Primary Session
Mark 10:2-16 [or (short form) 10:2-12]

Opening Prayer
Let us pray.
Ever-loving God,
Thank you for our Family and friends
who help to show us how much you love us.
In the name of Jesus we pray.
Amen.

Opening Life Reflection
Begin the session by inviting the children to reflect on friendship. Provide each child with a blank sheet of paper and some crayons and ask them to draw a picture of themselves with friends. Encourage them to include the things that they like to do with their friends in the drawing. When they are done, ask each child to describe their picture to the rest of the group.

Summarize by reminding the children that friends are people we can laugh, talk and play with. We also listen to and care about our friends. When God created the world, human beings were made to be partners. Jesus wants us to be good friends and partners for one another.

Listening to the Word of God
In the gospel reading today listen to Jesus teach about friendship and marriage.

Read Mark 10:2-16.
Allow for silence.

• What does Jesus say about man and woman?
• What does Jesus teach about marriage?
• Why did people bring their children to Jesus?
• What does Jesus say to his disciples when they try to stop the children from coming to him?

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

In today’s gospel reading Jesus tells us that marriage is sacred. When two people love and care for each other they reveal what God’s love is like. Jesus helps husbands and wives to love each other and to live together as friends.

In the gospel reading today we see how much Jesus loves children. When the disciples try to turn children away from Jesus, he tells them to let the children come to him. Then, Jesus blesses all the little children. Jesus knows that the children accept and love him. He tells his disciples that they should be more accepting and loving like the little children.

Questions for Deeper Reflection
• How can Jesus help a husband and wife to be friends?
• How do your friends and family show you God’s love?
• When do you receive a blessing from Jesus?

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

Doctrinal Discussion Starters
Marriage
God created man and woman to live for the good of each other. When two people are married they love and care for one another. Catholics believe that the love and friendship that is shared between husband and wife is a sign of God’s love. That is why marriage is a sacrament.

All of creation reflects God’s love. The birds of the air and animals of the fields show us the beauty of God’s work. Man and woman were created as partners. We believe that God wants us to live together in friendship and love. When we do that, God’s love is made known throughout the world.

• Where do you find signs of God’s love?
• How do you show your friends that you care about them?

(In your discussion be sensitive to the reality that many children have experienced a divorce in their family. Today’s discussion may also lead to the topic of annulment. The Church believes that some marriages do not represent the kind of intimate union between two people that God intended at the beginning of creation. Therefore an annulment can be granted to those divorced couples whose marriage was never a sacramental marriage.)

The Gospel in Life
We show God’s love through our actions. This week remember to show God’s love when you play with your friends.

Connecting to Faith First® Legacy Edition
At Home Family Guide, theme 22
Grade 1, chapter 22
Grade 3, chapters 16 and 17

Connecting to Faith First®
At Home Family Guide, theme 22
Grade 1, chapter 22
Grade 3, chapters 14 and 15