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MAIN MESSAGE
[This is for reference only. Please do not read it at Mass]
As this mass will probably be the last one this term, you might like to invite parents to attend the
children's mass. This is in keeping with our aim of involving parents in Catechesis. Their influence on the
child cannot be over-estimated!
The liturgy is very appropriate for families and, in particular, for parents. This would be a good
opportunity to encourage meaningful family prayer. In the Gospel today, Jesus says- 'What God has
joined together, man must not divide.' Later He says' Let the children come to me.'
It is an essential part of God's great plan that families live united- united to each other and to God.
Such a family can withstand any attack of the Evil One. Such a family will bring God's kingdom into the
world in a powerful way.
This, then, is God's word to us today- 'Pray together if you want to stay together.'
(As people enter, give each one a blank 'house- shaped' slip or paper.)
INTRODUCTION:
Celebrant: Dear friends, you may be wondering why you have received a ‘house-shaped’ paper. The
house represents our homes, our families. God has a very special plan for families. He made us to be one,
to be united. But this is not easy. Today we are going to listen to God’s word and discover how we can
live as God wants us to.
• Dear friends, let’s see if you have got this story’s message! All fathers and mothers build homes of
different kinds. Some parents take a lot of trouble to build homes that are strong and safe. Some forget
that there is an enemy. They don’t take too much trouble to build their homes.
• A question for you: Is there an enemy who is trying to destroy us? And who is the enemy? [The
enemy is the evil one, or the devil.] Just like the wolf in the story, he is out to destroy us and our families.
He knows that families are most important to God, and so he is always trying to destroy them. How does
he do this? He makes us angry with each other. He makes us hate each other. He tells us, “You don’t need
God! You don’t need to pray. You don’t have to obey God!”
• A very important question: How can we build strong homes, safe from the devil’s tricks? The second
reading gives us the answers. It says, ‘Put on the armour that God gives you, so that you can stand up
against the devil’s tricks.’ It also says, “Do all this in prayer, asking for God’s help. Pray on every
occasion, as the Spirit leads.” In the Gospel, Jesus says, “Let the children come to me!”
• So now we know how we can be wise, and build strong families. Stay connected to God! Pray, pray,
pray. Each one should be spending a little time in personal prayer. Daily family prayer is absolutely
essential!
• How can we conduct family prayer? Let me suggest a simple way, which will help us grow.
1. Sing a hymn of praise.
2. Thank and praise God. Each member can thank God for something.
3. Read God’s Word. Read a short passage. It could be one of the Mass readings of the day.
4. Break the Word. This means, share what God is saying to you through the reading. Say a short prayer
as a response.
5. Pray for your needs. You could pray for each other, or for friends or others in need. You could say a
decade of the rosary for all the intentions.
Let prayer-time be something meaningful, not too boring and not too long and tiring, especially if your
children are small. God wants us to bring our children to him.
OFFERTORY:
Celebrant:
• As I offer the bread and wine, which will become the body and blood of Jesus; it is good that each of
us gives something of ourselves to God. We have come here not only to receive, but also to give.
• On the little 'house' slips which you received as you entered, write down a small promise to God:
something you feel He is asking you to do. Maybe it will be- 'I will make sure we pray regularly as a
family.' Or I will read the Bible daily’ (As offertory continues, all write their promise. No hymn is
sung, but music could be played]