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Children’s Liturgy of the Word
4th Sunday of Easter – Good Shepherd Sunday
Theme: Jesus Knows Us and Leads Us
1. Welcome & Gathering
Leader:
Today we hear about a shepherd.
Not just any shepherd.
The Good Shepherd.
And Jesus says something very important:
“I am the Good Shepherd.”
That means:
He knows us.
He calls us.
He leads us.
Let us begin with the Sign of the Cross.
In the name of the Father,
and of the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Leader:
Jesus,
You are our Shepherd.
Help us to hear Your voice
and follow You.
Amen.
2. Introducing the Theme
Ask:
Do you know what a shepherd does?
(Take a few answers)
A shepherd:
- looks after sheep
- keeps them safe
- feeds them
- calls them
- brings them home
Now ask:
What might happen to sheep
without a shepherd?
They could get lost.
They could wander away.
They might not be safe.
Today Jesus says:
“I am the Shepherd.”
And that means something very important:
We are not alone.
3. Gospel (Simplified – John 10:1–10)
Leader:
Jesus said:
“The one who enters through the gate
is the shepherd of the sheep.
The sheep listen to his voice.
He calls his own sheep by name
and leads them out.
When he has brought out all his own,
he goes before them,
and the sheep follow him,
because they know his voice.
I came so that they may have life,
and have it to the full.”
Leader:
The Gospel of the Lord.
Children:
Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ.
4. Reflection
Jesus says:
“The sheep know his voice.”
That is the key.
The sheep follow the shepherd
because they recognise his voice.
Not because they are clever.
Because they know him.
That is what Jesus wants with us.
Not just to know about Him.
But to know Him.
To recognise His voice.
Now think about this:
There are many voices in the world.
Voices that say:
- “Do what you want”
- “Only think about yourself”
- “You don’t need God”
But Jesus’ voice is different.
His voice says:
- Come with me
- Trust me
- Follow me
- I will lead you
And He says something else:
“I came so that they may have life.”
That means:
Jesus does not want us to be lost.
Jesus does not want us to be empty.
Jesus wants us to live fully.
To be loved.
To be safe.
To be close to Him.
That is what the Good Shepherd does.
He does not leave the sheep.
He stays with them.
He leads them.
He protects them.
And most important:
He knows them.
And He knows you.
By name.
5. Quiet Prayer
Leader:
Let us be quiet for a moment.
Jesus,
You are my Shepherd.
Pause.
Jesus,
help me hear Your voice.
Pause.
Jesus,
help me follow You.
Pause.
Jesus,
stay close to me.
6. Living the Gospel This Week
Leader:
This week we can follow the Good Shepherd in simple ways:
We can listen.
We can pray.
We can choose what is right.
We can come to Mass and stay close to Jesus.
A good prayer this week is:
Jesus, lead me.
7. Closing Prayer
Leader:
Jesus,
You are the Good Shepherd.
You know us.
You love us.
You lead us.
Help us to hear Your voice
and follow You
every day.
Amen.
8. Sending Back
Leader:
Today we have heard that Jesus is our Shepherd.
He calls us.
He leads us.
He gives us life.
So let us go back to Mass
and stay close to Him.
Optional Activities (choose 1–2 only)
Option 1: Follow the Voice
Best after Gospel
Leader:
“When the shepherd calls…”
Children: We follow.
“When Jesus calls…”
Children: We follow.
“When I hear His voice…”
Children: I follow Jesus.
Option 2: Who Leads Me?
Best after Reflection
Leader gives situations:
“When I want to do something wrong…”
Children: Jesus, lead me.
“When I feel lost…”
Children: Jesus, lead me.
“When I don’t know what to do…”
Children: Jesus, lead me.
Option 3: The Good Shepherd
Best for younger children
Leader:
“Who looks after the sheep?”
Children: The shepherd!
“Who looks after us?”
Children: Jesus!
Option 4: Vocations Link (important for this Sunday)
Best before sending back
Leader:
“Jesus is the Shepherd.
And He also calls people to help Him.”
Ask:
Who helps lead the Church?
(Priests)
Then say:
Let us pray:
Jesus, call good shepherds for Your Church.
Children repeat.
St. Mary's, St. John Bosco and St. Edward's 