May 11, 2025 – 4th Sunday of Easter

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Things to talk about:

• In this Gospel, who are the sheep?
• What is Jesus trying to teach us in this story?
• We can hear the voice of Jesus in those who preach and speak his words. Whose voices speak the words of Jesus for you today?
• Sheep rely on their shepherd for everything. Do you put your trust in Jesus and depend on him to give you what you need?

Things to do:

• The image of sheep reminds us that the wool which comes from sheep is often used to make warm clothing. One of the corporal works of mercy is to clothe the naked. Even though the weather is turning warmer, clothes are still needed for the unsheltered. Each morning this week as you are getting dressed for school/work, offer a prayer for those in need of something to wear. What donations can you make to St. Vincent de Paul Thrift store? God can work through us to help take care of others.
• Make mini-shepherd pot pies, click Here for recipe
• Honor Mom –Motherhood is a vocation. Just as Jesus the Good Shepherd takes care of his sheep, moms take care of us. On this Mother’s Day, do something special for your mom or a mother figure in your life. Here are some ways to treat mom today: Serve her breakfast in bed, Prepare a special meal (and clean up afterward), Do a photo shoot with mom, Help your mom if she has a garden, Make a card or write her a letter, Light a candle in church for her, Pray a rosary for her..
• May is Mary’s month ...Make a Rosary
  The Rosary is a devotional prayer that has been used for centuries to call on the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The rosary itself can also be used for the Chaplet of Divine Mercy.
  Rosary-making kits can be purchased at local religious stores or online. You can make one at home with some beads and a pipe cleaner. Put 10 beads on the pipe cleaner in the center. Twist the two ends of the pipe cleaner together where the beads end. Pull those two pieces together tight and slide another bead over them together. Twist again and you have all the beads you need. You can get more creative and add a cross made of beads at the bottom.
  https://www.reallifeathome.com/rosary-craft-for-kids/

Closing Prayer

Hail Mary

On this Good Shepherd Sunday, Mother’s Day, and World Day of Prayer for Vocations call on our mother, Mary.

Hail Mary, full of grace; all generations call you blessed. Hail Mother of God; when asked by the angel to bear the Son of the Most High, filled with faith, you responded: “Let it be done unto me.”

Holy Mother of Jesus, at the wedding feast at Cana, you prompted your Son to perform his first sign.

Be with us as we discern our life’s work and guide us in the way we are called to follow
in the footsteps of your Son.

Holy Mother of the Savior, at the foot of the cross you mourned the death of your only Son.

Bless and embrace the loving parents of all priests, deacons, religious brothers and sisters, and single people.

Holy Mother of the Good Shepherd, turn your motherly care to this nation.

Intercede for us to the Lord of the harvest to send more laborers to the harvest
in this land dedicated to your honor.

Queen of Peace, Mirror of Justice, Health of the Sick, inspire vocations in our time.

Let the word of your Son be made flesh anew in the lives of persons anxious to proclaim
the good news of everlasting life. Amen.

Adapted from Prayer #6 from
http://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/prayers-and-devotions/prayers/prayers-for-vocations.cfm

Name those who need our prayers. Close with the Sign of the Cross.

Catholic Insights

The fourth Sunday of Easter is also called Good Shepherd Sunday.

The image of Jesus as Good Shepherd and the community of followers as his sheep has endured over the centuries as a primary image. Its power to describe the relationship between Jesus and his followers transcends direct experience with sheep. The image speaks to us about the protection, security, and care that shepherds represent for their sheep. It speaks powerfully about the familiarity and intimacy between Jesus and his disciples, expressed as recognizing and knowing another’s voice.

This Gospel also expresses the unity among God, Jesus and the disciples who continue his mission. To know Jesus is to know the Father. Our relationship with Jesus is an invitation to share in the life of God. Thank you for loving us Good Shepherd.

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Did you know….Shepherds used to “anoint” the heads of their sheep to prevent sunstroke and to prevent parasites. The oil ran into the crevices around the sheep’s ears, eyes, and nose to repel flies, fleas, and other parasites that could make it sick and even die.
 

Resources adapted from 52Sundays.com, Celebrating the Lectionary, At Home with the Word, Celebrating Families, Sunday Connection