In this lesson your child was helped to appreciate that the Catholic
Church has a special way of thanking and praising God.
It is the Mass. The Mass is the high point of Catholic
liturgy. It is the moment of deepest encounter between
our Catholic community and God. In this holy sacrifice
we remember all that Jesus, our Savior, did for
us. Through Jesus, we bring our lives to God, and
we receive God's life and love for the life of the
world. Your child learned that Mass is the prayer we
pray with our parish family. Your child was taught how
to respond to the reading of God's word by saying
"thanks be to God," and how to prepare to
receive Jesus by wishing others "the peace of
Christ" responding "and also with you."
Take a few minutes now to go over the Faith Summary on page
149. Ask your child, "How do we thank and praise
God in our Church?"
You will want to include your five-year-old in the celebration of
the Mass. Explain to your child that Sunday is our
special day to pray and celebrate together. If possible,
bring your child to your parish church beforehand so
that he or she is familiar with the surroundings.
Explain that during the Mass we gather as a parish
community to speak to God in prayer, we listen to God's
word, and we receive the gift of Jesus Christ in Holy
Communion. Although your child may be interested at
first, most five-year-olds will tire and grow restless
during Mass. It is a good idea to have a picture book of
the Mass available for your child.
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