Children’s liturgy for Easter Sunday (Year C) Preparation of the worship space Colour: white/gold Props: fresh flowers, plants, bright colours/decorations Song suggestions Now the green blade rises (278, Laudate) This is the day that the Lord has made (465, Laudate) Thine be the glory (287, Laudate) Welcome: What special day is it today? Happy Easter! What are we celebrating? New life… Christ is risen! Opening prayer: God of wonder, we rejoice because Christ is risen and we know that all things are possible for you. Bring us new life and help us to make our world a better place for everyone. Amen. First Reading (optional): Acts 10:34, 37-43 Psalm: Ps 117:1-2, 16-17, 22-23, r 24 Gospel acclamation: everyone stands and sings the acclamation together. Gospel: John 20:1-9 Early on Sunday morning, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been taken away from the entrance. She went running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and told them, “They have taken the Lord from the tomb, and we don't know where they have put him!” Then Peter and the other disciple went to the tomb. The two of them were running, but the other disciple ran faster than Peter and reached the tomb first. He bent over and saw the linen wrappings, but he did not go in. Behind him came Simon Peter, and he went straight into the tomb. He saw the linen wrappings lying there and the cloth which had been round Jesus' head. It was not lying with the linen wrappings but was rolled up by itself. Then the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went in; he saw and believed. (They still did not understand the scripture which said that he must rise from death.) (Gospel passage taken from Good News Translation® and used with permission, see details below*) Gospel reflection: What do you remember from today’s reading? Mary Magdalene goes to the tomb where Jesus’s body has been laid, but the stone blocking the entrance has been moved. She thinks that someone has moved Jesus. How do you think this makes her feel? She runs back to fetch Simon Peter and John and tell them that Jesus has gone. When they arrive at the tomb they see that it is empty except for the cloths that the body had been wrapped in. The disciples realise that Jesus has risen from the dead and they believe in him. Jesus is risen from the dead, giving new life to us all. How does it make you feel to know that Jesus is risen? Easter is a time of great joy, happiness and celebration. It is also a time of great hope, because the resurrection of Jesus shows us that nothing is impossible to God. Jesus is risen from the dead to forgive our sins and bring us all new life. It is a day for fresh starts and new beginnings, knowing that Jesus will always be with us. And so today we are filled with joy and we look to the future with hope. Hope is not just about wishing for things to get better without doing anything about it. We have been told that a person “who has hope lives differently”. They have “been granted the gift of new life.” (Pope Benedict, Spe Salvi) We live differently because we are trying to change the world, so that it becomes a place where everyone has the chance to live free from poverty. Even when it is very difficult, we cannot give up, because we have hope. What makes you joyful this Easter? And what is your hope for the world? Is it peace for all people? Enough food for all? For no one to be lonely? For the world to be a fairer place? Whatever your hope, as we give thanks to God this Easter for all the things that bring us joy, we also pray that our hopes may become a reality. And filled with hope we go out to work towards making this happen. What will you do this Easter so that with God’s help your hope for the world might become real? Intercessions You may want to ask the children to offer their own prayers or you can use the suggestions below. In joy and giving thanks, we offer our prayers together today: We pray for all the leaders of nations: that they may renew their efforts to bring peace and fairness to the world. Lord, in your mercy… We pray for all members of our global family: that we may be filled with hope for the future and inspired to work together to make this hope a reality. Lord, in your mercy... We pray for our parish, family and friends: that we may always spread joy and love to others and never lose hope of a fairer world for all. Lord, in your mercy… Closing prayer: Risen Christ, we give than