First Sunday of Lent. Year C CATECHIST S NOTES NOTES FOR THIS SUNDAY HOW TO USE THIS RESOURCE

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1 First Sunday of Lent Year C 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 may also join in the Catechetical Session (RCIA #254; Appendix III, #19). Select the session options that fit your time frame. Children s RCIA Resource CATECHIST S NOTES NOTES FOR THIS SUNDAY Sunday s readings Deuteronomy 26:4-10 Psalm 91:1-2, 10-11, 12-13, Romans 10:8-13 Luke 4:1-13 Doctrine correlations Self-knowledge, self-discipline, obedience to God s commands, exercise of moral virtue, and prayer are means of resisting temptation and remaining faithful to baptismal promises (CCC #2340). The moral virtue of fortitude ensures firmness in difficulties, constancy in pursuit of the good, resistance of temptation, overcoming moral obstacles, and conquering fear in face of trials (CCC #1808). RCIA team notes Those who have experienced the Rite of Election are referred to as the elect (RCIA #24). Use the opportunities in the sessions indicated for the elect to guide the children in interior reflection (RCIA #139). Children with special needs Children at beginning stages of moral development may regard doing right as an issue of not getting caught or avoiding punishment. By Janet Miller. Copyright 2013, TeamRCIA.com. All rights reserved.

2 CATECHIST S NOTES GETTING READY FOR THE SESSION Items to prepare check-in sheet and nametag materials poster paper or white board, erasers, and erasable markers violet cloth on table or counter for prayer, percussion instrument Bibles, one set to Luke 4, prayer cards, Stations of the Cross pictures (optional) crucifix, candle in a heat-proof holder, matches liturgical calendar, copies of Faith at Home scoops, sand, twine, scissors, gravel, potting soil, mini-cacti, jelly jars or lidded bottles, funnels Gathering Prayer Ritual Place a Bible, candle, and crucifix on a violet cloth. Bring violet paper, scissors, markers, cleaned recycled lanyards or yarn, and stapler. For each station: On posting notes for the readers of Scripture, print the station number and verse number(s) and place in Bibles at the chapter. Option: Display pictures of the stations. Singing option Use music from your faith community resources. The suggestion is a guide available in Give Your Gifts and Gather Comprehensive from GIA Publications, Inc. Bring songbooks and music in a player. Snack option Send a reminder to the sponsor providing the snack this week. Engaging the Word On nine separate cards, print the voices of temptation text. Plan to prepare volunteers when to read their text. Sharing Faith groups Bring a liturgical calendar. (For a sample, see the Liturgical Calendar link on the private page where you downloaded this session.) Crossing the Ages Activity option: Desert Place Prayer Jars Ask sponsors to help provide twine, scissors, gravel (available at pet stores), sand, potting soil, scoops, and mini-cacti. Gather assorted clear jelly jars. Make a sample. Option: Bring lidded bottles, various colors of sand, scoops, and funnels. Color clean play sand in small containers by adding drops of school paint and stir to blend. Closing Prayer Option: Print the words for display, or have reusable cards and collect. Friends on the Way - First Sunday of Lent, Year C 2

3 DISMISSAL SESSION GATHERING (15 MINUTES) Catechumens, having heard the Sunday proclamation of the Word, are dismissed from the Mass. Greet the catechumens as they arrive. Have them check in and make lenten nametags by cutting violet paper into cross shapes or drawing crosses on nametags and printing their names. As catechumens arrive, give readers Bibles and explain the order of prayer. GATHERING PRAYER RITUAL Chime a percussion instrument as a call to prayer. All stand around the prayer focal point. ( ) Light the candle. Song Suggestion: Sing a Kyrie from liturgy resources. Explain that this song asks for God s mercy. Traditionally during Lent, Catholics reflect on the sufferings of Jesus in a prayer called The Way of the Cross. This prayer is composed of a series of stations. Each week for gathering prayer, we will reflect on three stations. Teach the response that everyone says at the end of each station: We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you, because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world. Station One: Jesus is Condemned to Death. Scripture tells us Reader 1: Read Matthew 27: We follow Jesus through the way of the cross, so silently reflect. When do you take the risk and stand up for what is right? (Pause.) Now, listen as Jesus speaks to his followers. Reader 2: Read Mark 13:9. All: We adore you Station Two: Jesus Takes Up his Cross. Scripture tells us Reader 1: Read Luke 22:42. We follow Jesus through the way of the cross, so silently reflect. When have you been afraid to do something that was the right thing to do? (Pause.) Now, listen as Jesus speaks to his followers. Reader 2: Read Matthew 16:24 All: We adore you Station Three: Jesus Falls the First Time. Scripture tells us Reader 1: Read John 19: We follow Jesus through the way of the cross, so silently reflect. When have you started to do something right but stumbled and had to start again? (Pause.) Now, listen as Jesus speaks to his followers. Reader 2: Read Luke 5:32. All: We adore you Invite a few brief comments. Extinguish the candle flame. Friends on the Way - First Sunday of Lent, Year C 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 Back from the Desert: Each person takes a turn saying, Hello, I am (name). I just returned from the desert. I can tell you something I (smelled, saw, tasted, heard, or felt). All the others say, Hello, (name), tell us what you (smelled, saw, tasted, heard, felt, or experienced) in the desert. The journey person tells the experience. After everyone who wishes has a turn, say: This week we hear about Jesus spending time in the desert. For the elect (for children who are now the elect preparing for initiation): Each of the elect responds without interruption. Then, others may make affirming comments. The ancient Christians began Lent as a period when the elect prepared for baptism. This period of purification and enlightenment is especially important for you. How does it feel to have been judged ready to be baptized? (If the Rite of Sending was celebrated) How did it feel to be chosen and to write your name (have your name written) in the book of the elect of God? 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 understanding. Help the catechumens find Deuteronomy 26:4-10. Explain: Moses told the people to remember what God had done for them. He reminded them of their faith that came through their ancestors. In thanksgiving, the people put the first fruits of their harvest in baskets offered to God. I wonder: Why did the Hebrew people offer to God the first fruits even though they were hungry? I wonder: What can we offer God that would be as wonderful as first fruits? Have the catechumens find Romans 10:8-13. Note: Clarify that confess means proclaiming the truth that is Jesus. What is Saint Paul saying about our mouths and hearts? Which Scripture teachings might you ask someone to remember? Friends on the Way - First Sunday of Lent, Year C 4

5 Have the catechumens find Luke 4:1-13. Mention: After Jesus baptism, the Holy Spirit came upon him and identified him as God s beloved Son. Then, Jesus went into the desert to pray about the experience. It is written refers to the teachings of Scripture that Jesus studied since he was your age. According to Saint Luke, what happened to Jesus in the desert? How did Jesus respond to his tempter? Affirm the members comments. Summarize: This week we heard about Moses, the Hebrews, Saint Paul, and Jesus all depending on the teachings of God in Scripture. We keep God s word in our mouths and in our hearts as a means of our salvation. PRAYING INTERCESSIONS (5 MINUTES) With confidence in God s word, we offer prayers. When I lift my hand, please respond, God who hears desperate cries, hear our prayer. See the affliction and oppression in our world, and bring relief. (Lift a hand for the response.) May all who suffer discrimination find comfort among us. (Lift a hand for the response.) May catechumens and all the faithful depend on scriptural teachings and turn away from temptation. (Lift a hand for the response.) Invite the members to contribute intercessions. Conclude: O God, we serve only you and ask for all things according to your will. Hear our prayers that we offer through Christ Jesus, who gave himself so that we might share in his glory, for ever and ever. All: Amen. 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 - First Sunday of Lent, Year C 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. As members arrive, give volunteers the voices of temptation cards to prepare and explain when each will read. 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 Distribute Bibles. Have everyone find Luke 4:1-13. Explain: (20 MINUTES) Together, we will read the story of Jesus temptation. Some members will read voices of temptations. After each set of three voices, everyone will read in unison Jesus responses in verses 4, 8, and 12. I will give hand cues so you will know when to read. Use the following guide, and give hand cues to signal the readers. Read Luke 4:1-3, and announce: Have it for yourself! Voices of Temptation: Reader 1: Reader 2: Reader 3: You are hungry, aren t you? Why not make something to eat? Use your special powers to take care of yourself! Everyone, on cue, read together: Luke 4:4. By Janet Miller. Copyright 2013, TeamRCIA.com. All rights reserved. FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT, YEAR C Deuteronomy 26:4-10 Psalm 91:1-2, 10-11, 12-13, Romans 10:8-13 Luke 4:1-13 Insight for the Catechist Forty days indicates a time of preparation for a special mission. After Jesus baptism and the revelation about being God s begotten, Jesus needs to pray alone. Unlike Adam who also confronted demons, Jesus has tools for combating the tempter. He draws on the teachings of Scripture and the support of the Holy Spirit. The evangelist Luke presents Jesus temptation in the desert as a model. We, as the faithful, have help available when confronting difficulties. While facing temptation, we can recall scriptural teachings and depend on the Holy Spirit s guidance. Jesus temptations are common. Many people have known the desire to have easy bread without much effort, the temptation to sacrifice values for power and glory, and the temptation to test God. Jesus overcame personal, political, and religious temptations. As the Messiah, Jesus later confronted supernatural temptation. 6

7 Read Luke 4:5-7, and announce: Rule the world! Voices of Temptation: Reader 4: Reader 5: Reader 6: Why not use your powers to become king of the world? As ruler of the world, you could make everyone be good. As the world s ruler, you could help everyone. Everyone, on cue, together read Luke 4:8. Read Luke 4:9-11, and announce: Be famous! Voices of Temptation: Reader 7: Reader 8: Reader 9: Why not do something spectacular to prove who you are? Jump! You are God s Son, so God will save you. Jump and live! You will be famous. Everyone, on cue, together read Luke 4:12. Read Luke 4:13, then discuss: In what ways was Jesus tempted to use his special powers? (possibilities: to get things for himself, to rule the world, to be famous) How did he overcome these temptations? (possibilities: relied on Scripture teachings, guided by the Holy Spirit) SHARING FAITH (10 MINUTES) Introduce Lent: Show a liturgical calendar. Invite members to point out Advent, Christmas, and Ordinary Time. Introduce the season of Lent: Violet, the liturgical color for Advent and Lent, reminds us to turn towards God. We follow Jesus example and turn away from things that tempt us as we prepare to celebrate Easter. At Easter we celebrate that Jesus overcame death and brought us new life. Christians prepare for Easter in three basic ways: 1. We spend extra time in prayer. 2. We practice fasting by doing without things that are not necessary, such as drinking sodas or playing electronic games. 3. We use our time and money gained when fasting to be helpful and to give to those in need. How do these types of actions prepare us for a lifetime of following Jesus? With the whole group conclude: Jesus had the moral virtue called fortitude. This means being strong in fearful times and always seeking to do what is good. With fortitude, we resist temptation and overcome moral obstacles as Jesus did. We are able to conquer our fear. Friends on the Way - First Sunday of Lent, Year C 7

8 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. Say: Jesus was confident in himself and used self-discipline to obey God s commands. He prayerfully reflected on Scripture to resist temptation. We also exercise moral virtue when we follow the ways of Jesus. Catechumens learn about being faithful and promise to follow Jesus. CLOSING PRAYER Have the members read from a chart, cards, or repeat lines of a prayer for Lent based on Psalm 32. I confess my transgressions to you, merciful God, and you forgave the guilt of my sin. Happy are we whose sins are forgiven. Raise your hands in blessing over the group, and say: Go forth from this place to face temptations with fortitude. 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. All: Amen. Distribute the Faith at Home page. Collect the nametags. Friends on the Way - First Sunday of Lent, Year C 8

9 Crossing the Ages Activity (Optional activity for children and adults together: 20 minutes, minimum) Desert Place Prayer Jars (Activity is accommodated for the liturgical year, RCIA #75.1.) Invite the members to make a desert place prayer tool to display at home throughout Lent. Show the sample and say: Sometimes we can use a visual that helps us focus during prayer. This deserttype plant (this sand) reminds us of the forty days Jesus spent praying in the wilderness. We remember that Jesus faced temptation. The power of the Holy Spirit and knowledge of Scripture helped Jesus deal with evil temptations. Our desert place visuals help us remember to pray when we face temptation, to read the Bible, and to ask the Holy Spirit to strengthen us. Demonstrate how to make a Desert Place Prayer Jar. For cactus jars: 1. Wrap twine around the top of the jar several times, and tie securely. Cut dangling ends. 2. Use scoops to layer gravel, sand, and potting soil, leaving space at the top for soil around roots. 3. Carefully transplant mini-cactuses into the jar. 4. At home, add a bit of water once a week. For layered sand bottles: 1. Place a funnel in the top of a bottle. 2. Scoop one color of sand at a time, and pour through the funnel, tilting the bottle to create interesting layers. Fill the bottle. 3. Tightly screw the cap onto the bottle. Display in the family prayer area near the Bible throughout Lent as a reminder to pray to resist temptation as Jesus did. Friends on the Way - First Sunday of Lent, Year C 9

10 Faith at Home First Sunday of Lent, Year C Remember Sunday s Word Deuteronomy 26:4-10 Psalm 91:1-2, 10-11, 12-13, Romans 10:8-13 Luke 4:1-13 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 4 in the center. Begin with a moment of quiet. REFLECTING ON DEUTERONOMY 26:4-10 The writer provides a brief account of God s saving action in faith history. God hears the cries of the immigrant alien, the maltreated, and the oppressed. In thanksgiving, the Israelites offer their very best before the altar of God. What of our very best will we offer to God this lenten season? In what ways do we respond to the cries of needy immigrants, anyone maltreated, and those in the world who suffer oppression? REFLECTING ON ROMANS 10:8-13 The word is near, in your mouth and in your heart. For all who believe in Christ, there is no discrimination. What beliefs about Jesus do we hold in our hearts? In what ways do we guard our speech and actions to avoid discriminating remarks and demeaning jokes? REFLECTING ON LUKE 4:1-13 Filled with the Holy Spirit from baptism, Jesus went into the desert to fast and pray. As he contemplated the meaning of his special relationship with God, he faced many temptations. Jesus depended on the wisdom of Scripture to resist temptations and emerged from the desert ready to serve those in need. Considering Jesus experience in the desert, why are prayer, fasting, and self-giving hallmarks of Lent? During Lent, try: Prayer: Together as a family, read a Scripture passage each day or evening. Fasting: Omit a less nutritious snack or time spent on electronic games. Giving: Set out a lenten collection jar, and contribute for a special cause. By Janet Miller. Illustrations by Jim Burrows. Copyright 2013, TeamRCIA.com. All rights reserved. Permission is given to reproduce this handout for family home use.

11 First Sunday of Lent, Year C TeamRCIA.com