Act of Worship ‘MEMORIAL SACRIFICE’ Year 5 ‘The Eucharist keeps the memory of Jesus’ sacrifice alive and present in a special way’ Focus: Book of Wilfred Gordon McDonald Partridge Children’s ‘basket of memories’ Any work the children have done on this topic in ‘Explore’ . Leader: The ‘’sign of the cross’ reminds us of God’s love for us so let us hold that memory in our minds as we make ‘the sign of the cross’ together slowly and prayerfully…In the name of the Father…. Gathering Together Leader: As we gaze at our table set with things which help us to bring to mind the memorable people and events in our lives, take a few quiet moments to recall the memories which are special to you, and the reasons why they are treasured……. After a quiet pause children could share any work done in ‘Explore’ about their memories Leader: Now as the sources of many of our memories are set out in front of us, let’s sing together “Memory Store” Rejoice 2 (43) or any appropriate hymn or song. Leader: Now we are going to finish decorating our table with some other objects which also help us to recall special people and events. Children reverently bring forward the following, and place them on the table: Crucifix Bread and wine Two lighted candles Bible opened at Luke 22 :14-20 The Word Last Supper picture (could be projected) of God Missal The things which we see here now help us to share in the memories of the friends of Jesus who were present at the great events of his life. Although we were not present when these things happened, their written memories, which were collected in the Bible, help us to feel as if we know these things so well, that we might almost have been there. Reader: These are the memories of Jesus’ friends, written down by St. Luke. Sing an ‘Alleluia’ to greet the Gospel (unless it is Lent in which case the ‘Alleluia’ is not proclaimed). A Reading from the Holy Gospel According to Luke Glory to You, O Lord We make the sign of the cross on our forehead, lips and heart, in preparation to hear the Good News of the Gospel. We make the sign of the cross on our foreheads to show we believe in God’s Word, on our lips to show we try to speak God’s Word to others, and on our hearts to show we love God’s Word and will try to live a good life. When the hour came, Jesus took his place at the table with the apostles. He said to them, ‘I have wanted so much to eat this Passover meal with you before I suffer! For I tell you, I will never eat it until it is given its full meaning in the Kingdom of God’. Then Jesus took a cup, gave thanks to God, and said, ‘Take this and share it among yourselves. I tell you that from now on I will not drink this wine until the Kingdom of God comes.’ Then he took a piece of bread, gave thanks to God, broke it, and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in memory of me.’ In the same way, he gave them the cup after the supper, saying, ‘This cup is God’s new covenant sealed with my blood, which is poured out for you’. The Gospel of the Lord All: Praise to You Lord Jesus Christ Response to The Word Leader: As we look at these symbols of the Last Supper, and remember the sacrifice that Jesus made for all of us, think again about the memories of the apostles, which were so vivid, that we can recall them today, as if they had happened to us. Close your eyes, (or look at the picture) and imagine that you are seated in that room with Jesus and the apostles. Feel their surprise at how Jesus has changed the actions, which are usually carried out in the Passover meal, and his mention of the suffering he will shortly experience. Imagine what you might have said to each other as the meal finished, and how you were able to recall every action in detail after his crucifixion, resurrection and ascension into heaven. Think of how you will share these memories with those who will ask you about them in the future. (Play quiet music and allow time for reflection). After the reflection children could share some work they have done in ‘Reveal’ Reader: Now let us join together in prayer as we thank Jesus for the gifts he gave us to keep our memory of him alive. The response is “We give you our thanks.” Reader: For the Mass, a memorial sacrifice of your Last Supper. All: We give you our thanks. Reader: For the bread and wine, through which we can share your body and blood. All: We give you our thanks. Reader: For the sacrifice of your life on the cross. All: We give you our thanks. Reader