Background Notes for Parents/Carers

About the theme – EucharistIn the Spring term the Sacrament of the Eucharist is explored. This is the Sacrament of communion with Christ and the Church. There are several different names given to the Sacrament of the Eucharist. It is called:

Eucharist: (Thanksgiving) because it is an action of thanksgiving to God. It reminds us of the thanks that Jesus made to his Father at the Last Supper.

The Lord’s Supper: because of its connection with the supper which the Lord took with his disciples on the eve of his Passion.

The Breaking of Bread: because Jesus used this rite, part of a Jewish meal, when as master of the table he blessed and distributed the bread, above all at the Last Supper. It is by this action that his disciples will recognise him after his Resurrection.

The memorial of the Lord’s Passion and Resurrection. The Holy Sacrifice: because it makes present the one sacrifice of Christ the Saviour

and includes the Church’s offering. Holy Communion: because by this sacrament we unite ourselves to Christ who

makes us sharers in his Body and Blood and to one another to form a single body. Holy Mass, (Missa) because the liturgy concludes with the sending forth (missio) of

the faithful, so that they may fulfil God’s will in their daily lives.

Children are introduced to a different aspect of the Eucharist, the Mass, in each year group.

Structure of the MassThe Basic Structure of the Mass has four parts: two main parts (the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist) and two framing rites (Opening Rite and Concluding Rite):

Introductory or Opening Rites: WE GATHERWe lead those gathered into an awareness of God’s presence who has assembled a community of faith.Procession and songSign of the CrossGreetingPenitential Rite (when we say sorry to God)(Gloria) – a song of praise used on Sundays and feast daysOpening Prayer or Collect

Liturgy of the Word: WE LISTENWe listen and respond to the Readings and the Homily.First Reading (from the Old or New Testament)Responsorial Psalm (a Psalm from the Old Testament)(Second Reading) (from the New Testament)Gospel Acclamation ( to prepare to greet the Gospel)The Gospel (from Matthew, Mark, Luke or John)Homily (a short address by the bishop, priest or deacon)(Creed) – a profession of faithPrayer of the Faithful (bringing our prayers for different needs before God)

Liturgy of the Eucharist: WE GIVE THANKSWe offer bread and wine and all that we have.Preparation of the altar and the gifts (the bread and wine)Eucharist Prayer (including the words of Jesus and prayer of consecration)Communion Rite:Lord’s Prayer (the Our Father)Sign of Peace (offering a gesture of peace to others)Breaking of the BreadCommunion (distribution of the Body and Blood of Christ)

Concluding Rite: WE GO OUTBlessingDismissal (sending out)

Key Vocabulary YEAR 5Memorial SacrificeEUCHARIST THEMEMemories

significant

memorial sacrifice

Passover

Pesach

host

chalice

Liturgy of the

Eucharist

Eucharistic Prayer

consecration

adoration

genuflect

acclamation

Overview

Year 5

The Eucharist is a memorial sacrifice, that is, it makes present a past reality. It is a memorial of Christ’s sacrifice on the Cross, through which Christ gives his body and blood for the salvation of all people and provides hope for the future.Children know and understand:• How memories are kept alive • The Eucharist keeps the memory of Jesus’ sacrifice alive and present in a special way

See Background Notes for Parents and Carers

Week 1: Talk about why memories are important and the impact they can have on people’s lives. Consider your personal memories and how you can keep them alive. Create some artwork that helps you to reflect on a memory that you would like to keep alive, explain how you plan to keep this memory alive.Read the Last Supper from Luke’s Gospel; 22: 14-20. Understand the connection between Christianity and Judaism, using the notes provided. Answer the questions as you believe Jesus would have. Some questions are before the Last Supper, some after and some today. Compare a painting of the Last Supper with Luke’s Gospel account.

Week 2: Look carefully at the words of Consecration in the Mass. Write a guide describing what is happening.Read or listen to the three acclamations of the mystery of faith. Illustrate the words of one of these responses using pictures or symbols.

Week 3: Discuss part of the Eucharistic prayer and how Christians keep the memory of Jesus alive. Using the words of the Eucharistic Prayer, compose your own prayer of remembering and thanking Jesus.Talk about how we make sacrifices in our everyday lives. Think about how and why Christians today live out what Jesus asked of his disciples at the Last Supper. Record this in some way e.g. notes and drawings, PowerPoint presentation.

Week 4: Look at the key vocabulary for this topic and use it to remember all we have learnt about Memorial Sacrifices. Celebrate with a simple Act of Worship (see below).

In Year 5 the children learn about The Last Supper, when Jesus gives his disciples his body and blood in the form of bread and wine as his memorial; that the Eucharist is a memorial of Jesus’ sacrifice; and that the Last Supper is called to mind and made present and real for Christians in the Eucharist.

If possible try to watch an online Mass e.g. St Mary’s Cathedral live streamed every week day at 12.05pm or you can watch a previous day’s recording: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC12EvW0Eqg-cFTh5i2y_EQw

A printed Mass sheet will help children to follow the service (for weekday Masses the Gloria and the Creed are omitted): http://www.liturgyoffice.org.uk/Missal/Text/MCFL.pdf

Week 1:

Lesson 1: Talk about why memories are important and the impact they can have on people’s lives. What evokes a memory? Talk about the senses (sight, sound, touch, taste, smell) and how these trigger our memories of people, places, events, and accomplishments etc. Can you find any pictures of any amazing memories you have? What was your outstanding memory of these experiences? How can good memories be kept alive?Task: Create some artwork that helps you to reflect on a memory that you would like to keep alive, explain how you plan to keep this memory alive.

Lesson 2: Mark’s Gospel tells us how the disciples prepared the Passover or Pesach for Jesus. If possible, Jewish people like to celebrate this occasion in Jerusalem. Jesus had entered Jerusalem riding on a donkey and being greeted by the people shouting ‘Hosanna’. Now it was time for Jesus and his disciples to prepare for the feast of Passover. The disciples would have gathered the food, the lamb, bitter herbs, salt water, unleavened bread and wine. Read the Last Supper from Luke’s Gospel; 22: 14-20 (below).

During the Last Supper the events of the Exodus would have been present in the memories of Jesus and his friends; they would have recalled how God led his people to freedom. Jesus would have celebrated Passover every year of his life, but this time it was different. He introduced something quite new as he blessed, broke and passed the unleavened bread to everyone, telling them it was his body and then the cup of wine saying it was his blood and that it would be shed, be sacrificed, for everyone. He asked that they repeat his actions in memory of him.Answer the questions as you believe Jesus would have. Some questions are before the Last Supper, some after and some today.

Task: Look at a painting of the Last Supper (El Greco or Meister des Hausbuches are below). What are the symbols used, who are the characters, what are they doing? Compare the picture to Luke’s gospel account of the Last Supper, what matches, what has been omitted or added.

Week 2:

Lesson 1 Every time the Eucharist is celebrated, Christians are keeping the memory of Jesus alive. During the liturgy of the Eucharist, Jesus’ actions at the Last Supper are called to mind and made present and real for Christians. These are called the words of consecration, consecration means made holy. The priest holds the host and says the words:

“Take this, all of you, and eat of it: for this is my body which will be given up for you.”

and when he holds the chalice he says:

“Take this, all of you, and drink from it: for this is the chalice of my blood, the blood of the new and eternal covenant, which will be poured out for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Do this in memory of me.”

Catholics believe that at this point in the Mass, through the power of the Holy Spirit the bread becomes truly the body of Christ and the wine the blood of Christ. The server will ring a bell as the priest holds ups, elevates, the host and then the chalice. People will look up and make an act of faith and pray in their hearts something like ‘My Lord and my God’, affirming that they truly believe in the words of Jesus, when he said at the Last Supper ‘this is my body, this is my blood.’ This is the real presence of Christ.

Listen carefully to the words: Do this in memory of me – John Burland (lyrics below) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PDANzgCuyLs)

Task: Imagine you are writing a guide for people who want to become Catholics and are going to Mass for the first time. Describe what happens at this part of the Eucharistic prayer giving reasons for the words, actions and symbols used.

Lesson 2: After the priest has said the words of consecration he genuflects in adoration of the real presence of Christ and then says, “The mystery of faith”. It is called mystery of faith because we cannot fully understand it or explain it, but Catholics believe that Jesus is truly present. This is the opportunity for the people to say out loud what they believe. There are three acclamations the people may make, (often they are sung). These are addressed to Jesus.

Listen carefully to the words (see below or watch on Youtube):

We Proclaim Your Death: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJB0kC5dnKk

When we eat this bread: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uUxdkp8zTB0

Save us, Saviour of the World: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uWviFoLO8KA

The words of the mystery of faith tell of the sacrifice of Jesus as it speaks of his death. The words of the consecration repeat the words that Jesus used at the Last Supper when

he said his body was to be given up for us and his blood shed for us. The Eucharist is a memorial of the sacrifice of Jesus when he was crucified on the Cross and the memory of it becomes present to all believers in a special way.

Task: Illustrate the words of one of these responses using pictures or symbols.

Week 3

Lesson 1: In Eucharistic Prayer II after everyone has joined in with proclaiming the Mystery of Faith, the priest continues the prayer, offering to God the Father the consecrated bread and wine which is Jesus Christ’s own offering. It is a prayer which remembers Jesus. This is part of what the priest says:

“Therefore, as we celebrate

the memorial of his Death and Resurrection,

we offer you, Lord, the Bread of life and the Chalice of salvation,

giving thanks that you have held us worthy to be in your presence and minister to you.

Humbly we pray that, partaking of the Body and Blood of

Christ, we may be gathered into one by the Holy Spirit.”

The priest goes on to pray for everyone including those who have died.

Q What is being remembered in this prayer? Q What is being offered?Q Why is thanks being offered?Q Why do you think that the host/bread is called the bread of life?Q What is the priest praying, for himself and all the people?Q What do you think it means to be gathered into one by the Holy Spirit?

Task: Using some of the words of the Eucharistic Prayer, compose your own prayer of remembering and thanking Jesus.

Lesson 2: Life is full of give and take and we know it is important to get the balance right. Sometimes it is easy to take people for granted, parent or friends, and expect to have things our own way. Sometimes we have to make sacrifices, to give up things for others. When it comes to Mother’s or Father’s Day, we remember the sacrifices that parents make for their children. It is a kind of memorial sacrifice. You may do something for them, give up some pocket money for a present. It is living today, in a simple way, what Jesus did.

Sometimes you may give up something so your friend can have a turn. Sacrifice always involves love.

Q What kind of sacrifices are we called to make in everyday life?Q In what way can sacrifices be memorial ones?Q What rewards do you think these sacrifices have? Q What does sacrifice always involve?

Task: Explore ‘How and why Christians today live out what Jesus asked of his disciples at the Last Supper?’ Record this in any format you choose, e.g. notes and drawings, PowerPoint presentation, poster.

Week 4: Look at the key vocabulary for this topic and use it to remember all we have learnt about Memorial Sacrifice. Try to watch an online Mass. Celebrate with a simple Act of Worship.

Resources

Week 1 Lesson 2

Week 2:

Questions to ask Jesus. How would he answer?

Before the Last SupperHow do you usually celebrate Passover? Will it be the same as previous years? Why?How do you think your friends will react?

After the Last SupperWhat new traditions did you introduce?Did you share any important words with your friends?Did your friends understand why this Passover was different?

TodayHow do people remember you? How often does this happen?How do you feel when you are remembered?What do you want people who have remembered you to know?

The Last Supper by Meister des Hausbuches

The Last Supper by El Greco

Week 2: Lesson 1

Do this in memory of me (Lyrics)

Week 2: Lesson 2

Words of the acclamations:

The first one is: We proclaim your Death, O Lord and profess your Resurrection until you come again.

The second one is: When we eat this Bread and drink this Cup, We proclaim your Death, O Lord,Until you come again.

The third one is: Save us Saviour of the world,For by your Cross and ResurrectionYou have set us free

Q What do you think is the meaning of the words: mystery of faith?Q What is the same about these three responses, what is different?

Week 4

Act of Worship‘MEMORIAL SACRIFICE’

Year 5‘The Eucharist keeps the memory of Jesus’ sacrifice alive and present in a special way’

You might like to set up a Focal table with some of the following:Candle, Bible (if possible), bread and ‘wine’, two lighted candles, some of your child’s work on Memorial Sacrifice, a picture of the Last Supper (from the internet), a ‘basket of memories’ (words and pictures or photographs collected by your child which show different memories of their life.

.The ‘’sign of the cross’ reminds us of God’s love for us so let us hold that memory in our minds as we make ‘the sign of the cross’ together slowly and prayerfullyIn the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

As we gaze at our table set with things which help us to bring to mind the memorable people and events in our lives, take a few quiet moments to recall the memories which are special to you, and the reasons why they are treasured…….

The things which we see here now help us to share in the memories of the friends of Jesus who were present at the great events of his life. Although we were not present when these things happened, their written memories, which were collected in the Bible, help us to feel as if we know these things so well, that we might almost have been there.

These are the memories of Jesus’ friends, written down by St. Luke.A Reading from the Holy Gospel According to LukeGlory to You, O Lord

We make the sign of the cross on our forehead, lips and heart, in preparation to hear the Good News of the Gospel. We make the sign of the cross on our foreheads to show we believe in God’s Word, on our lips to show we try to speak God’s Word to others, and on our hearts to show we love God’s Word and will try to live a good life.

When the hour came, Jesus took his place at the table with the apostles. He said to them, ‘I have wanted so much to eat this Passover meal with you before I suffer! For I tell you, I will never eat it until it is given its full meaning in the Kingdom of God’.Then Jesus took a cup, gave thanks to God, and said,‘Take this and share it among yourselves. I tell you that from now on I will not drink this wine until the Kingdom of God comes.’Then he took a piece of bread, gave thanks to God, broke it, and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in memory of me.’In the same way, he gave them the cup after the supper, saying,‘This cup is God’s new covenant sealed with my blood, which is poured out for you’.

Gathering Together

The Word of God

The Gospel of the LordAll: Praise to You Lord Jesus Christ

As we look at these symbols of the Last Supper, and remember the sacrifice that Jesus made for all of us, think again about the memories of the apostles, which were so vivid, that we can recall them today, as if they had happened to us. Close your eyes, (or look at a picture of the Last Supper) and imagine that you are seated in that room with Jesus and the apostles. Feel their surprise at how Jesus has changed the actions, which are usually carried out in the Passover meal, and his mention of the suffering he will shortly experience. Imagine what you might have said to each other as the meal finished, and how you were able to recall every action in detail after his crucifixion, resurrection and ascension into heaven. Think of how you will share these memories with those who will ask you about them in the future. (Play quiet music and allow time for reflection).

Now let us join together in prayer as we thank Jesus for the gifts he gave us to keep our memory of him alive. Our response is “We give you our thanks.”

For the Mass, a memorial sacrifice of your Last Supper. We give you our thanks.For the bread and wine, through which we can share your body and blood.We give you our thanks.For the sacrifice of your life on the cross. We give you our thanks.For all those who shared the memories of your life with them.We give you our thanks.

As our closing prayer we shall repeat together: We will always hold in our hearts these memories passed on to us by your friends and try to pass them on to those who follow us.

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

Response to The Word

Going Forth