Background Notes

Since Old Testament times, the Sabbath has been observed as a day of rest. "[The Sabbath] is a sign forever between me and the people of Israel that in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day God rested." [Exodus 31:17]

Today, Jews celebrate the Sabbath from sundown Friday to sundown Saturday. Christians celebrate the Sabbath on Sunday. It was the Sabbath ritual of Kiddush along with the blessing of bread and wine at meals, that some scholars believe led to the Last Supper ritual, and the origin of the Eucharist. At each grade level, these liturgies celebrate the Sabbath as a special day.

It is time for us to reconnect with the concept of a restful Sunday. Pope John Paul II emphasized the sacredness of Sundays in his 1998 letter, The Day of the Lord. "Its religious sense certainly does not conflict with human values, which make Sunday a time of rest, of enjoyment of nature and of more social relations."

See Liturgical Calendar–Seasons–Ordinary Time for additional background information and prayer.


"Sabbath – Celebrating Creation" Prayer Celebration

Focus		Celebrating the gifts of creation on the Sabbath
Materials		Prayer table with 2 candles, Bible, copies of liturgy, and music.
Reading		Exodus 20:8–11
Music		"Gather 'Round This Table," Blest Are We Music CD 3; "All You Works of God," Marty Haugen (GIA Publications)
Preparation		Photocopy liturgies so that each child has one. Prepare the prayer table, but do not light the 2 candles ahead of time. Select six readers and help them prepare in advance. Practice your role as leader. See also "Gather Round This Table" for music movements.
Adaptation		Involve participants in a discussion that focuses on how creation continues to the present day. Solicit examples of creation continuing, e.g., babies being born, and new plants growing. Follow up by asking for ways people can help protect God’s creation. Youngsters could participate in a group discussion, or respond through drawings and/or making lists. Plan a way for the group to follow through on their own suggestions, both individually and as a group.
Additional Materials		"Gather 'Round This Table" Blest Are We Music CD 3 Call RCL Benziger at 1-877-ASK-4-RCL (1-877-275-4725). ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-36654-9 Blest Are We Song Book Words and melody for children; contains music for levels 1-8 ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-36617-4 Blest Are We Accompaniment Book Contains accompaniment music for levels 1-8 ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-36618-2