Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A, Primary

Primary Session
Matthew 10:37-42

Opening Prayer
Let us pray.
Loving God, we are thankful that we belong to your Church.
Help us to live as members of your family.
In the name of Jesus Christ we pray.
Amen.

Opening Life Reflection
The topic for today is the Sacrament of Baptism. Explain to the children that the Sacrament of Baptism welcomes us as members of God's family. Invite the children to create welcome signs for the newly baptized, to welcome them as new members of our Church family. Provide construction paper and crayons. The signs can be given to the parish ministers of baptismal preparation and distributed to those preparing for baptism. Discuss:

• How can you help the new people you meet to feel welcome?
• What is Baptism?
• What does it mean to be members of God's family?

Allow time for discussion. At our baptism we are welcomed into the Church family. Being a member of the Church means that we belong to God. We belong to God's family.

Listening to the Word of God
In the gospel today, listen to what Jesus tells his followers about belonging to God's family.

Read Matthew 10:37-42.
Allow for silence.

Scripture Discussion Starters

• What does Jesus tell his followers about loving him?
• What does Jesus tell his followers about the cross?
• How can followers of Jesus show kindness toward others?
• What will happen to those who welcome people in need?

Scripture Background
Provide 2-3 minutes of background information on the gospel using the Catechist Background section.

In today's gospel, the disciples learn how to show their love for Jesus. Jesus tells his followers that they are to put Jesus first, before themselves and their families. The disciples learn that they need to take up the cross and follow Jesus. Following Jesus is not always easy. Jesus wants his followers to show kindness and care for others. Today's gospel shows that when we live as followers of Jesus, the reward is God's blessing. The cross not only symbolizes death, but it offers the promise of new life.

Questions for Deeper Reflection

• How do you show your love for Jesus?
• Why does Jesus want his followers to put him first?
• When is it difficult to follow Jesus?

[If you are not going to continue with the doctrinal discussion, proceed to the Gospel in Life.]

Doctrinal Discussion Starters
Sacrament of Baptism
At Baptism we become members of the Church. Being a member of the Church means that we belong to God and we are united with one another. We are members of God's family. As members of God's family we depend on one another. The love and support of others helps us to live out our baptism.

We are baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. We are to live as followers of Jesus. At our baptism we promise to reject sin and selfishness and to put Jesus first. All people who are baptized are called to live out their baptismal promises for the rest of their lives.

• What happens at Baptism?
• What does it mean to belong to the Church?
• What does it mean to live as a follow of Jesus?

The Gospel in Life
How can you show others that you are a member of God's family this week?