This Week's Liturgy

On This Rock

June 29th, 2025

Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles (Solemnity)

Activities for Primary Grades
Activities

Discussion Questions for Reading 1

Who "fervently" prays to God on your behalf? For whom do you fervently pray? Peter receives step-by-step instructions from the angel throughout his rescue from prison. How does God speak to you? Through whom or what does he teach you to follow his will?

Reading 1 Acts 12:1–11

Reading 1 Reflection

Today's feast celebrates Saint Peter and Saint Paul, the foundational pillars of the Church. Peter is the Rock on whom Jesus founded the Church; Paul is the Apostle to the Gentiles and defender of the faith. In the First Reading, we see the early Church under attack in Jerusalem. The apostle James has been martyred and Peter is arrested. King Herod plans to put him on trial publicly, but the prayers of the community of believers are heard by God. An angel appears to Peter in prison and brings him out past the guards into the city. Peter at first thinks he is seeing a vision, but then realizes that God has rescued him.

Discussion Questions for Reading 2

Saint Paul knew that "the crown of righteousness" awaited him, because he had "competed well," "finished the race," and "kept the faith." He is talking about the race of living as a believer in Jesus Christ. Take a few moments to reflect on how you are "competing" in this race. What can you do to train and be stronger in your life as a believer? What obstacles might you face? How can you keep the faith as you handle them? When does the Lord give you strength to proclaim his message, and to whom?

Reading 2 2 Timothy 4:6–8, 17–18

Reading 2 Reflection

Paul wrote his Second Letter to Timothy from prison in Rome. He knew his death was near and so looked forward to meeting the Lord face to face. In today's Second Reading, he reflects on how he has lived his life, telling Timothy that because he has kept the faith, he will be rewarded in Heaven. Paul gives God the glory for strengthening him to proclaim the Gospel to the Gentiles. The Lord rescued him from every danger he faced and will now bring him to the heavenly kingdom.

Discussion Questions for Gospel

Who do you say that Jesus is? How do you know this? How does your parish community show that you are members of the Church built on the Rock?

Gospel Matthew 16:13–19

Gospel Reflection

Today's Gospel reading shows us the moment when Simon professed his faith in Jesus and was named Peter. Jesus and the Apostles are in Caesarea Philippi, a region known as a center of pagan culture and worship. In this place where false gods are honored, Jesus asks his disciples, "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?" The disciples repeat what others have said—Jesus is John the Baptist, or one of the prophets. Then Jesus poses an all-important follow-up question: "Who do you say that I am?" Simon is the first to answer: "You are the Christ." Jesus calls Simon blessed, because this was revealed to him by God the Father. Jesus then gives Simon a new name and a new role. He is now Peter, or Cephas, the rock. Jesus proclaims he will build his Church, the Body of his followers, on this rock. Peter will receive the keys to the Kingdom of God, and the authority and responsibility that come with them.

Proclaiming Faith Activities for Primary Grades

Following the Angel

Summarize today's First Reading for the children. Tell them that they will play "Follow the Angel." Choose one volunteer to be the angel leading Peter out of prison. The angel will tell the other children what to do and where to walk, in order to reach the destination you choose. You may want to suggest simple actions such as "tie your shoes," "put on your coat," or "step around that chair." As time allows, choose other children to take turns as the angel.

The Keys to the Kingdom

Prepare large outlines of keys on light-colored paper, at least two per child. Read aloud the Gospel reading to the group. Brainstorm with the children actions that people in the Kingdom of Heaven (or the Kingdom of God) should do. Distribute the keys and art supplies and direct the children to write on each key one thing that was discussed or another appropriate action. You may want to punch holes in the tops of the keys and provide pipe cleaners or string for the children to make key rings.

Proclaiming Faith Activities

The Crown of Righteousness

The crown of righteousness that awaits Paul and all believers is eternal life in the presence of God. Provide the outline of a crown to each member of the group. Invite them to decorate their crowns with symbols of God's love and eternal life. They may want to read today's readings for inspiration. When all have finished, show them how to staple or glue the ends together so they can wear their crowns. Hold a "coronation." Have each person say "The Lord stood by me and gave me strength" and then place the crown on his or her own head. Conclude the activity by discussing how we cannot earn eternal life by our own merits or deeds, but we receive from God the grace to do his will and enter his kingdom.

Who Do You Say That I Am?

If Jesus asked you, "Who do you say that I am?" what would you say? Think of all the titles you know for Jesus. In a small group, write a poem or song (using a tune you know) about Jesus, using these titles. You may want to page through the Gospels for inspiration! Be sure to include "the Christ, the Son of the living God," Simon Peter's confession of faith in today's Gospel reading.