Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time 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 Zechariah 12:10-11, 13:1 Psalm 63:2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9 Galatians 3:26-29 Luke 9:18-24 Doctrine correlations Jesus prays before decisive moments in his mission and the mission of the apostles, as before Peter s confession that Jesus is the Christ (CCC #2600). Conversion, taking up one s cross, is accomplished in daily life by gestures of reconciliation, concern for the poor, defense of justice, admission of faults, and revision of life (CCC #1435). RCIA team notes Catechumens share through faith in the mystery of Christ s death and resurrection (RCIA #75.2). Children with special needs Check for cultural prohibitions about touching. Some members have better verbal skills; some are good at analyzing; some prefer spatial forms of expression; many need physical movement. Adapt sessions for member preferences. By Janet Miller. Copyright 2013, TeamRCIA.com. All rights reserved.
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 green cloth on table or counter for prayer, percussion instrument Bibles, one set to Luke 9:18, prayer cards fragrant oil in container, candle in a heat-proof holder, matches recycled paper, pencils Sharing Faith questions, copies of Faith at Home scratch paper pencils, markers, mural paper or poster boards; optional: mounting materials, basket or yarn Gathering Prayer Ritual Place a Bible, candle, and fragrant oil in a container on a green cloth. Have reader cards ready, and plan to collect them for future sessions. Singing option Use music from your faith community resources. The suggestion is a guide available in Gather Comprehensive or Give Your Gifts, Melody Book (GIA Publications, Inc.). Bring songbooks and music in a player. Building Community Bring recycled paper and pencils. Snack option Send a reminder to the sponsor providing the snack this week. Sharing Faith Groups Put the Scripture citation with the questions on cards for group leaders. Crossing the Ages Activity option: Who Do You Say I Am? Display Bring, scratch paper, pencils, fine-line and wide markers, mural paper or poster boards. Options: Bring mounting materials and basket or yarn. Arrange with staff for location of the display within the faith community facility. Friends on the Way - Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C 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 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. Using fragrant oil, anoint each member on the forehead with the Sign of the Cross, saying: In the name of Jesus, welcome here today. After the last person has been anointed, say: We call on holy witnesses who have gone before us to intercede for us that we may be strong in faith. Ask everyone to respond after each reader, Pray for us. Following numbered cards, readers call on the saints. Reader 1: Reader 2: Reader 3: Reader 4: Reader 5: Reader 6: Reader 7: Reader 8: Leader: All: Widow of Nain: pray for us. All you holy mothers who spent your lives mourning a child: pray for us. Saint Mary, called Magdalene: pray for us. Saint Joanna, wife of Herod s steward: pray for us. Saint Suzanna with others who provided for Jesus: pray for us. Saint Peter, once called Simon: pray for us. Saints James and John: pray for us. You cloud of witnesses living in eternal glory: pray for us. May we be strengthened by the intercessions of your holy witnesses and by your model of faith, and may the peace of Christ reign in our hearts for ever and ever. Amen. Invite everyone, when you lift a hand, to respond, My soul is thirsting for you, my God. Prayerfully say the following verses inspired by Psalm 63. O God, you are my God whom I seek. My flesh pines and my soul thirsts for you. (response) Your kindness is a greater good than life. I will bless you and call your name. (response) You are my help. In the shadow of your wings I shout for joy. (response) Song Suggestion: Jubilate, Servite/Raise a Song of Gladness or Sing to the Glory of God. Extinguish the candle flame. Friends on the Way - Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C 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 Who Do You Say I Am?: Distribute pieces of recycled paper and pencils. Have catechumens move so they cannot see one another s papers. Ask them to write three things about themselves that the others may not know but that they feel comfortable sharing and sign their names. Collect and shuffle the papers. Have everyone sit in a circle. One at a time, read the papers, ending each time with, Who do you say I am? Members guess the person s name. Mention: In this week s Gospel account, we hear Jesus ask his friends who had traveled with him and heard him teach, Who do you say I am? 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 add to their understandings. Help the catechumens find Zechariah 12:10-11. (Note: Liturgical proclamation adds 13:1, which emphasizes the cleansing of the people.) Explain: The prophet Zechariah told about a time when a group of people harmed and killed an innocent person. Later, through God s grace, they regretted their mean actions and felt sorry. In what types of groups today do members harm other people? (Guarding against prejudicial remarks, explore issues pertinent to the children s experience.) When, if ever, have you heard about people regretting their actions? Have the catechumens find Galatians 3:26-29. Speak on the children s level of experience about prejudice or discrimination that exists in our society. What in this passage shows that Christians should treat everyone as equals without prejudice or discrimination? What can the church do to assure that people of every race, gender, and social level have equal opportunities and status? What does Saint Paul say being baptized in Christ means? When you become baptized in Christ, what will that mean to each of you? Have the catechumens find Luke 9:18-24. Who did Peter say Jesus is? Who do you say Jesus is? Friends on the Way - Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C 4
Affirm the members comments. Summarize: As you prepare to be baptized in Christ, you come to this group to discover the seriousness and joy of this commitment. Baptized Christians are children of God in Christ Jesus. When we clothe ourselves in Christ, we follow the way of the Cross. It is never easy to treat everyone with equal respect or to combat injustices, but the Spirit of grace helps us. PRAYING INTERCESSIONS (5 MINUTES) As children of God, we pray. When I lift my hand, please respond, We petition you, God; hear our prayer. Send your Spirit of grace upon gang members and all who do violence so that they might have a change of heart. (Lift a hand for the response.) Guide your church in ways that treat everyone as equals, so all people regardless of ethnic background or gender or social status will have the same opportunities. (Lift a hand for the response.) Be with all who suffer for taking up the cross in order to work for justice and equality. (Lift a hand for the response.) Invite the members to contribute intercessions. Conclude: God, who gives us the Spirit of grace, we ask for all things according to your will. Hear our prayers that we offer, those spoken and those held in our hearts, through Christ Jesus whose Cross we take up so that we might live 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 - Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C 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). 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 Bibles. Have everyone find Luke 9:18-24. Clarify the following points while they look at the passage: John the Baptist, Elijah, and the prophets were very holy people. In those days, some people thought a holy person could return to life as a different prophet. Christ of God meant that Jesus was especially anointed as the Messiah everyone waited to see. Jesus rebuked the disciples so they would not tell others because he had to die and be resurrected in order to complete his mission. Ask everyone to close their Bibles and listen for one word or phrase that stands out in their minds. Proclaim Luke 9:18-24. Ask them each to say their words. Jot these on the board or on a large sheet of paper. Go over the words and phrases inviting comments from everyone about why these words may be important. Then ask: Since Jesus died on the cross, it may seem strange that he tells us followers to take up the cross and to save our lives by losing them. What might losing life to save it mean? TWELFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR C Zechariah 12:10-11, 13:1 Psalm 63:2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9 Galatians 3:26-29 Luke 9:18-24 Insight for the Catechist Jesus spent a great deal of energy gathering a group of followers, healing them, and effecting cures to make his point. He renewed himself alone in prayer. Apparently, he reflected on his mission and asked what the crowds were saying about him. The crowds, even though they had seen his many works and heard his teaching, could not grasp his true purpose. Jesus commands silence in response to Peter s proclamation that he is the Christ of God because Jesus must suffer, die, and be raised in order for this to be realized. Additionally, all would-be followers are required to take up their crosses on a daily basis and pay the cost of discipleship. Only losing one s life for Jesus sake will save it. To Jesus question, Who do you say that I am? each Christian must develop a personal response. Together explore the meaning. Emphasize that in following Christ we lose a life of selfishness, rudeness, jealousy, and self-importance as Jesus rescues us for eternal glory. By Janet Miller. Copyright 2013, TeamRCIA.com. All rights reserved. 6
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 LUKE 9:18-24 About what might Jesus have been praying? Why did the people think Jesus was one of the holy prophets? What does Jesus death on the cross mean to each of us? In what ways does taking up the cross of Jesus change us? With the whole group conclude : When we read the Gospels, we notice that Jesus often prayed. Jesus prayed when he had important decisions to make regarding his mission. When the disciples began to realize that he was the Messiah, the Christ of God, Jesus prayed. In prayer, he realized that they would not know the whole truth until his death and resurrection. The disciples needed to learn about following the way of the Cross by putting aside selfishness. 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. Conclude: You catechumens are just beginning to know conversion, which is the Christian way of life. Conversion means that we constantly are turning away from selfishness and towards God s ways. It involves daily taking up our crosses. It includes acts of reconciliation, concern for the poor, and admission of faults. It means we defend ways of justice to change the lives of those in need. In fact, conversion is a way of life that differs from the rest of society. CLOSING PRAYER Mention: Jesus has many titles. They include the Anointed, Christ of God, Savior, Messiah, Friend, and Teacher. Reflect for a moment about who Jesus is. You might focus on one word or a whole sentence. Imagine Jesus saying to you, Who do you say that I am? (Pause.) Around the circle you will have an opportunity to answer that question if you wish. If you would rather answer the question silently in your heart, just place your hands over your heart as I call you forward. Friends on the Way - Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C 7
One at a time, call each member by name, and add: Jesus asks, Who do you say I am? If a member answers silently, say Jesus hears us in the silence of our hearts, and call the next member s name. Conclude: Go forth from this place, take up your cross daily, and follow Jesus. 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. Crossing the Ages Activity (Optional activity for children and adults together: 20 minutes) Who Do You Say I Am? Display (Catechumens share through faith in the mystery of Christ s death and resurrection, RCIA #75.2.) Invite the members to create a display for faith community members to write who they believe Jesus is. Distribute scratch paper and pencils for members to practice writing an answer to Jesus question, Who do you say I am? Go together and mount mural paper in a faith community gathering area. Have someone with wide-line dark markers draw a large body outline on the mural. Someone else prints across the center Who Is Jesus? Group member use colorful fine-line markers to neatly print their responses to the question. They sign their statements if they wish. Provide fine-line markers in a basket or secure them to the display with yarn. Someone makes a sign inviting others to add their comments. Display the sign with the mural. Option: If a large display is not possible, provide small poster boards for each member to make a poster showing who Jesus is. These can be displayed in the meeting room, or the members display them at home. Friends on the Way - Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C 8
Faith at Home Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C Remember Sunday s Word Zechariah 12:10-11, 13:1 Psalm 63:2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9 Galatians 3:26-29 Luke 9:18-24 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 9 in the center. Begin with a moment of quiet. REFLECTING ON ZECHARIAH 12:10-11, 13:1 While the identity of this ancient victim is unknown, Christians read the suffering of Jesus into Zechariah s prophecy. The implication is that the victim s death is caused by a hasty act. Later, the perpetrators mourn. Purification comes through petition and God s grace. When have we hurt someone and later regretted it? Talk about times actions of family members hurt someone. Be aware of God s merciful grace. Individually or as a family, pray for God s forgiveness. In repentance, do something for anyone who was hurt. REFLECTING ON GALATIANS 3:26-29 All of the baptized are clothed in Christ with total equality in the community of the faithful. Children of God without special treatment or prejudice for ethnic identity, social status, or gender are together inheritors of God s promise as seen in Christ. What does becoming clothed in Christ during baptism mean? How do we each wear Christ as a protective garment? As a symbol of belonging to Christ? Evaluate advertisements. Decide how items represent and do not represent being clothed in Christ. REFLECTING ON LUKE 9:18-24 Jesus asks, Who do you say I am? The appropriate response is to be less selfish, take up your cross daily, and follow the way of Jesus. Christ s suffering, death, and resurrection reveal his identity. How would we each family member respond if asked, Who do you say Jesus is? By Janet Miller. Copyright 2013, TeamRCIA.com. All rights reserved. Permission is given to reproduce this handout for family home use.
Cross Match Christians display crosses as a symbol of willingness to follow Jesus. The Latin cross, with a cross beam slightly above center, is the most common. Throughout Christian history, cross designs have varied to reflect aspects of faith. Match each cross design to its description by writing the correct letter of each cross next to its description. Together as a family, create a cross design that represents something about your faith. A B C D E 1. Crucifix: A representation of Jesus body is affixed to a basic Latin Cross. It reminds Christians that following Jesus includes making serious sacrifices. 2. Celtic or High Cross: Massive crosses erected around Ireland during the 12 th century were often carved with biblical scenes. The circle represents eternal life and the unity of the Trinity as taught by Saint Patrick. 3. Glorified Cross: A cross decorated with flowers, gems, or sunbursts represents eternal glorification and Christ s triumph over death. 4. Poppy or Remembrance Cross: A poppy design attached to the cross symbolizes remembrance. The spike allows the cross to be placed on graves, customarily on Veterans Day. F G 5. Shrouded or Resurrection Cross: The drape represents the discarded burial cloth left behind during Jesus resurrection and triumph over death. 6. Budded Cross, also known as the Apostles Cross: The three buds at the end of each arm represent the Trinity. The buds signify budding faith, which started with the apostles. This cross particularly represents the faith of new Christians. 7. Canterbury Cross: Variations of this design are from ninth-century England. The four arms of equal lengths widening at the ends give the impression of a circle and suggest eternal life. Triangular panels represent the Trinity. Answers: 1: D; 2: G; 3:E; 4:F; 5:C; 6:B; 7:A Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C TeamRCIA.com