Feast of Saints Anne & Joachim (Grandparents Day)

LRP Team

19 Jun 2026

Categories

Primary

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Growing Together in Love

Preparation

This liturgy invites students to celebrate the Feast of Saints Anne and Joachim while honouring the special role of grandparents in passing on faith, love and wisdom across generations. It is designed to be interactive, engaging and accessible for students, with opportunities to meaningful connection between students and their grandparents. Prepare the space with care, allowing room for grandparents to be warmly welcomed and included in the prayer and sharing moments.

WE GATHER

Welcome & Introduction

Good morning everyone and welcome to our Grandparents Day liturgy.

Today we celebrate the Feast of Saints Anne and Joachim, the grandparents of Jesus and the parents of Mary.

We are very happy to welcome our grandparents and special older family members who have joined us today. Thank you for coming. Your love, wisdom, stories and support help us grow into the people God calls us to be.

Saints Anne and Joachim remind us beautifully that faith is often passed from one generation to the next. Just as they helped teach Mary about God’s love, our grandparents help teach us about kindness, courage, family and faith.

As we gather today, let us thank God for the special gift of grandparents and all those who love and guide us.

Action Song

Happy Grandparents Day (Miss Abby)

Call to Prayer

Leader :

God is with us as we gather today.

All :

We open our hearts to God’s love.

Leader :

God speaks to us through our families.

All :

We listen with thankful hearts.

Leader :

God blesses us through grandparents and older people.

All :

We thank God for their love and wisdom.

Leader :

Let us pray together.

All :

Help us to be kind, brave and faithful each day.

Reader :

Let us open our hearts and pray together.

All :

Loving God, help us to celebrate the gift of family, faith and friendship. Bless our grandparents and all who care for us. Open our hearts to hear your Word today. Amen.

Gathering Song

You’re Welcome Here (John Burland) (We Follow Jesus, John Burland Music)

WE LISTEN

Scripture        

adapted from Matthew 13: 16 – 17

Reader :

A reading from the Gospel according to Matthew.

Jesus said to his disciples:

“You are blessed because your eyes see and your ears hear.

Many people long ago hoped to hear the things you experience today, but they never had the chance.”

The Gospel of the Lord.

All :

Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

Song

Grandparents Are Great (Kids Learning Songs, Takabloo/Movement)

Reflection

Jesus reminds us that we are blessed when we notice the good things God gives us each day. One of God’s greatest gifts is the people who walk beside us in life.

Grandparents often share stories, traditions and lessons that help us understand who we are.

They teach us things that cannot always be found in books.

They teach us through their experiences, their patience and their love.

Saints Anne and Joachim helped raise Mary and passed on their faith to her. Because of their love and guidance, Mary grew into the person God called her to be.

Today we celebrate our grandparents who help us learn, laugh, grow and believe.

We thank them for every story told, every game played, every hug given and every prayer offered.

Take a moment to think about one thing we appreciate about grandparents or special older family members.

(pause)

Song

I Am Thankful (Angie Killian Music)

WE RESPOND

Grandparent and Student Activity

Leader :

We now invite students and grandparents to take part in a special activity together.

Students, please turn to your grandparent or special guest and complete this sentence: “One thing I love about you is …” (allow time for students to share)

Now grandparents, please complete this sentence:

“One thing I admire about you is …” (allow time for grandparents to share)

Let us finish by saying together.

All :

Thank you for sharing your love, wisdom and faith.

Prayer of the Faithful

Leader :

Together, let us bring our prayers before God.

Reader :

For Pope Leo, our bishop, Father                                          and all Church leaders, that they may continue to guide people with faith and hope.

(pause) We pray.

All :

Thank you, God, for your many blessings.

Reader :

For our grandparents, that they may know how deeply they are loved and appreciated. (pause) We pray.

All :

Thank you, God, for your many blessings.

Reader :

For grandparents who are sick, lonely or facing challenges, that they may feel God’s comfort and peace.

(pause) We pray.

All :

Thank you, God, for your many blessings.

Reader :

For families everywhere, that homes may be filled with kindness, respect and love.

(pause) We pray.

All :

Thank you, God, for your many blessings.

Reader :

For our school community, that students, staff, parents and grandparents may grow together in friendship and faith.

(pause) We pray.

All :

Thank you, God, for your many blessings.

Reader :

For grandparents and loved ones who have died, that they may rest in God’s eternal love.

(pause) We pray.

All :

Thank you, God, for your many blessings.

Leader :

Loving God, receive these prayers and the prayers held quietly in our hearts.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

All :

Amen.

WE GO

Blessing

Leader :

Saints Anne and Joachim remind us that faith grows when it is shared.

All :

May we share faith, hope and love with one another.

Leader :

May God bless our grandparents.

All :

May they know they are treasured and loved.

Leader :

May God bless each one of us.

All :

May we grow in kindness, faith and gratitude every day.

Leader :

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

All :

Amen.

Dismissal

Leader :

As we go from this celebration, let us remember the example of Saints Anne and Joachim.

Let us thank our grandparents for the love they share and look for ways to show them how much they mean to us.

Go in peace to love, learn and serve.

All :

Thanks be to God.

Sending Forth Song

Thankful (Nick & Becky Drake) (Songs for School)