Luke 24:13-35 – The story of the disciples on the Road to Emmaus gives us an image of Mass. The disciples were walking on the road running away from the horror they had witnessed in Jerusalem - Jesus’ death. A man appeared and started walking with them. The man opened up the scriptures for them, beginning with Moses and all the prophets; he interpreted to them the things about Jesus in all the scriptures. As they came near the village, the man made to go on, but the disciples urged him to stay. When they sat down to eat together the man took bread, blessed it, broke it and gave it to them. It was at that point the disciples’ eyes were opened and they realised that the man had been Jesus all along. The disciples said to each other, ‘Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?’

John 6 - Jesus' teaching that he is the bread come down from heaven divided people then and divides people now.

Real Presence - Bishop Robert Barron says, "appearance and reality do not always coincide". The Church says, in the case of the Eucharist, what appears to be ordinary bread and wine, in fact is “changed” at the deepest level of its reality through the words of the priest. Words not only describe reality, but under right circumstances can change reality.

Before you come to Reconciliation, you could read through this simple Examination of Conscience

Find a copy of the Act of Contrition here, 
as well as a step by step guide to Reconciliation.

Video 1: The Good Person Test

Video 2: Why did Jesus have to die the way he did?

​
The cross is a powerful symbol used by Christians throughout the world. You see it in many different places – as jewellery, or on clothing, in art, on buildings, in churches and in people’s own homes.

​Why have a cross in your house?
The spaces in your home are yours and they represent you and your family. Throughout your house you will have signs and symbols that reflect your life and the things that are important to you.  The children are being given a cross this week, as an important gift for this special time in their lives, as they prepare to receive Holy Communion.

What’s it there for?
Having a cross in your house shows that the family are Christian and believe in Jesus. It reminds us of how Jesus died for us on a cross but it is also a reminder that Jesus is welcome and present in the home now.
When times are tough, we can often feel alone, but having a cross on display is a soothing reminder that we’re not alone. Jesus understands suffering and is there for, and with, us.  
Seeing the cross up on the wall, and in amongst the business of daily life, can often remind us to pray too. Jesus is with us in our lives and we can pray to him in all we say and do.
​
Where shall we put it?
Usually a cross is present in the living room and in the bedrooms. The living room cross is commonly above the door but it can go wherever suits you and your family. You could place a cross on your family prayer table.
Having a cross up in your house can seem strange or curious to people who are not Christians. It can provide you with an opportunity to share your faith with others and show them a little more about Jesus.

This month's gift for the First Holy Communion candidates is a white candle.

We often light candles when something special is going to happen. Children especially love candles and know they signify something important. You might already have a candle that you light at home for special occasions. When we light a candle before praying or reading a bible story, we remember that God is here with our family and his word is a light for us. 

You can collect a candle for your child this week during the parents’ sessions. It is recommended that you use a candle holder with your candle and that matches etc are kept in a covered box, accessible only to the adult. 
​
Lighting a candle and praying together only takes a few moments, but it can often be a really special time. A time of calm and peace in our busy family lives.

The first thing you could put on your family prayer table is your tour of the church booklet and your new book of Prayers.

I wonder how many of the prayers you and your family know already?