Second Sunday of Advent Year B Children s RCIA Resource 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. CATECHIST S NOTES 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. NOTES FOR THIS SUNDAY Sunday s readings Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11 Psalm 85:9-14 2 Peter 3:8-14 Mark 1:1-8 Doctrine correlations While John s baptism was for repentance, Baptism in water and the Spirit is a new birth (CCC #720). For catechumens who die before their Baptism, their desire to receive it together with repentance for their sins and charity, assures them salvation (CCC #1258). RCIA team notes Celebrations of the word of God are arranged for the benefit of the catechumens (RCIA #75.3). By Janet Miller. Copyright 2011, TeamRCIA.com. All rights reserved.
CATECHIST S NOTES GETTING READY FOR THE SESSION Items to prepare check-in sheet and nametag materials poster paper or white board, erasers, erasable markers violet cloth on table or counter for prayer, percussion instrument Bibles, one set to Mark 1, and prayer on cards Advent wreath or candles in heat-proof holders, matches sheep figures, fleece fabric, container of rocks and sand, sandals hand wipes, measuring cups, spatulas, mixing bowls, cleanup supplies, chunky peanut butter, raisins, sesame seeds, dry milk powder, honey, plates, graham cracker crumbs, trays biblical costumes (optional) Advent Watch, Sharing Faith questions, copies of Faith at Home singing aids, oil of catechumens (optional) Gathering Prayer Ritual On a violet cloth place a Bible, two candles or Advent wreath, and an empty manger. Have sheep figures, fleece fabric, container of rocks and sand, and sandals. On separate numbered cards, print the prayer. Singing option Use music from your faith community resources. Suggestion is available from Gather Comprehensive (GIA Publications, Inc.) or online at hymnsandcarolsofchristmas.com. Bring songbooks and music player. Snack option Send a reminder to the sponsor providing the snack this week. Building Community Check for food allergies. Bring hand wipes, measuring cups, spatulas, mixing bowls, cleanup supplies, and containers of chunky peanut butter, raisins, sesame seeds, dry milk powder, honey, and small plates. Spread graham cracker crumbs on trays. Engaging the Word For Mark 1:1-8 three readers prepare the narrator, Isaiah, and John the Baptist. John the Baptist and Isaiah wear biblical costumes (optional). Isaiah proclaims from a distance. Sharing Faith groups Put the Scripture citation with the questions on cards for group leaders. Bring the Advent Watch from the previous session. Crossing the Ages Activity option: Repentance Prayer Service Invite other members of the community. Give an outline and reflection notes to the presider. Prepare readers and volunteers for intercessions. Reserve a chapel or plan to arrange a worship space. Invite a music minister and bring singing aids. Option: Invite an ordained minister and bring the oil of catechumens. Friends on the Way - Second Sunday of Advent, Year B 2
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 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 two candles. ( ) Emmanuel, God with us, as we prepare to celebrate your birth we watch for your final coming in glory. We also prepare the way for you in the world. All: Amen. Volunteers hold sheep figures, fleece fabric, container of rocks and sand, and sandals and place them on the prayer space during the reading. Reader 1: Reader 2: Reader3: Reader 4: (place sheep figures) Jesus is our shepherd, and we are his flock. (place fleece) We give comfort to God s people. (place rocks and sand) In desert-like places we prepare a way for Jesus. (place sandals) John the Baptist pointed the way to Jesus. Invite everyone when you lift a hand to respond, Lord, let us see your kindness. Prayerfully say the following verses inspired by Psalm 85, calling for the response by lifting a hand. I will hear what God proclaims: Peace to all people. (response) Kindness and truth shall meet; Justice and peace shall kiss. (response) God gives benefits to all. Justice shall prepare the way. (response) Song Suggestion: O Come, Divine Messiah. Extinguish the candle flame. Friends on the Way - Second Sunday of Advent, Year B 3
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 Honey Bites: Have catechumens clean their hands. Assign groups with measuring cups, spatulas, and a mixing bowl. Set out ingredients. They measure and mix together: 1 cup chunky peanut butter ½ cup each raisins, sesame seeds, and dry milk powder ¼ cup honey They shape one-inch balls, roll in graham cracker crumbs, and place on small plates. Invite everyone to notice the taste of honey. In this week s gospel message, we hear about John the Baptist who ate honey and other foods of the wilderness. 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 catechumen responses adding comments to add to their understandings. Help everyone find Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11. Ask: How would you feel if you were one of these defeated people, torn away from your home, and moved to a foreign country as a slave? What words of the prophet offer comfort? What teachings about God give you comfort? Have the catechumens find 2 Peter 3:8-14. The images can be scary for children. Explain: It is difficult for us to understand how the early Christians felt. Many believers were tortured and killed because they stayed faithful. They waited for Christ to bring a new world of eternal peace. What are your thoughts about Christ s return? (Process any fears. Focus on the peace Christ brings.) Have everyone find Mark 11:1-8. John saw the wonder of God in Jesus and prepared the way for other people to see. How is John the Baptist described? John looks and actions are unusual; what is unique and special about his message? Friends on the Way - Second Sunday of Advent, Year B 4
Affirm the members comments. Summarize: You catechumens are preparing to greet Jesus in a celebration at Christmas and at the end of time. You are learning a new way of life to be baptized with water and the Holy Spirit, as John the Baptist proclaimed. PRAYING INTERCESSIONS (5 MINUTES) We prepare for Jesus by offering prayers. When I lift my hand please respond, Comfort, comfort your people, O God. That we may be a herald of glad tidings for suffering people who cry out, we pray. (Lift a hand for the response.) For the faithful to spread peaceful ways, we pray. (Lift a hand for the response.) For all catechumens preparing for baptism, we pray. (Lift a hand for the response.) Invite the members to contribute intercessions. Conclude: God, you are all power, but like a shepherd you gather us and care for us. Hear our prayers. May your Holy Spirit guide us as we await Christ s second coming, for he lives and reigns 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 - Second Sunday of Advent, Year B 5
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). Note: For the Repentance Prayer Service, if possible, reconvene in a chapel. GATHERING FOR CATECHESIS (5 MINUTES) Welcome the catechumens, parents, sponsors, and any baptized children arriving from liturgy. Have those arriving check in and put on nametags. 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. 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 (10 MINUTES) Have three prepared readers (narrator, Isaiah from a distance, and John the Baptist) proclaim Mark 1:1-8. SHARING FAITH (15 MINUTES) Form groups of four to six mixed-age groups 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 MARK 1:1-8 What does John s appearance and eating habits tell about him? Why, do you suppose, John says he is not worthy? How do you catechumens feel as you wait for baptism in water and the Spirit? SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT, YEAR B Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11 Psalm 85:9-14 2 Peter 3:8-14 Mark 1:1-8 Insight for the Catechist Saint Paul repeats the warning. Christ will return as unexpectedly as a thief in the night, and the world as we know it will end. Paul cautions that our security should not be in the things of this earth which will all go up in smoke. Paul assumes that Christians eagerly await a new heaven and a new earth where justice resides. He explains that the delay is not a sign that God does not care. Rather, God is giving people a chance to change. John the Baptist, dressed in the clothing of repentance, heralds Here is your God! God of power establishes justice but with mercy. We need to ready our hearts. Fill up the potholes and level the bumps in the wasteland. Prepare the way as God says, Give comfort to my people. With the whole group show the Advent Watch. Invite a volunteer to move the hand to the Prepare section. Say: At home every day move the hand of the Advent Watch in the Prepare section. By Janet Miller. Photo by Matthew Cua, via Flickr, CC BY 2.0. Copyright 2011, TeamRCIA.com. All rights reserved. 6
What are some things you can do to prepare the way for Jesus? (pray, give to the poor, visit the lonely, help a shut-in get Christmas presents) CARRYING OUT THE WORD (5 MINUTES) SUMMING UP Invite everyone to stand around the prayer focal point. Encourage them to offer insights from this week s session. Summarize: The story about the people who came to John helps you reflect about your desire for baptism. Everyone who seeks baptism comes with a willingness to repent for sins and to do acts of charity. This is part of a new birth, a new way of life. The willingness to do good assures that if any catechumen might die before baptism they are assured of salvation. CLOSING PRAYER Use the following minor exorcism and blessing to end the session or conclude with the Repentance Prayer Service. Invite the catechumens only to bow their heads. Others extend outstretched hands over them. Say: God of power, you created us in your image and formed us in justice. Even when we sin you do not abandon us. In your wisdom you chose to save us by the incarnation of your Son. Free these catechumens from evil. Keep them far away from wickedness and greed. Open their hearts to your gospel that they may bear witness in faith. We ask this through Christ our Lord and Savior. All: Amen. Option: An ordained minister does an Anointing of the Catechumens, RCIA, #103. You sent Jesus as God with us to establish your reign of love on earth. Bless these catechumens with unwavering faith. Let them grow stronger and turn more toward you each day, through Jesus Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. All: Amen. Distribute the Faith at Home page. Collect the nametags. Friends on the Way - Second Sunday of Advent, Year B 7
Crossing the Ages Activity (Optional activity for children and adults together: 20 minutes) Repentance Prayer Service (Celebration of the word of God and minor exorcism, RCIA #75.3) Mention that one of the best ways to prepare for the coming of Jesus is joining together in a prayer of repentance. If possible, reconvene in a chapel or arrange the chairs in a U-shape around a prayer focal point with lectern. Song: Softly and Tenderly Jesus is Calling from GIA Publications, Inc. or hymnsite.com Greeting: Greet the catechumens and community members who have joined in this celebration. Remind everyone that we have come together in a spirit of repentance. Reading: Romans 8:19-21 Psalm: Psalm 42:2-6. Response: Like a deer that longs for running streams, my soul longs for you, my God. Gospel: Luke 15:1-10 Reflection Points: God loves us very much, asks for our love, and wants us to be good to one another. Sometimes it is difficult to do as God wants. Sin is turning our backs on God who never turns away from us. Like the woman searching for the lost coin and the shepherd seeking the lost sheep, God wants us to return to right ways. God calls us to be set free from sin and live in glorious freedom as children of God. In seeking baptism, catechumens show a desire to be children of God. As God s children, we repent for sinful actions. We accept God s forgiveness and offer forgiveness for those who sin against us. Response for Intercessions: God of mercy, you love us and call us. We do not always behave as your children should. (response) We sometimes cause trouble at home and at school. (response) We avoid forgiving others. (response) Prayer of Repentance: God of mercy, we want to walk your way of goodness. Forgive us when we sin. Help us to be forgiving people. Bring us to everlasting life. All: Amen. Concluding Rites: Use the minor exorcism and blessing at the end of the session. Option: Before the blessing, an ordained minister does an Anointing of the Catechumens, RCIA #103. Friends on the Way - Second Sunday of Advent, Year B 8
Faith at Home Second Sunday of Advent, Year B Remember Sunday s Word Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11 Psalm 85:9-14 2 Peter 3:8-14 Mark 1:1-8 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 Mark 1 in the center. Begin with a moment of quiet. REFLECTING ON ISAIAH 40:1-5, 9-11 This poem features God coming in power to liberate the people from bondage in Babylon. In Isaiah s time, when people expected a royal visit, they went out and smoothed the roads. The prophet emphasizes that extreme measures need to be taken to prepare for God s intervention. Also, the prophet asks God to be gentle with the people who have suffered as slaves in captivity. There is no reason for fear. God, as a guiding shepherd, delivers comfort. In the modern world, where are some places that people have suffered from war? What can we do to make the way smooth so God s comfort might be known? Many innocent women and children suffer from injustices. Search the internet for victims of war. Learn about those who suffer and even become enslaved. Compose a prayer for God to bring comfort. REFLECTING ON 2 PETER 3:8-14 The first Christians were expecting Christ s return at any moment and could not understand the delay. As Christians, we continue to wait for the end times with the promise of new heavens and a new earth. During Advent we reflect on what the Second Coming means as we conduct ourselves with greater devotion. The writer uses fiery images to emphasize that everything of this world dissolves away and Christians are eager for eternal peace. Since life on this earth is not forever, how might we conduct ourselves to prepare? Have a family discussion about any end time fears. Christians find hope in God s promises. All who have come to repentance will enjoy eternal glory with Christ By Janet Miller. Illustrations by Jim Burrows. Copyright 2011, TeamRCIA.com. All rights reserved. Permission is given to reproduce this handout for family home use.
REFLECTING ON MARK 1:1-8 John the Baptist makes his point, After me comes One mightier whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. Dressed in the clothing of repentance, John heralds Here is your God! We need to ready our hearts. Fill up the potholes that we have created in our relationships. Level the bumps in the wasteland where people are suffering from injustice. Prepare the way as God says, Give comfort to my people. How are we each pointing the way to Jesus more each day? In what ways is our family giving comfort to prepare the way of God in our lives and in the lives of those we help? Advent Comfort Cookies Spread comfort by preparing Christmas cookies. Arrange cookies on plates and deliver to neighbors and shut-ins. Cookies made from this recipe come out soft even when the dough is reworked, so do not waste the scraps. Cream together: 1 ½ cup sugar, 2 cubes butter, and 8 ounces of softened cream cheese. Add: 1 egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and ½ teaspoon almond extract. Beat until smooth. Combine in another bowl: 3 ½ cups flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and ¼ teaspoon salt (optional). Add to the creamed ingredients while mixing thoroughly. Chill dough 1 hour or more. Roll out 1/8-inch thick on surface coated with powdered sugar. Cut with cookie cutters, possibly make some to represent John the Baptist s food. Bake on ungreased sheet at 375 degrees for 8-10 minutes. Remove and cool on racks. Icing Combine 2 cups sifted powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons soft butter, and 1/8 teaspoon almond extract. One tablespoon at a time, add milk until spreading consistency. Divide into small bowls and stir in food colorings. Frost and decorate cookies. Deliver the cookies and visit with friends and shut-ins. Determine if there is something your family can do to bring comfort to their households. Does someone need help with shopping, cleaning, snow removal, or babysitting? Offer your family s service. Second Sunday of Advent, Year B TeamRCIA.com