Spirit Day Retreat Manual Thanks to the OFCYM staff, DRE s, CRE s, CYM s and Pastors who contributed to the content of this manual. Prepared by Jesus Chuy Deleon Office for Catechesis and Youth Ministry Archdiocese of Chicago Copyright@2012, Permission needed for Copy. Revised: 06/28/2013
Table of Contents Section 1: General Introduction of Spirit Day Pages Included Goals and Objectives 2 Methodology Description 3-4 Spirit Day Retreat Experience 5 Spirit Day Community 6 Spirit Day Year Cycle 7 Planning Meetings Overview 8 Coordinating Roles Overview 9-10 General Parish Responsibilities 11 Section 2: Spirit Day Retreat Experience First Ceremony Instructions and Guide 12-15 Welcoming and Community Building 16-17 Don t Miss the Boat Instructions and Narrative 18-19 Group Skits Instructions and Skits 20-23 Witness Talk Presentation Instructions 24 Catechetical Presentation Instructions 25 Second Ceremony: Profession of Faith in Worship 26 Reflection: Put Away Your Old Self Instructions 27 Third Ceremony: Blessing and Thanksgiving 29-31 Section 3: Roles/Responsibilities for Spirit Day OFCYM Contact Role Description and Checklist 32-37 Site Coordinator Role Description 38 Program Coordinator Role Description and Checklist 39-42 Food Coordinator Guide 43-45 Secretary/Registration Coordinator Role Description and 46-51 Checklist Prayer/Worship Coordinator Role Description and Checklist 52-56 Floor Coordinator Role Description and Checklist 56-59 Section 4: Handouts and Resources Segment Appendix A: Handout Forms A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H 61-101 Appendix B: Resources Last Revised by: Jesus Chuy Deleon 06/28/2013 Page 1
General Introduction: Goals and Objectives I C O N K E Y Handout Take Note Check List Resource Brief Description of Spirit Day: Spirit Day is a multi-parish one-day retreat for teens who are about to celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation. Main Goal of Spirit Day: Through the power of the Holy Spirit and the faith of the parish community, the goal of Spirit Day Confirmation Retreat is to provide an opportunity for Confirmation candidates to experience an inner spiritual awakening that will inspire them to strengthen their commitment to a relationship with Christ and His Church. Main Objectives of Spirit Day: - Realize the presence of Christ among us using evangelization and catechesis through media, storytelling, witness talks and catechetical presentation. - Awaken the Presence of the Holy Spirit within us through prayer/ worship, singing and praising. - Commit to a relationship with God in the power of the Eucharist and the life and service of the church community Methodology: Using the wisdom and power of the New Evangelization, Spirit Day Confirmation Retreat organizes a spiritual experience that connects us to our baptismal journey. This experience is organized in three major stages: Evangelization/Catechesis Stage, Prayer/Worship Stage, and Commitment/Service Stage. Last Revised by: Jesus Chuy Deleon 06/28/2013 Page 2
General Introduction: Methodology Description The Spirit Day Retreat Experience is divided into three stages (symbolizing the Trinity) and three ceremonies. The three stages of the Spirit Day Retreat Experience are the following: Evangelization/Catechesis Stage: Using media, storytelling, witness talks and catechesis, one of Spirit Day s objectives is to help the participants realize the presence of the Living Christ in their lives and the importance of opening their minds and hearts to Jesus in the present moment. Why the focus on Christ and not the Holy Spirit, being that the retreat is titled Spirit Day? The purpose of the retreat is not to offer a day of catechesis on the Holy Spirit, for this is already done in the parish Confirmation programs. The purpose of the retreat is to awaken the Holy Spirit within our young participants for it is the Spirit of the risen Christ, the ever-flowing water of baptism running constantly in search of God, which will move the individual to say a genuine Yes when celebrating the sacrament of Confirmation. In order for teens to say Yes to Christ and commit to a life in the Church, they need to be re-immersed again in the Holy Spirit. But we cannot awaken the Spirit of salvation within them without its source, which is the glorified Lord. 1 The Gospel of John tells us that, we receive the Spirit by drawing near to the Son within reach of his breath and then allowing ourselves to be breathed upon by Jesus (John 20:19-23). Pope Benedict the XVI explained this to us very clearly when he wrote, The Spirit does not allow itself to be seen when we depart from the Son. On the contrary he allows himself to be seen when we are with the Son. 2 This is why it is important that we begin our retreat with the effort of leading our teens towards Christ and to realize how He has been committed to their lives, for it is only through this realization that they will be willing to open the doors of their hearts and accept Christ into their present experience. It is after accepting Christ into their present experience that the Holy Spirit is awakened and fired up. 1 Rahner, Content of Faith. 1992. Pg 356 2 Ratzinger, The God of Jesus Christ, 1979, Pg. 101. Last Revised by: Jesus Chuy Deleon 06/28/2013 Page 3
General Introduction: Methodology (Cont.) Prayer/Worship Stage: Through prayer, worship, singing and praising, the next objective of the retreat is to FIRE UP the Holy Spirit that has been awakened by the presence of Christ. It is our love for Christ that the Spirit moves and it is through prayer, worship, singing and praising that our love for Christ is fed. The Spirit is the principle of prayer: He prays in us so that our prayer acquires an almost infinite range and a divine depth. The New Testament keeps telling us again and again to pray in the Holy Spirit. 3 The more we pray, the more fired up the Spirit becomes! Service/Commitment Stage: The end result of Spirit Day must be a spiritual experience and a union between the participant, the Divine Trinity and the greater Church; all which are important for the fulfillment of not only the Sacrament of Confirmation but a committed life in service. It is the fired up Spirit that will glue all these elements together. The Holy Spirit, leads us to the Son, and through the Son he leads us to the Father. 4 It is the engine that moves God s economy (oiconomia): God moves towards us so that we may serve one another and thereby return to God once again. The day ends with a blessing for both participants and adult volunteers as they commit their service to Christ and His Church; followed by thanks-giving, which brings us into communion with each other; finalizing with the climactic journey of our sacramental life: our liturgical celebration of the Eucharist. Ceremonies: Each stage of the Spirit Day Retreat Experience is divided into ceremonial rituals filled with symbolism, creativity, reflection and prayer. The purpose of these ceremonial rituals are not just to make a clear transition from one stage to the other, but also to embody the living Christ among us who is in constant movement through the Love, Hope and Faith of His Church, guiding the teen participants in their own experience of the Paschal Mystery of life, death and resurrection in Him. Parishes participating in the retreat each take responsibility of organizing one of these ceremonies together with their teen participants before the retreat. 3 Ibid. Rahner, Pg. 358 4 Ibid, Ratzinger. Pg 101 Last Revised by: Jesus Chuy Deleon 06/28/2013 Page 4
General Introduction: Spirit Day Retreat Experience Time: Segment Title Segment Brief Description 10 Min The Welcoming The Church welcomes the participants to this experience with Love, Hope and Faith. Service Stage Prayer/Worship Stage Evangelization Stage 10 Min Community Building: Icebreaker #1 15 Min Storytelling: Don t Miss the Boat 15 Min First Ceremony: Opening Prayer 30 Min Group Skits: Story of St. Paul Begin to motivate interest in the experience of the day with fun group activities that are rooted in the Gospel. The Gospel will be our guide. By using the power of storytelling, teens are inspired to prepare and open their minds to all the possibilities that Spirit Day has to offer. The Church presents the gifts of the Holy Spirit and the Lord s Prayer to the participants, reconnecting them to their baptism. Participants reflect on St. Paul s own experience of conversion by having the groups discuss among themselves and prepare to present their skit to the rest of the assembly. 50 Min Witness Talks By observing the skit presentations, listening to witness talks, and in personal journal writing, participants reflect on their own life in Christ and process of conversion. 20 Min Catechetical Session: Jesus Among Us 25 Min Second Ceremony: Profession of Faith in Worship Through catechesis, the participants are able to connect Scripture and their present day experience in order to realize that Christ has been, is and will always be present and committed in their lives. Through a creative worship experience, teens are moved and inspired to publically announce their love to Christ and reaffirm their baptismal promise; celebrating their realization that Christ lives in their lives. 15 Min Community Building: Continue to build community among the young people. 20 Min Reflection: Put Away Your Old Self 50 Min Third Ceremony: Blessing and Thanksgiving 15 Min Reflection: Letters to Christ 1:30 Total: 6:05 Mass Celebration Be Renewed in the Spirit Through videos and ritual action, participants reflect on Christ s love for us as he carries our sins in the cross; taking with Him our old selves. Through symbolism and ritual action, participants experience the movement of the Holy Spirit, opening their hearts to each other and Christ. Renewed in the Spirit, participants open their minds and hearts to Christ by offering their life to him in the form of a letter. The celebration of the Mass seals the experience of Spirit Day sending forth the participants to a life in service to Christ and their commitment to His Church. Last Revised by: Jesus Chuy Deleon 06/28/2013 Page 5
General Introduction: Spirit Day Community Office for Catechesis and Youth Ministry (OFCYM) Retreat Teen Participants VYMCs and VCMCs together administrate the retreat Spirit Day Planning Committees Help prepare for the Spirit Day Ceremonies DRE s, CRE s, Pastors, CYM s organize the retreat Spirit Day Cooperative Spirit Day Community Parish Youth Ministries Local choirs, MCs, technicians, facilitators, businesses and Site Coordinators available to help Parish Youth already confirmed help animate the retreat Catechists, Youth Ministers, Pastors facilitate the retreat Parish Religious Ed Programs Last Revised by: Jesus Chuy Deleon 06/28/2013 Page 6
General Introduction: Spirit Day Year Cycle May - August Period 3 September - October Period 2 Period 4 January April October - January Period 1 Period One: (January April) This is the period that most Spirit Day Retreats take place in time. Period Two: (May-August) Evaluation of the Spirit Day Retreats that took place in Period One usually happens in this period. OFCYM begins to prepare for new fiscal year s Spirit Day Planning. Period Three: (September October) Initial preparation meetings usually take place during this period within the Spirit Day Planning Committees and Spirit Day Coop. Period Four: (January April) Planning meetings, trainings, and activities are taking place during this period throughout the Spirit Day Community. Last Revised by: Jesus Chuy Deleon 06/28/2013 Page 7
General Introduction: Planning Meetings Overview Initial Meeting: Introductions and responsibilities Date/Place/Time: Objectives: Introduction of Parish Representatives Introduction of Spirit Day (Mission and Objectives) Introduction of Planning Process. Establish dates for the Planning Process Introduction and assigning of roles and responsibilities of Coordinators Give Parish Registration Forms Meeting #1: Establishing Assignments Date/Place/Time: Objectives: Review assignments for each Coordinator. Begin to fill out the Action Plans. Begin to organize Action Plans Update on registration Meeting #2: Present Action Plans for OFCYM Approval Date/Place/Time: Objectives: Receive Group Registration Forms Present and complete drafts of Action Plans for: o Food, Floor, Prayer/Worship, Registration and Program Meeting #3: Final Updates and Preparation of Logistic Date/Place/Time: Objectives: Assign Volunteers to Retreat Roles Final updates on each of the Action Plans Prepare for the Volunteer Meeting and Evaluation Meeting SPIRIT DAY LEADERSHIP INTENSIVE: Date/Place/Time: VOLUNTEER MEETING: Date/Place/Time: RETREAT DATE: Date/Place/Time: RETREAT EVALUATION MEETING: Date/Place/Time: Last Revised by: Jesus Chuy Deleon 06/28/2013 Page 8
General Introduction: Coordinating Roles Overview L.3 Time commitment level: 1) Lowest 2) Mid-level 3) Highest Site Coordinator: Name: Parish: This person is an adult parish staff/volunteer nominated from among the participating parishes, who is willing to facilitate the organizing process for the planning committee. Some of the responsibilities include: 1) facilitate the planning meetings, making sure the objectives are met, 2) remind Coordinators of their responsibilities between meetings, 3) make sure any gaps of roles and responsibilities are filled, 4) communicate any issues, questions or suggestions to the OFCYM contact. L.1 L.2 L.2 Food Coordinator: Name: Parish: This person is an adult parish staff/volunteer nominated from among the participating parishes, who is willing to facilitate the organization and implementation procedure for the food. Some of the responsibilities include: 1) complete the Food Action Plan, 2) help in the purchase of food, 3) receive any food items being delivered before the retreat, 4) prepare Food Team at Spirit Day Volunteer Meeting as well as the food table, 5) serve food and clean food area at Spirit Day. Program Coordinator: Name: Parish: This person is an adult parish staff/volunteer nominated from among the participating parishes, who is willing to facilitate the organization and implementation procedure for the Spirit Day program experience. Some of the responsibilities include: 1) complete the Program Action Plan, 2) help in recruiting for speakers and choir for the retreat, 3) help organize the Retreat s agenda, 4) responsible for the Volunteer Meeting and the flow of the agenda on the day of the retreat. Floor Coordinator: Name: Parish: This person is an adult parish staff/volunteer nominated from among the participating parishes, who is willing to facilitate the reservation and preparation of the space and materials needed for Spirit Day. Some of the responsibilities include: 1) complete the Floor Action Plan, 2) help find the space for the retreat, 3) prepare the floor team at the Volunteer Meeting, 4) responsible for picking up and returning Spirit Day Materials from the Vicariate Office, and 5) prepare and clean-up the space for the retreat. Last Revised by: Jesus Chuy Deleon 06/28/2013 Page 9
General Introduction: Coordinating Roles (cont.) L.1 L.2 L.1 Secretary/Registration Coordinator: Name: Parish: This person is an adult parish staff/volunteer nominated from among the participating parishes, who is willing to facilitate the registration process before and at the retreat. Some of the responsibilities include: 1) complete the Registration Action Plan, 2) make sure the registration forms and payments are submitted on time by participating parishes, 3) prepare Registration Team at the Volunteer Meeting, 4) prepare and clean-up the registration tables and area on the day of the retreat. Prayer/Worship Coordinator: Name: Parish: This person is an adult parish staff/volunteer nominated from among the participating parishes, who is willing to organize and facilitate the Prayer/Worship experience of the retreat. Some of the responsibilities include: 1) complete the Prayer/Worship Action Plan, 2) prepare the retreat s First Ceremony and closing Mass celebration as well as the volunteers and supplies needed, 3) responsible for preparing the Prayer/Worship Team at the Volunteer Meeting, 4) responsible for facilitating the setup for the First Ceremony and Mass celebration at the retreat. Security Coordinator: Name: Parish: This person is an adult parish staff/volunteer nominated from among the participating parishes, who is willing to facilitate the security plan for the retreat: 1) complete the Security Action Plan, 2) responsible for the security team s materials and supplies, 3) make sure the security volunteers are in compliance with the Archdiocese, 4) prepare the Security Team at the Volunteer Meeting, 5) manage the Security Team and implement the Security Plan at the retreat. Last Revised by: Jesus Chuy Deleon 06/28/2013 Page 10
General Introduction: General Parish Responsibilities To best prepare for the retreat, Spirit Day recommends each parish take on the following responsibilities. These responsibilities are aside from the specific responsibilities assigned to each retreat coordinator. Each parish needs to make sure these general parish responsibilities are met. 1. Must have parish catechists, youth ministers and youth ministry teens available to help at the retreat and attend the Volunteer Meeting. 2. Must complete the parish registration form by Meeting #2. 3. Should offer some of the Confirmation students to participate in the readings for the Mass 4. Each parish is responsible for their own name tags for their retreat participants and volunteers. Please use name tag labels that stick, without plastic holders. This is helpful as they will stick their names to a wooden cross in the Third Ceremony. 5. Must have a parish representative attend all Planning Meetings. It must be the same representative at all meetings. 6. Using creative art, have your students prepare a visual of a Gift or Gifts (depending on the agreement with the committee) of the Holy Spirit for the First Ceremony. PREPARING THE PARTICIPANTS: 1. Have your participants learn this prayer in your class sessions until they memorize their response: Leader: Come Holy Spirit; fill the hearts of your faithful All: Enkindle in them the fire of your love. Leader: Send forth your Spirit All: And you will renew the face of the earth. Leader: Let us pray. Lord, by the light of the Holy Spirit, you have taught the hearts of the faithful. In the same spirit, help us to relish what is right and always rejoice in your consolation. We ask this through Christ our lord. All: Amen 2. Have your participants learn the theme song by singing it at some of your class sessions. Have your students practice yelling loud when their parish name is introduced. Last Revised by: Jesus Chuy Deleon 06/28/2013 Page 11
Last Revised by: Jesus Chuy Deleon 06/28/2013 Page 12