Monday Morning Gospel and Other World Faiths Assemblies - 2023/2024
Every Monday, Mrs Kelly delivers our morning Gospel to each class for our weekly Gospel message.
The children listen to the Gospel and think about the message which is given to us. We think about how we can use this message in our lives the following week. The message is displayed in the children's classrooms. A summary of the assembly, along with the gospel message and a picture is also sent out to parents via DoJo.
Every half term, the children explore a different world faith. The children think about how the faith differs and how it is the same as Christianity.
Please see below for the messages which are sent out each week.
Gospel 2023/2024
The children looked at a beautiful piece of art, from the 16th century, showing Jesus at the centre of the vine with the apostles sitting in the branches surrounded by leaves and grapes. They learnt that, when Christ is at our centre, we can be like the vine's branches, growing, reaching out and producing good fruit through our words and actions.
The Go Forth challenge is to find opportunities to show 'good fruit' such as love, joy, patience, kindness, goodness and gentleness.
"I am the good shepherd."
Through acting, the children explored what it meant to be a good shepherd. They learnt that Jesus is the Good Shepherd, and we are His sheep; Jesus knows each of us individually; we can follow Jesus’ example by caring for others.
The children had a time of reflection based on Psalm 23.
"The next day the great crowd that had come for the festival heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting,
“Hosanna!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Blessed is the king of Israel!”"
The children re-enacted the story and then showed good understanding as they answered questions about the events.
Gospel Assembly Monday 18th March 2024
GATHER: The children gathered together and thought about where different things belonged. They played a game sorting items into the places they thought they should be.
LISTEN: The children listened to scripture for this weeks’ readings and watched a video all about ‘Belonging.’
RESPOND: Using what they had heard, the children thought about ‘How does Jesus fulfil God’s covenant of belonging?’ They shared their answers. We spent some time in reflection, thinking about the image shared today and how we could express our belonging to God this Lent when we GIVE, ACT and PRAY?
GO FORTH: The children were given a challenge for the week to apply what they had heard about belonging.
This week’s prayer is:
Breathe in me, O Holy Spirit,
That my thoughts may all be holy.
Act in me, O Holy Spirit,
That my work, too, may be holy.
Draw my heart, O Holy Spirit,
That I love but what is holy.
Strengthen me, O Holy Spirit,
To defend all that is holy.
Guard me, then, O Holy Spirit,
That I always may be holy.
Amen
A song to help us reflect for this assembly is: (2) Draw me to your presence oh Lord! - YouTube
Gospel Assembly Monday 11th March 2024
GATHER: The children gathered together to mark the fourth Sunday of Lent – Laetare Sunday. Today’s focus was presence – the children thought about the different places of worship and how they feel when they visit some of these places; the presence the building has.
LISTEN: The children listened to scripture for this weeks’ readings and watched a video all about the presence of Jesus
RESPOND: Using what they had heard, the children thought about ‘How does Jesus bring God’s presence to us?’ They shared their answers. We spent some time in reflection, thinking about the image shared today and how this ripple is like the love of the Holy Spirit.
GO FORTH: The children were given a challenge for the week:
How can you share God’s presence with others this Lent when you GIVE, ACT and PRAY?
This week’s prayer is:
God our Father,
Thank you for being close to us!
Help me to make time to be in your presence.
Show me how I can share your love and presence with others.
Amen
A song to help us reflect for this assembly is: (2) Draw me to your presence oh Lord! - YouTube
GATHER: The children gathered together to mark the third Sunday of Lent. Today’s focus was guidance – the children thought about the different ways people could be guided.
LISTEN: The children listened to scripture for this weeks’ reading – John 2: 13-25 and Exodus 20.
RESPOND: The children watched the Lent video - ‘Guidance’, where children learn about the guidance and rules we follow based on the 10 commandments God gave us and the words Jesus shared in the temple. The Cafod Club Chaplains shared their guidance for how we can ‘give, act and pray’ each day during Lent.
GO FORTH: The children were given a challenge for the week:
How can you be guided by God during this Lent?
This week’s prayer is:
Father in Heaven,
Thank you for your great guidance!
Help me to listen to Jesus by loving you and others well.
Forgive me when I don’t follow your ways.
Amen
A song to help us reflect for this assembly is: Rend Collective Experiment - Second Chances (with lyrics) (2012) (youtube.com)
Amen
Gospel Assembly Monday 19th February 2024
GATHER: The children gathered together to mark the first Sunday of Lent.
LISTEN: The children listened to scripture for this weeks’ focus… Genesis 9:8-15
RESPOND: The children watched the Lent video - ‘Hope’, where children learn about the rainbow – God’s symbol of hope to His people.
GO FORTH: The children were given a challenge for the week:
How can you share God’s hope with others this Lent when you GIVE, ACT and PRAY?
This week’s prayer is:
Dear Jesus
You are our hope!
Thank you that no matter what we go through,
we can always have hope and trust in you.
Amen
A song to help us reflect for this assembly is: Hope's Anthem with Lyrics - YouTube
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name;
thy kingdom come,
thy will be done
on Earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
Amen
Gospel Assembly Monday 29th January
GATHER: The children gathered together. We looked at footprints in the snow and thought about how the footprints had left the animals mark on the place they had been. We thought about people who may have ‘left a mark’ on us.
LISTEN: The children listened to the gospel from Sunday – Mark 1:21-28
RESPOND: The children reflected on what they heard and answered these questions.
Where did Jesus go to teach the people?
What was the people’s reaction to Jesus’ teaching?
When people or ideas make a deep impression, they can help to change or influence our behaviour. How can we show that Jesus influences us?
The children thought about how when people heard Jesus’ teaching, they: Listened and were interested because Jesus’ teaching was different from what they had heard before. Were impressed because Jesus spoke clearly and confidently in a way that people could understand. Were influenced and changed by Jesus’ message because He showed them a new way to live. People saw that Jesus’ words matched His actions – He gave a message of love and showed that love to everyone He met. We remember Jesus’ mark on our lives each time we make the Sign of the Cross.
GO FORTH: The children were given a challenge for the week:
Jesus’ words matched His actions. How could you let Jesus’ words and actions influence you this week?
This week’s prayer is:
Jesus,
We want you to leave your mark on us.
Open our hearts so that your words leave a deep impression.
Please help us to listen so that your words and actions influence us.
Help us to spread your message of love to everyone we meet today.
Amen
A song to help us reflect for this assembly is: Miracles- Jesus Culture (Lyrics) - YouTube
Gospel Assembly Monday 22nd January
GATHER: The children gathered and thought about the different types of news they hear every day.
LISTEN: The children listened to the gospel from Sunday – Mark 1: 14-20
RESPOND: The children thought about and responded to the following questions:
What was the message that Jesus was sharing?
What did the fishermen do when they heard Jesus’ message?
Simon and Andrew left their nets when Jesus told them to follow Him. How can we follow Jesus today?
The children reflected about how Jesus gives us the best news ever, that the time of waiting is over, and now is the time to believe in and follow Him! The fishermen didn’t wait around - they dropped everything and chose to follow Jesus. They were quick to respond because they knew that Jesus’ news was for them, now! The same is true for us today – God’s Kingdom isn’t just for the future. The Kingdom of God is near, and we can choose to respond to Jesus’ message now! Jesus invites us to listen to the Good News, believe in Him, and follow Him through our words and actions. By following Jesus and living in His way, we can help to build the Kingdom of God here on Earth.
GO FORTH: How can you follow Jesus through your words and actions today?
This week’s prayer is:
Lord Jesus,
Thank you for sharing the Good News with us.
Help me to listen and believe in your love,
to say sorry when I get things wrong,
and to be quick to follow you.
Amen
A song to help us reflect for this assembly is: Let It Happen by Will Reagan & United Pursuit - YouTube
Gospel Assembly Monday 15th January
· GATHER: The children gathered and thought about the different names for Jesus: Christ, Messiah, King of Kings, Son of God
LISTEN: The children listened to the gospel from Sunday - John 1:35-42
RESPOND: The children thought about and responded to the following questions:
What did John the Baptist call Jesus?
When Jesus said, ‘Come and see’, what did John the Baptist’s disciples do?
Why do you think John the Baptist’s disciples wanted to spend time with Jesus?
GO FORTH: Jesus wants you to ‘come and see’ and get to know Him better. Can you plan some special time to spend with Jesus, this week?
This week’s prayer is:
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, grant us peace.
Amen
A song to help us reflect for this assembly is: Chris Tomlin - Whom Shall I Fear [God Of Angel Armies] (Lyric Video) (youtube.com)
Gospel Assembly Monday 8th January
GATHER: The children gathered and thought about the best gift they have ever been given. They shared some ideas.
LISTEN: The children listened to the story of the Epiphany, Matthew 2: 1-12
RESPOND: The children thought about and responded to the following questions:
Who is the baby that they were looking for?
Was the baby Jesus at the palace with King Herod? Where was he?
How do you think King Herod felt when he heard that the wise men were looking for a new king?
What did he say to the wise men?
Do you think he was telling the truth?
GO FORTH: Can you think of any other ways that God guides us to follow the right path in our journey through life? The children shared their ideas.
This week’s prayer is:
Generous God, we give thanks for all that you have given us. Open our hearts to follow you so that all that we do may be guided by your love. We make this prayer through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
A song which helps us to reflect on this theme is 'What kind of throne' by Joel Payne.
Gospel Assembly Monday 20th November 2023
GATHER: The children gathered and thought about the best gift they have ever been given. They shared some ideas.
LISTEN: The children thought about this weeks’ Gospel, Matthew 25:14-30
RESPOND: The children thought about and responded to the following questions:
· What did the first and second servants do with their gifts?
· Why was the master disappointed with the third servant?
· What do you think the master wanted the servants to do with the money he gave them?
GO FORTH: “Well done, good and faithful servant; you have shown you can be faithful in small things; I will trust you with greater.” The children thought about how they would use their gifts from God.
This week’s prayer is:
Father God
Thank you for the gifts and talents you have given me.
Help me to know Your love.
Help me to make the most of my gifts by loving, praying and doing my best.
Amen
A song to help us reflect for this assembly is: Chris Tomlin - Forever (Lyrics) - YouTube
A song which helps us to reflect on this theme is 'Kyrie Eleison (As We Come Before You) by Keith Getty and Stuart Townend.
Stuart Townend "Kyrie Eleison" (As We Come Before You) - YouTube
Father God,
I want to put You in the ‘place of honour’.
Help me put you first and love you more each day.
Jesus,
Guide me so that I think of others before myself.
Holy Spirit,
Help me to show love through my words and actions.
Amen
A song which helps us to reflect on this theme is 'Open the Eyes of My Heart' by Michael W. Smith.
Dear God,
Help me to
Love You
Obey Your commandments
Value each other
Encourage and forgive each other.
Amen
A song which helps us to reflect on this theme is 'Lord, I Give You my Heart' by Hillsong Worship.
Accept God's invitation to pray to Him;
Accept God's invitation to be a good friend;
Accept God's invitation to go to Mass;
Accept God's invitation to help those in need.
Dear God,
Help me to see and hear your invitation.
Give me the courage to say 'Yes' to You,
even when it is difficult.
Give me the strength to accept Your invitation
to be a good friend,
to help those in need
and to join You at Your great feast.
Amen
A song which helps us to reflect on this theme is 'What a Beautiful name' by Hillsong Worship.
God,
You respect and love me as I am,
even when I might reject You.
Help me to show You the same
love and respect
in my prayers and in my actions.
Open my ears to hear Your message
and help me to share it
with those around me.
Amen
A song which helps us to reflect on this theme is 'Love People' by Chris Tomlin.
God,
You invite me to follow what you say and do, as Jesus did when He was on Earth.
Forgive me for the times when what I have said, or what I have done, or failed to do, have not matched my belief in You.
You invite me to love you and love others.
Help me to do this today both in what I say, and in what I do.
Help me to act with love today.
Amen
A song which helps us to reflect on this theme is 'Love People' by Chris Tomlin.
Tuesday 5th September 2023
GATHER: The children gathered for a reflection – they considered: How do you feel being back at school and thinking about Jesus again? Does Jesus feel familiar, like a friend? Or have you forgotten how to speak to Jesus because it feels like it’s been a while?
LISTEN: The children thought about this weeks’ Gospel, and about how Jesus said: Jesus invites us all to follow Him – Matthew 16: 21-27
RESPOND: The children thought about and responded to the following questions:
· How did you feel when you first saw the path ahead of you in the reflection?
· What did you think when Jesus said He would take your hand, lead you on the path and help you carry your bag?
· How might Jesus help you over the next school year?
GO FORTH: The children thought about the points they had explored this week. We shared how Jesus invites each of us to follow Him this year. In Sunday's Gospel, Jesus says: “If anyone wants to be a follower of mine, let him...take up his cross and follow me." Matthew 16:24. Jesus will help us every step of the way – He is a leader we can trust. He will help to carry our 'cross'. We don't have to carry an actual cross, instead it's like the bag in our reflection. We carry it on the path and when it gets too heavy, Jesus helps us.
Jesus will help us just like the woman in this picture – she is carrying the heavy bag and leading the child along the path. Jesus calls for us to follow Him. We can follow Jesus, who is the perfect leader, because He knows we will be happiest when we follow the path He lays out for us. The children reflected about the questions: Will you follow Jesus this year? Will you let Him help you and guide you?
This week’s prayer is:
Dear Jesus,
Thank you that you love us and invite us to follow you.
We don’t know all that this year holds, but you do.
Help us with our schoolwork and our friendships.
Help us remember that you are with us in the good times and the bad.
Amen
A song to help us reflect for this assembly is: ‘I Will Follow You’ (Chris Tomlin) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fWk9I26nX5w