Sunday, March 14, 2021:

Let's Laetare!

WELCOME to ST JAMES'
ONLINE SUNDAY SCHOOL!

Here are the readings for this Sunday:
Here's what we're wondering about:
Laetare Sunday - The Fourth Sunday in Lent

We're halfway through the season of Lent - a time of preparation and sacrifice - and we're taking a day off! Laetare Sunday is a time for refreshment, remembering that there will be a victory after the hard times pass, and rejoicing!

Instead of the purple of sadness and penitence, it's a day of rose (pink), a color of joy. It's a day of looking forward with gladness, a day for happy hearts and hope!

  • how are you, right now?
  • for what might you pray - what would you like to ask of God? Go right ahead!
  • what are some things that make your heart happy today?
  • what are you looking forward to?
Why do we say "laetare"?
(pronounced "leh TAH reh" - more or less)

It's the first word in this Bible verse, Isaiah 66:10, so it's the first word of the mass. In English, it's “Rejoice Jerusalem, exult with joy, you who were in sadness.” And in Latin, here it is: "Laetare Ierusalem, gaudete cum laetitia, qui in tristitia fuistis."

FYI, laetare is a kind of outward rejoicing, gaudete is an inward sort of joy, laetitia is pure delight, and poor tristitia is gloomy sadness. There's a season for everything.
Sadness, happiness, and everything in between: there are so many emotions, and our lives are full of feelings. Help little ones (and big ones, too) talk about whatever is on their mind. This printable heart, full of suggestions, is one way to begin.

Remember, there are resources for help whenever life is too full. Contact Fr John or me. Above all, there is prayer, and God's love for each of us, always, through Jesus Christ, our Savior.

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13
It's easy to sign the word Rejoice!

Here's one way: with each hand, cross your middle finger over your pointer & tuck in your other fingers (that's the letter R), and roll your hands - that's it! Watch and learn by clicking here.

And always = a twirled index finger (see here).

Now, practice those actions in song: watch and sing along!

(NB: this little song will be in your head all day - I warn you!)

You can buy a t-shirt with REJOICE spelled out in ASL!
Just as Advent has its Christmas Pudding (see more in our "Stir-Up Sunday" post), Lent and Easter time feature the Simnel Cake. Here's famous baker Mary Berry's Simnel Cake, or make this "easy-peasy" sheet cake version.

Simnel Cakes are topped with 11 balls of marzipan, to represent the 12 Apostles, minus Judas. (BTW, "Simnel" supposedly comes from the Latin simnellus = fine flour.) Image: BBC
In Britain, this is also "Mothering Sunday" (like our Mother's Day). Click here for some easy brunch suggestions (for everyone, by little chefs) from across the pond.
The Fourth Sunday in Lent: a rose (pink) day in a season of purple days!
Click here for an earlier email about this season.

Some days are hard, and others are easy. Some days, you'd definitely rather forget - and some are golden, holding the best of memories. All days are gifts. Click on the image to print & color & rejoice!

I am happy that you are here today. What a day!
The Lord made this day - let's rejoice and be glad in it.

Please let me know if I can be of service to you, any day! Love - Linda