Elisa Coccia - 8:30 am Sunday Mass Director

Alleluia!  Alleluia!  Jesus is alive!  On Easter Sunday, what did some of us give and receive as a symbol of Easter?  Easter eggs, right!  Just as the chick in an egg must break free from its shell to begin a new life,  Jesus broke free from death in the tomb.  Jesus had died and has risen!!!   Jesus has a new life which God promised to all of us.

 

Over the next few months, we will be talking about how sad the 12 disciples were after Jesus died on the cross and then how excited and happy they became when Jesus appeared before them and explained he is still with them (and us) every day!  There was one disciple that was  nicknamed  "doubting Thomas", and we will talk about how that became his nickname.  We will also talk about when we receive holy communion and drink from the wine chalice, what they represent. And we will pray together as always, and ask Jesus to help us to be more like him ....at home...at school...at church .....and everyplace else we go! 

 

These next few weeks we will also play a few games like Bible Trivia, Bible Fish, and Bible Heroes. For example, have you ever heard of John the Baptist?  Did you know that he was Jesus's cousin?  John baptized people in the Jordan River while telling everyone how wonderful Jesus was.  And did you know that John baptized Jesus too?  We will learn more about some amazing people in the Bible.

 

Come and join me any Sunday that there is religious education, at the 8:30 AM Mass.  I look forward to seeing you!

Please stayed tuned for future announcements, calendar dates, coloring pages, and fun & games.

For example, click on this link for a Happy House printout for a child's checklist.  This printout can be obtained from this website weekly or you can save the form on your computer for easy access.

In the meantime. . .

     Children of all ages are welcomed!  This is my third year participating in Children’s Liturgy and I truly love speaking to the children in helping them to understand the gospel on their level. It is so rewarding! 

     One of my favorite things to do with them is to say a prayer together for “their own intentions".  They really look forward to this part of our time together.  The children amaze me time after time with prayers for a grandparent, a parent, a sister or brother, a neighbor or their dog or cat.  Sometimes they are compelled to tell me who they are praying for and why….they are so sweet!

     Parents are welcomed to escort their child into the chapel (until they become comfortable).  Sometimes we color or draw a picture if time permits.

     When the children come up to the alter to participate in Children’s Liturgy, we have been singing a song as we walk around to the chapel.  Everyone is welcomed to sing with us.   We have been singing a song to the tune of “If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands".  It goes like this:

Alleluia, Alleluia, Praise the Lord
(clap your hands)
Alleluia, Alleluia, Praise the Lord
(clap your hands)

As we listen to His story,
let us praise him for his glory,
Alleluia, Alleluia, Praise the Lord
(clap your hands).

     I hope you will encourage your child, or the child that may be sitting next to you, to attend Children’s Liturgy at the 8:30 Mass . . . the more, the merrier!

     I look forward to seeing you soon.

Warmest regards,

Elisa Coccia

Dear Parents,

Participation during the 8:30 Children's Liturgy has been decreasing. I am asking the parents of children that attend that particular mass to encourage your child to participate. The person that teaches Children's Liturgy at our 8:30 mass for the third year now is Elisa Coccia. She has been attending St. Philips parish for seventeen years and loves children. She has also taken a course "Protecting Gods Children" and I am 100% confident that your children are in good hands.

The children are called forward, given a special blessing, then they are lead into our Chapel. They usually start with an opening prayer and then Elisa reads the gospel to them at their level which will help them understand the message being sent in each scripture. Then she explores with the children how they can apply what they just heard to their every day life. This is a wonderful way to nourish their faith and lead them to active participation in the Catholic religion as well as within our parish. They are given the opportunity to ask questions which sometimes leads to interesting discussions (even at their ages). The age group is usually K-4 however, ages 3-5 are welcomed with a parent if you feel more comfortable. If your child is old enough to listen to a story without too many interruptions, then please encourage your child to come forward when called for Children's Liturgy.

Help continue this vital ministry.
Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,

Rev. Theesmas Pankiraj, Pastor
St. Philip the Apostle