OPENING SONG
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| Leader |
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Shalom means peace. The Sabbath is a day of rest and peace. It is a day to worship God, enjoy nature, and be with our families. Our Jewish brothers and sisters celebrate the Sabbath from sundown Friday to sundown Saturday. Christians celebrate the Sabbath every Sunday. The Havdalah, is a Jewish ritual celebrated at the end of the Sabbath. We will say similar prayers today.
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Candle Blessing
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| Reader 1 |
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In honor of the Sabbath, we light two candles during our prayer.
(Light candles)
We pray: Blessed is our God who created us, and who calls on us to light the Sabbath candles and to keep Sunday holy.
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| All |
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Blessed be God
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Spice Blessing
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| Reader 2 |
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Blessed is our God who created us, Creator of spices that bring sweetness and joy to our lives.
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| All |
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Blessed be God
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Drink Blessing
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| Reader 3 |
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Blessed is our God who created us, Creator of the fruits of the vine that bring us nourishment and joy.
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| All |
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Blessed be God
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| Reader 4 |
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God created the heavens, the earth, and all living creatures.
God looked at all of creation and saw that it was very good.
God had finished working. On the seventh day, God rested.
God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because it was to be a day of rest.
This is the story of the heavens and the earth at their creation.
(based on Genesis 1:31–2:4)
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| All |
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Blessed be God
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| Reader 5 |
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(Read Exodus 20:8-11.)
The word of the Lord.
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| All |
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Thanks be to God.
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| Leader |
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God made the seventh day, the Sabbath, holy. Think of ways to make Sunday holy in your own families. On the Sabbath,
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| Reader 1 |
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We will spend time with our families.
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| All |
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Thank you, God, for giving us the Sabbath.
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| Reader 2 |
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This is a day to celebrate with our parish community at Mass.
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| All |
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Thank you, God, for giving us the Sabbath.
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| Reader 3 |
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This is a day to be peaceful and accepting of others.
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| All |
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Thank you, God, for giving us the Sabbath.
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| Reader 4 |
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This is a day to protect and care for all created things.
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| All |
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Thank you, God, for giving us the Sabbath.
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| Reader 5 |
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This is a day to enjoy life and be happy.
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| All |
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Thank you, God, for giving us the Sabbath.
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| Leader |
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At this, time, feel free to share a way you can make the Sabbath special.
(Invite participants to share.)
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| All |
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Thank you, God, for giving us the Sabbath.
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| Leader |
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We ask for God’s blessings on all of us—on the Sabbath and all the days of the week. For our part, we will strive to protect your creation—people, animals, birds, and plants. You made everything and saw that it was very good. Help us do our part to keep creation very good.
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| All |
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Send us your blessings, Lord. Shabbat Shalom.
(Participants wish peace to one another.)
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CLOSING SONG
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Grade Level Activity & Answer Key Feasts & Seasons Grade Level Resources 
