We have many mysteries in our faith. These are beliefs that we accept as truth on faith alone because they have been revealed to us by God. These mysteries are central to our faith, but not always the easiest to explain to our children and students. The word mystery stems from a Greek word, which, when translated into Latin become the word, sacrament.

The primary mystery of our faith is the Trinity. While intellectually difficult to understand, the mystery of the Holy Trinity is understood in one’s heart as the revelation of God’s love for all men and women. Pope Francis has said that the Christian belief that the persons of the Holy Trinity “are not three gods” but rather “one God in three persons” speaks to the heart because “we find it encompassed in that expression of St. John which summarizes all of revelation: ‘God is love.'”

Another key mystery, the Paschal Mystery, refers to God’s plan of salvation which was ultimately fulfilled through Christ’s Passion (his suffering and crucifixion), death, Resurrection, and Ascension. The word paschal refers to the saving blood of the Passover lamb in the Exodus. We learn from Jesus, our Paschal Lamb, that new life can come from death, that we can find meaning in tough times, and that there really is light in the darkness.

We see God’s mysterious acts of restoration all around us and in our own lives. For example, many plants die in the fall, yet when spring comes, they return from seed or from unseen roots. Our Easter decorations of flowers, bunnies, and chicks are appropriate symbols of new life that comes in springtime.

The Eucharist is a mystery that makes Christ’s Paschal sacrifice present to us, so that we truly and actively participate in its saving power. After the consecration of the bread and wine at Mass into the Body and Blood of Christ, the priest proclaims, “The mystery of faith!” Even though we cannot fully comprehend this event, we are invited to notice this happening -- we ring bells! -- to think about it, and to give thanks for it.

Gather signs of new life and rebirth. Arrange twigs of budding pussywillow or forsythia in a vase. Notice how the warmth of the classroom coaxes them to bloom. Collect some tadpoles from a pond and observe their development. Plant some seeds in ice cream cups and plant the shoots outside.

Reflect on losses in our lives. Ask children to name losses that people experience that make them sad. Examples will be: Someone they love died; their friend moved away; their own family moved to a new neighborhood; they changed schools; their pet died; their parents broke up; their sister moved out.

Next, ask students how to comfort someone about the loss. Be prepared to offer ideas: Sharing good memories; meeting new friends; finding a sympathetic person who listens to them.

Family Life Connections. In the Family Life series, God’s Gift of Love is explored at every grade level, K-8. A prominent theme in these units is caring for others. Incorporate these lessons into your regular faith formation sessions.