Second Sunday of Easter, Year C

Living without fear

Reading I: Acts 5:12–16 (signs and wonders)
Reading II: Revelation 1:9–11a, 12–13, 17–19 (first vision)
Gospel: John 20:19–31 (appearance to the disciples; Thomas)

Key Passage: He placed his right hand on me, saying, “Do not be afraid; I am the first and the last, and the living one. I was dead, and see, I am alive forever and ever.” (Revelation 1:17b–18a)

Adult: When has your faith in the living Christ helped you overcome fear?
Child: What could you do this Easter season to help someone feel less afraid?
(from PastoralPlanning.com)

Easter Sunday, Year C

Made new by Christ

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 (the yeast of sincerity and truth)
Gospel: John 20:1–9 (Peter and the disciple at the tomb)

Key Passage: Clean out the old yeast so that you may be a new batch, as you really are unleavened. For our paschal lamb, Christ, has been sacrificed. (1 Corinthians 5:7)

Adult: What change could the hope of the resurrection of Christ inspire you to make?
Child: What bad habit would you like to “clear out” during the hopeful time of this Easter season?
(PastoralPlanning.com │ Questions of the Week for Cycle C)

Triduum

Holy Thursday
Called to serve

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: Jesus said, “If I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you.” (John 13:14–15)

Adult: What is the most difficult thing you have done as a service to another person?
Child: What is the hardest thing you have ever done for another person who needed your help?
PastoralPlanning.com │ Questions of the Week for Cycle C)


Good Friday
Perfection through suffering

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 our Lord Jesus Christ)

Key Passage: When you make his life an offering for sin, he shall see his offspring, and shall prolong his days; through him the will of the Lord shall prosper. (Isaiah 53:10)

Adult: Can you say that you have grown through your experiences of physical or emotional suffering? Why or why not?
Child: How can the story of Jesus’ suffering make it easier for you to face something painful or uncomfortable?
(PastoralPlanning.com │ Questions of the Week for Cycle C)


Holy Saturday (Vigil)
New life in Christ

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: <i>Isaiah 55:1–11 (an invitation to grace)
Reading VI: Baruch 3:9–15, 32—4:4 (wisdom prayer 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: Luke 24:1–12 (the women at the tomb)

Key Passage: Therefore we have been buried with him by baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life. (Romans 6:4)

Adult: What benefits has the new life of baptism brought to your life?
Child: If someone who was not a Christian asked you what difference it makes to be baptized, what would you say?
(PastoralPlanning.com │ Questions of the Week for Cycle C)

Passion (Palm) Sunday, Year C

Love and betrayal

Reading I: Isaiah 50:4–7 (salvation only through the Lord’s servant)
Reading II: Philippians 2:6–11 (imitating Christ’s humility)
Gospel Luke 22:14—23:56 (the passion of Jesus)

Key Passage: The Lord turned and looked at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said to him, “Before the cock crows today, you will deny me three times.” (Luke 22:61)

Adult: When have you felt that you betrayed the confidence of another, as Peter did when he denied Jesus?
Child: When have you let someone down who trusted you? How did you feel?
(from Pastoral Planning.com)

Fifth Sunday of Lent, Year C

False pride

Reading I: Isaiah 43:16–21 (promise of restoration)
Reading II: Philippians 3:8–14 (breaking with the past)
Gospel: John 8:1–11 (the adulteress)

Key Passage: Jesus straightened up and said, “Let anyone among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” (John 8:7)

Adult: Have you ever been too willing to “cast the first stone” when you disapproved of someone’s behavior? How can you resist these feelings?
Child: When have you criticized or made fun of someone? What could help you act differently?
(from PastoralPlanning.com)

Fifth Sunday of Lent, Year C

False pride

Reading I: Isaiah 43:16–21 (promise of restoration)
Reading II: Philippians 3:8–14 (breaking with the past)
Gospel: John 8:1–11 (the adulteress)

Key Passage: Jesus straightened up and said, “Let anyone among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” (John 8:7)

Adult: Have you ever been too willing to “cast the first stone” when you disapproved of someone’s behavior? How can you resist these feelings?
Child: When have you criticized or made fun of someone? What could help you act differently?
(from PastoralPlanning.com)