EASTER 2014 PARA-LITURGY for Primary Schools

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Opening Song: Jesus was His name WWJ CD II #17 There was a boy from Nazareth And Jesus was his name. Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, and Jesus was his name. He helped his father do his work. He learnt to work with wood. He cut the wood and hammered the nails. He cut the wood and hammered the nails And Jesus was his name.

Jesus was His name…… He helped his mother with her chores. He knew just what to do. He carried water from the well. He carried water from the well, And Jesus was his name. The boy grew very strong and wise And he obeyed his parents. I want to be like him. I want to be like him, And Jesus was his name.

Opening Prayer Reader 1: God of wonder, we are happy because Jesus is risen and we know that all things are possible for you. Grant us new life and encourage us to make our homes, our school and our world a place of joy and new life for everyone. All: Amen.

Let us listen to the resurrection story We are going to hear the story of that strange morning when Peter, Mary Magdalene and the disciple Jesus loved went to the tomb of Jesus. They wanted to mourn his death and cry a little but instead they made a great discovery. Let us see what happens. Try to imagine that you are Peter or the disciple that Jesus loved or Mary Magdalene. Imagine how they may have felt. Listen carefully.

Reader 2 The Story of the Resurrection of Jesus It was Sunday morning, just before dawn. Everything was still. Then, as the first light touched the sky, the ground trembled and shook. An angel came and rolled away the stone that sealed the tomb. The guards were so frightened, they ran off. When the women came, bringing their spices, the grave was open and the body had gone. The angel spoke to them:

The story of the resurrection of Jesus……. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “I know you are looking for Jesus. But he’s not here. He’s alive from the dead! Look, this is where his body was. Hurry and tell his friends. You will see him again soon.” Jesus’ friends refused to believe the women’s story. They thought they were imagining things! But Peter and John went to the grave, to see for themselves. John ran faster than Peter, and got there first. He looked inside the grave, but didn’t go in. Then Peter arrived and they both went in.

The story of the resurrection of Jesus……. They saw the cloths which had bound the body, lying untouched, with the cloth that had wrapped Jesus’ head just a neck-space away. John knew at once that no one could have stolen the body. What the women had said was true! Jesus was alive from the dead! The two men went home. But Mary Magdalene, who had followed them, stayed. She stood there, crying.

The story of the resurrection of Jesus……. She could not understand what had happened. Then she caught sight of a man she thought was the gardener. “If you have taken him away,” she said, “please tell me where to find him.” She did not know she was talking to Jesus! Then Jesus said, “Mary!” She knew at once who it was. Joy flooded through her. “Tell my friends you have seen me.” Jesus said.

The story of the resurrection of Jesus……. This is the Gospel of the Lord. All:Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

Gospel Reflection: What happened, what did you hear? [word/s, people, actions or images] What would you have felt like, if you were there running into the cave where Jesus was buried?

Gospel Reflection: Mary Magdalene, Simon Peter and the other disciple went out looking for the dead Jesus – instead they realised that He is alive. We do not have to look for Jesus anymore. He walks with us everyday. He lives among us and wants to be our friend. Can you let him be a friend of yours, a friend of your family and a friend of our school? Have you a story about how Jesus is a friend and brother in your own life?

Gospel Reflection: Easter is a time of great joy and celebration. It is also a time of great hope because it shows that nothing is impossible to God. How do you celebrate your Easter? What is your hope for your family, school and the world during this Easter season?

Closing Prayer Teacher:Risen Jesus, we thank you for the new life you have given us. Show us how to live in hope and make a change, so that all of us – our friends, families and ourselves – may live in peace, love and joy with one another. All:Amen. Final Song: Father, in my life I see

Father, in my life I see Father, in my life I see, You are God who walks with me. You hold my life in Your hands. Close beside You I will stand. I give all my life to You, help me Father to be true!

Jesus, in my life I see, You are God who walks with me. You hold my life in Your hands. Close beside You I will stand. I give all my life to You, help me Jesus to be true! Spirit, in my life I see, You are God who walks with me. You hold my life in Your hands. Close beside You I will stand. I give all my life to You, help me Spirit to be true!

Prepared by: Archdiocesan Commission for Catholic Schools (ACCS) Thank You to the following resources: Templates/photos: