INTRODUCTION: Jesus calls himself the vine; he calls God our Father the vine grower; he calls his followers the branches (John 15:1-8). Without him, we can do nothing. Someone who does not live in Jesus becomes like a withered, rejected branch. But, oh, the joys promised to those who are faithful, who live in Jesus, and in whom his words live. They will produce abundant fruit. Joy will be in them and their joy will be complete (John 15:11). Jesus calls us to grow good fruit with our lives. We have talked about how we grow the fruits of love, kindness, patience and goodness when we stay connected to Jesus, to the vine. How do we do this? We do this by listening to Jesus' teachings, following his example and praying. When we pray, there is one "perfect prayer" given to us by Jesus. Turn to page 35 in your Good News Handbook to read about the "perfect prayer" at the top of column two. When you are done, turn to page 40 to read more about "The Lord's Prayer." When you are done, please answer the questions below.

Fantastic Job! Remember that we are blessed to be a part of God’s people, to hear the words of Jesus, to allow his words to live in us and guide us. We are blessed to know the presence of Jesus, to be nourished in his presence. We are blessed to be invited to be one with Jesus, with his Father, united in the Holy Spirit with all others in God’s people. Jesus uses a grapevine and its branches to tell us how important it is for us to stay connected to him so that we can grow, flourish, and become all that we can be. That is how we are fruitful. We are fruitful when we give our wonderful gifts to others and to the world. Take care to stay closely connected to Jesus in prayer, at Mass, and by thinking of him often.