Children who were here on Sunday morning were treated to an unexpected visitor. The Church began the observance of Holy Week with the annual observance of Palm-Passion Sunday, and since this was the day when we commemorate Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, it was perhaps fitting that this unexpected visitor should arrive.
As is our custom, the gospel account of the triumphal entry was read aloud before the Mass began. Then, there was a procession with palm branches and children who were in the congregation were invited to join the parade which wound up and down the aisles of the church, ending at the foot of the sanctuary. From there, the children received the Lectionary, and went to the place where they normally gather for the reading of the Word.
Even before any words could be read, one of the little ones was anxious to recount the details of the Passion of Christ. His retelling of the story was apparently even more enthraling than the evangelist's account! His attention to detail and animation were reportedly worthy of an Oscar. After this rendering, another of our little friends told the children that Christ rode into Jerusalem on a donkey as a symbol that he came in peace, had He riden a horse it would have meant war.
With these lead-ins to set the stage, yet another of our friends read the scripture passage from the book of the prophet Isaiah, apparently with such meaning and clarity that it was as though the story were being told for the first time. Whether it was his voice or his intonation or the way he placed emphasis on certain parts - it was beautiful soul food!
Just as the rendering of the prophet's words was ending, there was a knock at the door, and one of our neighbours (a member of the nearby Anglican church) invited our young friends to follow her.
The object of the invitation was a visit with Rollie the donkey, who had made his way to the steps of the church and had stopped for a visit with children from our congregation.
They LOVED the experience. They touched the donkey and fed him apples and carrots. Friends from the nearby Anglican church community who had accompanied Rollie encouraged our children to sing along with them. The parents who were there were amazed by the whole thing.
Once the visit was complete, the children and their adult friends returned to their regular gathering place, and listened as the words of the Gospel were recounted. The children then compared the peaceful donkey and Christ's peaceful entry into Jerusalem with the violent events that followed. In the words of one of the catechists, I couldn't have imagined anything more powerful. Our children are so insightful!!
Long after the encounter was complete, parents and friends were still talking about this surprise visitor, and about the impact that he had on the children as well as the adults who were privileged enough to meet him. We owe a debt of gratitude to our friends who agreed to share this wonderful treasure with us. I'm sure that they will look forward to meeting him again perhaps next year.
As is our custom, the gospel account of the triumphal entry was read aloud before the Mass began. Then, there was a procession with palm branches and children who were in the congregation were invited to join the parade which wound up and down the aisles of the church, ending at the foot of the sanctuary. From there, the children received the Lectionary, and went to the place where they normally gather for the reading of the Word.
Even before any words could be read, one of the little ones was anxious to recount the details of the Passion of Christ. His retelling of the story was apparently even more enthraling than the evangelist's account! His attention to detail and animation were reportedly worthy of an Oscar. After this rendering, another of our little friends told the children that Christ rode into Jerusalem on a donkey as a symbol that he came in peace, had He riden a horse it would have meant war.
With these lead-ins to set the stage, yet another of our friends read the scripture passage from the book of the prophet Isaiah, apparently with such meaning and clarity that it was as though the story were being told for the first time. Whether it was his voice or his intonation or the way he placed emphasis on certain parts - it was beautiful soul food!
Just as the rendering of the prophet's words was ending, there was a knock at the door, and one of our neighbours (a member of the nearby Anglican church) invited our young friends to follow her.
The object of the invitation was a visit with Rollie the donkey, who had made his way to the steps of the church and had stopped for a visit with children from our congregation.
They LOVED the experience. They touched the donkey and fed him apples and carrots. Friends from the nearby Anglican church community who had accompanied Rollie encouraged our children to sing along with them. The parents who were there were amazed by the whole thing.
Once the visit was complete, the children and their adult friends returned to their regular gathering place, and listened as the words of the Gospel were recounted. The children then compared the peaceful donkey and Christ's peaceful entry into Jerusalem with the violent events that followed. In the words of one of the catechists, I couldn't have imagined anything more powerful. Our children are so insightful!!
Long after the encounter was complete, parents and friends were still talking about this surprise visitor, and about the impact that he had on the children as well as the adults who were privileged enough to meet him. We owe a debt of gratitude to our friends who agreed to share this wonderful treasure with us. I'm sure that they will look forward to meeting him again perhaps next year.
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