Activities for Exploring the Mass

Liturgy of the Word
We listen to the Word of God proclaimed from Scripture. The First Reading is usually from the Old Testament—except during the Easter Season, when we read from the Acts of the Apostles. The Second Reading is from the New Testament, and then the Gospel is proclaimed. In the homily, we reflect on how we can live the Word of God in our lives. Our response to the Word of God is to say the Creed together.

Create psalm posters
Each time we come together at Mass we pray the beautiful words of the Responsorial Psalm. Generation after generation has used the words of the psalms to lift up their hearts and lives in praise of God. Learners can give glory and praise to God with artwork that illustrates the psalms. Encourage each person to print a verse or two from a psalm at the bottom of a small piece of poster board, and then to decorate the rest of the poster board with images of what the verse or verses mean.

Some psalm verses that are great for illustration are “May the peoples praise you God” (67:6); “Give thanks to the LORD” (105:1); “Great are the works of the LORD” (111:2); “This is the day the LORD has made” (118:24); “I thank you, LORD, with all my heart” (138:1).

Share ways to pray to God
The Second Reading at Mass is proclaimed from the letters of the New Testament. Read one of the Scriptures used for a Second Reading, such as the First Letter to the Thessalonians 5:16-18. This reading calls us to “Pray without ceasing.”

Remind learners that it is important to pray at Mass and throughout the week. Help them think of times and places when they can pray, including in the morning, at night, and before and after meals. Encourage them to take prayer breaks during the day, to pray in times of sadness and in times of joy, and to pray at church, at home, and outdoors. Wherever we are, God is—and there can be prayer.

Role play the Gospel
The Gospels teach us about Jesus and what he did and said. At each Mass we hear a reading proclaimed from one of the Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John. We remember what Jesus taught and all that he has done for us. The homily helps us live the Word of God in our lives.

One Gospel story that we hear at Mass is about Jesus and the children. Role-play this Gospel as it appears in Mark 10:13-16. Ask for volunteers to play the parts of children, adults, disciples, and Jesus. Encourage those participating to improvise actions and facial expressions, with and without words. Learners can act out the children being brought to Jesus, the disciples telling the adults and the children to go away, and Jesus welcoming the children. This story helps us remember that Jesus loves each of us.

Explore the Creed
We respond to God’s Word in Scripture and the homily by stating our faith in God. Explore how the Creed is divided into three parts. The first section is about God as Father and Creator. Read Genesis 1:1-3 with your learners; see how God created the heavens and earth. Ask learners to name some of the things that God has made especially for them.

The next part of the Creed is about Jesus Christ. Read Matthew 16:15-16, where Peter proclaims his belief that Jesus is the Son of God. Tell learners to think of things Jesus has done for them, such as showing us God’s love and bringing us new life.

We then proclaim our belief in the Holy Spirit. Read Romans 5:5, about how the gift of the Holy Spirit is given to each of us. Ask learners to name ways in which the Holy Spirit helps us, such as guiding us toward making right choices and filling our hearts with love and mercy for others.

Pray with hearts
Through the Prayers of the Faithful at Mass, we pray as a community for the needs of others. Together we respond, “Lord, hear our prayer.” Discuss with learners the importance of praying for other people, such as those who are sick, hungry, or in any kind of need in our communities and around the world.

Encourage learners to continue to pray for the needs of others throughout the week. Give learners red paper hearts and ask them to write on them the names of those for whom they will pray during the coming week.

Questions for Review -- Liturgy of the Word
The following questions can help learners review the Mass. Select only a few questions for younger children and more for older learners. Also encourage learners to ask their own questions. Write the four parts of the Mass on pieces of poster board, one on each piece. Display each “part” as that part of the Mass is being discussed. This helps students focus on each part of the Mass and reinforces learning.

Q: During what part of the Mass do we hear readings from Scripture? A: Liturgy of the Word

Q: From where is the First Reading taken? A: From the Old Testament—except during the Easter Season, when we read from the Acts of the Apostles

Q: Why do we sing a psalm at each Mass? A: To give praise and glory to God

Q: From where is the Second Reading taken? A: From the New Testament

Q: Name the Four Gospels. A: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John

Q: Why do we have a homily? A: To help us live the Word of God

Q: Who do we say we believe in with the words of the Creed? A: God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit

Q: What is it called when we pray for the needs of others? A: Prayers of the Faithful

Tomorrow:
Activities for Exploring the Mass: Liturgy of the Eucharist

Patricia Mathson has many years experience in faith formation as a DRE and holds a Master of Religious Education degree. She is currently the children's ministry coordinator at Hope Family Center in Des Moines, IA. She is the author of ten books with the latest title 70 Sacrament Starters for Children (Twenty-Third Publications).

Source: CATECHIST Magazine, January 2010
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