Fourth Sunday of Easter, Year B

Called to be shepherds

Reading I: Acts 4:8–12 (the stone that has become the cornerstone)
Reading II: 1 John 3:1–2 (recognizing the Son)
Gospel: John 10:11–18 (the Good Shepherd)

Key Passage: Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” (John 10:11)

Adult: Whom are you shepherding in your life right now, and who shepherds you?
Child: Who has been like a shepherd to you by their example? For whom could you be a shepherd?
(from PastoralPlanning.com)

Third Sunday of Easter, Year B

The living Christ

Reading I: Acts 3:13–15, 17–19 (Peter’s discourse on Jesus’ resurrection)
Reading II: 1 John 2:1–5 (keeping the commandments)
Gospel: Luke 24:35–48 (Jesus appears to the Eleven)

Key Passage: Jesus said to them, “Why are you frightened, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? Look at my hands and my feet; see that it is I myself.” (Luke 24:38–39)

Adult: What questions about Jesus still arise in the midst of your faith?
Child: What question would you like to ask someone about Jesus’ appearance to the Apostles?
(from PastoralPlanning.com)

Second Sunday of Easter, Year B

Following the example of Jesus

Reading I: Acts 4:32–35 (life of the Christians)
Reading II: 1 John 5:1–6 (belief in Jesus Christ)
Gospel: John 20:19–31 (appearance to the disciples)

Key Passage: Now the whole group of those who believed were of one heart and soul; no one claimed private ownership of any possessions; everything they owned was held in common. (Acts 4:32)

Adult: What could you do this week to inspire your family to resemble the early Christians more closely?
Child: What could you and your family do to help others who are in need?
(from PastoralPlanning.com)

Father Joseph Walijewski

Tune in this Saturday, April 11, to watch the EWTN feature on the
Servant of God Father Joseph Walijewski! Fr. Joe is a priest who served for the Diocese of La Crosse and was instrumental in making sure the children in orphanage (Casa Hogar) he began in South American were well taken care of.
http://www.frjoesguild.org/

The Readings for Triduum and Easter Sunday

Holy Thursday
Remembrance
Reading I: Exodus 12:1–8, 11–14 (the Passover ritual prescribed)
Reading II: 1 Corinthians 11:23–26 (the Lord’s Supper)
Gospel: John 13:1–15 (the washing of the feet)
Key Passage: For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. (1 Corinthians 11:26)
Adult: How has your understanding of the Eucharist increased since you were a child?
Child: How does the Mass help you remember the events of Jesus’ life and death?

Good Friday
The suffering servant
Reading I: Isaiah 52:13—53:12 (suffering and triumph of the servant of the Lord)
Reading II: Hebrews 4:14–16; 5:7–9 (Jesus, compassionate high priest)
Gospel:John 18:1—19:42 (the passion of Jesus)
Key Passage: Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword back into its sheath. Am I not to drink the cup that the Father has given me?” (John 18:11)
Adult: What new insight for your life are you receiving through your reflection on the mysteries of Christ’s passion during the Holy Week liturgies?
Child: What do you think of as you hear the story of Jesus’ passion and death?

Holy Saturday
From death to life
Reading I: Genesis 1:1—2:2 (first story of creation)
Reading II: Genesis 22:1–18 (the testing of Abraham)
Reading III: Exodus 14:15—15:1 (crossing of the Red Sea and destruction of the Egyptians)
Reading IV: Isaiah 54:5–14 (the new Zion)
Reading V: Isaiah 55:1–11 (an invitation to grace)
Reading VI: Baruch 3:9–15, 32—4:4 (prayer of wisdom in the Law of Moses)
Reading VII: Ezekiel 36:16–17a, 18–28 (regeneration of the people)
Epistle: Romans 6:3–11 (death to sin, life in God)
Gospel: Mark 16:1–8 (the women at the tomb)
Key Passage: Seek the Lord while he may be found, call upon him while he is near. (Isaiah 55:6)
Adult: How has your celebration of the Eucharist over the years deepened your understanding of life?
Child: What have you learned about being a good Christian from your celebration of Sunday Mass?

Easter Sunday
Hope of salvation
Reading I: Acts 10:34, 37–43 (Peter’s discourse)
Reading II: Colossians 3:1–4 (mystical death and resurrection) Or 1 Corinthians 5:6–8 (unleavened bread of sincerity and truth)
Gospel: John 20:1–9 (Peter and the disciple at the tomb)
Key Passage: When Christ who is your life is revealed, then you also will be revealed with him in glory. (Colossians 3:4)
Adult: Why do you believe that you will live with Christ for all eternity?
Child: Who has helped you believe that you will live with Jesus forever?