Fifth Sunday of Lent (Year C) / Quinto Domingo de Cuaresma (C)
04-06-25
Key Theme: Letting Go to Follow Christ
Tema Clave: Soltar para Seguir a Cristo
Sunday Readings / Lecturas del Domingo:
• First Reading / Primera Lectura:Isaiah 43:16–21 – God speaks to His people with hope and power: “See, I am doing something new!” He reminds them of past deliverance but urges them to look forward, not back. His grace is still flowing—even in the desert.Isaías 43, 16–21 – Dios habla a su pueblo con esperanza y poder: “Voy a hacer algo nuevo.” Les recuerda su liberación pasada, pero les anima a mirar hacia adelante. Su gracia aún fluye—hasta en el desierto.
• Responsorial Psalm / Salmo Responsorial:Psalm 126:1–6 – A joyful memory of God’s restoration, and a prayer for renewal. Those who sow in tears will reap with joy.Salmo 125, 1–6 – Un recuerdo gozoso de la restauración de Dios y una oración por renovación. Los que siembran entre lágrimas cosecharán con alegría.
• Second Reading / Segunda Lectura:Philippians 3:8–14 – Paul considers everything a loss compared to knowing Christ. He lets go of the past and strains forward toward the goal.Filipenses 3, 8–14 – Pablo considera todo como pérdida frente al valor de conocer a Cristo. Deja atrás el pasado y se esfuerza por alcanzar la meta.
• Gospel / Evangelio:John 8:1–11 – A woman caught in sin is brought before Jesus. The crowd wants condemnation, but Jesus offers mercy. “Neither do I condemn you. Go, and sin no more.”Juan 8, 1–11 – Una mujer sorprendida en pecado es llevada ante Jesús. La multitud quiere condena, pero Jesús ofrece misericordia: “Yo tampoco te condeno. Vete, y no peques más.”
• First Reading / Primera Lectura:Isaiah 43:16–21 – God speaks to His people with hope and power: “See, I am doing something new!” He reminds them of past deliverance but urges them to look forward, not back. His grace is still flowing—even in the desert.Isaías 43, 16–21 – Dios habla a su pueblo con esperanza y poder: “Voy a hacer algo nuevo.” Les recuerda su liberación pasada, pero les anima a mirar hacia adelante. Su gracia aún fluye—hasta en el desierto.
• Responsorial Psalm / Salmo Responsorial:Psalm 126:1–6 – A joyful memory of God’s restoration, and a prayer for renewal. Those who sow in tears will reap with joy.Salmo 125, 1–6 – Un recuerdo gozoso de la restauración de Dios y una oración por renovación. Los que siembran entre lágrimas cosecharán con alegría.
• Second Reading / Segunda Lectura:Philippians 3:8–14 – Paul considers everything a loss compared to knowing Christ. He lets go of the past and strains forward toward the goal.Filipenses 3, 8–14 – Pablo considera todo como pérdida frente al valor de conocer a Cristo. Deja atrás el pasado y se esfuerza por alcanzar la meta.
• Gospel / Evangelio:John 8:1–11 – A woman caught in sin is brought before Jesus. The crowd wants condemnation, but Jesus offers mercy. “Neither do I condemn you. Go, and sin no more.”Juan 8, 1–11 – Una mujer sorprendida en pecado es llevada ante Jesús. La multitud quiere condena, pero Jesús ofrece misericordia: “Yo tampoco te condeno. Vete, y no peques más.”
PARENTS’ GUIDE/GUÍA PARA PADRES:
First Reading / Primera Lectura: Isaiah 43:16–21“See, I am doing something new!”
God reminds His people of past miracles—like parting the sea—but also tells them not to dwell on the past. He is doing something new, even in dry and difficult places.Dios le recuerda a su pueblo los milagros del pasado—como cuando abrió el mar—pero también les dice que no se queden atrapados en el ayer. Él está haciendo algo nuevo, incluso en medio de lo difícil.
How to Explain to Your Child / Cómo Explicárselo a Tu Hijo:• Ask / Pregunta: “Have you ever seen something new grow where you didn’t expect it?”¿Alguna vez has visto crecer algo nuevo donde no lo esperabas?• Explain / Explica that God can bring beauty and good things into our lives, even when things feel hard or dry.Dios puede traer cosas buenas y hermosas a nuestra vida, incluso cuando todo parece difícil.• Share / Comparte that God is always working in us—even when we don’t see it right away.Dios siempre está obrando en nosotros, aunque no lo veamos de inmediato.
Responsorial Psalm / Salmo Responsorial: Psalm 126:1–6“Those who sow in tears shall reap with joy.”This psalm reminds us that even when life brings sadness, God can turn it into joy. Just like seeds grow into fruit, our tears can grow into hope.Este salmo nos recuerda que, aunque la vida traiga tristeza, Dios puede transformarla en alegría. Así como las semillas se convierten en frutos, nuestras lágrimas pueden convertirse en esperanza.
Activity / Actividad:Seeds of Hope / Semillas de Esperanza:Have your child plant a few seeds in a pot or garden. Talk about how things take time to grow—just like joy sometimes takes time to come after sadness.Pide a tu hijo que plante unas semillas en una maceta o jardín. Hablen sobre cómo las cosas tardan en crecer—igual que la alegría, que a veces tarda en llegar después de la tristeza.
Second Reading / Segunda Lectura: Philippians 3:8–14“I press on toward the goal.”St. Paul says that knowing Jesus is more valuable than anything else. He lets go of the past and keeps moving forward to follow Jesus.San Pablo dice que conocer a Jesús vale más que todo. Él deja atrás el pasado y sigue adelante para seguir a Cristo.
How to Explain to Your Child / Cómo Explicárselo a Tu Hijo:• Ask / Pregunta: “Have you ever had to let go of something to do something better?”¿Alguna vez tuviste que dejar algo para hacer algo mejor?• Explain / Explica that sometimes we need to let go of mistakes or fears so we can grow closer to Jesus.A veces necesitamos dejar atrás errores o miedos para acercarnos más a Jesús.• Share / Comparte that God helps us keep going, even when things are hard.Dios nos ayuda a seguir adelante, incluso cuando las cosas son difíciles.
Gospel / Evangelio: John 8:1–11 – The Woman Caught in Sin / La Mujer Sorprendida en PecadoThe people bring a woman to Jesus and want to punish her for what she did wrong. But Jesus doesn’t yell or throw stones—He forgives her and tells her to start again.Las personas llevan a una mujer ante Jesús y quieren castigarla por sus errores. Pero Jesús no grita ni lanza piedras—Él la perdona y le dice que puede comenzar de nuevo.
How to Explain to Your Child / Cómo Explicárselo a Tu Hijo:• Ask / Pregunta: “Have you ever made a mistake and someone forgave you?”¿Alguna vez cometiste un error y alguien te perdonó?• Explain / Explica that Jesus is full of mercy—He wants us to grow, not feel ashamed.Jesús está lleno de misericordia—Él quiere que mejoremos, no que vivamos con vergüenza.• Share / Comparte that Lent is a time to ask for forgiveness and know that Jesus still loves us.La Cuaresma es un tiempo para pedir perdón y saber que Jesús aún nos ama.
Discussion Questions / Preguntas para Reflexión:
1. What’s something you want to let go of so you can grow closer to Jesus?¿Qué es algo que quieres dejar atrás para acercarte más a Jesús? 2. How can we be more forgiving like Jesus this week?¿Cómo podemos ser más misericordiosos como Jesús esta semana?
Activity / Actividad:“Clean Slate” Card / Tarjeta de Nuevo ComienzoGive your child a blank card and let them decorate it with words or drawings that represent a “fresh start” with God. Write something like “Jesus Always Forgives” or “Start Again with Love.”Entrega a tu hijo una tarjeta en blanco y deja que la decore con palabras o dibujos que representen un “nuevo comienzo” con Dios. Escriban algo como “Jesús Siempre Perdona” o “Comienza de Nuevo con Amor.”
Bringing It All Together / Resumen
• God makes new things grow—even in hard times.Dios hace crecer cosas nuevas—aun en tiempos difíciles.• Jesus helps us let go and move forward.Jesús nos ayuda a soltar y avanzar.• God always offers us mercy and a fresh start.Dios siempre nos ofrece misericordia y un nuevo comienzo.
Encourage your child to listen for these messages during Mass this Sunday, and talk about them together afterward. May this week bring growth, mercy, and the joy of starting again with Jesus.Anima a tu hijo a escuchar estos mensajes durante la Misa este domingo y hablen sobre ellos después. Que esta semana traiga crecimiento, misericordia y la alegría de comenzar de nuevo con Jesús.
God reminds His people of past miracles—like parting the sea—but also tells them not to dwell on the past. He is doing something new, even in dry and difficult places.Dios le recuerda a su pueblo los milagros del pasado—como cuando abrió el mar—pero también les dice que no se queden atrapados en el ayer. Él está haciendo algo nuevo, incluso en medio de lo difícil.
How to Explain to Your Child / Cómo Explicárselo a Tu Hijo:• Ask / Pregunta: “Have you ever seen something new grow where you didn’t expect it?”¿Alguna vez has visto crecer algo nuevo donde no lo esperabas?• Explain / Explica that God can bring beauty and good things into our lives, even when things feel hard or dry.Dios puede traer cosas buenas y hermosas a nuestra vida, incluso cuando todo parece difícil.• Share / Comparte that God is always working in us—even when we don’t see it right away.Dios siempre está obrando en nosotros, aunque no lo veamos de inmediato.
Responsorial Psalm / Salmo Responsorial: Psalm 126:1–6“Those who sow in tears shall reap with joy.”This psalm reminds us that even when life brings sadness, God can turn it into joy. Just like seeds grow into fruit, our tears can grow into hope.Este salmo nos recuerda que, aunque la vida traiga tristeza, Dios puede transformarla en alegría. Así como las semillas se convierten en frutos, nuestras lágrimas pueden convertirse en esperanza.
Activity / Actividad:Seeds of Hope / Semillas de Esperanza:Have your child plant a few seeds in a pot or garden. Talk about how things take time to grow—just like joy sometimes takes time to come after sadness.Pide a tu hijo que plante unas semillas en una maceta o jardín. Hablen sobre cómo las cosas tardan en crecer—igual que la alegría, que a veces tarda en llegar después de la tristeza.
Second Reading / Segunda Lectura: Philippians 3:8–14“I press on toward the goal.”St. Paul says that knowing Jesus is more valuable than anything else. He lets go of the past and keeps moving forward to follow Jesus.San Pablo dice que conocer a Jesús vale más que todo. Él deja atrás el pasado y sigue adelante para seguir a Cristo.
How to Explain to Your Child / Cómo Explicárselo a Tu Hijo:• Ask / Pregunta: “Have you ever had to let go of something to do something better?”¿Alguna vez tuviste que dejar algo para hacer algo mejor?• Explain / Explica that sometimes we need to let go of mistakes or fears so we can grow closer to Jesus.A veces necesitamos dejar atrás errores o miedos para acercarnos más a Jesús.• Share / Comparte that God helps us keep going, even when things are hard.Dios nos ayuda a seguir adelante, incluso cuando las cosas son difíciles.
Gospel / Evangelio: John 8:1–11 – The Woman Caught in Sin / La Mujer Sorprendida en PecadoThe people bring a woman to Jesus and want to punish her for what she did wrong. But Jesus doesn’t yell or throw stones—He forgives her and tells her to start again.Las personas llevan a una mujer ante Jesús y quieren castigarla por sus errores. Pero Jesús no grita ni lanza piedras—Él la perdona y le dice que puede comenzar de nuevo.
How to Explain to Your Child / Cómo Explicárselo a Tu Hijo:• Ask / Pregunta: “Have you ever made a mistake and someone forgave you?”¿Alguna vez cometiste un error y alguien te perdonó?• Explain / Explica that Jesus is full of mercy—He wants us to grow, not feel ashamed.Jesús está lleno de misericordia—Él quiere que mejoremos, no que vivamos con vergüenza.• Share / Comparte that Lent is a time to ask for forgiveness and know that Jesus still loves us.La Cuaresma es un tiempo para pedir perdón y saber que Jesús aún nos ama.
Discussion Questions / Preguntas para Reflexión:
1. What’s something you want to let go of so you can grow closer to Jesus?¿Qué es algo que quieres dejar atrás para acercarte más a Jesús? 2. How can we be more forgiving like Jesus this week?¿Cómo podemos ser más misericordiosos como Jesús esta semana?
Activity / Actividad:“Clean Slate” Card / Tarjeta de Nuevo ComienzoGive your child a blank card and let them decorate it with words or drawings that represent a “fresh start” with God. Write something like “Jesus Always Forgives” or “Start Again with Love.”Entrega a tu hijo una tarjeta en blanco y deja que la decore con palabras o dibujos que representen un “nuevo comienzo” con Dios. Escriban algo como “Jesús Siempre Perdona” o “Comienza de Nuevo con Amor.”
Bringing It All Together / Resumen
• God makes new things grow—even in hard times.Dios hace crecer cosas nuevas—aun en tiempos difíciles.• Jesus helps us let go and move forward.Jesús nos ayuda a soltar y avanzar.• God always offers us mercy and a fresh start.Dios siempre nos ofrece misericordia y un nuevo comienzo.
Encourage your child to listen for these messages during Mass this Sunday, and talk about them together afterward. May this week bring growth, mercy, and the joy of starting again with Jesus.Anima a tu hijo a escuchar estos mensajes durante la Misa este domingo y hablen sobre ellos después. Que esta semana traiga crecimiento, misericordia y la alegría de comenzar de nuevo con Jesús.
Catechist Guide
As catechists, our mission is to help children encounter Jesus in the Scriptures and grow in their faith through meaningful conversation and creative engagement. This guide provides summaries, teaching points, questions, and activities to bring this Sunday’s readings to life.
First Reading: Isaiah 43:16–21
God Is Doing Something NewSummary:God reminds His people of the great miracles He’s already done—like making a path through the sea. But He also tells them to stop looking back. He’s doing something new—bringing life to the wilderness and hope to the dry places.
Teaching Points:• God works in the past, but He’s also working right now—in new ways.• Sometimes we need to stop clinging to the “old” so we can see what God is doing today.• God can bring good things even from hard places.
Discussion Questions:
1. What’s something new God might be doing in your life? 2. Why is it sometimes hard to let go of the past? 3. How can we trust God when we don’t know what’s ahead?
Activity: “New Life in the Desert”Have children draw a desert with something surprising growing in it—like flowers, trees, or animals. Talk about how God brings life and beauty where we least expect it.
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 126:1–6
From Tears to JoySummary:This psalm celebrates how God turns sadness into joy. It remembers a time when things seemed hopeless, but then God restored His people—and it felt like a dream come true.
Teaching Points:• God is close to us when we’re sad or struggling.• We can trust that joy will return, even after hard times.• Tears are not wasted—God uses them to bring growth.
Discussion Questions:
1. When have you felt really joyful after something hard? 2. What helps you feel better when you’re sad? 3. How does God comfort us when we cry?
Activity: “Tears into Joy”Give children two index cards. On one, write or draw something that makes them sad. On the other, something that brings them joy. Tape them together and talk about how God holds both in His hands.
Second Reading: Philippians 3:8–14
Letting Go to Follow JesusSummary:St. Paul tells us that knowing Jesus is more important than anything else. He has let go of past achievements and mistakes so he can keep moving forward in faith.
Teaching Points:• We sometimes need to let go of what holds us back.• Jesus helps us grow and change, even when it’s hard.• Faith is a journey—we keep pressing on!
Discussion Questions:
1. What’s something you’ve had to leave behind to move forward? 2. What does it mean to “press on” in your faith? 3. How can you grow closer to Jesus this week?
Activity: “Press On Path”Create a simple path on paper with stepping stones. On each stone, write something that helps us follow Jesus—like prayer, kindness, or forgiveness. Invite kids to decorate and reflect on their next step.
Gospel: John 8:1–11 – The Woman Caught in Sin
Mercy, Not StonesSummary:People bring a woman who made a mistake to Jesus, expecting Him to punish her. Instead, He reminds them of their own faults and shows her compassion. He forgives her and gives her a fresh start.
Teaching Points:• Jesus never shames us—He forgives and helps us change.• We’re all in need of mercy—no one is perfect.• Lent is a time to receive and give forgiveness.
Discussion Questions:
1. What does it feel like to be forgiven? 2. Why do you think Jesus didn’t throw stones? 3. Who is someone you can forgive this week?
Activity: “Mercy Stones”Give each child a smooth stone. Have them write “forgive” or a heart on it. Encourage them to carry it this week as a reminder to show mercy to others—and themselves.
Bringing It All Together
🌟 God is always doing something new—can we see it?🌟 Joy often grows from places where we’ve cried.🌟 We follow Jesus by letting go of what holds us back.🌟 God’s mercy is greater than our mistakes—and we’re called to share that mercy too.
Encourage your students to listen for these messages during Sunday Mass, and to find one simple way to show mercy, trust, or hope this week. Lent is a time of transformation—let’s walk it together with open hearts.
First Reading: Isaiah 43:16–21
God Is Doing Something NewSummary:God reminds His people of the great miracles He’s already done—like making a path through the sea. But He also tells them to stop looking back. He’s doing something new—bringing life to the wilderness and hope to the dry places.
Teaching Points:• God works in the past, but He’s also working right now—in new ways.• Sometimes we need to stop clinging to the “old” so we can see what God is doing today.• God can bring good things even from hard places.
Discussion Questions:
1. What’s something new God might be doing in your life? 2. Why is it sometimes hard to let go of the past? 3. How can we trust God when we don’t know what’s ahead?
Activity: “New Life in the Desert”Have children draw a desert with something surprising growing in it—like flowers, trees, or animals. Talk about how God brings life and beauty where we least expect it.
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 126:1–6
From Tears to JoySummary:This psalm celebrates how God turns sadness into joy. It remembers a time when things seemed hopeless, but then God restored His people—and it felt like a dream come true.
Teaching Points:• God is close to us when we’re sad or struggling.• We can trust that joy will return, even after hard times.• Tears are not wasted—God uses them to bring growth.
Discussion Questions:
1. When have you felt really joyful after something hard? 2. What helps you feel better when you’re sad? 3. How does God comfort us when we cry?
Activity: “Tears into Joy”Give children two index cards. On one, write or draw something that makes them sad. On the other, something that brings them joy. Tape them together and talk about how God holds both in His hands.
Second Reading: Philippians 3:8–14
Letting Go to Follow JesusSummary:St. Paul tells us that knowing Jesus is more important than anything else. He has let go of past achievements and mistakes so he can keep moving forward in faith.
Teaching Points:• We sometimes need to let go of what holds us back.• Jesus helps us grow and change, even when it’s hard.• Faith is a journey—we keep pressing on!
Discussion Questions:
1. What’s something you’ve had to leave behind to move forward? 2. What does it mean to “press on” in your faith? 3. How can you grow closer to Jesus this week?
Activity: “Press On Path”Create a simple path on paper with stepping stones. On each stone, write something that helps us follow Jesus—like prayer, kindness, or forgiveness. Invite kids to decorate and reflect on their next step.
Gospel: John 8:1–11 – The Woman Caught in Sin
Mercy, Not StonesSummary:People bring a woman who made a mistake to Jesus, expecting Him to punish her. Instead, He reminds them of their own faults and shows her compassion. He forgives her and gives her a fresh start.
Teaching Points:• Jesus never shames us—He forgives and helps us change.• We’re all in need of mercy—no one is perfect.• Lent is a time to receive and give forgiveness.
Discussion Questions:
1. What does it feel like to be forgiven? 2. Why do you think Jesus didn’t throw stones? 3. Who is someone you can forgive this week?
Activity: “Mercy Stones”Give each child a smooth stone. Have them write “forgive” or a heart on it. Encourage them to carry it this week as a reminder to show mercy to others—and themselves.
Bringing It All Together
🌟 God is always doing something new—can we see it?🌟 Joy often grows from places where we’ve cried.🌟 We follow Jesus by letting go of what holds us back.🌟 God’s mercy is greater than our mistakes—and we’re called to share that mercy too.
Encourage your students to listen for these messages during Sunday Mass, and to find one simple way to show mercy, trust, or hope this week. Lent is a time of transformation—let’s walk it together with open hearts.