catechesis Welcome to Seeds, the preschool edition of the Pflaum Gospel Weeklies. Each Seeds lesson is built around the theme of the Sunday Gospel, so Jesus’ story forms the heart of each lesson.

Every week, the children will meet Jesus over and over again in his work of healing, teaching, and telling everyone he meets about God’s love for them. They will recognize their place in the worshiping community and understand how, even as young children, they can follow Jesus’ way.

Each Seeds lesson begins with singing and prayer, continues with stories based on the children’s real experiences, tells the Sunday Gospel in a way the children can understand and enjoy, and concludes with activities that invite the children to live the Gospel in their lives.

Invite a student to point to the current Sunday on a Church Year calendar as you begin every class. Order from bayardfaithresources.com (English: HTP-5591, Spanish: HTP-5592).

New Features for 2020–21Word of the WeekSeeds and Promise lessons now offer a Word of the Week to help young children begin learning the language of the faith. These words

are based on thirty-two doctrinal themes. The words appear in the student lessons; definitions are in the Teaching Guides and online at gospelweeklies.com/seeds. Catechists may choose to print the word on the board instead of having the children find the word in the lesson.

QR Code for Parent ResourcesWe have added a QR code to every lesson. A simple scan of this code with a smartphone will take parents to our family resources at gospelweeklies.com/family.

Eucharist QuoteA recent Pew Research Center survey found that only one-third of U.S. Catholics believe that the Eucharist is really the Body and Blood of Christ. The Gospel Weeklies

naturally link to the Sunday Mass and the Eucharist. Every lesson now also includes a quotation from Scripture, Church teaching, or popes, saints, and other models of faithful living to promote belief in the Real Presence of Christ in Holy Communion. The quotations appear in the student lessons for the benefit of both students and parents. Find Eucharist quotes, memes, and reflections at gospelweeklies.com/eucharist to share with families and parishes.

In this first unit of Seeds, the children celebrate the many communities of which they are part. They hear the stories of

Overview of Unit 1

Date/Sunday Sunday GospelsWord of the

week CreedSacraments

& LiturgyLife in Christ

Christian Prayer

September 20, 2020 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Matthew 20:1–16a Workers in the Vineyard

Creator God’s love is generous. (214, 221)

Church as a community of believers

Learning about Jesus together

Sign of the Cross


Matthew 21:28–32Two Sons

Mass God gives us free will. (1704, 1711, 1731, 1853)

Celebrating as a community: Mass

Choosing loving actions Prayers of petition

October 4, 2020 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Matthew 21:33–43The Vineyard

God God cares for Creation. (41, 239, 301, 421)

Mass: Bible as source of Readings

Changing and growing Thanking God for Creation


Matthew 22:1–14Wedding Feast

marriage Jesus invites us to his table. (1396)

Eucharist; Matrimony Going to Sunday Mass Blessing Before Meals


Matthew 22:15–21Give to Caesar and God

Ten Commandments Jesus is our Lord and Master. (450, 2242)

Mass: praising God Honoring God Glory Be to the Father; Prayer of Praise booklet


Matthew 22:34–40 The Great Commandment

neighbor Jesus’ Great Commandment is love. (1970–1972)

Following rules; following the Golden Rule

Family prayer

November 1, 2020 Solemnity of All Saints

Matthew 23:1–12The Beatitudes

saint We belong to the Communion of Saints. (962)

Saints sacramentals: images of saints

Belonging to the Communion of Saints

Praying to saints

November 8, 2020 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Matthew 25:1–13 Wise and Foolish Girls

Jesus God gives us freedom to choose. (1732–1734, 2612)

Being ready for God; making loving choices

Prayer of thanksgiving

For Catechists and Teachers

TG1-2

Imprimatur: =Most Reverend Robert J. McManus, S.T.D., Bishop of Worcester, May 14, 2020. SEEDS Teaching Guide (supplement to Pflaum Gospel Weeklies) copyright © 2020 by Pflaum Publishing Group, a division of Bayard, Inc., sponsored by the Augustinians of the Assumption. Publisher: David Dziena; Educational

Consultant: Susan Taylor, M.A.T.; Editor: Erika De Urquidi; Designer: Jennifer Poferl. Page TG1-2 art: © Bayard, Inc. – Illustration: Jim Burrows. Printed in the USA. Material in this issue may not be reproduced in whole or in part in any form or format without special permission from the publisher.

Lord

Jesus,

you are truly present. Amen!

Unit 1: We Are the Church l TG1-3

Date/Sunday Sunday GospelsWord of the

week CreedSacraments

& LiturgyLife in Christ

Christian Prayer


Matthew 20:1–16a Workers in the Vineyard

Creator God’s love is generous. (214, 221)

Church as a community of believers


Sign of the Cross


Matthew 21:28–32Two Sons

Mass God gives us free will. (1704, 1711, 1731, 1853)

Celebrating as a community: Mass

Choosing loving actions Prayers of petition


Matthew 21:33–43The Vineyard

God God cares for Creation. (41, 239, 301, 421)

Mass: Bible as source of Readings

Changing and growing Thanking God for Creation


Matthew 22:1–14Wedding Feast

marriage Jesus invites us to his table. (1396)

Eucharist; Matrimony Going to Sunday Mass Blessing Before Meals


Matthew 22:15–21Give to Caesar and God

Ten Commandments Jesus is our Lord and Master. (450, 2242)

Mass: praising God Honoring God Glory Be to the Father; Prayer of Praise booklet



neighbor Jesus’ Great Commandment is love. (1970–1972)


Family prayer

November 1, 2020 Solemnity of All Saints

Matthew 23:1–12The Beatitudes

saint We belong to the Communion of Saints. (962)

Saints sacramentals: images of saints


Praying to saints

November 8, 2020 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Matthew 25:1–13 Wise and Foolish Girls

Jesus God gives us freedom to choose. (1732–1734, 2612)


Prayer of thanksgiving

UNIT 1 OVERVIEW: We Are the Church

Bayard supports Pope Francis’s call to care for our common home. Please recycle this teaching guide properly. Thank you.

Music CDs The Seeds music two-CD set contains songs by John Burland that correlate to the Church Year. The songs are easy to learn through listening and singing along. Available at gospelweeklies.com or for download at giamusic.com/pgw.Let’s Sing! Let’s Pray! Teaching Catholic Prayer to Children Through Song is a collection of new settings for Catholic prayers. Available at gospelweeklies.com.

New Music DVD!Let’s Gather! Let’s Sing! Growing in Faith Through Song & Movement contains 25 songs by educator/composer John Burland. This DVD demonstrates the movements to all 25 songs and includes the words displayed in karaoke style.

All numbers in parentheses refer to paragraphs in the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

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Additional Resources l Weekly Review Template (gospelweeklies.com/assessment)l Seasonal Resources (gospelweeklies.com/seasonal)l Video Links (gospelweeklies.com/weekly-videos)l Find resources at catholictv.org/masses/catholictv-mass to

support or enhance your lessons.

Go online to find helpful information to enhance your presentation of the Pflaum Gospel Weeklies in the classroom and support materials for parents. You will find:l GROW Newsletter and Blog – Subscribe to our

GROW blog for weekly reflections on Sunday’s Gospel, activities, a Calendar of Saints and Feasts.

l Lesson Updates provide corrections or helpful additions to printed materials.

l Seasonal Activities and Family Resources – Reproducible seasonal activities can be used in a classroom or at home.

l Weekly Review Templates l Unit Overview Webinars – Editors present an overview of each

unit to help you prepare to present your lessons.l User’s Guide – Learn about Teaching Guide features and

structure and flow of the Gospel Weeklies lesson plans.l Teaching Companion to What the Church Believes and Teaches.l Early Start Lessons — Find these lessons online. There are three

additional Early Start lessons in the Seeds Activity Book. l Family Catechesis Resources

The Gospel at Home is a weekly guide for parents with a Gospel summary, discussion starters, and activities in English and Spanish.The Gospel for All Ages includes gathering rituals, discussion questions, large-group sessions—all based on the Gospel Weeklies lessons. Includes a guide for planning four major seasonal events.

l Scope & Sequence Chart 2020–2021: gospelweeklies.com/seeds

GROWPFLAUM Gospel Resources of the Week

blog

Go to gospelweeklies.comsaints and practice different ways to respond to God in prayer.The stories and activities in this unit will help the children follow the teachings of Jesus and the events in his life. They will learn the following lessons:

l God’s love is generous.l Jesus teaches us.l Jesus wants us to grow.l Jesus invites us to his table.l Jesus teaches us to praise God.l Jesus has two rules for us.l Jesus’ love is for everyone.l We want to be ready for God all the time.

MUSIC FOR THE LITURGICAL YEARSongs for Preschool

The NEW

Gospel Weeklies

For free at-home activities, visitgospelweeklies.com/seasonal

TG1-4 For monthly gatherings, family catechesis, and summer intensive model pacing plans, visit gospelweeklies.com/pacing-plans

September 20, 2020 • 25th Sunday in Ordinary TimeSunday Readings: Isaiah 55:6–9;

Philippians 1:20–24, 27a; Matthew 20:1–16a

For Catechists and Teachers Scripture BackgroundThis Sunday, Jesus tells the story of a vineyard owner who needs workers. He pays workers hired for only an hour’s work the same day’s wage as those hired at dawn. This story is not really about wages. It’s about God’s love, which abounds for all of us. The children explore how people in their lives are loving and generous to them.

Connecting Scripture and Doctrine“The Christian message concentrates on the person of Jesus Christ. . . . [The Gospels] transmit the life, message, and saving actions of Jesus Christ. . . . Catechesis must be centered in the Gospels, because ‘Jesus Christ is their center’” (National Directory for Catechesis, 25A; see also Catechism of the Catholic Church, 514–515).

Sharing the Lesson with FamiliesEncourage parents to take time each week to go through Seeds and invite their child to use the illustrations to tell them the Gospel story. They might wish to discuss the other illustrations together and listen to the songs their child has learned. Their child will enjoy teaching them. Point out the new Eucharist Quote feature to the parents. Encourage them to read these quotes every week.

Single-Session Lesson Pacing GuidesNote: These pacing guides are suggestions for how to present the lesson. Please adapt the lesson to suit your needs.

60-Minute Lesson

l Gathering Song l “The Seed Song” (CD-1, #1) l Gathering Prayer l Story l Grandpa’s Chair (page 2)

l Gospel Ritual l “Two Little Ears” (CD-1, #4) l Sunday Gospel l God is generous. l Gospel Activity l Jesus welcomes everyone. (page 1) l Word of the Week l Creator (page 3)

Distribute the children’s What the Church Believes and Teaches handbooks. Turn to page 4.

l Activity l Jesus welcomes me. (page 3) l Activity l Welcome to Seeds! Certificate (page 4) l Closing Song l “Like Jesus” (CD-1, #6)

Take-Home l Use Activity #29 from the Seeds Activity Book as a take-home

activity or lesson wrap-up. l Remind the children to share their lesson with their families and

do the Family Corner activities and prayer on page 3 together.

90-Minute Lesson

l Gathering Song l “The Seed Song” (CD-1, #1) l Gathering Prayer l Story l Grandpa’s Chair (page 2) l Activity l Stretch and Play

l Gospel Ritual l “Two Little Ears” (CD-1, #4) l Sunday Gospel l God is generous. l Gospel Activity l Jesus welcomes everyone. (page 1) l Word of the Week l Creator (page 3)


l Activity l Seeds Activity Book, Activity #29

l Activity l Jesus welcomes me. (page 3) l Activity l Welcome to Seeds! Certificate (page 4) l Closing Song l “Like Jesus” (CD-1, #6)

Take-Home Remind the children to share their lesson with their families and do the Family Corner activities and prayer on page 3 together.

Share Experiences (15–20 minutes)

Discover Gospel and Doctrine (20—25 minutes)

Live the Gospel (20–25 minutes)


Discover Gospel and Doctrine (35–40 minutes)


Materials l Seeds Student Lesson for 9/20 l Catechism handbook, page 4 l music player and Seeds CD-1 l pencils and crayons l name tags, Church Year calendar l Bible and cloth

Suggested Music l “The Seed Song” (CD-1, #1) l “Two Little Ears” (CD-1, #4) l “Like Jesus” (CD-1, #6)

Lesson Resources l Seeds Activity Book, Activity #29 l Weekly Review Template

(gospelweeklies.com/assessment) l Video Links (gospelweeklies.com/

weekly-videos)


Lesson Theme: God’s love is generous.

Five-Day Lesson Pacing GuideNote: This pacing guide suggests how to present the lesson over five days. Please adapt the lesson to suit your needs.

Day 1

l Gathering Song l “The Seed Song” (CD-1, #1) l Gathering Prayer (see page TG1-6) l Story l Grandpa’s Chair (page 2) l Activity l Stretch and Play l Closing Prayer l Loving God, thank you for the people who

welcome us. Amen. (Repeat.)

Day 2

l Gathering Prayer l Loving God, thank you for the people who welcome us. Amen. (Repeat.)

l Gospel Ritual l “Two Little Ears” (CD-1, #4) l Sunday Gospel l God is generous. l Gospel Activity l Jesus welcomes everyone. (page 1) l Word of the Week l Creator (page 3) l Closing Prayer l Loving God, thank you for your generous love.

Amen. (Repeat.)

Day 3 l Gathering Prayer l Loving God, thank you for your generous love.

Amen. (Repeat.)

Distribute the students’ What the Church Believes and Teaches handbooks. Turn to page 4.

l Activity l Seeds Activity Book, Activity #29 l Closing Prayer l Loving God, thank you for welcoming us into your

family. Amen. (Repeat.)

Day 4

l Gathering Prayer l Loving God, thank you for welcoming us into your family. Amen. (Repeat.)

l Activity l Jesus welcomes me. (page 3) l Activity l Welcome to Seeds! Certificate (page 4) l Closing Prayer l Loving God, help us to be kind and generous to

others. Amen. (Repeat.)

Day 5 l Gathering Prayer l Loving God, help us to be kind and generous to

others. Amen. (Repeat.) l Weekly Review l Closing Song l “Like Jesus” (CD-1, #6)

Friday Take-Home Remind the students to share their lesson with their families and do the Family Corner activities and prayer on page 3 together.

Share Experiences

Discover Gospel and Doctrine

Live the Gospel

Curriculum Connections l Math: In pairs, direct the children to count out math

manipulatives from 1-10. These manipulatives can be used to “pay” the vineyard workers in the retelling below. (NAEYC & NCTM Recommendation #7)

l ELA: Invite the students to retell the Gospel story by pretending to be the characters of the vineyard owner and the workers. (CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.K.2)

Extending the Lesson

Catholic Identity Project of the Week

One way children can appreciate God’s generosity is to express gratitude to the people in their lives. Guide the children in creating a banner or video saying thank you to members of their school or parish community.

l September 21: Saint Matthew – A former tax collector, Matthew was called by Jesus to become one of the Twelve Apostles (see Matthew 9:9–13). After Pentecost, Matthew preached the Good News of Jesus, possibly in Ethiopia and other parts of the African continent. He likely died as a martyr. He is the patron saint of accountants. Ask: With whom can you share the Good News today?

l September 23: Saint Pius of Pietrelcina – Also known as Padre Pio, this twentieth-century Capuchin friar was the first priest in Catholic history known to have the stigmata—the five wounds Christ endured at his Crucifixion. He built hospitals for people suffering in body and soul. Pray: Padre Pio, please pray that I may accept hardships with love. Amen.

Saints and Feast Days to Celebrate

Teaching This Week’s Lesson

TG1-6

Objective The children will recognize who makes them feel welcome.

Gathering Provide name tags. Use them to take attendance each week. Put them on a bulletin board or table. As the children enter the room, have them pick up their name tag and give it to you. Greet them each by name. Invite a child to point to the current Sunday on a Church Year calendar.

Play “The Seed Song” (CD-1, #1). Gather in a circle for prayer. Sing until the children learn the words.

Gathering Prayer Begin each session with a prayer. Use the following or your own words: “Loving God, you gather us together to learn to love you more. Help us learn and grow together as your children in our Seeds group.” The children respond, “Amen.”

Story l Grandpa’s Chair (page 2) While still in the circle, ask: Who do you like to visit? What is fun about visiting that person? Tell them you know a story about a grandpa. Invite them to listen to find out why his chair is special.

“Yay! Grandma and Grandpa’s house!” Charley shouted. His dad pulled in the driveway. His mom unbuckled Charley’s seatbelt and lifted him out. “Thank you,” Charley said with a smile. “I want to be the first one in the Welcome Chair.”

Charley ran to the front door where Grandma was waiting. “Hi, Grandma,” Charley said and gave her a hug. Grandma hugged him back laughing, and said, “The Welcome Chair is waiting for you.”

Charley ran down the hall past the kitchen to the family room. There sat Grandpa in the Welcome Chair. “Welcome, Charley, Number One Grandson,” Grandpa said. “Climb up beside me.” Charley climbed on Grandpa’s lap. Grandpa hugged him and gave the handle on the chair a push. The chair went back, and Grandpa’s feet went up. Charley laughed. “Can I push the button that makes the chair warm?” he asked. “Go ahead,” said Grandpa. Charley wiggled in next to Grandpa. They felt the chair get warm.

Charley heard footsteps. His cousin Izzy came running in. “Hi, Grandpa!” she said. “Can I come up too?” “You sure can, Miss Izzy,” Grandpa said. “There’s lots of room.” Izzy climbed up. The Welcome Chair was big enough for Charley, Grandpa, and Izzy.

“Look, here’s itty bitty Ike,” Grandpa said. Izzy’s mother walked into the room, carrying Ike. “Would you like to hold him?” she asked. “Set him on my lap,” said Grandpa. Now Charley, Grandpa, Izzy, and Ike were all in the big Welcome Chair.

A bark made everyone look up. Two big white dogs bounded into the room. They tried to climb in the Welcome Chair too. “This is too

much,” Grandpa said, laughing. Grandpa handed Ike back to his mother. He set Izzy on the floor by the chair. “Charley, turn off the warm button, then hold on; we’re going in for a landing.” Grandpa pulled the lever. The chair and his feet both went down. Charley jumped off. Grandpa got up slowly.

“We can come back to the chair after lunch,” Grandpa told Charley. “Just in time for the football game.”

Hold up your copy of Seeds, showing page 2. Invite volunteers to retell the story using the illustrations. Ask: What made the chair a Welcome Chair? Grandpa’s love and happiness.

Activity l Stretch and Play Clear a big space in your room or go outdoors. Call out the activity to perform: Play basketball. Dribble the ball. / Play soccer. Kick the ball. / Sweep the floor. / Play hopscotch. Hop on one foot. / Play jump rope. Skip over the rope. / Rake leaves. / Push a lawn mower. / Tiptoe to the Gospel area so no one hears us.

Objectives l The children will: l Recognize that God’s love is generous. l Learn the Sign of the Cross.

Gospel Ritual Make a special corner in your teaching space where you can gather for prayer and proclaiming the Gospel. Display a Bible and your copy of Seeds on a piece of cloth.

Sing “Two Little Ears” (CD-1, #4) to prepare for the Gospel proclamation. Add simple gestures.

Sunday Gospel l God is generous. (page 1) Invite the children to look at Jesus on the cover of Seeds. Ask: What do you think Jesus is saying? Accept all answers. God loves us very much and made the world for us to enjoy. After each child has had a chance to contribute, tell them Jesus often taught with stories. Tell them to listen carefully to this one:

Jesus told his followers this parable: “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a man who owned a vineyard where grapes are grown. He went out early one morning to hire workers for his vineyard. He hired some workers and said he would pay them for a day’s work.

“At nine o’clock, the man needed more workers. He told them: ‘Please go and work in my vineyard. I will pay you what is fair.’ The man went out again at noon, three o’clock, and five o’clock to hire more workers.

“Soon evening came. The vineyard owner told his manager to pay the workers. He told him: ‘Begin by paying the ones I hired last. End with the ones I hired first.’

Share Experiences


Lesson Theme: God’s love is generous.

Lesson Wrap-UpVisit gospelweeklies.com/assessment to download the Seeds Weekly Review Template.

Use Activity #29 from the Seeds Activity Book as a take-home activity or lesson wrap-up.


September 20, 2020 • 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Distribute the children’s What the Church Believes and Teaches handbooks.

“The workers who started working at the end of the day were paid for a whole day’s work. The ones who worked all day were paid the same. They were unhappy and grumbled. They said, ‘The last people you hired worked only one hour. You paid them the same as you paid us. We worked all day in the heat. It’s not fair!’

“The man who owned the vineyard said: ‘I am not cheating you. You agreed to work for a day’s pay. Can’t I do what I want with my money? Are you upset because I am generous?’”

Jesus said, “The last will be first, and the first will be last.”

Conclude by saying that Jesus told this story to tell us how much God loves everyone. God is generous. We all receive God’s love.

Gospel Activity l Jesus welcomes everyone. (page 1) Invite the children to retell the Gospel story using the cover picture. The people at the top were the first ones hired. As the children go down the path, they find the other workers. Jesus is waiting in the vineyard. Point out how welcoming Jesus is.

Word of the Week l Creator (page 3) Help the children locate the Word of the Week on page 3. You can also write it on the board. Share this definition with them: We call God Creator because he made our world and everything in it.

What the Church Believes and Teaches We Make the Sign of the Cross (page 4)

Gather the children in the work area. Distribute the Catechism handbooks. Help the children write their names on the inside front cover. Invite the children to page through their books before beginning this activity.

Help the children find page 4 in their handbooks. Invite them to look at the four pictures. Ask: Do you know the prayer that the child is saying? The Sign of the Cross.

Ask: Who can say the words to this prayer? Invite volunteers to say the words. Say a line and have them repeat it.

Explain what the Sign of the Cross means. Tell them that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are Three Persons in One God. We honor and praise God whenever we make the Sign of the Cross.

Have the children close the What the Church Believes and Teaches handbooks and return to Seeds, page 3.

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Objective The children will recognize welcoming and generous as words that describe Jesus.

Activity l Jesus welcomes me. (page 3) Invite the children to look at the drawing of Jesus. Ask: Does Jesus looks angry or happy? Mean or friendly? Read the words to the children. Relate back to Grandpa’s Welcome Chair to help them remember what welcome means. Recall the vineyard owner in the Gospel and how generous he was. Make sure the children connect welcoming and generous to the message on this coloring page. Invite the children to color the picture.

Activity l Welcome to Seeds! Certificate (page 4) Invite the children to look at page 4. Ask: What do you see? The man with the beard is Jesus. There are flowers, grapes, and happy children. Some children may be able to read the heading aloud.

Hold up your copy. Point to the line where they will put their names. Read aloud the sentence. Have the children return to their desks and write their names. Sign and date the certificates.

Play and sing “Like Jesus” (CD-1, #6) to bring your Seeds gathering to a close.

Live the Gospel

Remind the children to share their Gospel Weeklies with their families, do the Family Corner activities and prayer, and read the Eucharist Quote together.

Distribute crayons and invite the children to color the child on page 4 to look like them. For example, they should use crayons to make the hair the same color as theirs and color the shirt like the one they are wearing today.


September 27, 2020 • 26th Sunday in Ordinary TimeSunday Readings: Ezekiel 18:25–28;

Philippians 2:1–11; Matthew 21:28–32

For Catechists and Teachers Scripture BackgroundThis Sunday, Jesus tells the story of two sons—one who tells his father he will help but doesn’t and one who refuses to help but later regrets his refusal and decides to help after all. Perhaps in the end, both sons helped their father.

Connecting Scripture and Doctrine“Freedom is the power to act or not to act, and so to perform deliberate acts of one’s own. Freedom attains perfection in its acts when directed toward God, the sovereign Good” (CCC, 1744).

Sunday’s Gospel of the two sons shows us both the importance of keeping our word and of changing choices we regret. Seeds encourages children to follow the example of the first son who is willing to reevaluate his choice, change, and then live out his new decision.

Sharing the Lesson with FamiliesShare with parents that in this lesson, their child explored making choices, using the capacity God has given to be loving, choosing followers of Jesus. Suggest that parents ask their child to share with them the Basket of Choices they made in class.


60-Minute Lesson

l Gathering Song l “CHOICES” (CD-2, #9) l Gathering Prayer l Warm-Up Activity l Choosing l Story l Michael Makes Choices

l Gospel Ritual l “Two Little Ears” (CD-1, #4) l Sunday Gospel l The Story of Two Sons l Cover Activity l Jesus teaches us. (page 1) l Activity l I can choose. (pages 2–3)


l Word of the Week l Mass (page 2)

l Activity l My Basket of Choices (page 4) l Closing Prayer l “The Seed Song” (CD-1, #1)




90-Minute Lesson

l Gathering Song l “CHOICES” (CD-2, #9) l Gathering Prayer l Warm-Up Activity l Choosing l Story l Michael Makes Choices l Activity l Stretch and Sing l “If You’re Happy…” (CD-1, #3)

l Gospel Ritual l “Two Little Ears” (CD-1, #4) l Sunday Gospel l The Story of Two Sons l Cover Activity l Jesus teaches us. (page 1) l Activity l I can choose. (pages 2–3)


l Word of the Week l Mass (page 2) l Activity l Seeds Activity Book, Activity #17

l Activity l My Basket of Choices (page 4) l Closing Prayer l “The Seed Song” (CD-1, #1)


Share Experiences (20 minutes)


Live the Gospel (15—20 minutes)




Materials l Seeds Student Lesson for 9/27 l Catechism handbook, page 6 l music player and Seeds CDs l pencils and crayons l story coloring page (one per child) l Choosing Activity items (page TG1-10) l Church Year calendar l aide to help with folding activity

Suggested Music l “CHOICES” (CD-2, #9) l “If You’re Happy and You Know It” (CD-1, #3) l “Two Little Ears” (CD-1, #4) l “The Seed Song” (CD-1, #1)

Lesson Resources l Seeds Activity Book, Activity #17 l Weekly Review Template(gospelweeklies.com/

assessment) l Video Links: (gospelweeklies.com/weekly-videos)


Lesson Theme: Jesus teaches us.


Day 1

l Gathering Song l “CHOICES” (CD-2, #9) l Gathering Prayer (see page TG1–10) l Warm-Up Activity l Choosing l Story l Michael Makes Choices l Activity l Stretch and Sing l “If You’re Happy…” (CD-1, #3) l Closing Prayer l Loving God, thank you for giving us choices.

Amen. (Repeat.)

Day 2

l Gathering Prayer l Loving God, thank you for giving us choices. Amen. (Repeat.)

l Gospel Ritual l “Two Little Ears” (CD-1, #4) l Sunday Gospel l The Story of Two Sons l Cover Activity l Jesus teaches us. (page 1) l Activity l I can choose. (pages 2–3) l Closing Prayer l Loving God, thank you for sending Jesus who

teaches us about you. Amen. (Repeat.)

Day 3 l Gathering Prayer l Loving God, thank you for sending Jesus who

teaches us about you. Amen. (Repeat.)


l Word of the Week l Mass (page 2) l Activity l Seeds Activity Book, Activity #17 l Closing Prayer l Loving God, thank you for calling us to church to

worship you. Amen. (Repeat.)

Day 4

l Gathering Prayer l Loving God, thank you for calling us to church to worship you. Amen. (Repeat.)

l Activity l My Basket of Choices (page 4) l Closing Prayer l Loving God, help us to always choose to love you.

Amen. (Repeat.)

Day 5 l Gathering Prayer l Loving God, help us to always choose to love

you. Amen. (Repeat.) l Weekly Review l Closing Prayer (see page TG1–11) l Closing Song l “The Seed Song” (CD-1, #1)


Share Experiences


Live the Gospel

Curriculum Connections l ELA: Invite the students to create a list of ways they can help in

the classroom. Have each student put a sticker next to one way they can make the classroom a better place. (CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SLK.1.A)

l SS: Help the students create a list of choices they make each day. Then instruct them to choose one decision and illustrate two different ways they could respond to that choice. These choices could range from choosing what to wear, what food to eat first, whether to put their supplies away, etc. (NCSS Recommendation #2)



As Christians, we are called to help those who ask, particularly our parents. Brainstorm with the children what they can do to help their parents at home. Ask each child to commit to helping their parents at least once this week.

l September 27 – World Day of Migrants and Refugees

l September 29: Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael – Today we celebrate three archangels. One of them brought Mary a message from God, asking her to become the mother of Jesus (see Luke 1:26–35). Ask: Do you know which archangel visited Mary? Gabriel. Ask: Do you know what Mary’s answer

was? Yes. Pray: Loving God, help us to say yes to you like Mary did. Amen.

l October: Respect Life Month l October 1: Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus

(Lisieux) – This popular saint called herself “God’s Little Flower.” She followed God in her “little way”—serving others through quiet acts of love. Ask: What quiet acts of love can you do today?

Extending Activities (gospelweeklies.com/seeds) Saints and Feast Days to Celebrate


TG1-10

Objective The children will explore their daily choices.

Play “CHOICES” (CD-2, #9). Gather the children in a circle. Sing the song until the children know it. Invite a child to point to the current Sunday on a Church Year calendar.

Gathering Prayer Stand in a circle as you pray the following prayer or one in your own words: “Jesus, we are here in Seeds class to learn about you and to listen to your stories. Thank you for bringing us together. Help us to be good learners and respectful friends today.” The children respond, “Amen.”

Warm-Up Activity l Choosing Move to the open area where the children can spread out. Have available any or all of the following pairs:

l An orange and an apple l Two different-colored markers or crayons l Two different toys l Two different picture books l Juice or milk you will serve for the snack l Pictures of different pets

Hold up the orange and the apple. Ask for a volunteer to tell you which he or she would choose. Do the same with the other pairs, giving each child a chance to choose.

Story l Michael Makes Choices A coloring page to accompany this story is available at gospelweeklies.com/lesson-updates. Tell the children you know a story about a boy named Michael who couldn’t decide what to wear to visit his grandma. Invite them to listen carefully to how Michael got ready:

Michael’s family was getting ready to go to Grandma’s house. Michael’s mom was packing a picnic lunch. Michael’s dad was checking the oil in the car engine. “Michael, where are you?” Mom called. “I’m here,” Michael said. Mom looked up. There was Michael, looking like a roly-poly clown. He had so many clothes on that Mom could hardly tell who he was.

“What are you wearing, Michael?” Mom asked. Michael pointed to the logo on his jacket. “My Colorado Rockies jacket that Uncle Dave gave me,” he said. “It might rain, and Uncle Dave said this jacket is waterproof.” Michael unzipped the jacket. Underneath, he had on a Notre Dame sweatshirt. “This is the sweatshirt Dad won at church,” Michael said. “I want to show it to Grandma.”

Mom pointed to the red cuffs peeking out of Michael’s sleeve. “What is this?” Mom asked. Michael pulled up the sweatshirt to show Mom the red turtleneck with Groveland Cardinals written on

it in white. “It’s my t-ball shirt,” Michael said. “Dad said we could practice in Grandma’s yard.” “I see one more shirt,” said Mom. Michael pulled up the red turtleneck to show Mom a faded yellow T-shirt. “That’s so I can play in Grandma’s barn and get as dirty as I want,” said Michael.

Mom laughed. “You’ve made a lot of choices, Michael. It looks like you’re ready for everything. Dad and I are ready too. Let’s go to Grandma’s.”

Ask: What shirts did Michael choose? The children can pretend to take the jacket off, then the sweatshirt and turtleneck. Invite volunteers to tell how they chose what shirt or shoes to wear today.

Activity l Stretch and Sing Move to your open space and invite the children to follow you in the words and actions of “If You’re Happy and You Know It” (CD-1, #3).

Objectives The children will: l Recognize that Jesus told stories to teach us about God. l Recognize that Jesus teaches us to share God’s gifts.

Play and sing “Two Little Ears” (CD-1, #4) to prepare for the Gospel proclamation. Add simple gestures.

Sunday Gospel l The Story of Two Sons Tell the children that every Sunday we hear a story about Jesus or a story Jesus told his friends a long time ago. When we listen to these stories, Jesus is teaching us now. Invite them to listen carefully to see what Jesus is teaching in this Sunday’s Gospel:

Jesus told this story :“What do you think about this? A father had two sons. One day, he came to the first son and said, ‘Son, I need you to work in the vineyard today.’ The son answered, ‘No, I will not.’ But later, the son changed his mind and went to work in the vineyard.”

“The man went to his other son and said, ‘Son, I want you to work in the vineyard today.’ The second son said, ‘Yes, sir, I will.’ But the son never went to the vineyard.”

Jesus asked, “Which son did what the father asked?”

Ask: What do you think the answer is? This story teaches us that if we make not-so-good choices, we can change our minds and make better choices.

Cover Activity l Jesus teaches us. (page 1) Distribute Seeds. Have the children retell the Gospel story by using the picture. Explain that the first son helped his father, even though he said no at the beginning. The second son chose not to help his

Share Experiences


Lesson Theme: Jesus teaches us.




September 27, 2020 • 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Objective The children will practice making choices.

Activity l My Basket of Choices (page 4) Refer to the choosing activities on pages 2–3. Ask: What were the choices for the girl who was choosing a snack? Grapes, goldfish, cookies. Which is the healthiest snack? Grapes. Invite the children to find the grapes in the basket on page 4.

Distribute crayons. Let the children color on their own. When they have finished, show them how to make the fold to open and close the basket. Place Seeds facedown. Bring the bottom of Seeds up until you see the dotted fold line. Fold. Turn Seeds over. Take your bottom fold up to the line near the top. Make a new fold when the bottom fold meets the top line. Have the children print their names at the top.

Closing Prayer Gather the children in the story circle. Ask: What or whom would you like our Seeds group to pray for today?

Play and sing “The Seed Song” (CD-1, #1) to end your prayer and gathering.

Extending Activities (gospelweeklies.com/seeds)

Live the Gospel

What the Church Believes and Teaches We Go to Church (page 6)

Ask: What are bells for? Accept all answers. Ask: Have you ever heard church bells? What do they sound like? What do they tell us? It’s time to gather with our church family to worship God.

Help the children find page 6 in their Catechism handbooks. Read the words. Draw their attention to the people entering the church. Explain that these people heard the bells that call them to come and worship God.

Distribute crayons and invite the children to finish drawing the bells and then color them.

Use this page to reinforce the children’s experience of belonging to a church community. Ask: What is the name of the priest at our church? Have the children name the people they go to church with and sit near. Help the children personalize their experience of Sunday Mass.




father and instead he did something else . Tell them to use this page to share the Gospel with their families.

Activity l I can choose. (pages 2–3) Have the children bring their copies of Seeds to the work area. Have them open to pages 2–3. Read the heading. One by one, invite the children to describe to you what choices each child has in front of him or her. Ask: Which choice would you make? Be sure all the children have a chance to talk. Summarize by saying that all the choices are good choices because they’re about what we like best.


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Word of the Week l Mass (page 2) Help the children locate the Word of the Week on page 2. You can also write it on the board. Share this definition with them: We gather at Mass to remember and thank Jesus.


October 4, 2020 • 27th Sunday in Ordinary TimeSunday Readings: Isaiah 5:1–7;

Philippians 4:6–9; Matthew 21:33–43

For Catechists and Teachers Scripture BackgroundIn this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus tells about a man who had a vineyard. The man cared lovingly for his vineyard and looked forward to a rich harvest of delicious fruit. We are God’s vineyard, the object of God’s care and the fruit of God’s grace.

Seeds puts the Gospel within young children’s reach by concentrating its lesson on growing things, the care they take, and the care children can give. The children will develop an image of Jesus as one who wants them to prosper and grow. They will know that God takes care of them like the landowner took care of his vines.

Connecting Scripture and DoctrineGod, the Creator, made everything. God is good, so everything he made is good too. God loves everything he has made. God cares for his people and all of Creation. Every person is created by God. We show God our love and thanks when we take care of his Creation.

“With creation, God does not abandon his creatures to themselves. He . . . upholds and sustains them in being, enables them to act and brings them to their final end” (CCC, 301).

Sharing the Lesson with FamiliesSuggest that parents post the “I am growing” activity on their refrigerator. Tell them to make the figure look more like their child by adding glasses or specific clothing. Encourage them to build on this week’s theme of growing by watching family videos and looking at photo albums to see how their child has grown.


60-Minute Lesson

l Gathering Song l “Gather Together” (CD-2, #1) l Gathering Prayer l Story l Leila Learns to Ride a Bike

l Gospel Ritual l “Two Little Ears” (CD-1, #4) l Sunday Gospel l God’s Vineyard (page 1) l Word of the Week l God (page 3) l Stretching Activity l “Everything’s Growing” (CD-1, #16)

Distribute the children’s What the Church Believes and Teaches handbooks. Open to pages 20–21.

l Activity l Growing, growing, growing! (pages 2–3) l Activity l What helps me grow? (page 4) l Activity l I am growing. (page 4) l Closing Prayer l “Everything’s Growing” (CD-1, #16)




90-Minute Lesson

l Gathering Song l “Gather Together” (CD-2, #1) l Gathering Prayer l Story l Leila Learns to Ride a Bike l Activity l Creative Drama

l Gospel Ritual l “Two Little Ears” (CD-1, #4) l Sunday Gospel l God’s Vineyard (page 1) l Word of the Week l God (page 3) l Stretching Activity l “Everything’s Growing” (CD-1, #16)

Distribute the children’s What the Church Believes and Teaches handbooks. Open to pages 20–21.


l Activity l Growing, growing, growing! (pages 2–3) l Activity l What helps me grow? (page 4) l Activity l I am growing. (page 4) l Closing Prayer l “Everything’s Growing” (CD-1, #16)








Materials l Seeds Student Lesson for 10/4 l Catechism handbook, pages 20–21 l music player and Seeds CDs l name tags l ball, scissors, pencils and crayons l Bible, story coloring page (one per child) l Church Year calendar l aide to help with cutting and folding activity

Suggested Music l “Gather Together” (CD-2, #1) l “Two Little Ears” (CD-1, #4) l “Everything’s Growing” (CD-1, #16)

Lesson Resources l Seeds Activity Book, Activity #5 l Weekly Review Template (gospelweeklies/

assessment) l Video Links: (gospelweeklies.com/weekly-

videos)


Lesson Theme: Jesus wants us to grow.


Day 1

l Gathering Song l “Gather Together” (CD-2, #1) l Gathering Prayer (see page TG1-14) l Story l Leila Learns to Ride a Bike l Activity l Creative Drama l Closing Prayer l Loving God, thank you for all the things that help

us change and grow. Amen. (Repeat.)

Day 2

l Gathering Prayer l Loving God, thank you for all the things that help us change and grow. Amen. (Repeat.)

l Gospel Ritual l “Two Little Ears” (CD-1, #4) l Sunday Gospel l God’s Vineyard (page 1) l Word of the Week l God (page 3) l Stretching Activity l “Everything’s Growing” (CD-1, #16) l Closing Prayer l Loving God, thank you for Jesus’ stories that tell us

of your love for us. Amen. (Repeat.)

Day 3 l Gathering Prayer l Loving God, thank you for Jesus’ stories that

tell us of your love for us. Amen. (Repeat.)

Distribute the students’ What the Church Believes and Teaches handbooks. Turn to pages 20–21.

l Activity l Seeds Activity Book, Activity #5 l Closing Prayer l Loving God, thank you for all the wonderful

things you created. Amen. (Repeat.)

Day 4

l Gathering Prayer l Loving God, thank you for all the wonderful things you created. Amen. (Repeat.)

l Activity l Growing, growing, growing! (pages 2–3) l Activity l What helps me grow? (page 4) l Activity l I am growing. (page 4) l Closing Prayer l Loving God, thank you for loving us and taking

care of us. Amen. (Repeat.)

Day 5 l Gathering Prayer l Loving God, thank you for loving us and taking

care of us. Amen. (Repeat.) l Weekly Review l Closing Prayer (see page TG1-15) l Closing Song l “Everything’s Growing” (CD-1, #16)


Share Experiences


Live the Gospel

Curriculum Connections l ELA: Explain to the children that the vineyard owner took

care of his plants because he wanted them to grow. Ask the students to write or dictate to you how God takes care of them and helps them grow. (CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.K.1)

l SS: Start a class garden by having each student plant and tend for a seed in a cup. (NSTA declaration #5)



October is Respect Life Month. Invite your students to collect baby items for a crisis pregnancy center or snacks for an after-school program.

l October 4: Respect Life Sunday – Act: Pray a decade of the Rosary for an increase in protections for all human life “from womb to tomb.”

l October 7: Our Lady of the Rosary – Once called the Feast of Our Lady of Victory, this day commemorates the sixteenth-century victory that saved Europe from Turkish invasion. It is said that sailors aboard ships prayed the

Rosary during the battle. Pray: Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners. Amen.

l October 9: Saint John Leonardi – Father John’s work in prisons and hospitals inspired laymen to become priests. He founded the Order of the Mother of God and a seminary to train missionaries. He died from a disease contracted while tending to people stricken by the plague.




TG1-14

October 4, 2020 • 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Objective The children will recognize how they change and grow.

Gathering Activity When everyone is present, play this name game. While sitting in a circle, roll the ball to a child, saying, “I roll the ball to _____, and he rolls it back to me.”

Play and sing the song “Gather Together” (CD-2, #1) to prepare for the Gathering Prayer. Invite a child to point to the current Sunday on a Church Year calendar.

Gathering Prayer Invite the children to stand as you pray: “Dear Jesus, each day my body grows a little bigger and a little stronger. Help me to grow in loving you and in loving others.” The children respond, “Amen.”

Story l Leila Learns to Ride a Bike A coloring page to accompany this story is available at gospelweeklies.com/lesson-updates. Gather the children in the listening area. Ask: How do you know your body is growing? Getting taller, clothes don’t fit, shoes too tight, can reach things. Be sure each child has a chance to respond. Help them understand that their minds are growing also—learning more about the world, recognizing letters and their names, learning to count. Tell the following story:

Every day, Leila asked her dad, “When will I be big enough to ride a bicycle?” Every day, her dad answered, “When your legs are long enough to reach the pedals.” Once a week, Leila’s dad measured her on the chart behind the kitchen door. Leila could tell she was growing. Her mom had to buy new shoes to fit her growing feet. Leila could get a drink at the park without anyone lifting her up. Best of all, she could run and play longer without getting tired. Leila hoped that soon she would get a bicycle to ride.

One day, Leila’s dad came home early from work. He asked Leila to go for a ride with him in the car. Leila was surprised when they stopped in front of the bike shop. “Leila, you’re big enough for your own bicycle,” said Dad. Leila was so excited! The store clerk measured her. He found a pretty blue bike that was just the right size. Dad helped Leila learn how to ride. In a few weeks, Leila could ride her bike all around the playground.

Discuss the story. Ask: What are the signs that Leila was getting big enough for a bicycle? How many of you have bicycles or are hoping you will be big enough to ride one soon?

Activity l Creative Drama Invite the children to stand and spread out. Have them make believe that they each have a

new bicycle, pretending to take it out of the garage, get on it, and ride around the classroom. Tell them they’re such good riders that no one bumps into anyone or anything. At your signal, all the bikes come home and go back into the garage.

Objectives • The children will: l Recognize that Jesus’ story about a vineyard is a story about

God’s love for us. l Recognize that the Bible tells us that God made the world.

Sing “Two Little Ears” (CD-1, #4). Add simple gestures.

Sunday Gospel l God’s Vineyard (page 1) Read the following Gospel to the children or tell it in your own words:

Jesus said, “Listen to this parable. A man owned a rocky hillside. Nothing grew there, nothing at all. It was too rocky. The man loosened the rocks and dug up the dirt with his shovel. He used the rocks to make terraces, like stairs up the hillside. On the terraces, he dug deep holes. In each hole, he planted a grapevine. The man planted a hedge like a fence around the vineyard. He built a watchtower, where he could look out for robbers and animals. After all that work, the man felt tired and wanted to rent out his vineyard.”

Jesus asked, “Who will care for the vineyard the way the owner did? He will rent it to people who will make sure the grapevines grow good fruit.”

Invite the children to retell the story. Ask: What did the landowner do to help the vines grow? He built a wall to keep them safe from people and animals. What did God do to help the vines grow? Rain, sun, fertile soil.

Distribute Seeds. Invite the children to tell you about the cover illustration. Jesus helps a child reach for an apple; vines and grapes; pumpkins grow. Ask: Can you list all the things that are growing in the picture, including the children? Tell the children that in the same way that God takes care of the vineyard, God takes care of all the living things in our world. God also takes good care of us and helps us grow.

Read the cover sentence. Tell the children that Jesus, who is God’s Son, loves us and wants us to grow and get strong.

Word of the Week l God (page 3) Help the children locate the Word of the Week on page 3. You can also write it on the board. Share this definition with them: God made the whole world. Everything that God made is good. God made you and me.

Share Experiences


Lesson Theme: Jesus wants us to grow.





Activity l Growing, growing, growing! (pages 2–3) Gather in the work area. Have the children open Seeds to pages 2–3. Invite them to identify the three pictures across the top—the stages of growth of a pumpkin. Refer to the vineyard and the stretching exercise to review the growing stages of the plant. Direct attention to the three pictures at the bottom of the page. Ask: How are the children different in each picture? How do we know the child is growing? Invite the children to circle the picture that shows how they drank when they were babies and then the one that shows how they drink now.

Activity l What helps me grow? (page 4) Invite the children to turn to page 4 and look at the four photos on the right. Read the words across the top. Remind them that their job as children is to grow healthy and strong. Discuss each picture with the children, asking them if the object or activity is something that will help their minds and bodies grow. If it is, have them put a big X in the box by that photo.

Activity l I am growing. (page 4) Invite the children to look at the growing child on the left side of page 4. Read the words. Have them put a finger on each word as you read it. Invite the children to print their names or do this for them. Distribute scissors and demonstrate how to cut on the vertical line.

Tell the children to place their figures facedown in front of them and follow your direction. Bring the bottom of the figure up to the top of the page. Fold the figure in half on the fold line. Fold under on the other fold line. Open the folds and turn the figure faceup. Bring the bottom fold up to the top fold line. Make a third fold here. Open and close to show how to make the child grow. Tell the children to take the figure home to show their parents.

Closing Prayer and Song Gather in the prayer circle and sing “Everything’s Growing” (CD-1, #16). Pray the following prayer: “Thank you, God, for helping us to grow in our bodies and in our loving actions. Help us take good care of our bodies so that we can always love you and others.” The children respond, “Amen.”


What the Church Believes and Teaches The Holy Bible Tells Us What God Made (pages 20–21)

Explain that God made the world and all that’s in it. God alone creates something from nothing. Human beings can make plans and build bridges, write books and compose music. They can develop medicine to cure diseases. Yet all of these human creations are made from materials God made from nothing long ago.

Show a Bible to the children (preferably one with the words Holy Bible in large letters on the cover) and invite a volunteer to show you which word is Holy. Then invite another volunteer to show which word is Bible.

Read the opening of the Book of Genesis. Read as long as the story holds the attention of the children. Ask: What is this story about? They will recognize that the story is about Creation. Invite the children, one at a time, to name something God has made.

Help the children find pages 20–21. Invite them to color all the things they see there. As they finish, invite them to read with you the banner across the bottom of the pages. Walk around the room, asking each child to point to a different one of God’s creations or creatures—stream, mountain, animal with fur, animal with feathers, child, flower, tree, etc.


Have the children close the What the Church Believes and Teaches handbooks and return to Seeds, pages 2–3.

Objective The children will appreciate that God delights in their life and growth and takes cares of them always.

Live the Gospel


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Activity l Stretching Invite the children to curl up like seeds in the ground. Play the song “Everything’s Growing” (CD-1, #16). The children slowly uncurl and grow up tall, stretching and stretching. If there’s time, one child can be the sun moving around the plants; other children can be the rain.


October 11, 2020 • 28th Sunday in Ordinary TimeSunday Readings: Isaiah 25:6–10a;

Philippians 4:12–14, 19–20; Matthew 22:1–14

For Catechists and Teachers Scripture BackgroundWe hear another of Jesus’ parables this Sunday. Jesus tells about a king who wants to celebrate his son’s wedding in the most festive way possible. When the invited guests refuse his invitation, he calls in the poor and outcast. Matthew dwells on the fate of the guests who refused the king’s invitation. Seeds stresses instead the king’s desire to share his happiness with everyone.

Connecting Scripture and Doctrine“Since the Eucharist is the ‘source and summit of the Christian life,’ catechesis for the Eucharist recognizes it as the heart of Christian life for the whole Church, for dioceses and parishes, and for each individual Christian” (NDC, 36A.3; see also CCC, 775–776).

In Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus presents God as one who cannot get enough of our company. God wants everyone at the banquet table of the Eucharist on earth and at the heavenly banquet. Children understand celebrations. Seeds uses the celebration theme to introduce the children to the concept of Sunday Mass as Christians gathering for Jesus’ celebration.

Sharing the Lesson with FamiliesEncourage parents to reinforce the gathering for Mass theme by helping their child feel comfortable in your parish church. Suggest that they visit the church together, let their child touch the altar, see what is behind the lectern (ambo), and notice the sanctuary light and tabernacle. Familiarity with the church building gives a child a sense of belonging.


60-Minute Lesson

l Gathering Song l “Gather Together” (CD-2, #1) l Gathering Prayer l Story l Stephanie’s Party l Activity l How do we celebrate? (page 4)

l Gospel Ritual l “Two Little Ears” (CD-1, #4) l Sunday Gospel l Jesus says, “Come celebrate.” (page 1) l Activity l Gospel Creative Drama l Word of the Week l marriage (page 2)


l Activity l Who celebrates with Jesus? (pages 2–3) l Closing Prayer and Song l “The Seed Song” (CD-1, #1)




90-Minute Lesson

l Gathering Song l “Gather Together” (CD-2, #1) l Gathering Prayer l Story l Stephanie’s Party l Activity l How do we celebrate? (page 4) l Stretching Activity l “Follow Me” (CD-1, #10)

l Gospel Ritual l “Two Little Ears” (CD-1, #4) l Sunday Gospel l Jesus says, “Come celebrate.” (page 1) l Activity l Gospel Creative Drama l Word of the Week l marriage (page 2)

Distribute the children’s What the Church Believes and Teaches handbooks. Turn to page 25


l Activity l Who celebrates with Jesus? (pages 2–3) l Closing Prayer and Song l “The Seed Song” (CD-1, #1)








Materials l Seeds Student Lesson for 10/11 l Catechism handbook, page 25 l music player and Seeds CDs l crayons or colored pencils l story coloring page (one per child) l juice, cookies, cups, plates, napkins l Church Year calendar

Suggested Music l “Gather Together” (CD-2, #1) l “Follow Me” (CD-1, #10) l “Two Little Ears” (CD-1, #4) l “The Seed Song” (CD-1, #1)


(gospelweeklies/assessment) l Video Links: (gospelweeklies.com/

weekly-videos)


Lesson Theme: Jesus invites us to his table.


Day 1

l Gathering Song l “Gather Together” (CD-2, #1) l Gathering Prayer (see page TG1-18) l Story l Stephanie’s Party l Activity l How do we celebrate? (page 4) l Stretching Activity l “Follow Me” (CD-1, #10) l Closing Prayer l Loving God, thank you for our friends. Help us to

welcome them. Amen. (Repeat.)

Day 2

l Gathering Prayer l Loving God, thank you for our friends. Help us to welcome them. Amen. (Repeat.)

l Gospel Ritual l “Two Little Ears” (CD-1, #4) l Sunday Gospel l Jesus says, “Come celebrate.”(page 1) l Activity l Gospel Creative Drama l Word of the Week l marriage (page 2) l Closing Prayer l Loving God, thank you for welcoming and

including us in your family. Amen. (Repeat.)

Day 3 l Gathering Prayer l Loving God, thank you for welcoming and

including us in your family. Amen. (Repeat.)


l Activity l Seeds Activity Book, Activity #21 l Closing Prayer l Loving God, thank you for celebrations of love.

Amen. (Repeat.)

Day 4

l Gathering Prayer l Loving God, thank you for celebrations of love. Amen. (Repeat.)

l Activity l Who celebrates with Jesus? (pages 2–3) l Closing Prayer l Loving God, help us to always accept your

invitations. Amen. (Repeat.)

Day 5 l Gathering Prayer l Loving God, help us to always accept your

invitations. Amen. (Repeat.) l Weekly Review l Closing Prayer (see page TG1-19) l Closing Song l “The Seed Song” (CD-1, #1)


Share Experiences


Live the Gospel

Curriculum Connections l ELA: Ask the students to complete the following sentence

stem: “My favorite part of parties is ___________.” Allow the students to add a drawing. (CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.K.1)

l SS: Discuss with the students appropriate manners at parties (e.g., sharing, gifts might not be for you, eating, saying thank you, etc.). (NCSS Declaration #1)



A party can be a great way to celebrate our life in Christ. Invite members of the community (such as the elderly or parish/school workers) to a party hosted by your children. Invite parents to assist with the party.

l October 11: Saint John XXIII – “Good Pope John” was an older man when he was elected pope, yet he called for the Second Vatican Council—a major event of renewal for the Catholic Church.

l October 15: Saint Teresa of Jesus – Teresa was born in Ávila, Spain, in 1515. A Carmelite nun, she prayed to strengthen her resolve to grow closer to Jesus. She helped reform the

Carmelite order and documented her journey with God. Pray: Jesus, help us to grow closer to you. Amen.

l October 17: Saint Ignatius of Antioch, Bishop and Martyr – Ignatius lived in a time when being a Christian was dangerous. He wrote letters to encourage other Christians to stay faithful to Jesus. Ask: Who can you encourage today?

Extending Activities (gospelweeklies.com/seeds) Saints and Feast Days to Celebrate


TG1-18

Objective The children will identify ways they invite and welcome their friends.

Gather the children in a circle and hold hands for the gathering song, “Gather Together” (CD-2, #1). Invite a child to point to the current Sunday on a Church Year calendar.

Gathering Prayer Invite the children to stand as you pray: “Dear Jesus, help us to be like you—kind to others and ready to share with everyone.” The children respond, “Amen.”

Story l Stephanie’s Party A coloring page to accompany this story is available at gospelweeklies.com/lesson-updates. Ask:

l What makes a party? l What kinds of parties have you been to? l What kinds of things happen at parties?

Then tell this story:

There was a little girl named Stephanie. She was almost four years old. Stephanie’s birthday was coming up. She really wanted to have a party. She asked her mom, and her mom said yes.

“Since you will be four, you may invite four friends,” Stephanie’s mom said. Stephanie had lots of friends and finally decided which four to invite: Tammy, Karla, Joey, and Louann.

Stephanie was very excited because this was her first birthday party. Each day, she counted the days until her party. Two more days. One more day.

The morning of the party, Stephanie woke up early to help her mom get everything ready. As they were blowing up red and white balloons, the telephone rang. It was Tammy’s mother. “Tammy got sick last night,” she said. “She won’t be able to come to the birthday party.” Stephanie felt sad because Tammy was a good friend.

Then the doorbell rang. When Stephanie opened the door, Karla was standing there. “I can’t come to your party,” Karla said. “My dad is taking us to see my grandma who is sick.”

Just as Stephanie closed the door, the phone rang again. It was Joey’s mother saying Joey had the chicken pox. Then Louann’s parents stopped on their way to take Louann to the emergency room. She had fallen off the trampoline.

Stephanie was very sad that no one could come to her party. Her mom sat down and explained that these things can happen. They are called emergencies. But they could still have a party. They called Mary Ann, the lady across the street, and invited her and her grandson, Joshua. Then they called the twins, Maria and Mateo, who lived next door next door. They were three years old. They were all happy to come. They all had a fun time.

Activity l How do we celebrate? (page 4) Distribute Seeds and direct the children to look at the back page. Invite them to tell you which of these things help make a party. After talking about the pictures, ask the children to color the pictures that help make a party and to draw an X on the things that don’t.

Stretching Activity Play “Follow Me” (CD-1, #10). Have the children march, hop, jump, and run as the verses say.

Objectives • The children will: l Recognize that Jesus invites us to God’s celebration each

Sunday at church. l Discover that Jesus had many meals with his friends.

Invite the children to sit in a circle and put their copies of Seeds on the floor in front of them. Sing “Two Little Ears” (CD-1, #4). Add simple gestures.

Sunday Gospel l Jesus says, “Come celebrate.” (page 1) Introduce this Gospel story by telling the children that Jesus liked to tell stories to his friends. Here is a story about a party:

Jesus said, “Listen to this parable about what God’s kingdom is like. Once there was a king whose son was getting married. The king decided to throw a big wedding feast. The king said to his messengers, ‘Go out and tell the people I invited that the feast is ready.’

“The messengers went out to share the message. They said, ‘Come and celebrate! Come to the king’s feast for his son who is getting married.’ But the people the king had invited would not come.

“The messengers went back to the king and said, ‘We went to the people you invited, but no one will come.’

“Then the king said, ‘The feast is ready. Go, invite everyone you see.’ The messengers went out and rounded up all kinds of people. They came to the feast to celebrate the wedding of the king’s son and his bride.”

Lead a brief discussion by asking questions to help review the story:

l What was the story about? l How did the king feel when no one would come? l What did the king do then? l How did the king feel at the party? l Did they have fun after all?

Share Experiences


Lesson Theme: Jesus invites us to his table.





Objective The children will recognize that Jesus’ community, the Church, gathers in Jesus’ name.

Activity l Who celebrates with Jesus? (pages 2–3) Gather in the work area. Open to pages 2–3. Ask: What do you see? A neighborhood with houses, stores, a church, streets, cars, people. Point to a house and say: This is your house, and you want to go to church. Ask: How do you get there? Do you walk? Do you go in a car?

Invite the children to share how they go to church and how their neighbors go to church. Say: Take your finger and trace the car out of the garage and down the street to the parking lot. Park your car in the parking lot. Get out and walk. Look at all the people coming to church. Ask: What’s the name of your church?

Say: Jesus invites us to his celebration every Sunday at his house, the church. It is called the Mass.

Gather in a circle, standing. Play and sing “The Seed Song” (CD-1, #1). Add gestures and movements.

Closing Prayer Ask the children to stand quietly while you pray: “Thank you, Jesus, for inviting us to your celebration. We will come. We love you and want to be with you.” The children respond, “Amen.”


Live the Gospel

What the Church Believes and Teaches Jesus Went to a Wedding (page 25)

Help the children find page 25. Tell them to find Jesus in the picture. See if they can find the water jugs. Explain that the Bible tells the story of Jesus and his friends attending a wedding in a town called Cana. Jesus was having fun at the party when his mother told him there was no more wine. Jesus told the waiters to fill six big water jugs with water. Then he told one of the waiters to take a taste to the wine steward. When the wine steward tasted it, he said it was very good wine, and the party went on. Jesus wanted his friends to have a good time, just as he wants us to have a good time today.

Set up a party. If possible, gather the children around a large table. Give each one a cup of juice and a small plate with a cookie or two. Before the group begins to eat, pray:

Bless us, O Lord (Repeat.) and these thy gifts (Repeat.) which we are about to receive (Repeat.)

Have the children close the What the Church Believes and Teaches handbooks and return to Seeds, page 2–3.


Invite the children to look at the cover of Seeds. Jesus is saying, “Come celebrate.” He has food on the table and is inviting the children to come. Ask: How is Jesus like the king in the story? Are the children happy to come to Jesus’ celebration? How does that make Jesus feel? Will Jesus tell the children a story after they eat lunch? What might the story be about?

Conclude by saying that God sent Jesus, God’s Son, to live with us and remind us that God wants us to grow and be happy. Jesus invites us to God’s celebration each Sunday at church.

Activity l Gospel Creative Drama Invite the children to stand and act out Jesus’ gathering actions on the cover: putting food on the table, gesturing for children to come and join him for a meal, passing food to the children.

Word of the Week l marriage (page 2) Help the children locate the Word of the Week on page 2. You can also write it on the board. Share this definition with them: Marriage is when a man and a woman promise to love each other forever.



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from thy bounty (Repeat.) through Christ, our Lord. (Repeat.) Amen. (Repeat.)


October 18, 2020 • 29th Sunday in Ordinary TimeSunday Readings: Isaiah 45:1, 4–6;

1 Thessalonians 1:1–5b; Matthew 22:15–21

For Catechists and Teachers Scripture BackgroundIn Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus teaches that his followers can love and praise God while being active members of the human communities in which they live.

Connecting Scripture and Doctrine“The Church teaches that Catholics are to ‘embrace their citizenship not merely as a duty and privilege, but as an opportunity to participate [more fully] in building the culture of life.’ In the Catholic tradition, responsible citizenship is an [important private and public] virtue; participation in the political process is a moral obligatio” (NDC, 10B; see also CCC, 2639).

Seeds focuses on Jesus’ command to give to God what is God’s and provides experiences of praising God.

Sharing the Lesson with Families Encourage parents to give frequent reminders to their child of the wonders God has created. Suggest that parents ask their child to share the book of praise they made to remind them of God’s love for them as shown in Creation, their families, and their communities. Encourage parents to say the Glory Be to the Father with their children during their prayer time.


60-Minute Lesson

l Gathering Song l “Gather Together” (CD-2, #1) l Gathering Prayer l Story l Michael’s Surprise Job l Activity l Find the hidden tulips. (page 2)

l Gospel Ritual l “Two Little Ears” (CD-1, #4) l Sunday Gospel l Jesus tells us to give to God. l Gospel Activity l Jesus teaches us to praise God. (page 1) l Word of the Week l Ten Commandments (page 2) l Activity l Stretch and Dance


l Activity l My Book of Praise (pages 3–4) l Closing Prayer l Closing Song l “The Seed Song” (CD-1, #1)




90-Minute Lesson

l Gathering Song l “Gather Together” (CD-2, #1) l Gathering Prayer l Story l Michael’s Surprise Job l Activity l Find the hidden tulips. (page 2) l Activity l Stretch and Sing “Everything’s Growing” (CD-1, #16)

l Gospel Ritual l “Two Little Ears” (CD-1, #4) l Sunday Gospel l Jesus tells us to give to God. l Gospel Activity l Jesus teaches us to praise God. (page 1) l Word of the Week l Ten Commandments (page 2) l Activity l Stretch and Dance



l Activity l My Book of Praise (pages 3–4) l Closing Prayer l Closing Song l “The Seed Song” (CD-1, #1)








Materials l Seeds Student Lesson for 10/18 l Catechism handbook, page 33 l music player and Seeds music CDs l printed copies of the Glory Be to the Father for children

to decorate (one per child) l scissors and crayons, Church Year calendar l aide to help with cutting activity

NOTE: Separate pages 1–2 from pages 3–4.Suggested Music

l “Gather Together” (CD-2, #1) l “Everything’s Growing” (CD-1, #16) l “Two Little Ears” (CD-1, #4) l “The Seed Song” (CD-1, #1)

Lesson Resources l Seeds Activity Book, Activity #24 l Weekly Review Template (gospelweeklies/assessment) l Video Links: (gospelweeklies.com/weekly-videos)


Lesson Theme: Jesus teaches us to praise God.


Day 1

l Gathering Song l “Gather Together” (CD-2, #1) l Gathering Prayer (see page TG1-22) l Story l Michael’s Surprise Job l Activity l Find the hidden tulips. (page 2) l Activity l Stretch and Sing “Everything’s Growing” (CD-1, #16) l Closing Prayer l Loving God, help us to praise you by caring for all

you created. Amen. (Repeat.)

Day 2

l Gathering Prayer l Loving God, help us to praise you by caring for all you created. Amen. (Repeat.)

l Gospel Ritual l “Two Little Ears” (CD-1, #4) l Sunday Gospel l Jesus tells us to give to God. l Gospel Activity l Jesus teaches us to praise God. (page 1) l Word of the Week l Ten Commandments (page 2) l Activity l Stretch and Dance l Closing Prayer l Loving God, we are happy to belong to you. Amen.

(Repeat.)

Day 3 l Gathering Prayer l Loving God, we are happy to belong to you.

Amen. (Repeat.)


l Activity l Seeds Activity Book, Activity #24 l Closing Prayer l Loving God, you are so good, and we are happy to

be your children. Amen. (Repeat.)

Day 4

l Gathering Prayer l Loving God, you are so good, and we are happy to be your children. Amen. (Repeat.)

l Activity l My Book of Praise (pages 3–4) l Closing Prayer l Loving God, we praise and thank you for your

great love. Amen. (Repeat.)

Day 5 l Gathering Prayer l Loving God, we praise and thank you for your

great love. Amen. (Repeat.) l Weekly Review l Closing Prayer (see page TG1-23) l Closing Song l “The Seed Song” (CD-1, #1)


Share Experiences


Live the Gospel

Curriculum Connections l Math: Set up a class store. Pass out pretend money and allow

the students to shop and pay with their money. Discuss with the students why we pay with money. (NAEYC & NCTM Recommendation #4)

l SS: Show the students pictures of leaders in your community (firefighter, principal, mayor, etc.). Discuss with the students what leaders do in a community. (NCSS Declaration #2)



Brainstorm a list of ways people can give to God what belongs to God. Some examples might be time and talents. Then invite each child to commit to giving something to God throughout the week (the students could pray more, use one of their talents to praise God, or do a kind deed for someone). Invite them to draw a picture of their experience.

l October 18: World Mission Sunday – The Church sets aside this day to renew its commitment to missionary work. Catholics donate funds to support more than 1,000 missionary churches around the world. Pray: Loving God, we pray for all who serve in the mission field. Amen.

l October 19: Saints Isaac Jogues, Jean de Brébeuf, and Companions (USA) –

These missionaries worked to bring the Good News to people in Canada and what is now Upstate New York.

l October 22: Saint John Paul II – This Polish saint was the pope for almost twenty-seven years. He traveled to visit Catholics all over the world. He cared about young people and started World Youth Day. Say a prayer today for our current pope, Pope Francis.

Saints and Feast Days to CelebrateExtending Activities (gospelweeklies.com/seeds)


TG1-22

Objective The children will recognize that caring for Creation is a way to praise God.

Gather the children in a circle to sing “Gather Together” (CD-2, #1). Invite a child to point to the current Sunday on a Church Year calendar.

Gathering Prayer Invite the children to repeat each phrase of this prayer after you: “Dear God, / We are glad to be here. / You are with us in all that we do, / when we laugh and talk, / when we work and play. / We love you, God. / Thank you for loving us. / Amen.”

Story l Michael’s Surprise Job () Invite the children to sit in the story circle. Using your copy of Seeds, show them the picture on page 2. Ask: Can you guess what today’s story is about? Then read or tell this story:

Michael was busy pushing his toy car down a building-block ramp when his mom came in the room.

“Michael, I’d like you to be my helper today. I have a very important job and could really use your help,” Mom said. “What’s the job?” Michael asked. “I’ll keep it a secret for a little while,” said Mom. “We have to drive there. I’ll give you clues as we get ready and go on our way. We’ll see if you can guess.” “OK!” said Michael, full of excitement. “Let’s go!” “First, put on your old shoes while I get some tools from the garage,” Mom said. She went out of the kitchen and into the garage.

Michael found his old muddy shoes by the garage door. He saw his mom putting a brown bag and some tools into the back of the truck. “Do you have a hammer in there?” Michael asked as he tried to peek into the truck. “So we can pound stuff?” “No hammer,” was all that Mom would say. “Do you have a screwdriver?” Michael asked. Mom shook her head no as she and Michael got into the truck and drove away.

“We’re going to a big, big house that has a big yard,” Mom said. “Can you guess?” “Yeah, we’re going to Felipe’s house!” Michael squealed with excitement. “No, this house is bigger and even more special than Felipe’s house,” Mom said. “Are we going to Grandpa’s farm?” Michael asked. “No, not to Grandpa’s farm,” Mom answered. Michael was beginning to get tired of the guessing game and said, “Mom, I can’t guess. Just tell me.”

“We’re here,” Mom said as she stopped the car. Michael looked out the window. “Here?” he asked. “But this is our church.” “That’s right,” Mom said. “The church is God’s house. We’re going to plant

tulip bulbs in the yard. The tulips will rest in the ground all winter. In the spring, beautiful flowers will bloom. This is one way we can praise God and show our love.” “Did God ask us to plant flowers by the church?” Michael asked. His mom answered, “God wants each of us to make our world the best place it can be. We’ll plant our tulip bulbs to make the church yard more beautiful. Everyone can enjoy the pretty flowers when they come to visit God’s house.”

Activity l Find the hidden tulips. (page 2) Distribue crayons. Invite the children to find and circle the eight hidden tulips on page 2.

Activity l Stretch and Sing Play “Everything’s Growing” (CD-1, #16). Add movements and gestures.

Objective The children will learn different ways to praise God as Jesus taught us.

To prepare for the proclamation of the Gospel, play and sing “Two Little Ears” (CD-1, #4).

Sunday Gospel l Jesus tells us to give to God. Gather in the Gospel area. Invite the children to sit in a circle and proclaim the Gospel:

In Jesus’ time, the people had to pay taxes to Caesar. He was the ruler. Some people thought that God’s Law said they should not pay these taxes. The coins for paying the tax had a picture of Caesar on them.

A man said to Jesus: “We know that you are honest and say only what is right and true. Does God’s Law say it is right to pay taxes to Caesar?”

Jesus answered, “Show me the coin that people use to pay the tax.” One of them gave Jesus a small coin.

Jesus asked, “Whose face is on the coin?” The man answered, “Caesar’s.”Jesus said: “If you have this coin, you should pay the taxes. Give

to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and give to God what belongs to God.”

Gospel Activity l Jesus teaches us to praise God. (page 1) Invite the children to look at the cover of Seeds. Read the sentence. Ask: What is Jesus telling the children in the picture? What are some ways we can praise God? Praying, singing, being respectful and thoughtful, showing love, caring for Creation. Have the children finish coloring the picture.

Share Experiences


Lesson Theme: Jesus teaches us to praise God.




Objective The children will create a prayer book of praise to God.

Activity l My Book of Praise (pages 3–4) Invite the children to move to their worktables.

Show the children your completed copy of My Book of Praise. Tell them they’ll be creating their own book of praise. Distribute pages 3 and 4 and scissors. Show the children how to cut on the line that divides the page vertically. Be sure they don’t cut on the dotted line. Offer assistance with cutting. Collect the scissors.

Now fold on the dotted lines and put the booklet together according to the page numbers. If time allows, the class may finish their booklets together by adding color to some of the pages and having each child draw a picture of his or her family on the last page.

Closing Prayer Invite the children to bring their praise booklets to the story area and sit in a circle. Encourage them to follow along in their booklets and repeat each page after you read it. Pray together the Glory Be to the Father, allowing the children to repeat each line after you.

Sing “The Seed Song” (CD-1, #1) to close your prayer and session.


Live the Gospel

What the Church Believes and Teaches Prayers to Know: Glory Be to the Father (page 33)

Tell the children they are going to learn a prayer to God. They can pray it anytime and anywhere to praise him.

Print the prayer on the board: “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.”

Read the words aloud and invite the children to repeat them after you. Point to each word as you say it.

Help the children find page 33 in their handbooks. Direct them to find the top prayer. Invite the children to point to each word in their handbooks as they say the prayer with you.

Distribute printed copies of the Glory Be to the Father and crayons. Invite the children to draw the things they praise God for around their prayer: families, friends, fall weather, etc.

Encourage the children to keep this prayer in a visible spot at home so they can say it together with their families.

Have the children close the What the Church Believes and Teaches handbooks and return to Seeds, page 3–4.



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Word of the Week l Ten Commandments (page 2) Help the children locate the Word of the Week on page 2. You can also write it on the board. Share this definition with them: The Ten Commandments are laws from God that tell us how to live good lives.

Activity l Stretch and Dance Invite the children to stand and hold hands. Take two steps forward while raising joined hands. Take two steps backward while lowering hands. Move around in the circle to the right, then to the left. Repeat the sequence of steps several times.



October 25, 2020• 30th Sunday in Ordinary TimeSunday Readings: Exodus 22:20–26;

1 Thessalonians 1:5c–10; Matthew 22:34–40

For Catechists and Teachers Scripture BackgroundThis Sunday, Jesus gives us his Great Commandment—love God above all things and love others as we love ourselves. When we keep these two laws, we keep all the other commandments. Young children have many rules in their lives. Some are for the good of the family and school; some are for safety. Some they impose on themselves and on one another. Seeds will help the children recognize these rules and understand why they are needed.

Connecting Scripture and Doctrine“[D]ioceses and parishes should ensure that catechesis presents…the double commandment of love of God and neighbor as the centerpiece of Jesus’ moral teaching” (NDC, 25G; see also CCC, 2055).

Sharing the Lesson with FamiliesChildren of Seeds age can understand that there are family rules everyone must keep. Suggest that parents review family rules with their child, talking together about which rules show love for God and which show love for one another. For instance, praying before meals, saying night prayers, and going to Mass are family rules that show love for God. Rules about fighting, sharing, and cleaning up show love for one another. Encourage parents to review listening and talking rules that are important for family sharing.


60-Minute Lesson

l Gathering Activity l Gathering Song l “One Family” (CD-1, #12) l Gathering Prayer l Activity l Everyone Needs Rules l Activity l What’s wrong? (page 2)

l Gospel Ritual l “Two Little Ears” (CD-1, #4) l Sunday Gospel l Jesus has two rules for us. (page 1) l Word of the Week l neighbor (page 2)


l Activity l What should I do? (page 3) l Activity l Sing and Stretch l “God Gave Me Hands” (CD-1, #13) l Activity l Our Family Prayer (page 4) l Closing Prayer and Song l “LOVE God” (CD-2, #21)




90-Minute Lesson

l Gathering Activity l Gathering Song l “One Family” (CD-1, #12) l Gathering Prayer l Activity l Everyone Needs Rules l Activity l What’s wrong? (page 2) l Activity l Move and Sing l “If You’re Happy…” (CD-1, #3)

l Gospel Ritual l “Two Little Ears” (CD-1, #4) l Sunday Gospel l Jesus has two rules for us. (page 1) l Word of the Week l neighbor (page 2)



l Activity l What should I do? (page 3) l Activity l Sing and Stretch l “God Gave Me Hands” (CD-1, #13) l Activity l Our Family Prayer (page 4) l Closing Prayer and Song l “LOVE God” (CD-2, #21)








Materials l Seeds Student Lesson for 10/25 l Catechism handbook, page 15 l music player and Seeds CDs l paper hearts, puppet l Church Year calendar l scissors, tape, crayons or colored pencils

NOTE: Cut out the prayer card (page 4).Suggested Music

l “One Family” (CD-1, #12) l “If You’re Happy…” (CD-1, #3) l “Two Little Ears” (CD-1, #4) l “God Gave Me Hands” (CD-1, #13) l “LOVE God” (CD-2, #21)

Lesson Resources l Seeds Activity Book, Activity #25 l Weekly Review Template (gospelweeklies/assessment) l Video Links: (gospelweeklies.com/weekly-videos)



Day 1

l Gathering Activity l Gathering Song l “One Family” (CD-1, #12) l Gathering Prayer (see page TG1-26) l Activity l Everyone Needs Rules l What’s wrong? (page 2) l Activity l Move and Sing l “If You’re Happy…” (CD-1, #3) l Closing Prayer l Loving God, thank you for rules that keep us safe

and help us get along with others. Amen. (Repeat.)

Day 2

l Gathering Prayer l Loving God, thank you for rules that keep us safe and help us get along with others. Amen. (Repeat.)

l Gospel Ritual l “Two Little Ears” (CD-1, #4) l Sunday Gospel l Jesus has two rules for us. (page 1) l Word of the Week l neighbor (page 2) l Closing Prayer l Loving God, help us to love you and one another.

Amen. (Repeat.)

Day 3 l Gathering Prayer l Loving God, help us to love you and one

another. Amen. (Repeat.)


l Activity l Seeds Activity Book, Activity #25 l Closing Prayer l Loving God, help us to treat others as we want to

be treated. Amen. (Repeat.)

Day 4

l Gathering Prayer l Loving God, help us to treat others as we want to be treated. Amen. (Repeat.)

l Activity l What should I do? (page 3) l Activity l Sing and Stretch l “God Gave Me Hands” (CD-1, #13) l Activity l Our Family Prayer (page 4) l Closing Prayer l Loving God, thank you for the many ways we can

show love to others. Amen. (Repeat.)

Day 5 l Gathering Prayer l Loving God, thank you for the many ways we

can show love to others. Amen. (Repeat.) l Weekly Review l Closing Prayer (see page TG1-27) l Closing Song l “LOVE God” (CD-2, #21)


Share Experiences


Live the Gospel

Lesson Theme: Jesus has two rules for us.

Curriculum Connections l ELA: Have the students dictate a prayer to tell God how much

they love him. Then add their drawings to the prayer. (CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.K.1)

l SS: With the students, brainstorm a list of things good neighbors do for one another. (NCSS Declaration #1)



There are many ways that we can show our love for our neighbor. As a class, plan and complete a service project to show love to a needy person or group in your community.

l October 25: World Priest Day – We celebrate and affirm the men who commit their lives to Jesus Christ and the Church through the Sacrament of Holy Orders. Act: Thank your pastor and other priests who serve your parish.

l October 28: Saints Simon and Jude – These men were two of Jesus’ Twelve Apostles. Many people in desperate situations pray to Saint

Jude. Pray: Saints Simon and Jude, help us to be good followers and friends of Jesus. Amen.

l October 31: All Hallow’s Eve – Celebrating Halloween can include reminders of holy living—living like the saints. Welcoming trick-or-treaters is an act of hospitality. Walking from door to door through neighborhoods is like our pilgrim journey to Heaven. Act: Dress as a saint or angel this Halloween.



TG1-26

Objective The children will identify rules they follow at home and in the classroom.

Gathering Activity Begin your Seeds session by calling each child by name, giving him or her a heart, and saying, “(Name), God loves you. You are special.” Continue distributing hearts during the session each time the children follow your rules. You will be a living sign of the overflowing love God has for us.

Gather the children for prayer by singing “One Family” (CD-1, #12) and adding gestures. Invite a child to point to the current Sunday on a Church Year calendar.

Gathering Prayer Pray: “Jesus, thank you for bringing us together today. You teach us how to love God and how to love one another. Thank you, Jesus, for being our teacher and friend.” The children respond, “Amen.”

Activity l Everyone Needs Rules Gather in the story circle. Using a puppet, ask: Do you have rules you must follow at home? Allow each child to say just one rule. After they’ve identified home rules, the puppet asks: Why are rules important? Help the children understand that rules help them stay safe and help them love one another.

Next ask: What are some classroom rules? Pick up trash, put toys away, use materials correctly, hang up jackets. Do the same with playground and bus rules. Ask: What happens when people don’t keep rules? They can get hurt or quarrel and act mean toward one another.

Activity l What’s wrong? (page 2) Invite the children to open Seeds to page 2. Tell them that this picture has lots of things wrong with it. Direct them to put an X on each thing they see wrong in this picture. Give them time to enjoy the illustration, then discuss what they’ve found.

Some of the things that are wrong are just silly. Ask: What are the silly things? Others are wrong because the children are not keeping family rules. Ask: What are pictures of someone breaking a rule?

Activity l Move and Sing Move to the open area. Tell the children they’ll sing a song that shows how we feel when we follow rules. Standing in a circle, sing “If You’re Happy and You Know It” (CD-1, #3), and make appropriate gestures. Repeat two more times, stomping your feet and jumping high.

Objective The children will recognize Jesus’ Great Commandment.

Have the children sit in a circle in the listening area. Don’t distribute Seeds until after you proclaim the Gospel. Sing “Two Little Ears” (CD-1, #4).

Sunday Gospel l Jesus has two rules for us. (page 1) Tell the children that in today’s Gospel, Jesus tells his friends two important rules they must follow:

A person asked Jesus, “Which of God’s laws is the most important one?”Jesus answered: “The greatest and first commandment is this:

Love God with all your heart and soul and mind. The second is like it: Love your neighbor the same way you love yourself.”

Distribute Seeds and invite the children to describe what is happening in the cover illustration. Read the sentence. Ask: What are the two rules? Love God and love one another.

Decide which rule is being followed in each small illustration. Ask: Why do you think I gave you paper hearts? We did a loving action, kept a rule, joined in praying and singing.

Gather in the work area. Give a heart to those who go quietly.

Word of the Week l neighbor (page 2) Help the children locate the Word of the Week on page 2. You can also write it on the board. Share this definition with them: A neighbor is a person who lives near someone. Jesus said we should love our neighbor as we love ourselves.

Share Experiences Discover Gospel and Doctrine

What the Church Believes and Teaches The Golden Rule (page 15)

Remind the children of the needs of others and emphasize how pleasant home, daycare, and preschool are when the children wait their turn and share.

Help the children find page 15. Ask: What do you see in the first row of pictures? How many swings are there? How



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Lesson Theme: Jesus has two rules for us.





End your prayer and session by playing and singing “LOVE God” (CD-2, #21).

Objectives l The children will: l Recognize ways they and others keep rules. l Create a family prayer card.

Activity l What should I do? (page 3) Invite the children to open Seeds to page 3. Point out at the school picture on top. Then, point out the two circles to the left of the school. Ask: What are the girls on the top circle doing? Fighting. What are the girls on the bottom circle doing? Sharing. Distribute crayons and direct the children to draw a line to join the girls who are following the school rules to the picture of the school. Do the same thing with the image of the home.

Activity l Sing and Stretch Use the song “God Gave Me Hands” (CD-1, #13) for a stretch break.

Activity l Our Family Prayer (page 4) If you haven’t already cut the strip with the prayer card activity from the rest of the page, direct the children to cut on the black vertical line on page 4. Have them turn the heart faceup and listen as you read the words. Read them again and invite the children to point to one of the hearts each time you say love. Tell them this will be a card they can keep at home to remind them of Jesus’ two rules: Love God and love one another.

Cut around the dark heavy line around the top of the heart for each child. Then show the children how to make the folds. Tape the bottom flaps together.

Closing Prayer Gather the children sitting in the prayer circle with their heart prayer cards in front of them. Have a puppet praise the children for following classroom rules by listening and cleaning up. Invite them to follow the words as you read the prayer.

Live the Gospel


many children are there? How many children may want to swing? How will each child get a chance to swing? Take turns. Allow time for the children to follow the direction.

For the second row, ask: How many apples do you see? How many children do you see? How many children may want to eat an apple? Is there an apple for each child? Allow time for the children to follow the direction.

For the third row, ask: How many children do you see? How many children do you think may want a turn? Allow time for the children to follow the direction.


November 1, 2020 • Solemnity of All SaintsSunday Readings: Revelation 7:2—4, 9—14; 1 John 3:1—3; Matthew 5:1—12a

For Catechists and Teachers Scripture BackgroundOn November 1, the Church celebrates all of us who follow Jesus now and in history. Seeds tells stories of three people who show how following Jesus and living like him can bring happiness. The children will appreciate that their daily lives of loving and sharing bring happiness to themselves and others and bring us all closer to God.

Connecting Scripture and Doctrine“The Beatitudes are at the heart of Jesus’ preaching” (CCC, 1716). In the Gospel for this solemnity, Jesus counts as blessed people whom most of us see as less than happy—the poor, the sorrowing, those who suffer persecution. Jesus wants us to recognize that God blesses all and calls us to bless one another as peacemakers and merciful brothers and sisters.

Sharing the Lesson with FamiliesSuggest that parents ask their child about Saint Patrick, Dorothy Day, and Saint John Bosco. Encourage parents to pray for their intercession during their family prayer time. Also suggest that parents practice the Sign of the Cross with their child during their prayers.


60-Minute Lesson

l Gathering Song l “Like Jesus” (CD-1, #6) l Gathering Prayer l Cover Activity l Jesus’ friends are happy. (page 1) l Word of the Week l saint (page 2)

l Gospel Ritual l “Two Little Ears” (CD-1, #4) l Sunday Gospel l Jesus’ love is for everyone.


l Activity l Who welcomes me? (pages 2–3) l Activity l Jesus’ followers pray the Sign of the Cross. (page 4) l Closing Prayer




90-Minute Lesson

l Gathering Song l “Like Jesus” (CD-1, #6) l Gathering Prayer l Cover Activity l Jesus’ friends are happy. (page 1) l Word of the Week l saint (page 2) l Creative Drama

l Gospel Ritual l “Two Little Ears” (CD-1, #4) l Sunday Gospel l Jesus’ love is for everyone.



l Activity l Who welcomes me? (pages 2–3) l Activity l Jesus’ followers pray the Sign of the Cross. (page 4) l Closing Prayer








Materials l Seeds Student Lesson for 11/1 l Catechism handbook, page 8 l music player and Seeds CDs l statues or pictures of saints l crayons or markers l Church Year calendar

Suggested Music l “Like Jesus” (CD-1, #6) l “God’s Family” (CD-2, #16) l “Two Little Ears” (CD-1, #4)



weekly-videos)


Lesson Theme: Jesus’ love is for everyone.


Day 1

l Gathering Song l “Like Jesus” (CD-1, #6) l Gathering Prayer (see page TG1-30) l Cover Activity l Jesus’ friends are happy. (page 1) l Word of the Week l saint (page 2) l Creative Drama l Closing Prayer l Loving God, thank you for people who teach us

how to follow you. Amen. (Repeat.)

Day 2

l Gathering Prayer l Loving God, thank you for people who teach us how to follow you. Amen. (Repeat.)

l Gospel Ritual l “Two Little Ears” (CD-1, #4) l Sunday Gospel l Jesus’ love is for everyone. l Closing Prayer l Loving God, thank you for blessing us and leading

us to happiness. Amen. (Repeat.)

Day 3 l Gathering Prayer l Loving God, thank you for blessing us and

leading us to happiness. Amen. (Repeat.)


l Activity l Seeds Activity Book, Activity #22 l Closing Prayer l Loving God, thank you for saintly role models.

Amen. (Repeat.)

Day 4

l Gathering Prayer l Loving God, thank you for saintly role models. Amen. (Repeat.)

l Activity l Who welcomes me? (pages 2–3) l Activity l Jesus’ followers pray the Sign of the Cross.(page 4) l Closing Prayer l Loving God, help us to become saints someday.

Amen. (Repeat.)

Day 5 l Gathering Prayer l Loving God, help us to become saints someday.

Amen. (Repeat.) l Weekly Review l Closing Prayer (see page TG1-31)


Share Experiences


Live the Gospel


Curriculum Connections l Math: Direct children to line up using ordinal numbers. Have an

All Saints’ Day parade with music playing while the children play along and march. Once the song is over, ask the students who is second in line, fifth in line, seventh in line, etc. to review ordinal numbers. (NAEYC & NCTM Recommendation #7)

l ELA: Print this poem on the board: Today is All Saints’ Day, it’s true. / What does that mean to you? / We can take some time today, / To thank the saints who led the way. / They show us how to be loving and kind, / And to keep Jesus’ lessons on our minds. Invite readers to read it aloud with you. Then ask the children what they can do to be more like the saints. (CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.K.5)



Have your class participate in a Halloween candy collection to donate to the troops (www.operationgratitude.com/express-your-thanks/halloween-candy/), a local homeless shelter, or a food pantry.

l November: Month of the Holy Souls l November: Black Catholic History Month

(USA) – First celebrated in 1990, the Church honors black Catholics, such as Saint Martin de Porres, Augustus Tolton, Antona Ebo, and Thea Bowman. During Mass, listen for Saints Perpetua and Felicity in Eucharistic Prayer I.

l November 1–7: National Vocation Awareness Week (USA) – This week, we pray

for those who have answered God’s call to be priests, deacons, or consecrated religious sisters or brothers. We also pray for all those God is calling to a religious vocation.

l November 2: Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls’ Day) – Today, we pray for those who have died. We pray that they will be welcomed by God into Heaven.



TG1-30

Objective The children will identify what makes them happy.

Gather in a circle, hold hands, and sing ”Like Jesus” (CD-1, #6). Invite a child to point to the current Sunday on a Church Year calendar.

Gathering Prayer Pray: “Jesus, we are celebrating the feast day of all your saints. We want to be saints, too. We want to be your friends and live with you forever.” The children respond “Amen.”

Cover Activity l Jesus’ friends are happy. (page 1) Stay in the story circle. Tell the children that this Sunday is a very special day for the Catholic Church. It is the day when we remember people who are saints. Ask: Who knows what a saint is? Accept all their answers. Refer to the saint statue or art you brought to explain that people the Catholic Church calls saints:

l Are not still alive. l Are known for their goodness to others. l Loved God with their whole hearts.

Distribute Seeds. Direct the children to look at the cover. Read the sentence together and find Jesus in the illustration. Then invite them to listen carefully as you tell stories about these saints.

Saint Patrick is the man who is teaching little children. His hat and cross show that he was a bishop. When Patrick was a child, he was a shepherd just like the children he is talking to. When he grew up and became a follower of Jesus, he taught the families in Ireland about Jesus. We celebrate his feast day on March 17.

Ask: Do you think teaching people about God and Jesus made Saint Patrick happy? Who do you know who teaches about God?

The woman who is handing out bowls of soup to people is Dorothy Day. She lived in New York City and helped poor people who needed a place to stay and food to eat. Dorothy is not an official saint yet. The American bishops are telling Pope Francis all the good things she has done.

Ask: Do you think feeding poor people made Dorothy happy? Who do you know who works for poor people?

Do you think a saint can juggle balls? Saint John Bosco did it all the time. He knew that poor boys might think a priest would not like them or want to teach them. Saint John learned to juggle and do magic tricks to help the boys feel comfortable with him. Then he got them to come to the schools he started and learn things that helped them.

Ask: Do you think helping poor boys go to school make Saint John Bosco happy? Who do you know who likes children and helps them?

Word of the Week l saint (page 2) Help the children locate the Word of the Week on page 2. You can also write it on the board. Share this definition with them: A saint is a person who lived like Jesus and is now in Heaven.

Creative Drama Invite the children to stand in a large circle in the open area of your class space. Direct them to pretend they are Saint Patrick as a young boy when he was a shepherd. Direct the children to walk around in a circle with their sheep following them. Stop so the sheep can nibble grass, then take them to a stream where they can get a drink. Now lead them to their pen. Sit down by the door of the pen to make sure no one can get in to harm the sheep. All the sheep are safe now, so you can go to sleep. If you have time, do the same with Dorothy Day and Saint John Bosco.

Objectives l The children will: l Recognize that Jesus promises happiness to everyone. l Learn to pray the Sign of the Cross. l Identify saints as God’s friends and angels as God’s

messenger.

Gather the children in the Gospel area and sit in a circle. Sing “Two Little Ears” (CD-1, #4).

Sunday Gospel l Jesus’ love is for everyone. Explain to the children that in this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus tells his disciples that poor people and people who have pure hearts are blessed. This important message is known as the Beatitudes. Another word for beatitude is “happiness.”

Jesus was on a mountain teaching his disciples and a big crowd saying:

“Blessed are they who are sad, for they will be comforted.Blessed are they who are kind and forgive others, for they will be

treated with kindness.Blessed are they who have a clean heart, for they will see God.Blessed are they who make peace, for they will be called children

of God.Blessed are they who are treated badly for doing right, for they

belong to the kingdom of heaven.God will bless you when they call you names and tell lies about

you because of me. Be happy! You will have a big reward in Heaven.”

Share Experiences


Lesson Theme: Jesus’ love is for everyone.




Objective hThe children will recognize they belong to many groups who welcome them.

Activity l Who welcomes me? (pages 2–3) Move to the work area. Invite the children to open Seeds to pages 2–3. Ask: What do you see? Who might the two children at top left be? They are friends or siblings who are coming to the park. Follow the children along the path and at each place, ask: Who will welcome the children? What will they do together? When have you been welcomed at the playground, at a birthday party, etc.? Keep these answers short and be sure every child has a chance to respond. Distribute pencils or crayons and invite the children to draw themselves near the place they want to be in the park. As they work, go around the room talking to the children about why they chose the place they did.

Activity l Jesus’ followers pray the Sign of the Cross. (page 4) Help the children find page 4. Tell them that today they will learn the Sign of the Cross. Say each line aloud and invite them to repeat it.

Direct the children to get up and stand in a row. Stand with them rather than in front of them, so they can copy your left-to-right gesture. Have them say the words with you. Practice a few times and then return to the sitting circle and look at page 4.

Distribute crayons and direct them to find the number one. Direct them to draw a line starting on the number one and going to number two, then number three, etc. You can draw the numbers on the board as you name them.

Play and sing “God’s Family” (CD-2, #16) to bring your Seeds gathering to a close.


Live the Gospel

What the Church Believes and Teaches Saints and Angels (page 8)

Explain that on All Saint’s Day, we celebrate people who lived like Jesus and are with God in Heaven.

God created angels to be his messengers. They live in Heaven with God and all the saints.

Help the children find page 8 in their handbooks. Read the information at the top of the page, answering their questions. Invite them to look at the illustrations. Tell them:

l The Angel Gabriel was sent by God to ask Mary to become the mother of Jesus.

l Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton helped train women to teach in Catholic schools.

l Saint Francis of Assisi praised God for Creation. He liked animals, birds, flowers, trees, the sun, and the stars.

Ask the children to point to the saint who was a teacher, the saint who loved all that God made, and the angel God sent to ask Mary to become Jesus’ mother.

Conclude with a litany. The children say “Pray for us” after the names of the two saints and “Protect us” after you name the Angel Gabriel.

Have the children close the What the Church Believes and Teaches handbooks and return to Seeds, pages 2–3.




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November 1, 2020 • Solemnity of All Saints

Ask: What made Saint Patrick happy? Telling people about God. Ask: What made Dorothy Day happy? Sharing her food with poor people and finding them a place to live. Ask: What made John Bosco happy?Teaching boys from the streets who needed a second chance. Conclude by saying that little children can do good things for others, too. Ask: What are some of the ways being good to others makes us happy?


November 8, 2020 • 32nd Sunday in Ordinary TimeSunday Readings: Wisdom 6:12–16;

1 Thessalonians 4:13–18; Matthew 25:1–13

For Catechists and Teachers Scripture BackgroundWhen the early Christians remembered stories Jesus had told, such as the one about the wise and foolish girls, they heard the call to be ready to stand with Jesus at his return at his Second Coming. They expected Jesus to return in their lifetimes. But, like the wedding party in the Gospel, Jesus’ coming is delayed. The early Christians had to learn how to meet Jesus, instead, as he came to them in their daily lives.

Connecting Scripture and Doctrine“God’s love is communicated to…young children primarily through parents. Parents have shared the gift of human life with their children and, through Baptism, have enriched them with a share in God’s own life…. Their faith, their attitude toward other human beings, and their trust in a loving God strongly influence the development of the child’s faith” (NDC, 48E, quoting National Catechetical Directory, 177).

This week’s Seeds helps the children reflect on how they sometimes miss out on the fun and life around them. Seeds interprets Sunday’s parable as a call to the children to enjoy the life around them and participate in it fully.

Sharing the Lesson with FamiliesEncourage families to plan an outing to a park or nature area, a trip downtown, or a visit to a museum. Suggest at-home activities such as reading aloud, playing games, or making treats.


60-Minute Lesson

l Gathering Song l “Gather Together” (CD-2, #1) l Gathering Prayer l Story l Anaya’s Bad Day (page 2)

l Gospel Ritual l “Two Little Ears” (CD-1, #4) l Sunday Gospel l Jesus says, “Be ready.” (page 1) l Word of the Week l Jesus (page 4) l Activity l Creative Play


l Activity l Anaya’s Better Day (page 3) l Activity l How do we get ready? (page 4) l Closing Song and Prayer l “God Gave Me Hands” (CD-1, #13)




90-Minute Lesson

l Gathering Song l “Gather Together” (CD-2, #1) l Gathering Prayer l Story l Anaya’s Bad Day (page 2) l Activity l Stretch and Sing “God Gave Me Hands” (CD-1, #13)

l Gospel Ritual l “Two Little Ears” (CD-1, #4) l Sunday Gospel l Jesus says, “Be ready.”(page 1) l Word of the Week l Jesus (page 4) l Activity l Creative Play



l Activity l Anaya’s Better Day (page 3) l Activity l How do we get ready? (page 4) l Closing Song and Prayer l “God Gave Me Hands” (CD-1, #13)








Materials l Seeds Student Lesson for 11/8 l Catechism handbook, page 31 l music player and Seeds music CDs l scissors and glue l crayons or colored pencils l Church Year calendar

Suggested Music l “Gather Together” (CD-2, #1) l “God Gave Me Hands” (CD-1, #13) l “Two Little Ears” (CD-1, #4)



weekly-videos)


Lesson Theme: We want to be ready for God all the time.


Day 1

l Gathering Song l “Gather Together” (CD-2, #1) l Gathering Prayer (see page TG1-34) l Story l Anaya’s Bad Day (page 2) l Activity l Stretch and Sing “God Gave Me Hands” (CD-1, #13) l Closing Prayer l Loving God, help us to be alert to all the things

going on around us. Amen. (Repeat.)

Day 2

l Gathering Prayer l Loving God, help us to be alert to all the things going on around us. Amen. (Repeat.)

l Gospel Ritual l “Two Little Ears” (CD-1, #4) l Sunday Gospel l Jesus says, “Be ready.” (page 1) l Word of the Week l Jesus (page 4) l Activity l Creative Play l Closing Prayer l Loving God, help us to pay attention so we don’t

miss out. Amen. (Repeat.)

Day 3 l Gathering Prayer l Loving God, help us to pay attention so we

don’t miss out. Amen. (Repeat.)


l Activity l Seeds Activity Book, Activity #6 l Closing Prayer l Loving God, help us to choose to share, play fair,

and be loving. Amen. (Repeat.)

Day 4

l Gathering Prayer l Loving God, help us to choose to share, play fair, and be loving. Amen. (Repeat.)

l Activity l Anaya’s Better Day (page 3) l Activity l How do we get ready? (page 4) l Closing Prayer l Loving God, thank you for all the things that make

us happy. Amen. (Repeat.)

Day 5 l Gathering Prayer l Loving God, help us to be alert and make

choices that make us and others happy. Amen. (Repeat.) l Weekly Review l Closing Song and Prayer l “God Gave Me Hands” (CD-1, #13)


Share Experiences


Live the Gospel

Curriculum Connections l Sci: Have the students make a list of their favorite parts of God’s

Creation. Allow them to share stories of how they enjoy God’s Creation (e.g., going for a walk outside, learning about animals, etc.) (NSTA Declaration #1)

l Math: Go on a nature walk and count what you see (how many trees, how many birds, etc.). Form small groups of children with an adult leader. Direct the children to count while the adult records how many birds, trees, bushes they see. When you return to the classroom, create a bar graph using sticky notes. Compare and discuss completed graph. (NAEYC & NCTM Recommendation #1)



One way we can care for the environment is to be like the girls who conserved the oil for their lamps. This week, as a class, make a commitment to conserve energy by turning off lights when they are not being used.

l November 9: Dedication of the Lateran Basilica – The Lateran Basilica in Rome is the Pope’s church. Today, we celebrate the dedication of this church. Pray: Father in Heaven, please bless Pope Francis with great wisdom and good health. Amen.

l November 11: Saint Martin of Tours – Martin didn’t want to become a bishop, but the people

of Tours, France, convinced him to become their bishop. Ask: When have you been reluctant to do something good that you were asked to do?

l November 13: Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini (USA) – Frances wanted to become a missionary in China but or in the United States instead. She took care of orphans and immigrants. Ask: How do you respond when you don’t get your way?




TG1-34

Objective The children will recognize the need to be alert to everything going on around them.

Play “Gather Together” (CD-2, #1) as you gather to begin your class with prayer. Invite a child to point to the current Sunday on a Church Year calendar.

Gathering Prayer Invite the children to repeat each line of this prayer after you: “Thank you, God, for all that I am. / I am a person. / I am part of a family. / I am a friend. / I am a follower of Jesus. / Thank you, God, for all that I am. / Amen.”

Story l Anaya’s Bad Day (page 2) Direct the children to sit in a story circle. Read or tell the following story:

For no particular reason, Anaya didn’t want to put on her shoes. “Anaya,” Mom said, “it’s a beautiful day. The sun is shining. The squirrel is running up and down the tree. Put on your shoes so you can go outside and play.”

Anaya replied, “I don’t want to put on my shoes.” When Mom asked, “Why?” Anaya said, “Just because.” Mom said, “I’ll help you with your shoes.” But Anaya answered, “I don’t want you to help me.” Finally, Mom left Anaya alone in her room.

Anaya sat on the floor by her shoes. A bird was singing a song for her baby birds in the tree outside Anaya’s window. But Anaya couldn’t see the nest unless she went outside. Anaya counted the toes on her left foot: “One, two, three, four, five.” She counted the toes on her right foot: “One, two, three, four, five.”

Just as Anaya was starting to count the toes on her left foot again, she heard music. It was the ice-cream truck! Toby, the dog from next door, was running to the truck. “If I put on my shoes, I can get an ice-cream cone,” said Anaya. But as she was trying to make up her mind if she should get chocolate or strawberry ice cream, the truck drove away. Anaya was still in her room with her shoes beside her.

Anaya was very bored. She slipped her hands into her shoes and clapped the bottoms together. Clap! Clap! Clap! Her mom heard the clapping and came to the door. “Are you ready to put your shoes on, Anaya?” her mother asked. “No,” said Anaya. “I don’t want to.”

Anaya’s mom brought her a sandwich and milk for lunch. Anaya read her books and played her CD of marching songs. Then she heard children talking and laughing. Anaya looked out the window. It was Abdul and Iris with Toby. Anaya knew they were going to the park because they had a ball. “If I put on my shoes, I could go play with my friends,” Anaya said. She slipped her left shoe on her left foot. Then she slipped her right shoe on her right foot.

That’s when Anaya’s mom walked into the room. “Anaya,” her mom said, “since you have your shoes on, would you like to go to the park for a picnic supper?” Anaya jumped up and gave her mom a hug. “Yes!” Anaya said. “I missed watching the squirrel play, and I missed the baby birds in the tree, and I missed the ice-cream truck, and I missed playing with Abdul and Iris and Toby. I don’t want to miss the picnic!” Anaya combed her hair and said, “I am ready.” They went to the park and had a great time.

Activity l Stretch and Sing Stand to sing the song “God Gave Me Hands” (CD-1, #13). Encourage everyone to join in doing the claps, taps, blinks, and hugs.

Objectives l The children will: l Recognize that Jesus wants them to be alert. l Recognize that when we act with fairness and do loving

actions, like sharing, we are getting ready for Jesus.

Gather in the Gospel storytelling area and sing “Two Little Ears” (CD-1, #4). Invite the children to sit in a story circle for the Gospel proclamation.

Sunday Gospel l Jesus says, “Be ready.” (page 1) Ask: Have you ever been invited to a wedding? Whose wedding was it? Were you excited about going? What was fun? Did you get tired? Did the wedding and the party last a long time?

After this brief discussion, tell the children Jesus went to weddings of his friends and relatives too. One day, he told his friends this story about a wedding:

Jesus told this parable to his followers. He said: “The Kingdom of God will be like ten girls who took their lamps and went to a wedding to meet the groom. Five of the girls were foolish. The other five were wise. The foolish girls did not bring extra oil for their lamps. The wise girls did. When the bridegroom was late, all the girls fell asleep. At midnight, they heard a shout: ‘Wake up! The bridegroom is here. Come and welcome him.’ The girls woke up and got ready to light their lamps. The foolish girls said to the wise ones: ‘Let us have some of your oil. Our lamps are going out.’ But the wise girls said: ‘No, we do not have enough oil for all of us. Go and buy some oil for yourselves.’

“When the foolish girls were away buying oil, the groom came. The five wise girls went into the wedding feast. Then the door was closed. When the five foolish girls returned, they shouted, ‘Open the door!’ But the groom said, ‘I do not know you.’”

Share Experiences

Lesson Theme: We want to be ready for God all the time.





Objectives l The children will: l Recognize what they are thankful for. l Identify ways they can get ready.

Activity l Anaya’s Better Day (page 3) Distribute scissors and glue. Invite the children to study the picture on page 3. Picture squares at the bottom of the page show a dog, bird, squirrel, and Anaya. These are missing from the picture above. Distribute scissors and glue. Demonstrate how to cut out the four picture squares and glue them in place to complete the big picture.

Invite the children to use pages 2–3 to retell Anaya’s story to each other. Ask the children to name all the things they can find in the pictures that they’re thankful for. Encourage them to tell the story to their families at home too.

Activity l How do we get ready? (page 4) Turn to the last page and for each picture on the top row, ask: What is the child doing? Getting ready to play in the snow, to go on a road trip, to go to the pool. How is he or she getting ready for this activity? Putting on winter coat and boots, packing the car, putting on sunscreen. Distribute crayons and invite the children to draw a line to match each child with the activity he or she is getting ready for.

Closing Song and Prayer Return to the story circle. As everyone stands, repeat the song and actions to “God Gave Me Hands” (CD-1, #13). Then pray: “Loving God, thank you for all the gifts you give us. / Thank you for our families and friends. / Thank you for birds and pets. / Thank you for hands and arms that hug us and do good things for us.” The children respond, “Amen.”


Live the Gospel


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What the Church Believes and Teaches Words to Know: fair, share, right, wrong, loving, unloving (page 31)

Write on the board the words fair and share with big, bold letters. Read them aloud to the children and invite them to repeat each one after you read it. Help the children turn to page 31 and find the words fair and share. Read the text next to the words. Ask Can you think of a time when you have been fair and have shared with others? Allow the children to share their experiences with the class.Do the same with the words right, wrong, loving, and unloving. Explain that when we are fair and share with others, we are getting ready for Jesus.


November 8, 2020 • 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Jesus said: “Always be ready. You do not know on what day your Lord will come.”

Ask: What kinds of choices does a foolish person make? What is an example of a foolish choice? What kinds of choices does a wise person make? What is an example of a wise choice? Conclude by saying that we can make wise choices to prepare for Jesus.

Word of the Week l Jesus (page 4) Help the children locate the Word of the Week on page 4. You can also write it on the board. Share this definition with them: Jesus is God’s Son. He is true God. He is also human like us. Jesus’ Father is God in Heaven.

Activity l Creative Play Choose two children to join hands in the middle while the others move in a circle around them. The outside ring walk and count five steps to the right, stop, and clap. Then they walk five steps to the left, stop, and clap. Repeat. Allow everyone to have a turn in the center.


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LITURGICAL YEAR DOCTRINAL CONTENT

Preschool 2020–2021 SCOPE AND SEQUENCE

Date/Sunday SundayGospels Creed Sacraments&Liturgy LifeinChrist ChristianPrayer

September 20, 202025th Sunday Ordinary

September 27, 202026th Sunday Ordinary

October 4, 202027th Sunday Ordinary




November 1, 2020Solemnity of All Saints

November 8, 202032nd Sunday Ordinary

November 15, 202033rd Sunday Ordinary

November 22, 2020Solemnity of Christ the King

November 29, 20201st Sunday of Advent

December 6, 20202nd Sunday of Advent

December 13, 20203rd Sunday of Advent

December 20, 20204th Sunday of Advent

December 25, 2020 & January 3, 2021Christmas & Epiphany

January 10, 2021Baptism of the Lord

January 17, 20212nd Sunday Ordinary

January 24, 20213rd Sunday Ordinary

January 31, 20214th Sunday Ordinary

February 7, 20215th Sunday Ordinary

February 14, 20216th Sunday Ordinary

February 21, 20211st Sunday of Lent

February 28, 20212nd Sunday of Lent

March 7, 20213rd Sunday of Lent

March 14, 20214th Sunday of Lent

March 21, 20215th Sunday of Lent

March 28, 2021Palm/Passion Sunday

April 4 & April 11, 2021Easter Sunday & 2nd Sunday of Easter

April 18, 2021 3rd Sunday of Easter

April 25, 20214th Sunday of Easter

May 2, 20215th Sunday of Easter

May 9, 20216th Sunday of Easter

Matthew 20:1–16a Parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard Matthew 21:28–32 Parable of Two Sons

Matthew 21:33–43 Parable of the Vineyard

Matthew 22:1–14 Parable of the Wedding Feast

Matthew 22:15–21 Give to Caesar and God


Matthew 5:1–12a The BeatitudesMatthew 25:1–13 Parable of Wise and Foolish GirlsMatthew 25:14–15, 19–21 Parable of the Talents

Matthew 25:31–46 Jesus Teaches the Works of Mercy

Mark 13:33–37 Jesus Says, “Be Alert!”

Mark 1:1–8 Jesus Is the Good News

John 1:6–8, 19–28 John the Baptist Prepares Us for Jesus

Luke 1:26–38 Mary Says Yes to God

Luke 2:1–14 Jesus Is Born & Matthew 2:1–12 Visit of the Magi

Mark 1:7–11 Jesus Is Baptized

John 1:35–42 Jesus Calls His First Followers

Mark 1:14–20 Jesus Calls Four Fishermen

Mark 1:21–28 Jesus Teaches with Authority

Mark 1:29–39 Jesus Raises Up, Heals, and Frees PeopleMark 1:40–45 Jesus Heals a Man with Leprosy

Mark 1:12–15 Jesus Is Tempted

Mark 9:2–10 Jesus’ Friends See Him TransfiguredJohn 2:13–25 Jesus Cleanses the Temple

John 3:14–21 Jesus Gives Us Light

John 12:20–33 Jesus Is Like a Grain of Wheat

Mark 15:1–39 Jesus’ Passion

John 20:1–9 & John 20:19–31 Jesus Is Risen and Greets His Friends

Luke 24:35–48 Jesus Appears to His Disciples

John 10:11–18 Jesus Is the Good Shepherd

John 15:1–8 Jesus Is the Vine; We Are the BranchesJohn 15:9–17 Jesus’ Great Commandment: Love One Another

God’s love is generous. (214, 221)

God gives us free will. (1704, 1711, 1731, 1853)

God cares for Creation. (41, 239, 301, 421)

Jesus invites us to his table. (1396)

Jesus is our Lord and Master. (450, 2242)

Jesus’ Great Commandment is love. (1970–1972)

We belong to the Communion of Saints. (962)

God gives us freedom to choose. (1732–1734, 2612)

God gives us talents. (546, 1880, 2427)

God judges us on love. (678, 682)

Advent prepares us for Jesus’ coming. (524)

John announces the Good News. (718–719)

God sent Jesus, Emmanuel “God-with-us.” (463, 744)

Mary models surrender to God. (490, 973, 2617, 2674)

Jesus is born in Bethlehem. (525)Jesus comes for all people. (528)

Baptism welcomes us into God’s family. (265, 536, 985)

Jesus calls us to follow him. (852)

Jesus calls disciples. (542, 804–806)

Jesus brings peace and heals.(548–550)

Jesus heals. (548–550, 620, 1420)

We share Jesus’ Good News. (850)

Jesus is faithful to God. (538–540, 566, 2157)

Jesus is human and divine. (544–556, 744)

Jesus shows us how to pray. (2759)

God is always with us. (2, 849)

Jesus is the Bread of Life. (1338)

Jesus suffers and dies for us. (478, 542, 618, 1329, 2305)

God raises Jesus from death to eternal life. (638, 989)

Jesus is with us. (764)

Jesus is our Good Shepherd. (754, 764, 2415–2418)

Jesus gathers a new community. (960)

Jesus’ rule is love. (228, 592)

Church as community of believers

Celebrating as a community; Mass

Mass: Bible as source of readings

Eucharist; Matrimony

Mass: praising God

Saints; sacramentals: images of saints

Church community

Parish community as doers of justice

Church Year: Advent

Church Year: Advent

Church Year: Advent; Reconciliation; Gaudete Sunday

Church Year: Advent; Annunciation

Church Year: Christmas and Epiphany

Baptism

Church as community; Sunday Eucharist

Church as community of followers

Mass: Sign of the Cross, Sign of Peace

Anointing of the Sick

Church community

Church Year: Lent

Church Year: Lent

Church Year: Lent; Mass: Bible as source of readings

Church Year: Lent; Laetare Sunday

Church Year: Lent; Mass: Liturgy of the Eucharist

Church Year: Holy Week

Church Year: Easter

Mass: Sign of Peace

Parish as a community of caring

Mass; Church as community

Church Year: honoring Mary in May


Choosing loving actions

Changing and growing

Going to Sunday Mass

Honoring God




Sharing our talents

Sharing gifts and possessions

Getting ready for Jesus’ coming

Giving gifts as a sign of love

Choosing between loving and unloving actions

Saying yes to God

Telling the Christmas story

Living as members of Jesus’ family

Signs of Jesus’ followers: gathering and listening

Signs of Jesus’ followers: loving actions

Signs of Jesus’ followers: seeking peace

Signs of Jesus’ followers: caring for others

Signs of Jesus’ followers: telling the Good News

Signs of Jesus’ followers: praying

Growing and changing

Praying to God who loves us

Loving God, who protects us

Loving God, who feeds us; choosing between loving and unloving actionsTaking part in Holy Week liturgies

Noticing and celebrating the new life of spring and Easter

Eucharist; finding peace with Jesus

Following Jesus

Building church community

Showing love to others

Sign of the Cross

Prayers of petition

Thanking God for Creation

Blessing Before Meals

Glory Be to the Father; prayer of praise booklet

Family prayer

Praying to saints

Prayers of thanks; singing our prayer

Thanking God for talents

Grace After Meals

Advent wreath prayer

Advent wreath prayer; prayer to Our Lady of Guadalupe

Advent wreath; Christmas story in song

Advent wreath prayer; Hail Mary

Singing our prayer: Christmas carols

Sign of the Cross; God’s family prayer

Prayer of listening

Followers of Jesus prayer

Sign of the Cross; prayer for peace

Praying for the sick

Prayer of love

Hail Mary; Sign of the Cross; Lord’s Prayer (Our Father)

Prayer of thanks

Sign of the Cross; prayer booklet

Thanking God; Prayer to My Guardian Angel

Blessing Before Meals

Welcoming Jesus

Easter prayer

Prayer for peace; Sign of Peace

Psalm 23

Thank-you prayer

Hail Mary

Creator

Mass

God

marriage

Ten Commandments

neighbor

saint

Jesus

respect

mercy

Church Year

Mary

Reconciliation

Beatitudes

Old Testament

Baptism

Gospel

mission

prayer

anoint

Holy Spirit

Sunday

Heaven

Bible

Church

Holy Communion

Holy Week

creed

parish

pastor

New Testament

Confirmation

OR

DIN

AR

Y T

IME

All numbers in parentheses refer to paragraphs in the Catechism of the Catholic Church. The topics included in this Scope and Sequence chart are subject to minor changes, which will be reflected in the Teaching Guides throughout the catechetical year. To print copies of this chart, visit gospelweeklies.com/seeds.

Word of the Week

2020–2021 Scope and SequencePreschool

Documents

Teaching Guide 1