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 Blessings" Prayer Celebration

Focus		Appreciating the blessings of 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 CD 3; "We Are Called," David Haas (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 two readers and help them prepare in advance. Practice your role as leader.
Adaptation		Explain that it is customary for Jewish parents to bless their children on the Sabbath evening. Have youngsters create blessings for them to bless their parents, brothers/sisters, or even pets. Or, use a blessing similar to the Parental Blessing of Children from the Canadian Catholic Conference. Parents place their hands on their children’s heads and bless them. Share the following Catholic family blessing with your group today and suggest they share later with their families. Group 1: May God help you and keep you. Group 2: May God guide you in life. Group 1: May God bless you this evening. Group 2: And keep you from harm. Group 1: May God bless (make the sign of the Cross over Group 2) you, (name the people being blessed). Group 2: And God bless (make the Sign of the Cross over Group 1) you, too, (name the people being blessed). All: Amen.
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