May 2011

The People’s Pope

Pope John Paul II was beatified on May 1, Divine Mercy Sunday. The Vatican spokesman said Pope John Paul would be beatified primarily for the spiritual gifts of faith, hope and charity that were the source of his papal activity. Special care was taken with verification of a miracle attributed to the late pontiff — the spontaneous cure of a French nun from Parkinson’s disease — the same illness that afflicted Pope John Paul in his final years. Three separate Vatican panels approved the miracle, including medical and theological experts, before Pope Benedict XVI signed the official decree.

Pope John Paul II was known for his deep and abiding mercy (he visited and forgave the man who made an attempt on his life). In honor of Pope John Paul’s beatification, say a prayer that focuses on being merciful. Note that his official feast day will be October 22.

For more information about Blessed John Paul II, click here.

Have a Blessed Easter,and God bless! -- Dave and the OSV staff
(Email me at ddziena@osv.com to share your suggestions and questions.)

This month on Teaching Catholic Kids

Activity One: (Grades K-5): Easter Egg

German people long ago wrote the names of each child and their birthday on dyed eggs as part of their Easter observance. With permanent marker have the children write their names and birthday on large plastic eggs. Decorate the rest of the egg with stickers or sequins. Place a copy of the Easter prayer above or a short blessing in the egg and send home.

Activity Two (Grade 6 and up): About the Pope

Teacher Pattern:Fruits of the Spirit Board

Lifelong Catechesis Corner: Family Activity

Discuss with your family how you recognize Jesus in your daily life. Invite each family member to complete the following sentence: I feel closest to Jesus when ________ ?

Catholic Stewardship for Kids:

Make a meal together as a family and bring it to a homeless shelter or soup kitchen. Share Jesus' love and care by serving the meal.
For more ideas, visit the OSV Lifelong Catechesis site»

Soul Food for Teachers: "Blessed John Paul II and the Value of Work" by Woodeene Koenig-Bricker.

Catechist Know-How: From Mary Lou Rosien, ''The Precepts of the Church"

Prayer by Blessed Pope John Paul II

Sweat and toil, which work necessarily involves in the present condition of the human race, present the Christian and everyone who is called to follow Christ with the possibility of sharing lovingly in the work that Christ came to do. This work of salvation came about through suffering and death on a Cross. By enduring the toil of work in union with Christ crucified for us, man in a way collaborates with the Son of God for the redemption of humanity. He shows himself a true disciple of Christ by carrying the cross in his turn every day in the activity that he is called upon to perform. (From Laborem Exercens, Preface and no. 27.3)

Prayer from OSV's Large Print Catholic Prayer Book

Also on www.TeachingCatholicKids.com: