Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time – Year B
July 23, 2006

Primary Session
Mark 6:30-34

Opening Prayer

Let us pray.
Thank you, God, for your love and care.
Show us how to care for people who need our help.
In the name of Jesus Christ we pray.
Amen.


Opening Life Reflection
The main theme for today is Pastoral Ministry in the Church. To begin, invite the children to draw pictures of themselves caring for someone in need. Provide sheets of white paper and crayons. Invite volunteers to share their picture with the large group. Discuss:

• Who are the people you know that care for others in need?
• Where do you go for help when you are hurt or sad?
• When do you care for people who need help?

Allow time for discussion. God wants us to care for people who are in need. When we care for others we are living as followers of Jesus.

Listening to the Word of God
In today's gospel, listen to learn how Jesus cares for a crowd of people.

Read Mark 6:30-34.
Allow for silence.

Scripture Discussion Starters
• What do the apostles tell Jesus?
• Why does Jesus want the apostles to rest a while?
• How does Jesus care for the crowd of people?

Scripture Background

Provide 2-3 minutes of background information on the gospel using the Catechist Background and Preparation section.

In today's gospel, the people keep coming to Jesus and the apostles for help. Jesus understands that his disciples need a break. He invites the twelve apostles to come away and rest. This is the first and only time in Mark's gospel that the twelve are called "apostles." This new title shows that the disciples have been faithful to Jesus.

In this passage, Jesus responds to the needs of those around him. He cares for the crowd of people who are like sheep without a shepherd. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, begins to teach and help them. Like Jesus, the apostles are to teach and help others too.

Questions for Deeper Reflection

• When do you need time to rest?
• Why is Jesus like a Good Shepherd?
• How does Jesus show us how to live as his followers?

[If you are not going to continue with the doctrinal discussion, proceed to the Gospel in Life.]

Doctrinal Discussion Starters
Pastoral Ministry in the Church
All members of the Church together form the one body of Christ. As members of Christ's body, we love and care for one another. Pastoral Ministry can be described as the kind of service that shows others the love and care of God.

There are four major forms of pastoral ministry today. First, any activity that helps to spread the Gospel message is a form of pastoral ministry. Second is any activity of public or communal prayer. A third form of pastoral ministry is any activity that helps to build up the Church. And fourth, pastoral ministry includes all actions that serve the needs of others. All these forms of service bring God's love and healing to those in need.

• What is pastoral ministry?
• How is God's love and healing shown to people in need?
• How can you bring God's love to others through your actions?

Sacrament Connection
In the Sacrament of Matrimony, the Holy Spirit helps married couples to live a life of service to each other and the Church. Marriage is a sign of the faithful and life-giving love of God.

Connecting to Faith First® Legacy Edition
At Home Family Guide, theme 22
Kindergarten, chapter 15
Grade 1, chapter 8
Grade 2, chapter 10
Grade 3, chapter 8

Connecting to Faith First®
At Home Family Guide, theme 22
Kindergarten, chapter 15
Grade 1, chapter 8
Grade 2, chapter 10
Grade 3, chapter 8

The Gospel in Life
How can you bring God's love to someone who is hurt or sad this week?