SMA Family Faith Formation

This page is for SMA Family Faith Formation Catechists only. Content for this lesson is linked below.

Summary of Lesson

Last month, we covered Jesus the Way, the Truth and the Life. Now, during Lent, we are going to look at Jesus our Savior. What does it mean to need a Savior? What did Jesus save us from? Our ancestors, Adam and Eve, disobeyed God and ever since then, we have all inherited the ability to turn away from God and sin. It was like a sickness that did not have a cure, and this sickness made it impossible for us to reach Heaven. This hurt God the Father, he wanted us in Heaven with him, so he sent his son Jesus to earth. Jesus’ willing sacrifice became the cure for our illness. Yes, we still sin, but through Baptism and the other Sacraments, our sins are erased over and over again and we are strengthened to reach Heaven. Jesus’ sacrifice heals our wounds. Jesus’ sacrifice wipes us clean. Jesus’ sacrifice makes us strong. During Lent, we try to walk with Jesus along the way of the cross, we spend extra time in prayer, fasting and almsgiving, and we give thanks for Jesus’ sacrifice.

Lesson Bullet Points:

• We need a Savior because our sin separates us from God
• We need a Savior to strengthen us to get to Heaven
• Jesus became our Savior when he sacrificed his life
• Jesus came to save each one of us
• During Lent we can walk with Jesus

Scripture Passage: Isaiah 53:5

“But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.”

Discussion Prompts/Questions:

1. What does being sick feel like? What does it feel like when you get better?
2. What are some examples of people who “save” others in our world today? (Firemen, doctors) Relate these people to Jesus.
3. What can we do to walk with Jesus along the Way of the Cross this Lent?
4. What are ways we can pray, fast and give alms? What does this mean?

Saint of the Month: St. Joseph of Arimathea

St. Joseph of Arimathea is mentioned in the Gospel. He was a priest in Jesus’ time, and even though many of the priests did not believe that Jesus was God, Joseph did. We do not know what kind of bullying Joseph may have encountered, but we do know that he very courageously went to Pontius Pilate to ask if he could take care of Jesus’ body after the crucifixion. Pilate said “yes”, so Joseph helped to bury Jesus’ body in his own tomb. This simple act was very brave.

Catechist Resources

• Chapter 8 “The Saving Death and Resurrection of Christ” (pp 89-100)

Songs & Videos

Crafts & Activities

• Holy Week “show and tell” (based off of this bag lesson): https://kerilynnsnyder.com/holy-week-countdown-activity/ Here are some other Easter items: https://whatsoeverish.com/2019/03/18/easter-symbols-in-a-can/
• Stations of the Cross “show and tell”. Similar to above, but with the Stations: https://www.catholicicing.com/stations-of-cross-eggs-for-catholic/
• Easter stones – stones with Holy Week symbols on them to tell the story: https://www.myjoyfilledlife.com/easter-story-stones/ Here is another version: https://mrmarksclassroom.com/easter-story-stones/
• Make a Holy Week Booklet where kids illustrate what happens each day: https://rhythmsforliving.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Holy-Week-Easter-Story.pdf
• Passion Week “3d” Posters. Similar to the above, but instead of drawing, the kids paste cutouts in a way that makes them 3d. I will have printouts: https://biblecraftsforyourkiddos.wordpress.com/2020/04/02/passion-week/
• Make a Stained Glass Calvary scene out of tissue paper & contact paper
• Left Right Easter Bible story game (I can purchase if we want it): https://printgamesnow.com/products/easter-left-right-bible-easter-game?_pos=1&_sid=eb9b3a978&_ss=r
• Make a mini Resurrection garden: https://www.themushymom.com/themushymommy/2021/5/6/holy-week-activities-with-kids
• DIY Stations of the Cross (I can purchase if we would like these): https://www.catholicicing.com/printable-stations-of-the-cross-craft-for-kids/

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