Year 5 Easter

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Outcomes for Year 5 Easter

Working towards Age Related outcomes (pupils made need support to fulfil some of these outcomes)

Pupils will know what the Triduum is Pupils will be able to describe and explain the reasons for at least 2 of the symbols

used in the Easter Vigil AT1 Pupils will be able to make some links between either the Easter Vigil or Holy

Thursday and the beliefs of Christians. (For example, what does passing the light on tell us about how we should behave) AT1

Pupils will be able with support and scaffolding to make links to show how the beliefs expressed in the Triduum are affecting the life of Christians. (This could explore the life of a specific person.) AT1

Compare their own and others ideas about what some of the Baptismal promises mean? AT2

Age related outcomes of the Module

Pupils will show understanding of what the Triduum is by describing the 3 parts of the Triduum. (Note they should be able to give a brief description of each part selecting what they believe to be key aspects)

Pupils will be able to show an understanding of the washing of the feet on Holy Thursday night and explain how this might affect the actions of Christians

Pupils will be able to explain describe and explain the symbolism used in the Easter Vigil. (This will include an understanding of the purpose of the different parts of the liturgy- they make still require some scaffolding)

Pupils will be able to show understanding of how the Easter Vigil links to other sources in Scripture.

Describe and show understanding of the beliefs of the Christian Church expressed in and through the Vigil.

Engage with the question of’ what do the baptismal promises mean is it difficult to keep the baptismal promises?’ AT2/ AT3 They should evidence their answers

Pupils working at greater depth within expected standard may be able to do some of the following:

Pupils will be able to sow understanding of the Easter vigil by making links between the symbolism of the vigil, the beliefs expressed and the meaning this holds for Christians todayAT1

Pupils will be able to answer the question ‘The Triduum is still important for Christians today’ AT3

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Notes on The Triduum for staff

The Triduum consists of Holy Thursday/Good Friday/The Vigil mass on Holy Saturday. Although over three days they are connected. The mass on Holy Thursday night has no dismissal. Instead we go to watch in front of the Blessed Sacrament recalling the disciples waiting with Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane. Good Friday recalls the events of Jesus’ death, it is not a mass. Holy Saturday the vigil mass is a really powerful liturgy. All the elements mean something and there is no end to the amount of work you could do on this. Since this is Easter I have not focused on the Good Friday Service too much for pupils but if you have time include it.

Holy Thursday Night

(Note the key point of this liturgy is to remind of the ways in which Jesus lived and ultimately gave his life for others it is a reminder to us that if we follow Jesus then we too must give our lives for others)

This mass celebrates the Last Supper. It begins in the evening because the Jewish feast of Passover would have begun then.

At this mass the Gloria is said or more normally sung (this is the first time since Lent began) this is to remind us to celebrate Jesus’ love for us

The first reading is the story of the Jewish Passover. Through this event the Jewish people began their journey from slavery to freedom. The second reading is from Corinthians (1 Cor 11: 23-26) this is the earliest account of the Last Supper (This is my Body- do this in memory of me) This recalls the way Jesus was prepared to totally give himself for us but also it is the New Covenant . Just as the Jews left physical slavery behind to become free in a new land so we can move from the slavery of all that makes us selfish to new life with Jesus. The Gospel is from John’s Gospel it also recounts the Last Supper but in John you have the story of how Jesus washed the disciples’ feet. Jesus served others. When we are told ‘Do this in memory of me’ it means we too should live to serve others.

The priest washes the feet of 12 people from the congregation. This is to remind us of what Jesus did, to remind us that leadership is about service to others putting their needs first. It is also saying that just as we recognise Christ in bread and wine so we should recognise Christ in others. In the middle of the liturgy everything stops so the priest can wash the feet of others. Christ is present when we serve others

After communion the Priest carries the Blessed Sacrament to the place where it will be kept until tomorrow. Everyone follows on in procession behind the priest. (This recalls the disciples following Jesus to the Garden of Gethsemane). We then all pray silently and leave silently. (There is no dismissal this liturgy is part one connected three day Triduum). Those who can stay watching and praying in front of the Blessed Sacrament during the next few hours. (The disciples were asked to stay awake and pray)

Meanwhile in the main Church the altar is stripped, the tabernacle light is switched off. Any crosses in Church are covered. The world waits.

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Good Friday(This liturgy is not a mass)

The altar is completely bare without cloths, candles or cross. It normally takes place around 3pm. There are three parts to this service. It is also a day of fasting

The Liturgy of the Word. The priest enters in silence. He prostrates himself in front of the altar. This is to submission to the will of God. We then listen to the readings which are about Jesus’ suffering and death. The gospel ends with the burial of Jesus. We try to understand the readings to think about why it happened and what it means for us. We hear, for example, about Peter’s denial and think for example about the ways we let Jesus down. After the Gospel we then pray for the needs of the whole world.

The Veneration of the Cross. A cross covered by a cloth is brought into the church. It is carried in procession to the altar. Three times the procession stops and the priest (or minister) says: “This is the wood of the cross on which hung the saviour of the World” we respond by saying “Come let us worship” Each time part of the cross is uncovered. We all then approach the cross and make some act of veneration. (some people touch or kiss the cross others may just kneel or genuflect before it) you have to think about this. We are used to the cross but it was an instrument of death and torture. Criminals were executed on it. Imagine making a sign of respect before the electric chair. At the beginning others couldn’t understand how the cross could be a sign of triumph for Christians but for Christians a) it proves the love of Christ and the lengths he was prepared to go to and b) it is through the suffering and death of the cross that we get to the resurrection.

Holy Communion. The altar is covered with a cloth and the hosts consecrated yesterday are brought in. (this is not a mass there is no consecration) and we receive communion (Hosts only because there is no consecration wine is not used). We then receive communion as always a reminder that we are one body in Christ. We then after a period of prayer leave in silence.

We go to wait now for the climax of the Triduum the vigil ceremony.

The Easter Vigil

The Service of Light. We begin in darkness. Christ is the light of the world without Christ we are in darkness. We cannot see the right way to go. (Note there is a link

with the creation story here). A fire burns outside where we gather. The Paschal candle is lit from the fire. The fire connects with the Jewish people escaping

slavery in Egypt where the pillar of fire led them to a new life, it brings hope and reminds us of the light of God. The paschal candle represents Jesus. We light our candles from the paschal candle to show that we draw our life from Jesus just as our small light draws it light from the paschal candle. As we pass the light on the church gets brighter so as we try to follow Jesus we help other people see the Good News and the world becomes closer to how it should be. The paschal candle also symbolises Christ’s victory over death.

The Paschal Candle A for Alpha the beginning of the Greek alphabet

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For omega, the end of the Alphabet. God is the beginning and end of our lives, creation. We carve today’s year on it to show that Christ’s resurrection isn’t simply a past event. Christ is with us now, present in our lives. We then sing the Exsultet .Note since God Matters was first produce the text has changed slightly)

The 5 grains of incense represent the 5 wounds of Jesus

The service of the word then follows: The Service of the word begins with the story of creation. The readings tell of God’s involvement with us. They represent the story of the journey towards Christ. The story of salvation. The Gospel the account of the resurrection is the climax.

We next have the liturgy of Baptism. Water is really important as a symbol. We use Water at baptism. It points to the fact that Jesus brings us life. Without Jesus we are lost. What happens depends on whether there are people to be baptised or not but generally the priest blesses the water , as he does so he reminds us that in the story of creation God’s Spirit hovered over the waters, that water signifies a new life and a new beginning and that through baptism we are called to go and teach others about Jesus. We all renew our baptismal promises.

After this we have the liturgy of the Eucharist. The first time the bread and wine have been consecrated since Holy Thursday.

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Possible Tasks to support Outcomes

Engage

Show a YouTube clip of Pope Francis washing the feet of Prisoners on Holy Thursday. (Alternatively go to the Powerpoint and look at the 3 images )

Easter Vigil

1) After going through the liturgy with pupils, (use the PowerPoint to highlight sections) ask them to design a poster/collage for the liturgy which includes many of the symbols used

2) Fire is used at the start of the vigil. Fire is used throughout the Bible as a symbol. Look at the images of fire. Ask if they can identify where they come from. Why is fire often used as a symbol for God’s presence? (It brings warmth and light necessary for life- God is necessary for us to be truly ourselves; it transforms things- we are transformed by God; the pillar of fire led the Jewish people to a new life.

3) In a darkened room light one candle, show how everyone becomes focused on that one light. Give everyone a small candle, (following all safety precautions-if you don’t want to risk real flames have them switch on one by one little electric candles, it loses some symbolism but you can still make a point) as the flame spreads so the light grows. Explain that we do this in the vigil mass to show that if we all spread the light of Christ our world gets better. Give out a paper template of a candle. We write on it how we will spread God’s word.

4) Exsultet There is a work sheet on this. This will tax pupils. If you do not think they can cope with this just tell them this is a great prayer of praise reminding us of all that god has done for us.

5) The Readings. Any missal will give you these 6) Water as a symbol. Ask pupils to think of as many uses of water as they can. Then

begin grouping them. Ask them to suggest headings: You should be able to get to: Life (as drinking water/for plants etc.) Power (hydro electric power for example) Making new (Cleaning- various types) Pleasure (swimming/water-skiing etc.) The other heading is death. This isn’t strictly a use but without water we die. So water is a multi-layered symbol. So what it is saying is through Jesus we are called into new life with God, as part of God’s family we receive the gift of the Holy Spirit which brings us the power to do the right things, being with god is a good thing it makes us fulfilled, happy. If we turn away from God then part of us dies. Could make a collage of some of the times water is used to mean new life in the Old Testament.

7) Explore the Baptismal promises. Read through them (or some of them) and explore what they mean. (separate sheet)

8) Look at the words of the Creed. How does this link to the Baptismal promises? What part of the creed is the vigil reminding us of? Note: you an use either creed both have their difficulties. Highlight on the text statements referring to the Triduum or to the Baptismal promises

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Easter Proclamation (Exsultet)

This prayer is full of meaning . These are just a few of the verses. Read them carefully and try to think about their meaning.

Rejoice, heavenly powers! Sing, choirs of angels! Exult, all creation around God's throne! Jesus Christ, our King, is risen! Sound the trumpet of salvation!

Rejoice, O earth, in shining splendour, radiant in the brightness of your King! Christ has conquered! Glory fills you! Darkness vanishes for ever!

For Christ has ransomed us with his blood, and paid for us the price of Adam's sin to our eternal Father!

This is the night when first you saved our fathers: you freed the people of Israel from their slavery and led them dry-shod through the sea. This is the night when the pillar of fire destroyed the darkness of sin!

Accept this Easter candle,a flame divided but undimmed,a pillar of fire that glows to the honour of God.

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What does the word Exult mean? What are we exulting in?

What has Christ Conquered?

Can you make links between these words and what has just happened in the church?

Now even though we don’t believe the story of Adam and Eve is literally true we still talk about Adam’s sin. What was this? How is Jesus different?

What event is it talking about here?

What happened to the Israelites on that night?

How is that similar to our beliefs about the resurrection?

A flame divided but undimmed. What has happened in the liturgy that tries to act out these words?

What does it tell us about the Body of Christ?

Nicene Creed

I believe in one God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible.I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God, born of the Father before all ages. God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father; Through him all things were made. For us men and for our salvation he came down from heaven, and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary, and became man.

For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate,he suffered death and was buried, and rose again on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead and his kingdom will have no end.I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets.I believe in one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church. I confess one baptism for the forgiveness of sins and I look forward to the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen.

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Apostle’s Creed

I believe in God, the Father almighty,Creator of heaven and earth,and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,who was conceived bythe Holy Spirit,born of the Virgin Mary,suffered under Pontius Pilate,was crucified, died and was buried;

he descended into hell;on the third day he rose againfrom the dead;he ascended into heaven,and is seated at the right handof God the Father almighty;from there he will come to judgethe living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,the holy catholic Church,the communion of saints,the forgiveness of sins,the resurrection of the body,and life everlasting. Amen.

Part of the Baptismal Promises

Do you reject sin so as to live in the freedom of God’s Children?

Before we say I do let’s see if we mean this? Sin means missing the mark not quite being the people God wants us to be. Can you think of any ways we haven’t quite been the person God wants us to be? (Explore through art/drama)

Do you reject the glamour of evil and refuse to be mastered by sin?Tricky! Can evil be glamourous? For example could ever seem like fun to join in doing the wrong thing? Do pop stars and footballers always give us a good example?

Do you believe in God the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth? Is it difficult to believe in God? What might stop someone? Who do you know who believes in God? Why do they? What do you think?

Do you believe in Jesus Christ, his only son, our Lord, who was born of the virgin Mary, crucified, died and was buried, rose from the dead?Do you think Jesus is a good example to follow? Why? Is it difficult to believe Jesus rose from the dead? If he didn’t would it change how we think about him?If you do believe in Jesus should that change your life?

Why do you think that Catholics renew the Baptismal promises every year?

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Possible Tasks: Holy Thursday

1) Use the picture and questions below to explore the connections between the liturgy, the events of Jesus’ life and the way we should respond.

Look at the picture below

What is the Priest doing?

Does this remind you of anything Jesus did?

Why do you think the Priest is doing this?

Read John’s Gospel Chapter 13 verse 34. What commandment does Jesus give his disciples?

How does this fit in with what the priest is doing?

Now Jesus doesn’t mean that all he wants is for us to go around and wash each other’s feet. How does he want us to behave?

How can we do this in our own lives?

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2) The following hymn, “My soul is sad” used specifically on Holy Thursday night. Note: hymn is on youtube reference: www.youtube.com/watch?v=lIQwxTZNcJU)

Read the words or if possible play the hymn

My soul is sad, my heart is breaking tonight Could you not watch and comfort me until light? Am I alone, surrounded only by night? Could you not watch one hour with me?

Could you not keep awake for one hour with me? Is it so hard that you should do this for me? I die for you that you might always be free. Could you not watch one hour with me?

And so I weep, and there is no-one to hear, I am in pain; will on-one witness my tears? I am your God, and as my passion draws near, Could you not watch one hour with me?

Possible questions:

Think about your previous work on Holy week?

Who do you think is sad?

Who is being asked to watch for one hour?

Why might we use this song on Holy Thursday night?

What do the people do in the liturgy that recalls what the disciples were asked to do?

Extension: More difficult:

Look at the powerpoint that goes with the song. The first part is clearly about Jesus but the last part shows other images. What kind of images is it showing? Who is sad here? Why are they sad? What kind of link do you think it is making? (There is a clue in the powerpoint)

Remember the washing of the feet during the liturgy on Holy Thursday. What was the point of this? What do you think the images are reminding us to do?

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