Catechists Larry and Vu bring young disciples to pray the Liturgy of the Word for Children.

The children pay rapt attention to the Gospel reading.

Disciples participate in discussion about the sacred scripture.

On Sunday, May 9, 2004, Catechists Larry and Vu helped young disciples from our parish experience the Gospel of John 13:31-33a, 34-35 by presenting them with this analogy:

"Seeds, once they are buried in soil or dirt, can begin a new life if you add water to them. We are like these seeds. We, too, are buried, ot in dirt, but in original sin. For us to have a new life, we must be cleansed in the Holy Water, which is BAPTISM.

"Once these seeds begin to sprout, they will have air to breathe. Like the sprouts, we are given air to breathe, as well as the gift of God's grace. The sprouts will also need sunlight in order to grow bigger, and stronger, and beautiful. To make us grow stronger in mind, body and spirit, our light is JESUS. Jesus is the source of our strength because He teaches us how to love one another in order for us to be more beautiful and kind.

"In today's Gospel reading from the Book of John, Jesus taught us that we should love one another as He has loved us. When we promise to listen to the Word of God and follow Jesus' way to live, this is called CONFIRMATION. But water, air, and sunlight alone will not be enough for the sprouts to blossom and bear fruit. They will also need special food, or fertilizer, to give them a long and healthy life.

"The special food that we need to give us a long and healthy life does not come from the fruit and vegetables that you eat, rather it is in the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ, which is called the EUCHARIST."



On the second Sunday of every month from October to May at the 10:30 a.m. Mass, we celebrate a special Liturgy of the Word with Children. Children (kindergarten through fifth grade) are led by their catechist to Syrianey Hall, the Psalm and Scripture readings are proclaimed, and the Word of God is "broken open" on a level suitable to their ages.

If you would like to be a part of this wonderful ministry, or would like more information, please contact the Religious Education office via email or by calling 303-690-7697.

If you work with children or want to work with children, you must complete the Safe Environment Training. For a schedule of upcoming diocesan-wide training sessions, see www.archden.org/ or contact Rochelle Nepute by email or at 303-715-3241.

Father Jim Fox poses with two of our RCIA youth, who received their Sacraments of Initiation at the 10:30 a.m. Mass

Two of our young disciples, who along with many other RCIA youth this year prepared for full initiation into the Church, received their Sacraments of Initiation at the 10:30 a.m. Mass. These young people have spent the past nine months on an "incredible journey," learning the basics of our Catholic faith and opening themselves fully to God's call to them to enter the Church. It takes alot of bravery, patience, and perseverance to take ownership of the Catholic way of life. Not only are we called to keep the faith and live in its blessing, we are called to pass the blessing along to others.

The children who participated in the Liturgy of the Word with Children also had the wonderful opportunity to witness the initiation of our neophytes, and to pray for them along with the rest of the parish community.