Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord 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 with parents and sponsors for the Catechetical Session at another time during the week. Children s RCIA Resource 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). During Easter season the Catechetical Session may be used both for the ongoing catechumenate and as postbaptismal catechesis with neophytes. Choose options and adapt your language for your group s stage of faith. Select options and adapt the session to fit your time frame. NOTES FOR THIS SUNDAY Sunday s readings Acts 1:1-11 Psalm 47:2-3, 6-9 Ephesians 1:17-23 Matthew 28:16-20 Doctrine correlations Jesus Christ, taken to heaven and glorified after fully accomplishing his mission, dwells in and is head of his church on earth (CCC #669). Apostles were chosen as witnesses and sent on mission by Christ (CCC #857). Since Christ s ascension, fulfillment of God s plan has begun, and the final age is here (CCC #670). By Janet Miller. Copyright 2011, TeamRCIA.com. All rights reserved.
CATECHIST S NOTES RCIA team notes If your diocese celebrates the Ascension of the Lord on Sunday, the Seventh Sunday of Easter will be skipped. Check with the liturgy committee, and choose the sessions compatible with the liturgy. The entire community must help the catechumens throughout the process of initiation, including the period of postbaptismal catechesis (RCIA #9). Evaluate what is being done within the community to help the children neophytes feel at home (RCIA #9.5). GETTING READY FOR THE SESSION Items to prepare check-in sheet and nametag materials poster paper or white board, erasers, and erasable markers flowers, white cloth on table or counter space for prayer Bibles, one set to Matthew 28 candle in a heat-proof holder, matches Sharing Faith questions, copies of Faith At Home devices with Internet access Gathering Prayer Ritual Set a prayer space with a symbol of new life, such as flowers. Display words for responses on a large sheet or the board. Singing option Use music from your faith community resources. The suggestion is a guide. Bring songbooks and music in a player. Building Community If the activity will be done outside, choose an appropriate area. Snack option Send a reminder to the sponsor providing the snack this week. Engaging the Word Practice a movement for each verse. Sharing Faith groups Put the Scripture citation with the questions on cards for group leaders. Crossing the Ages Activity option: Making Disciples in Many Nations Contact sponsors to bring devices such as laptop computers with online access so that participants can look up information on missionary websites. If online access is not possible, see the session plan for suggestions and print out information about various missionary groups. Friends on the Way - Ascension of the Lord, A 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. GATHERING PRAYER RITUAL All stand around the prayer focal point with the words for All displayed. ( ) Light the candle. Hold it high. Leader: All: Leader: All: Christ is risen, Alleluia. Christ is risen, indeed. Alleluia. Alleluia. Jesus Christ, our teacher and redeemer, risen from the dead, we praise you for new life. Send us your Spirit of wisdom so that we may have knowledge of you. Amen. Alleluia. Invite the members, when you lift a hand, to respond with All you people, clap your hands (clap, clap). Prayerfully say each of the following verses inspired by Psalm 47, and call for the response by lifting a hand. All you people, clap your hands. Shout to God with joyous cries. (response) Sing praises to God. Sing praises around God s throne. (response) God sits on a throne, Ruler over all the nations. (response) Song Suggestion: Give Your Gifts, from Give Your Gifts, Melody Book, GIA Publications, Inc. Extinguish the candle flame. Friends on the Way - Ascension of the Lord, A 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 page from the previous session. BUILDING COMMUNITY Looking at the Sky: If possible, take the group outside. Invite them to spend some time looking upward. After a few moments, invite everyone to sit in a circle. Ask what they remember seeing. Mention that in this week s proclamation of the word, we heard about the men of Galilee looking at the sky. 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. Help everyone find Acts 1:1-11. This week, we heard from the first chapter of the Acts of the Apostles. In this book, Saint Luke tells how the church founded by Christ rapidly gained followers. The apostles were given plenty to do before Jesus someday would return. What is amazing in this story? I wonder, what is the important message for us? (Affirm responses, possibly, Jesus promise of the Holy Spirit or Jesus will return.) Help the catechumens find Ephesians 1:17-23. Ephesus was a city in what is now the country of Turkey. When Saint Paul preached, many who heard him became Christian. Afterward, he wrote a letter to further explain the faith. In the part we read today, Paul asks for the Spirit to be on the Ephesians and states what Christians believe about Jesus. When we read Paul s letters, we find messages for ourselves. What does Paul ask God to give the readers? What does Paul say Christians believe? Friends on the Way - Ascension of the Lord, A 4
Have everyone find Matthew 28:16-20. Before Jesus ascension into heaven, what mission does he give the apostles? What meaning does this Gospel reading have for you? Summarize the members comments and insights. Conclude: Although Easter Sunday was several weeks ago, we continue to celebrate because Christ s resurrection is so important. Today we recall that Christ ascended into heaven, leaving his apostles to teach the good news of everlasting life and to baptize people of every nation. PRAYING INTERCESSIONS (5 MINUTES) Jesus has concern for people of every nation, so in confidence we offer prayers. When I lift my hand, please respond, God of our Lord Jesus Christ, hear our prayer. Strengthen those who witness to your ways, O God, in Sudan, Palestine, Haiti, and all nations. (Lift a hand for the response.) Send down your Spirit of wisdom, knowledge, and hope, so that everyone may know the fullness of the One who fills all things. (Lift a hand for the response.) We pray for Christians in all nations who are suffering from hunger, destruction, and war. (Lift a hand for the response.) Invite the members to contribute intercessions. Then conclude: We praise you, God of all nations. Hear our prayers, those we have spoken and those we hold in our hearts. In your time, you redeemed your people through the sacrifice of our passover, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns forever 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 - Ascension of the Lord, A 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 mystagogy catechesis, include the Option for Neophytes and adjust the time schedule. GATHERING FOR CATECHESIS (5 MINUTES) Welcome the catechumens, parents, sponsors, and any baptized children arriving from liturgy. Have them check in and put on nametags. If this Catechetical Session does not immediately follow 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 or another prayer, or sing a gathering song from liturgy. OPTION FOR NEOPHYTES (10 MINUTES) Gather the neophytes in a circle. Encourage each one to respond to the questions. Others may ask a clarifying question or affirm but should not interrupt. After everyone responds to the first question, ask the next. When you heard the Gospel during liturgy about Jesus sending the disciples to baptize, what thoughts did you have about your own baptism? Reflect for a moment on your baptism, when the water flowed over you and you stood wet in front of the community. How did you feel while being baptized? How do you feel now? ENGAGING THE WORD (10 MINUTES) While doing a movement for each verse, proclaim Matthew 28:16 20. Pause after reading each verse for the members to repeat the movement. Use the following movement suggestions, or devise your own. SOLEMNITY OF THE ASCENSION OF THE LORD, YEAR A Acts 1:1-11 Psalm 47:2-3, 6-9 Ephesians 1:17-23 Matthew 28:16-20 Insight for the Catechist In the beginning of the Acts of the Apostles, Saint Luke speaks of a transitional period of 40 days between Christ s resurrection and ascension. The disciples needed a recovery period. After the shock of the crucifixion, they had run off in fear. Then immediately they were thrust into the mystery of Christ s resurrection. They needed time to grapple with these events. The biblical period of 40 days is a symbolic time of preparation. As Jesus meditated for 40 days in the desert before embarking on his mission, so the disciples spent 40 days in prayer, preparing to receive the Holy Spirit. Saint Matthew records that Christ commissioned the disciples to go forth and baptize in the name of the triune God. The church springs into being from this moment as Jesus followers go out to make disciples in all nations. By Janet Miller. Copyright 2011, TeamRCIA.com. All rights reserved. 6
Verse 16: In place, move arms and legs up and down as if climbing. Verse 17: Stretch arms forward and make a deep bow. Verse 18: Reach arms upward and then out in an arcing motion. Verse 19: Make the sign of the cross. Verse 20: Reach arms straight out in front of you, and then spread arms wide. SHARING FAITH (20 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 the questions on cards for an adult to lead. Circulate to offer support as needed. CONVERSING ABOUT MATTHEW 28:16-20 What did Jesus commission the disciples to do? I wonder, after Jesus Christ was taken to heaven, how did he remain with the disciples, and how does he remain with the church? On a scale with 1 as low and 5 as high, how much do you feel one with Christians of other nations? What can you do to feel close with other Christians around the world? How does it feel to know that God is calling you to be baptized (or called you to have been baptized) in the same way that the disciples went out and baptized? Invite each person to comment on something he or she discovered. Conclude: Jesus accomplished his mission on earth by remaining faithful, even on the cross. Then he was glorified and taken to heaven. Jesus Christ is the head of the church gathered in his name and now dwells among us. We call the period of time since Christ s ascension the final age. The final age will be complete when Christ returns. 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: Christ chose apostles to be witnesses to his ascension and to go on a special mission. For more than 2,000 years, disciples have been baptizing in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Add for catechumens: When your period of preparation in the catechumenate is complete, you will be baptized in the same way. Friends on the Way - Ascension of the Lord, A 7
CLOSING PRAYER Invite the members to offer spontaneous prayers. Ask everyone to respond Amen after each. Conclude: Jesus Christ, you commissioned the disciples and sent your Spirit to guide them. Help us to live in ways that teach the world about you. (Amen.) Raise your hands in blessing over the group. Say: Go forth from this place, and live as disciples who teach others about God s love. 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: 20 minutes) Make Disciples in All Nations (Work with Others to Spread the Gospel, RCIA #75.4) Depending on your schedule, do the activity with the members, parents, and sponsors. Mention that many missionary groups serve in parts of the world and make disciples by helping the poor and needy. Form mixed-age groups of four to six people, each with paper and pencils. Post websites to explore online, or distribute printouts from websites. The following are some suggested missionary websites: www.bvmcong.org www.marianists.com www.combonimissionaries.org www.salesianmissions.org Ask groups to explore the information for each missionary group and respond to these questions. What is name of this missionary group? In which nations are these missionaries serving and making disciples? In what ways is their service special or unique? Would any of us like to support these missionaries? Say a short prayer asking God to bless their work. Friends on the Way - Ascension of the Lord, A 8
Faith at Home Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord, Year A Remember Sunday s Word Acts 1:1-11 Psalm 47:2-3, 6-9 Ephesians 1:17-23 Matthew 28:16-20 At a convenient time for the family, gather around the dining table or in the living room. Silence all electronics. Place a Bible opened to Matthew 28:16 in the center. Begin with a moment of quiet. REFLECTING ON MATTHEW 28:16-20 In concluding his Gospel, Matthew continues to draw on images from ancient Scripture regarding the Messiah. The Son of Man receives dominion and glory to rule over all people and nations (see Daniel 7:14). The Galilean disciples see Jesus a final time on the mountain. Their doubts are doused with a grand commission to baptize in all nations. How does being active members of our faith community help us overcome doubts that may occur? How does it feel to become part of a community that has been baptizing and teaching for more than 2,000 years? Log on to www.laymissionhelpers.org. Explore the site together. Talk about what it would be like to become a missionary family. REFLECTING ON EPHESIANS 1:17 23 Saint Paul prays for believers to have a Spirit of wisdom, knowledge of God, enlightenment, and hope. His statement is a type of creed. What does Paul believe about God? About Jesus Christ? About the Holy Spirit? About the church? As a family, write a statement of belief about God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, and the church. By Janet Miller. Copyright 2011, TeamRCIA.com. All rights reserved. Permission is given to reproduce this handout for family home use.
REFLECTING ON ACTS 1:1-11 Saint Luke provides a threefold message in this account of Christ s ascension. The disciples are to wait for the Holy Spirit. Then they will become witnesses throughout the world. Finally, Jesus will return. This is an uncertain time for the disciples as they pray for insight about what to do next. When has our family had uncertain times? When have children in the family had uncertainty regarding schoolwork or friends? How can praying and being open to the Spirit s guidance help with uncertainty? In the sections between the rays, each family member prints a way to be witnesses for Christ. Friends on the Way - Ascension of the Lord, A TeamRCIA.com