Begin with a few moments of quiet.

Invite all present to sit comfortably.
When sitting comfortably, take three deep breaths, as you breathe in feel your lungs filling all the way up, when they are full slowly release your breath and feel your lungs emptying out fully. Repeat this three times.
Now return to breathing normally.

Use some of this quietening music to help come into a space of prayer

Opening ourselves to the Presence of God in our lives

Have a conversation, allowing each person present a few moments to think about and to reply to the following.
Thinking back over the week, let us share with one another
What is it that I want to say thank you for?
What is it that want to say I am sorry for?

Now begin with the following prayer:

Dear God,
Thank you that we can celebrate Jesus
Thank you for all He did for us
And all that He continues to do
Help us to trust in you
Even when we don’t understand what’s happening
We know you work things for good
Thank you for your love
We love you, God!
In Jesus name, Amen!

Introduce the Gospel

Today is the Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time

The Gospel today is about the experience of fear and of not being afraid.

Read the Gospel Matthew 10:26-33

^{Before Jesus sent the apostles out to bring the Good News to the people, he gathered them together and said: ‘Do not be afraid to stand before the crowds and speak, even though there will be many who wish you harm and will not listen. My heavenly father knows when even one little sparrow falls dead from the sky, and you mean more to him than all the birds in the world. He will watch over you and see how brave you are. If you lose your life for my sake, your reward will be great in heaven and you will share in my father’s glory and have life everlasting.’} 

This video clip presents this Gospel message from Matthew in a different way

Have a Conversation about the Gospel

The writer of this Gospel is called Matthew. He was one of the twelve apostles who helped Jesus to tell everyone the Good News. He was a tax collector before he started to help Jesus. 

Do you think he was afraid of helping Jesus? 

The apostles had to leave their friends and families and go to countries where they were strangers. When they got there they had to live as Jesus taught them and share his message with the crowds. 

Have you ever had to stand up in front of a crowd and read to them, or say lines in a school play? Did you feel nervous? Can you describe any other feelings that you had at the same time? 

Can you remember who came at Pentecost to share his courage and strength with the apostles? The apostles were transformed by the Holy Spirit. They changed from being frightened people, to being brave enough to stand up before non-believers and tell them that Jesus had risen from the dead. 

Lots of people did not believe them and treated them as liars, chasing them away from their towns. 

How do we share the gospel message today? 

We can tell people about Jesus but we must also try to live as Jesus taught us. What does that mean? It means treating others as you would like to be treated yourself. As today is Father’s day you could start by being extra kind to your dad, grandad or a father figure in your life. What could you do to show them kindness? Draw them a picture, give them a hug (if allowed!) bring them their favourite treat etc. 

End with a prayer

Dear Jesus, thank you for loving me so much. When I am frightened, help me to remember that you are with me. Amen 

Some Activities

Here are some activities you might like to complete during the coming week as a reminder of this Gospel today.

This one is about listing your worries and getting help with them. Worry Role Play

Activities and puzzles Around Fathers Day