The Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Year A

Size: px

Start display at page:

Download "The Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Year A"

Barry Taylor
6 years ago
Views:

The Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Year A HOW TO USE THIS RESOURCE Dismissal Session The Dismissal Session is for catechumens only who are dismissed from worship before the Creed (RCIA #75.3).

1 The Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Year A HOW TO USE THIS RESOURCE Dismissal Session The Dismissal Session is for catechumens only who are dismissed from worship before the Creed (RCIA #75.3). The Dismissal Session group may gather for the Catechetical Session at another time during the week. Catechetical Session When the Dismissal Session is immediately followed by the Catechetical Session, parents or other sponsors join the group after Eucharist. Baptized children preparing for confirmation and Eucharist also may join in the Catechetical Session (RCIA #254; Appendix III, 19). Select options and adapt the session to fit your time frame. Children s RCIA Resource CATECHIST S NOTES NOTES FOR THIS SUNDAY Sunday s readings Acts 12:1-11 Psalm 34: 2-3, 4-5, 6-7, Timothy 4:6-8, Matthew 16:13-19 Doctrine correlations Saint Peter, after denying Jesus three times, bears witness that conversion is the movement of a contrite heart by grace to respond to the merciful love of God (CCC # ). Saint Paul writes, regarding his conversion on the road to Damascus, that Jesus called him through grace to preach among the Gentiles (CCC #442). RCIA team notes The time spent in the catechumenate should be long enough for the conversion and faith of the catechumens to become strong (RCIA #76). Help catechumens connect to the conversion of Saints Peter and Paul in order to be strengthened. Special needs Some children may become frustrated if they cannot complete their task within the allotted time. To help these children complete the activity, set timers they can see with warnings: 10 minutes, 5 minutes, 2 minutes, and 1 minute. By Janet Miller. Copyright 2014, TeamRCIA.com. All rights reserved.

2 CATECHIST S NOTES GETTING READY FOR THE SESSION Items to prepare check-in sheet, nametag materials poster paper or white board, erasers, and erasable markers red cloth on table or counter space for prayer, instrument Bibles, one set to Matthew 16, prayer cards pictures of Saints Peter and Paul, candle in a heat-proof holder, matches paper slips, plain white paper, crayons or color pencils markers, sheets of paper or poster board, copies of Faith at Home poster making and mounting supplies Gathering Prayer Ritual Place a Bible, candle, and pictures of Saints Peter and Paul on a red cloth. On three separate cards numbered in order, print sentences of the prayer. Plan to give to readers to prepare. Singing option Use music from your faith community resources. The suggestion is a guide available in Gather Comprehensive from GIA Publications, Inc., or online at sweetslyrics.com. Bring songbooks or printed words and music in a player. Building Community Prepare to give examples of names that change with life experiences. Snack option Send a reminder to the sponsor providing the snack this week. Engaging the Word Bring recycled paper slips, plain white paper, and crayons or color pencils. Sharing Faith groups Bring dark thin-line markers and large sheets of paper or poster board. To see a model of a Venn Diagram, search online. Crossing the Ages Activity option: Apostolic Posters Write the verse numbers on separate bookmarks, and place in six Bibles at the specific chapters (see the session plan). Bring recycled scratch paper, pencils, poster boards, dark markers, and rulers. Check with staff for locations to display posters. Bring removal poster sticky or other mounting supplies. Friends on the Way - The Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles, Year A 2

3 DISMISSAL SESSION GATHERING (15 MINUTES) Catechumens, having heard the Sunday proclamation of word, are dismissed from the Mass. Greet the catechumens as they arrive. Have everyone check in and put on nametags. For anyone new, provide nametag materials. Distribute prayer cards to readers to prepare. GATHERING PRAYER RITUAL Chime a percussion instrument as a call to prayer. All stand around the prayer focal point. ( ) Light a candle. Point out the pictures and red cloth. Explain: This week we remember the apostles, Saints Peter and Paul. During liturgical worship for this celebration, we use the color red to remind us that these saints were martyrs who gave their lives carrying on the work of Jesus. Reader 1: Reader 2: Reader 3: All: Praise to you, O God, who invites us to new birth and hope. Through the prayers of the apostles and martyrs may we remain true to the faith known through their teaching and witness. We ask this through Christ Jesus who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen. Invite everyone when you lift a hand to respond, Taste and see how good God is. Prayerfully say the following verses inspired by Psalm 34. I sought God who answered me and delivered me from all fears. (response) Look to God that you may be radiant with joy, and your faces may not blush with shame. (response) When the poor call out, God hears and saves them from distress. (response) Song Suggestion: Stand Up, Friends. Extinguish the candle flame. Friends on the Way - The Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles, Year A 3

4 CONNECTING WITH ONE ANOTHER Invite everyone to sit in a circle. Introduce anyone new. Invite sharing about their experiences with the Faith at Home pages from the previous session. BUILDING COMMUNITY Name Change: Inquire if any members are known by a name other than their formal name given at birth. Invite sharing. If needed, give some examples of nicknames that have developed from given names (e.g., Maggie for Margaret, Bill for William). Mention that often people will change their names or the term by which they are addressed during a life-changing event, such as becoming a medical doctor or a judge. Mention: This week, we recognize two great apostles of the early Christian church. Both men s names change at a significant moment that relates to their decision to follow Jesus. Simon becomes Peter, which means Rock, when Jesus promises that he will become the foundation of the church. Saul is known as the Christian Paul. RECALLING THE WORD (10 MINUTES) Have everyone sit with Bibles in a circle. Use the following as a guide. For information, refer to Insight for the Catechist and the reflections on the Faith at Home page. Always affirm the catechumens responses, adding comments to aid their understandings. Help the catechumens find Acts 12:1-11. Explain the situation: James and Peter were arrested, not for criminal acts but because they were followers of Jesus. They became victims of Herod who abused them for his own political gain. When Peter s trial was postponed until after the holiday celebrations, a miracle happened. What happened to James? To whom does Peter give credit for his escape? What do you think about seemingly miraculous happenings? Have the catechumens find 2 Timothy 4:6-18. (Note: The literary technique in verses 9-16 of ascribing requests and explanations are omitted in liturgical proclamation.) Explain: Saint Paul considered living a Christian life to be like participating in an athletic competition, with Jesus standing by and giving strength. To what kind of contest does Saint Paul compare living as a Christian? Why might you agree with Saint Paul, or what comparison would you use? Friends on the Way - Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles, Year A 4

5 Have the catechumens find Matthew 16: Remember that during the time of Jesus there were no photographs or news broadcasts. There were neither videos nor handy Internet access to check someone s identity. When people heard about Jesus miracles, some imagined he was a famous faith-filled person who had returned from the dead. What do you find most interesting in this Gospel account? Affirm the members comments. Summarize: Saints Peter and Paul are two of the apostles who first spread the good news. Over the centuries, many Christians have looked to them as faith models. Their example is valuable for you as catechumens. Through conversion, they turned away from sin to follow the way of Jesus. PRAYING INTERCESSIONS (5 MINUTES) We offer prayers for all needs. When I lift my hand, please respond, God who rescues us from evil, hear our prayer. Send angels to be with people around the world who are persecuted for their beliefs. (Lift a hand for the response.) Help us, along with all catechumens, to compete well, finish the race, and keep the faith. (Lift a hand for the response.) Continue to send the Holy Spirit to your faithful that salvation might be proclaimed. (Lift a hand for the response.) Invite the members to contribute intercessions. Conclude: O God, you strengthen and stand by us as we struggle in faith. We ask for all things according to your will. Hear our prayers that we offer through Christ Jesus, who suffered that we might share in glory, for ever and ever. Option: Break for a snack or social time. If the group disperses now and meets for catechesis later in the week, collect nametags. Friends on the Way - Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles, Year A 5

6 CATECHETICAL SESSION The Catechetical Session follows the Dismissal Session either immediately or at another time during the week. The catechetical session is designed for catechumens and parents or sponsors to grow in faith together. The status of the catechumens never is to be confused with that of baptized children preparing for confirmation or Eucharist, who may join in this catechesis as supportive companions (RCIA, Appendix III, #19). GATHERING FOR CATECHESIS (5 MINUTES) Welcome the catechumens, parents, sponsors, and any baptized children arriving from liturgy. If this Catechetical Session is not following the Dismissal Session, allow an additional ten minutes and begin with the Gathering segment in the Dismissal Session. Have those arriving check in and put on nametags. PRAYING Invite everyone to stand around the prayer focal point. Use the ( ) prayer from the Gathering Prayer Ritual in the Dismissal Session, another prayer, or sing a gathering song from liturgy. ENGAGING THE WORD (15 MINUTES) Distribute to each member a Bible and two slips of paper. Have everyone find and place a paper marker at Matthew 16:13-19 and 2 Timothy 4:6-18. Distribute plain white paper and crayons or color pencils. Give the following instructions for a Peter and Paul 4-Square. Fold paper in fourths, and unfold. On one side of the paper, fill in the four squares using pictures, symbols, or words that tell the story about Saint Peter according to Saint Matthew. On the other side, show or write about Saint Paul according to the letter to Saint Timothy. As the members finish, invite sharing with one another. SHARING FAITH (15 MINUTES) Form mixed-age groups of four to six with Bibles. (If there are only a few participants, lead the discussion as a whole group.) Print the questions on large paper or marker board, or distribute questions on cards for an adult to lead. Circulate to offer support as needed. CONVERSING ABOUT MATTHEW 16:13-22 & 2 TIMOTHY 4:16-18 Give each group a dark thin-line marker and a large sheet of paper or poster board. Appoint a recorder. Show how to draw a Venn diagram, which is two overlapping circles. Explain: THE SOLEMNITY OF SAINTS PETER AND PAUL, APOSTLES YEAR A Acts 12:1-11 Psalm 34: 2-3, 4-5, 6-7, Timothy 4:6-8, Matthew 16:13-19 Insight for the Catechist The readings for the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul recount that both apostles spent time in prison. Their imprisonment puts emphasis on the high price of being a disciple. Caesarea Philippi was the site of a deteriorating shine to the god Pan. The Evangelist Matthew contrasts that to the edifice of the living God. The account shows Jesus making Peter the rock of the church, which will prevail against injustice. The church on earth is eternally linked to the heavenly realm. The writer of the Second Letter to Timothy presents Saint Paul at the end of his life, awaiting death in prison. The race has been run, and the reward, the crown of righteousness, awaits everyone who endures. All who are faithful to the end are assured rescue from the lion s mouth when the jaws of death are rendered powerless. By Janet Miller. Copyright 2014, TeamRCIA.com. All rights reserved. 6

7 In the crescent on one side, print information about Saint Peter. In the other crescent, print information about Saint Paul. Factors in common are printed in the oval in the middle. Circulate to help. Factors in common might be that both men were called to conversion, became fervent followers of Jesus, and were imprisoned for their faith. If time allows, have one group present its Venn diagram about Saints Peter and Paul. Other groups members comment. With the whole group conclude: Saints Peter and Paul both had denied Jesus but had a change of heart. When grace moves our hearts to respond to God s merciful love, we experience conversion. You who are catechumens are just beginning this process of conversion which is ongoing for Christians throughout our lives. CARRYING OUT THE WORD (5 MINUTES) SUMMING UP Invite everyone to gather around the prayer focal point. Encourage them to offer insights from this week s session. Saint Peter recognized Jesus as the Christ even before his death on the cross. Saint Paul experienced his conversion on the road to Damascus when Jesus called him through grace to preach among the Gentiles. CLOSING PRAYER Invite everyone to respond Amen after each sentence of the blessing. Pray: Jesus built his church on the rock of Saint Peter s faith, and may God bless you with a faith that never fails. Faith in Jesus spread through the work and preaching of Saint Paul, and may this model inspire us to lead others to Christ through our example. May the prayers of Saints Peter and Paul who bore witness lead us to the eternal joy they gained by cross and sword. To Jesus Christ be glory and power for ever and ever. Friends on the Way - The Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles, Year A 7

8 Go forth from this place to live according to the example of the early apostles. And may the ever-living God bless us, (Make the Sign of the Cross on yourself as a model for everyone.) protect us from all evil, and bring us to everlasting life. Distribute the Faith at Home page. Collect the nametags. Crossing the Ages Activity (Optional activity for children and adults together: 20 minutes) Apostolic Posters (Catechumens discover the meaning of apostolic life, RCIA #75.4.) Solicit six volunteers to prepare to read the verses in the bookmarked Bibles. To the whole group, mention: The early church developed as those who believed in Christ as the Messiah spread the good news to others. Let us hear what Scripture says about some of these first apostles. Introduce each early believer as follows. Write the name on the board. Ask the volunteer to read the biblical reference. Invite comments. Simon Peter recognizes and declares Jesus is the Messiah (Matthew 16:15). Martha declares to Jesus that he is the Messiah (John 11:27). Mary of Magdala, the first witness of Christ s resurrection, is often called the Apostle to the Apostles (John 20:18). After a conversion experience, Paul, also known as Saul who once persecuted Christians, began preaching about Jesus, the Messiah (John 9:21-22). Thomas declares his belief upon seeing the wounds of the risen Christ (John 20:27-28). Junia, one of the first Christians and a relative of Paul s, was also imprisoned for her faith in Jesus (Romans 16:7). Invite the members to design and make Apostolic Posters to display around the faith community facility. Distribute recycled scratch paper, pencils, poster boards, dark markers, and rulers. Ask them to choose from the discussion or another apostle to make a poster that represents that early believer. Assign partners for those who wish to work with someone. If time allows, send small groups of children with adults with mounting supplies to designated areas to display posters. Friends on the Way - The Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles, Year A 8

Remember Sunday s Word Faith at Home The Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles, Year A Acts 12:1-11 Psalm 34: 2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 17-18 Matthew 16:13-19 At a convenient time

9 Remember Sunday s Word Faith at Home The Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles, Year A Acts 12:1-11 Psalm 34: 2-3, 4-5, 6-7, Timothy 4:6-8, Matthew 16:13-19 At a convenient time for the family, gather around a dining table or in the living room. Silence all electronics. Place a Bible opened to Luke 20 in the center. Begin with a moment of quiet. REFLECTING ON ACTS 12:1-11 Having been arrested to enhance King Herod s political position, Saint Peter was likely condemned to share in Saint James fate. The holiday celebrations caused the postponement of Peter s trial and probable execution. At the time, Peter did not recognize the power behind his miraculous release but later credited divine intervention. When in our lives have we experienced the work of divine intervention? As a family, research and discuss the ways some people suffer as victims of political leaders ambitions. REFLECTING ON 2 TIMOTHY 4:6-8, Although Saint Paul suffered many hardships and imprisonment as a follower of Jesus, he never gave in to discouragement. The reward, the crown of righteousness, awaits all who take on the challenges and remain faithful. In our struggles, Jesus strengthens us and rescues us from evil. When have we experienced Jesus strengthening and rescuing us from evil? Each family member chooses a sport to serve as a metaphor for living a Christian life. Take turns explaining connections. For example, living as a Christian is like playing baseball, since sometimes we strike out in our attempts to do what is right, but we come back and try again. REFLECTING ON MATTHEW 16:13-19 When Jesus asks the disciples what people are saying about him, prevailing opinions differ. Saint Peter proclaims that Jesus is the Christ, the anointed One promised by God. Being particularly attuned to the ways of God, Peter becomes the rock on which the edifice of Christ s church is built. While others help us become disciples, how can we each assist in building the church for Jesus? By Janet Miller. Copyright 2014, TeamRCIA.com. All rights reserved. Permission is given to reproduce this handout for family home use.

10 Saint Peter and Saint Paul Together as a family, write captions for pictures of Saint Peter and Saint Paul. Someone colors the pictures. Saint Peter Freed by an Angel Saint Paul Writing in Prison Friends on the Way - The Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles, Year A TeamRCIA.com

Second Sunday in Ordinary Time

Second Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B HOW TO USE THIS RESOURCE Dismissal Session The Dismissal Session is for catechumens only who are dismissed from worship before the Creed (RCIA #75.3). The Dismissal