Palm Sunday of the Lord s Passion, 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 Luke 19:28-40 Isaiah 50:4-7 Psalm 22:8-9, 17-18, 19-20, 23-24 Philippians 2:6-11 Luke 22:14 23:56 Doctrine correlations Jesus freely submitted to God s will and, suffering death on the Cross, conquered death and opened the possibility of salvation to all (CCC #1039). If non-lethal means can protect people s safety, the death penalty should be excluded allowing perpetrators to seek redemption (CCC #2306). RCIA team notes Encourage catechumens to participate in Holy Week liturgies and support the elect during the Easter Vigil. The elect spend Holy Saturday in reflection and possibly join with the adults prayer reflection (RCIA #185-205). Children with special needs Children with cognitive behavioral differences may have difficulty understanding empathy or may need additional supervision in outdoor spaces. By Janet Miller. Copyright 2013, 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, and erasable markers red cloth on table or counter for prayer, percussion instrument Bibles, one set to Luke 22, responses displayed crucifix, candle in a heat-proof holder, matches costumes, props (optional) posters, mounting supplies, visuals for stations, large cross copies of Faith at Home plaster of Paris, table protectors, containers, stir sticks, water, yarn loops, molds, sticks, snippers, stones (optional) clean-up supplies Gathering Prayer Ritual Place a Bible, candle, and crucifix on a red cloth. Number and display All responses. 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. Building Community Plan space for the enactment. Bring coats, biblical costumes, and props (optional). Snack option Send a reminder to the sponsor providing the snack this week. Engaging the Word Write verse numbers on posting notes, place in seven Bibles, and give to readers to prepare. Bring a large cross. Set up seven stations, some possibly outdoors, with titles on posters. Suggestions: bread and juice pitcher with cups, potted plants or garden area, fire pit, robe and gavel, picture of despairing women, cross board with hammer and nails, spices and oils on a stone. Sharing Faith groups Explain reflective listening to possible group leaders. Crossing the Ages Activity option: The Cross, Redemption, and Capital Punishment Prepare to present Catholic teaching regarding the death penalty. See USCCB.org, click issues and action, then human life and dignity, then death penalty-capital punishment. Bring plaster of Paris, mixing containers, stir sticks, water, large craft sticks, yarn loops, molds such as cleaned recycled plastic containers, garden snippers, stones (optional), and clean-up supplies. Gather sticks from trees. Make a sample. Cover tables. Friends on the Way - Palm Sunday of the Lord s Passion, 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 them check in and put on nametags. For anyone new provide nametag materials. GATHERING PRAYER RITUAL Chime a percussion instrument as a call to prayer. All stand around the prayer focal point with the words for All displayed. Mention that everyone will read the sentence for the number of fingers held up. ( ) Light the candle. A volunteer holds up a crucifix. Leader: All: Leader: All: Behold the cross of Christ. (Leader holds up one finger.) Be with us, Jesus, as we reflect on the way of your Cross. Christ Crucified, (Leader holds up two fingers.) Have mercy on us. Taking turns, each member holds the crucifix high and states Behold the Cross of Christ. Then place the crucifix near the Bible. Say: Leader: Remember Christ is with us when we follow the way of the Cross. Song Suggestion: Lamb of God, O Tree of Life or an Agnus Dei Invite everyone when you lift a hand to respond You are my help, O God. Hurry to my aid. Prayerfully say the following verses inspired by Psalm 22. My God, my God, why have you abandoned me? All who see me mock me. (response) They have pierced my hands and feet. They cast lots for my clothing. (response) O God, hasten to my aid. I will praise your name. (response) Extinguish the candle flame. Friends on the Way - Palm Sunday of the Lord s Passion, 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 Procession into Jerusalem Provide Bibles. Open to Luke 19:28-40. Assign roles: Jesus, disciples, colt owners, praising people, Pharisees. Ask everyone to look over their roles and prepare their actions adding dialog as needed. Offer costumes and props (optional). Narrate while they enact Luke 19:28-40. Collect costumes and props and settle the group. Say: Probably some of the crowd who welcomed Jesus hoped he would overthrow the Roman government. Certainly, some Pharisees were not happy with Jesus teachings. 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 everyone find Isaiah 50:4-7. Say: Christians see Jesus as the fulfillment of this ancient description of a prophet who suffered. What about this prophet seems like Jesus? (victim of violence, spoke to the weary, prayed to God, never was disgraced) Help everyone find Philippians 2:6-11. Saint Paul expressed the mystery of Christ in this hymn. Jesus experienced joys, decision making, and suffering, but death was not the end. What in this song describes Jesus? If you were writing a song about Jesus, what would you include? Have the catechumens find Luke 22:14-23:56. Explain: Many religious leaders resented Jesus because he taught God s mercy. They did not want to lose their power, so they had him tortured. I wonder: How does this story make you feel? I wonder: Why were some people so mean? I wonder: Why did Jesus react peacefully instead of with violence? Friends on the Way - Palm Sunday of the Lord s Passion, Year C 4
Affirm the members comments. Summarize: Jesus death was terrible. The women who had cared for Jesus were powerless. They could only watch as their beloved teacher was tortured, but death was not the end. During Holy Week we relive the sadness of Jesus last days; however, we also rejoice because Jesus brought new life through the Cross. For children who are the elect preparing for baptism: How ready are you to walk the way of Jesus with love and self-sacrifice? PRAYING INTERCESSIONS (5 MINUTES) In faith we offer prayers. When I lift my hand please respond, God to whom we cry, hear our prayer. Bless followers of Jesus with well-trained tongues to speak for the weary. (Lift a hand for the response.) Send your Holy Spirit to make us obedient to divine will. (Lift a hand for the response.) Conform our hearts to the way of the Cross. (Lift a hand for the response.) Invite the members to contribute intercessions. Conclude: Living God, whose love does not end with this life, send your Holy Spirit to make us strong. May we react to violence with the power of love according the way of 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 - Palm Sunday of the Lord s Passion, 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 (20 MINUTES) Mention that the group will reflect on the Passion of Jesus while moving together to seven stations. Assign a volunteer to carry the cross while everyone follows. At each station, invite a volunteer to read the poster title. At the stations volunteers hold up items on display. A reader proclaims the verses, and the leader guides actions and reads the reflections. Begin at Station 1: The Last Supper Reader: Luke 22:14-20 Break and share bread. Pour and serve cups. Leader: Jesus remembered the Passover by sharing his last meal with his friends. With his blood poured out on the Cross, Jesus became the Lamb of God and took away the sins of the world. Catholics share in Christ s body and blood through blessed bread and wine, consecrated and shared in Eucharist. Reader: Luke 22:24-34 Leader: Jesus instructed his disciples to follow his way of service. Follow the Cross Bearer to Station 2: The Garden Reader: Luke 22:39-53 Leader: Jesus had the chance to start a violent revolution, but he chose the way of peace. He offered a healing touch when facing those who would do him harm. By Janet Miller. Copyright 2013, TeamRCIA.com. All rights reserved. PALM SUNDAYOF THE LORD S PASSION, YEAR C Luke 19:28-40 Isaiah 50:4-7 Psalm 22:8-9, 17-18, 19-20, 23-24 Philippians 2:6-11 Luke 22:14 23:56 Insight for the Catechist Through the Incarnation, Jesus made the choice to accept a human life with death as the ultimate humility. Although one with God, Jesus endured human difficulty, pain, and rejection. In Luke s Passion account, Jesus is the innocent sufferer cast among the wicked. The traditional narrative includes the Last Supper, arrest, trial, walking the way, crucifixion, and death. While the Passion reveals Jesus experiencing human suffering, the Evangelist Luke presents the story with Jesus always in control. Even Simon is placed behind Jesus whose attention is on the suffering women and their children. Staying obedient to God s will to the point of death, Jesus becomes commander over all cosmic powers. Giving his life, Jesus suffered the ultimate persecution. As followers of the way we endure small and large humilities and assent to give up things dear to us. 6
Follow the Cross Bearer to Station 3: The Courtyard Reader: Luke 22:54-62 Leader: Embarrassed and frightened, what did Peter remember when Jesus looked through his eyes into his heart? Did he remember the prediction of denial? His call while fishing? The Transfiguration? Whatever Peter remembered, he experienced divine mercy and responded with repentance. Follow the Cross Bearer to Station 4: The Trial Reader: Luke 22:63-71; 23:1-9, 13-24 Leader: Pilate believed in Jesus innocence but lacked character to stand for what was right. Jesus knows our troubles and is with us when we are ridiculed or condemned unjustly. Follow the Cross Bearer to Station 5: The Way Reader: Luke 23:26-28 Leader: Tired and battered, Jesus attention was on the suffering of the women. Jesus continues to walk the way with people who are suffering. Follow the Cross Bearer to Station 6: The Crucifixion A volunteer strikes nails. Reader: Luke 23:33-49 Leader: Imagine forgiving such horrible hurt. Call to mind the worst evil done to you. In silence, reflect about forgiving the person. (Pause for silence. One at a time everyone gives reverence by embracing the wood of the cross.) Follow the Cross Bearer to Station 7: The Burial Everyone smells the aromatic items. Reader: Luke 23:50-56 Leader: Joseph of Arimathea and the women as righteous people were not able to stop the violence. They did what they could by taking care of Jesus beaten body. This is not the end of the story. God s goodness triumphs over evil. The group returns to the meeting area and sits quietly for a moment. SHARING FAITH (10 MINUTES) Form mixed-age groups of six, or if the whole group is small, remain together. Use the process of reflective listening. Around the circle, each person makes a comment about the Passion while everyone listens. As each speaker finishes, others may make an affirming comment or ask a question. With the whole group conclude: Instead of doing violence, Jesus showed God s way of forgiveness. In suffering death on the Cross, Jesus conquered death and opened to all the possibility of salvation. Friends on the Way - Palm Sunday of the Lord s Passion, Year C 7
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: As was the case with Jesus, sometimes innocent people are convicted. The Catholic Church teaches that whenever possible the death penalty should be avoided, so criminals might seek redemption. CLOSING PRAYER For our closing prayer, we will offer intercessions regarding violence. Please respond, God of life, God of mercy, hear our prayer. For victims of crime, may their bodies, minds, and hearts know healing, we pray. (response) For violators to repent, we pray. (response) For families of victims and for families of violators, we pray. (response) For justice system workers, may the Holy Spirit gift them with right counsel, we pray. (response) That Christians advocate for policies that ensure protection without the death penalty, we pray. (response) That Christians work to end the culture of violence, we pray. (response) God of forgiveness, send your Holy Spirit that we might build a culture of life in our nation and world. Inspire your church to support those who suffer from violence. We walk with hope in the way of Jesus, who died so that others may have life for ever and ever. All: Amen. Go forth from this place to spread the culture of life. 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 - Palm Sunday of the Lord s Passion, Year C 8
Crossing the Ages Activity (Optional activity for children and adults together: 20 minutes) The Cross, Redemption, and Capital Punishment (Foster an evangelical way of life, RCIA #76.) Present Catholic teaching regarding the death penalty and alternatives that allow aggressors to seek redemption. Say: The symbol of the cross reminds us that Christ died so that all might have redemption. Attend Good Friday liturgy. With our Catholic community reverence the wood of the cross by which we are saved. Christians wear and display crosses to express hope in salvation. Invite everyone to make a cross with twigs in plaster Adults help using the following directions: 1. Choose a mold. Lay a yarn loop extending above the top. 2. Mix plaster according to the directions. Mixture may get warm. 3. Pour plaster into mold. Smooth with large craft stick. 4. Adults snip sticks to fit. Lightly press in sticks to form a cross. 5. Option: Add stones. 6. Clean up. 7. After the plaster dries, remove from the mold. 8. Display as a sign that through the cross we have hope in redemption. Friends on the Way - Palm Sunday of the Lord s Passion, Year C 9
Remember Sunday s Word Luke 19:28-40 Isaiah 50:4-7 Psalm 22:8-9, 17-18, 19-20, 23-24 Philippians 2:6-11 Luke 22:14 23:56 Faith at Home Palm Sunday of the Lord s Passion, Year C 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 19 in the center. Begin with a moment of quiet. REFLECTING ON ISAIAH 50:4-7 In Isaiah s prophecy, the Suffering Servant proclaims hope in God but suffers violent rejection. The servant speaks to those who are weary and arouses them. Even when under attack, the unashamed servant remains steadfast to God ways. In what ways do we begin each day by opening our ears to God? When has God given one of us a well-trained tongue to speak to someone weary? REFLECTING ON PHILIPPIANS 2:6-11 Saint Paul suggested this hymn for Christians to sing as a creed. He encouraged those who struggled to understand that glory comes through struggles. Jesus, freely accepting death on the cross, was exalted by God and won salvation for all humanity. What in the passage points to Jesus humanity and divinity? Try putting some of the words in Saint Paul s hymn and your own beliefs to a tune. Choose a genre: hip hop, reggae, country, rock, or another type. REFLECTING ON LUKE 19:28-40; LUKE 22:14 23-56 After Jesus triumphal entry into Jerusalem, he teaches in the temple daily. When the hour comes, Jesus uses bread and wine and offers his own body and blood. The apostles argue, so Jesus teaches about service one final time. After Jesus agonizes in prayer, the crowd comes. He continues his healing ministry and way of peace. Pilate, although finding him innocent, turns Jesus over for crucifixion. Women followers bear witness to his death and burial. How do we feel about the torture and crucifixion of Jesus who was innocent? Why is it important to realize that Jesus death is not the end of the story? By Janet Miller. Copyright 2013, TeamRCIA.com. All rights reserved. Permission is given to reproduce this handout for family home use.
Triumph of the Cross Together tell the Passion story. On the lines, briefly write what happened to Jesus from the time of his triumphant entry in Jerusalem until his death on the Cross. Remember that death is not the end of the story. Ultimately, Jesus is triumphant over death. Palm Sunday of the Lord s Passion, Year C TeamRCIA.com