Children, Catholic Home School, Children’s Liturgy of the Word, Catholic Home School
Children, Catholic Home School, Children’s Liturgy of the Word, Catholic Home School
May 3, 2026
📈 The Meaning of Deacon
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5th Sunday of Easter (A)
LITURGY OF
THE WORD
↩️ ↪️ Catholic Women Preach
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Jesus Leads and Guides Us – May 3, 2026
Jesus’s Identity and Path to Heaven
Q: What does Jesus mean by calling himself “the way, truth, and life”? A: Jesus identifies himself as the way, truth, and life who guides followers to eternal life in heaven through his teachings, as revealed to his disciples the night before his death.
Q: How does knowing Jesus relate to knowing God the Father? A: Jesus explains that knowing him is the same as knowing the Father because he is one with the Father, requiring faith in this unified relationship.
Jesus’s Promise and Preparation
Q: What specific promise does Jesus make about heaven? A: Jesus promises to prepare a place for each disciple in his Father’s house with many rooms and assures he will return for them.
Disciples’ Role and Works
Q: What works does Jesus expect his followers to accomplish? A: Jesus wants followers to do great things by caring for people, helping the poor, and being kind and loving wherever they are, performing the same works he did.
Q: What greater capability will believers have after Jesus returns to the Father? A: Jesus promises that believers with faith will do the same works he did and even greater things once he goes back to the Father.
Addressing Doubt
Q: How does Jesus respond to Thomas’s doubt about knowing the way? A: Jesus assures Doubting Thomas that following him will place disciples on the right path to heaven, addressing his question about how to know the way.
↩️ ↪️ Jeff Cavins
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5-10-2020 / Children’s Liturgy of the Word / 5th Sunday of Easter (MOTHER’S DAY 2020)
IN 2026, Mother’s Day is NEXT WEEK on 6th Sunday of Easter MAY 10. 2026
Jesus’s Identity and Promise
Q: What does Jesus mean by “I am the way, the truth, and the life”? A: Jesus identifies himself as the path to God, the source of all truth, and the giver of life, inviting us to become his disciples and follow him (John 14:6).
Q: What specific promise does Jesus make about heaven? A: Jesus promises to prepare a place for each disciple in his Father’s house in heaven, then come back to take them to be with him forever (John 14:2-3).
Unity with the Father
Q: How does Jesus describe his relationship with God the Father? A: Jesus teaches that knowing him means knowing the Father, seeing him means seeing the Father, because he and the Father are one (John 14:7, 9).
Disciples’ Mission and Power
Q: What extraordinary capability does Jesus promise to believers? A: Jesus assures that those with faith in him will do the same works he does and even greater things as he goes to the Father, calling us to continue his mission of love and service (John 14:12).
Spiritual Nourishment and Practice
Q: What is the purpose of the Eucharist according to the teaching? A: The Eucharist (Holy Communion) is special food Jesus gives to nourish our souls and help us become more like him, requiring preparation with a pure heart and desire to grow closer to Jesus.
Practical Faith During Isolation
Q: How can we serve others when churches are closed? A: We can pray at home by watching Mass videos, setting aside family prayer time, praying for healthcare workers, and serve by sending letters and pictures to nursing home residents who are lonely and isolated.
↩️ ↪️ Bishop James Golka
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CHILDREN’S LITURGY PROGRAM 07TH MAY 2023
Relationship with God
Q: What does Jesus promise about preparing a place for believers? A: Jesus assures in John 14:1-2 that in his Father’s house are many rooms, he goes to prepare a place for his disciples, and promises to return and take them to himself so they can be where he is.
Q: What is the only way to reach the Father according to Jesus? A: Jesus declares in John 14:6 “I am the way, the truth, and the life” and states that no one comes to the Father except through him, explaining that knowing him is knowing the Father because the Father dwells in him and does his works.
Practical Faith Development
Q: How can children develop a relationship with Jesus? A: Children are encouraged to pray, meditate on the Word of God, and share love with others to internalize Jesus’ teachings, feel his presence, and spread God’s love.
Trust and Provision
Q: What should children trust instead of worrying about material needs? A: Jesus tells children not to worry about needs like food or school fees but to believe and trust in his love, assuring that because the Father is in him, he will provide for them and all children in the world.
Q: What does God’s provision mean for each individual child? A: Children are reminded that each person has a special place in God’s heart and God has enough love and provision for everyone, so they should trust in God’s provision for themselves, their families, and all children.
Sharing and Abundance
Q: What is the “magic in sharing” that Jesus teaches? A: Jesus encourages children to keep trusting, loving one another, and sharing what they have, promising that when they share food with those in need, God repays them abundantly, providing even more than they can imagine.
↩️ ↪️ Know Before You Go
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Little Liturgies: May 6 2023 — 5th Sunday of Easter
Heaven and Present Reality
Q: What is the Father’s house and how should believers relate to one another there? A: The Father’s house in heaven contains many rooms for all believers where they exist in full communion with God and one another, practicing love, compassion, gentleness, care, and mercy as Jesus modeled.
Q: What does the sacrament of Confirmation accomplish for believers? A: The sacrament of Confirmation strengthens the gift of the Holy Spirit, empowering believers to be Jesus’ presence in the world and help others encounter him and the Father through the communion of love.
Jesus’ Identity and Mission
Q: How does Jesus reveal the Father and what does this enable believers to do? A: Jesus as the Way, Truth, and Life reveals the Father through his words and works, and believing in him enables doing greater works because he goes to the Father, with Jesus and the Father being identical in love and care despite being separate persons.
Kingdom Work Through the Holy Spirit
Q: What is Jesus’ actual desire for believers regarding heaven? A: Jesus’ real desire is not for believers to hurry to heaven but to transform present lives by drawing the communion of love into everyday lives through the Holy Spirit, making heaven present among us now.
Q: How does the Holy Spirit enable believers to bring heaven into daily life? A: The Holy Spirit empowers believers to do works of love, mercy, compassion, and gentleness that may not be valued by the world but are priceless, enabling the communion of love to manifest in present lives.
Encountering God Through Believers
Q: What happens when believers work with the Holy Spirit to draw the Kingdom of Heaven into everyday life? A: Working with the Holy Spirit to draw the Kingdom of Heaven into everyday lives makes believers part of the communion of love, so when people encounter them, they encounter Jesus and the Father, making heaven present among us.
↩️ ↪️ 1-Minute Homily
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Developing a Prayer Practice with Jesus
Q: How do I start a daily prayer conversation with the Good Shepherd?
A: Find a quiet moment each day to talk to Jesus about what made you happy or sad, then listen for his voice in your heart as he is present day and night to help and guide you.
Q: What should I share with Jesus during prayer?
A: Share your thoughts, worries, and joys with the Good Shepherd, including anything worrying you today, as he provides a safe space where you feel loved and guided.
Q: How do I recognize Jesus speaking to me in prayer?
A: Listen for the gentle voice of the Good Shepherd in your heart, as he doesn’t always speak loudly but communicates through the quiet of your heart when you listen.
Following the Good Shepherd’s Guidance
Q: How does the Good Shepherd lead me in daily decisions?
A: The Good Shepherd leads you to do the right thing and love like he does, and when you listen to his voice in your heart, you can feel safe, loved, and guided in your choices.
Q: What does the parable teach about following Jesus versus strangers?
A: The sheep follow the Good Shepherd because they know his voice and he calls them by name, but they will not follow a stranger and flee from him because they do not recognize the voice of strangers.
Q: What makes Jesus’s relationship with me personal?
A: Jesus the Good Shepherd knows each sheep by name, loves them personally, and always loves you, demonstrating that he knows your specific identity and cares for you individually.
↩️ ↪️ Priests for Life
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Children’s Message (5-7-23) – Big Al knows the way
Following Jesus’ Way
Q: What matters more than our location or next steps in life?
A: Doing things like Jesus did—being kind, forgiving, helpful, and loving—matters more than where we are or what we do next, as his way leads to happiness even when life is confusing and uncertain.
5th Sunday of Easter (A)
What does the term “deacon” mean and what do deacons do? The word deacon comes from the Greek word “diakonos,” which means “servant” or “minister.” The Apostles appointed the original seven deacons in the Book of Acts (Acts 6) to assist them in serving the Church. Originally, they were appointed to care for the widows of the community, feed the hungry, and help distributing communion in the breaking of the bread.
A deacon receives the Sacrament of Holy Orders in the Catholic Church. In fact, a priest must be ordained as a deacon before becoming a priest. Deacons assist the bishop and priests in the celebration of the Mass, distribution of communion, blessing marriages, presiding over funerals, and the proclamation and preaching about the Gospel. They also serve in a variety of ministries especially focused on charity.
Check for Understanding (PDFs)
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Our Sunday Visitor
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5th Sunday of Easter (A)
MINISTRY-TO-CHILDREN: What does it mean that Jesus is “the way”? This message demonstrates to children the importance of Jesus being the most important thing in our lives. The object lesson utilizes a key to describe Christ’s power, emphasizing the key’s ability to let us into places, just as Jesus lets us into fellowship with God and eternal life.
5th Sunday of Easter (A)
Image added by TWTW; not part of original source material
God’s Map
Not long ago I was driving to another part of the state and made a wrong turn. Before I knew it, I had no idea where I was.
Luckily I keep some maps – like this one – in my car. Maps show us roads and streets – and can help us get from one place to another, especially when we don’t know the way.
Sometimes we can feel lost in life. Even when we know where we are, we can be confused by problems we face or choices we need to make. Not knowing the right thing to do can make us feel lost inside.
In our Gospel reading today, Jesus is telling his disciples that it is time for him to leave and go to heaven. He tells them he is going to prepare a special place for them there.
Image added by TWTW; not part of original source material
One and the Same
Let me describe something and see if you can guess what it is. It is fluffy and white. It is something that you can eat. You may like to eat it with butter and salt added. It is fun to eat it while watching a video. Yes, it is popcorn. (Show the popped corn.)
Now look at this. (Show kernels of popcorn.) Describe what you see. You see popcorn? How can that be? This is not fluffy and white; it is yellow and very hard. Would it taste good with butter and salt added? No, you cannot eat it while it is in this form.
When heat is applied to the kernels of corn, steam forms inside the kernel causing it to change its appearance and pop or explode into a tasty treat that we can eat.
Image added by TWTW; not part of original source material
Do Not Let Your Hearts be Troubled
I know a little girl who is two years old and when she gets upset she scrunches up her face and says, I mad! We all feel like that at times. It is good to recognize our feelings and think about why we feel as we do. You may realize that you feel happy, sad, angry, or fearful.
It is okay to feel angry if someone hurts you or someone you love. It is okay to feel sad when you have lost something or someone who is dear to you. We understand that when we don’t know what’s going to happen next (what to expect) we may feel fearful.
There are times, however, that we become upset over things that don’t matter. At those times it is helpful to stop and think about something that Jesus said to his disciples,
SOURCE: Sermon Writer – © 1997 – 2026 Richard Niell
5th Sunday of Easter (A)
DOWNLOAD PDF (High Resolution)
DOWNLOAD PDF (High Resolution)
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5th Sunday of Easter (A)
Entrance Song
Core Biblical Foundation
Q: What Scripture anchors “The Best Way” worship song?
A: The song draws directly from John 14:6 where Jesus declares “I am the way, the truth, and the life,” transforming this foundational verse into a youth-focused worship anthem that emphasizes choosing God’s direction over personal preferences.
Musical Design & Target Audience
Q: What makes this song effective for youth ministry settings?
A: The track combines vibrant pop-rock energy with an easy-to-sing chorus and bold lyrics, specifically designed for youth worship nights, VBS (Vacation Bible School), church praise services, and family devotions to engage young believers through movement and memorable repetition.
Central Message & Application
Q: What practical decision does the song encourage listeners to make?
A: The repeated refrain “Not my way, but Your way. Because You have the best way!” teaches young believers to trust God’s direction over their own judgment, framing following Jesus as the best decision that brings love, joy, and freedom.
ST. JOSEPH’S CORNER (3:04) —See left sidebar for Questions
Response & Acclaim
Response & Acclaim
Communion
5th Sunday of Easter (A)
Identity and Purpose in Christ
Q: How does baptism and faith transform our spiritual identity?
A: Before knowing Jesus, we exist as purposeless rocks stuck in sin, lost and not belonging anywhere, but through baptism and faith God chooses us as His children, connecting us to Jesus the cornerstone and bringing us into His family where we gain both belonging and purpose.
Individual Significance in God’s Design
Q: Why is each believer essential to the Body of Christ?
A: Just as removing stone blocks causes the museum to crumble, each person in the Body of Christ has been chosen and formed by God for a specific purpose, making every individual necessary and important regardless of feelings of inadequacy or not belonging.
Living Out Our Calling
Q: What is our function as living stones in God’s family?
A: Each believer is needed in the Body of Christ to share the love of Jesus using their unique gifts and abilities, similar to how each stone block is required to construct the complete museum structure.
