The Nativity of Saint John the Baptist June 24 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 Isaiah 49:1-6 Psalm 139:1-3, 13-14, 14-15 Acts of the Apostles 13:22-26 Luke 1:57-66, 80 Doctrine correlations The fire of the Spirit, dwelling in John, makes him the forerunner of the coming of the Lord (CCC#718). A name is a sacred icon of the person and demands respect as a sign of dignity (CCC #2158). RCIA team notes The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (previous called the National Conference of Catholic Bishops) establishes as a norm in the United States dioceses that there is no giving of new names during the sacraments of initiation except at the discretion of the bishop for cultural reasons (RCIA #33.4). During a Holy Saturday rite, the celebrant may apply an interpretation for the names of those who will be baptized (RCIA #202). See Crossing the Ages for a Celebration of the Word that honors each catechumen s name. By Janet Miller. Copyright 2012, TeamRCIA.com. All rights reserved.
CATECHIST S NOTES GETTING READY FOR THE SESSION Items to prepare check-in sheet and prepared nametags, markers poster paper or white board, erasers, and erasable markers white cloth on table or counter space for prayer, percussion instrument Bibles, one set to Luke 1:63 candle in a heat-proof holder, matches a saints names book, posting note Sharing Faith questions, copies of Faith at Home blank cards, pencils, references for names, bookmarkers Gathering Prayer Ritual On a white cloth, place a Bible, candle, and a saints names book with a marker placed at John. Use a posting note to indicate where to begin and end reading. Across the bottoms of nametags print IS HER/HIS NAME. Singing option Use music from your faith community resources. The suggestion is a guide available in Gather Comprehensive and Give Your Gifts, Melody Book (GIA Publications, Inc.). Bring songbooks and music in a player. Building Community Plan to tell a story about your name. 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: Celebrating Names Provide a presider the outline or prepare to preside. Invite a music minister and bring worship aids. Plan to create a worship environment. Bring blank cards, pencils, and name references. Invite other faith community members. Friends on the Way - Nativity of Saint John the Baptist 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 and have them sign in. Have them and all adults print their names on prepared nametags. Note: Before prayer assure that everyone can read the adjacent person s name. Select a volunteer to prepare to read about John the Baptist from a book about saints. GATHERING PRAYER RITUAL Chime a percussion instrument as a call to prayer. All stand around the prayer focal point. (+) Light a candle. Leader: Solemnly pick up the open Bible. Hold it outstretched making a large sweeping motion around the group. Proclaim Luke 1:63-64. Ask each person to read the complete nametag of the next person, using his or her as appropriate. Each time, everyone responds: Blessed be (name). Begin by reading the nametag of the person standing next to you. Once everyone has done this, continue below. Leader: We praise you and bless you, God of all creation. Thank you for calling us each by name. Thank you for sending John the Baptist. Reader: Read a short passage about John the Baptist. Leader: You called John, empowered with the Holy Spirit, so you call each of us. Invite everyone when you lift a hand to respond, I praise you, God, for I am wonderfully made. Prayerfully say the following verses inspired by Psalm 139. You have probed me and you know me, where I sit and where I stand. (response) You know and understand my inner thoughts and know where I come and when I go. (response) Truly you have formed my innermost being. You knit me in my mother s womb. (response) You know my soul very well from the time I was fashioned into being. (response) Song Suggestion: You Are Mine. Extinguish the candle flame. Friends on the Way - Nativity of Saint John the Baptist 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 My Name Is, Because: Begin by saying one of your own names (a given name, last name, or nickname). Tell the story behind the name. Invite all the catechumens who wish to tell the story about one of their names. When everyone who wishes has shared, say: This week we hear the interesting story about the naming of the baby who became John the Baptist. 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 the catechumens find Isaiah 49:1-6. Explain: The prophet Isaiah speaks of God s servant always standing firm in faith while facing many hardships. Not only does the servant remain faithful but shows the way to others as well. While still in our mothers wombs, God calls us to be faithful. What images does the prophet use to express how God makes us? How does it feel to know that God began calling you even before you were born? Have the catechumens find Acts of the Apostles 13:22-26. Mention: Saint Luke reminded the early Christians about the many faithful people who came before them and played a part in God s offer of salvation. Who were some of the faithful people of God and what did they do? Have the catechumens find Luke 1:57-66, 80. What shows that John s name is important? Why are names important to God? What might be the answer when people ask about you What will this child be? How might the Holy Spirit help you become strong? Friends on the Way - Nativity of Saint John the Baptist 4
Affirm the members comments. Summarize: Before becoming known as the Baptist, John spent time of preparation in the desert. He opened himself to the guidance of the Holy Spirit and became strong. He discovered that his purpose was to prepare the way for Jesus. PRAYING INTERCESSIONS (5 MINUTES) We offer prayers for people everywhere. When I lift my hand please respond, God who calls us by name, hear our prayer. As you call each of us from within in our mother s womb, O God, please keep unborn babies safe. (Lift a hand for the response.) John the Baptist was strengthened by the Holy Spirit, and so may our pope, bishops, government leaders, and parents, be strengthened. (Lift a hand for the response.) For all those who feel no one cares about their names, please restore dignity. (Lift a hand for the response.) Invite the members to contribute intercessions. Conclude: Divine Holy Spirit of God, you breathe your life into us and call us each by name. Enflame us with your Spirit to be like John the Baptist. Move us to follow the way of justice and peace as we strive to live like Jesus, our teacher, who 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 - Nativity of Saint John the Baptist 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. Note: You may want to regroup at another time for the Celebration of the Word activity option. 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) Distribute Bibles. Have everyone find Luke 1:57-66. Print the words in bold on the board as you say: This week we explore a story that tells how John, who came to be known as John the Baptist, got his name. The story involves MERCY, JOY, FIRMNESS, DOUBT, AMAZEMENT, and WONDER. In pairs, a sponsor with each child or two members together, ask partners to decide which verses express each feeling. Then, proclaim the passage one verse at a time. After each verse ask: What feeling or feelings are in this verse? (Affirm all opinions.) Finally, proclaim verse 80. Ask: What is important in this verse that ends the story about naming John? NATIVITY OF SAINT JOHN THE BAPTIST Isaiah 49:1-6 Psalm 139:1-3, 13-14, 14-15 Acts of the Apostles 13:22-26 Luke 1:57-66, 80 Insight for the Catechist John, who came to be called the Baptist, pointed the way to Jesus as the chosen one who takes away the sins of the world. Saint Luke parallels the births of John and Jesus but does so in a way that subordinates John. In both nativity stories an angel announces the conception, gives the name, and proclaims the mission. Both sets of parents are faithful, although both fathers experience doubt at the announcement. The parents resolve, contrary to custom, to abide by the message. There is joy in the birth but amidst fear and wonder as bystanders give witness. In both stories the Spirit is operative in hearts. The story of the birth of Jesus is more elaborate and detailed and visitors provided affirmation. Followers of John are encouraged to see that John pointed to Jesus as the holy one of God. By Janet Miller. Copyright 2012, TeamRCIA.com. All rights reserved. 6
SHARING FAITH (10 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 LUKE 1:57-66, 80 Why is the story about naming a baby John important enough to be in the Bible? Who gives John strength? Which other people do you know about who accept the guidance of the Holy Spirit? What teachings about God do you take into your heart? With the whole group, conclude: God sent John with the indwelling fire of the Holy Spirit. John pointed the way for others to know Jesus. CARRYING OUT THE WORD (5 MINUTES) SUMMING UP Invite everyone to bring a chair and sit around the prayer focal point. Encourage them to offer insights from this week s session. Mention: John the Baptist was named in a very unusual circumstance. His father, Zechariah, could not speak until after affirming the name his wife had declared for the child. Our names represent us in a special way. Calling others by name respects their dignity. CLOSING PRAYER Walk around the circle. Take the hands of each member and say, Then say: You, child, will be called prophet of the Most High for you will prepare a way for the Lord. Go forth from this place praising and blessing God. 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 - Nativity of Saint John the Baptist 7
Crossing the Ages Activity (Optional activity for children and adults together: 20 minutes) Prayer Service: Celebrating Names (Celebration of the word of God, RCIA #75.3) Sponsors help children prepare a reflection about their names. Distribute cards and pencils. Offer name books, saints names books, or online devises for reference. Each child writes a brief reflection on a card. Ask volunteers to prepare to read their cards during prayer. Meanwhile, readers, song leaders, and others prepare for the space. Place on a centered table the cloth, candle, and Bible with readings bookmarked. Song: Children process and place name cards around the Bible while all sing Softly and Tenderly Jesus is Calling from Gather Comprehensive, GIA Publications, Inc. or Give Your Gifts, Melody Book. Greeting: Greet all who have joined in this celebration. Mention that everyone has come together to celebrate God calling us each by name. Reading: Revelation 3:11-13 Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 139:1-3; response: The righteous give thanks to your holy name. Gospel: John 20:11-16 Reflection Points: The presider gives a brief reflection about names. God calls each of us by name as a sign of our dignity. Our response affirms our dignity and the dignity of others. We recognize Jesus who calls us to learn and follow. In seeking baptism, we ask to be called Christian. Children s Response: Children volunteers come forward and read the reflections about their names. Response for Intercessions: God of all, you love us and call us. For all the leaders of the church, the world, our country, and community that they will take action to uphold the dignity of every person, we pray. (response) For those whose names are not recognized and whose hunger and need make it hard to feel God s love, we pray. (response) For those who hesitate to respond to God s call, may they come to recognize God through our generous actions, we pray. (response) Interactive Prayer: Invite the members while mingling to take the hands of one another and say: You, child, will be called prophet of the Most High for you will prepare a way for the Lord. Amen. Final Blessing: God who calls us by name even before we are born, bless each of us and strength us with the power of your Holy Spirit. All: Amen. We go forth in the name of Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns forever and ever. All: Amen. Friends on the Way - Nativity of Saint John the Baptist 8
Faith at Home Nativity of Saint John the Baptist Remember Sunday s Word Isaiah 49:1-6 Psalm 139:1-3, 13-14, 14-15 Acts of the Apostles 13:22-26 Luke 1:57-66, 80 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 1 in the center. Begin with a moment of quiet. REFLECTING ON ISAIAH 49:1-6 The prophet Isaiah offers elaborate images of the Servant of God. In this passage the Servant s mission applies to all people who will be a light to the nations. Accordingly, salvation will be known to the ends of the earth. God calls us before our birth while forming us in our mother s womb. What does this passage tell us about all human life, including lives of the unborn? What is the purpose of our lives together? Why has the church taught against abortion, the death penalty, and unjust military action? Learn more about the right to life. Decide as family what steps you will take to protect the sanctity of life. REFLECTING ON ACTS OF THE APOSTLES 13:22-26 This is the climax of a speech by Saint Paul that is recorded here by Saint Luke. At that time, the followers of John the Baptist were waiting for him to return instead of accepting Jesus. Paul sought to convince everyone that John, a very important player in salvation history, prepared the way for Jesus. How do our family members spread the message of God s salvation? answer key to Word Game: 1) f. 2) a. 3) c. 4) e. 5) i. 6) g. 7) j. 8) b. 9) d. 10) h. By Janet Miller. Copyright 2012, TeamRCIA.com. All rights reserved. Permission is given to reproduce this handout for family home use.
REFLECTING ON LUKE 1:57-66, 80 The devout and faithful Elizabeth and Zechariah take their newborn baby to the temple on the eighth day for circumcision according to the Mosaic Law. Customarily in their culture, a boy would be named after his father or a relative. The parents ignore the protests, abide by the angel s message, and name him John. Zechariah s resoluteness is rewarded with the return of his ability to speak. The wonder of it all cause the people to ask, What will this child be? God answers by making John strong in the Holy Spirit. What goals for the future does each family member have? How well does each goal match relate to being strong in the Holy Spirit? Matching Word Game In Luke 1:5-25 read the beginning of the dramatic story about the birth of John who came to be called John the Baptist. Draw a line from the sentences to the matching words. Answer key is at the bottom of the first page of Faith at Home. 1. They were a faithful couple. 2. The couple had a regret. 3. Zechariah prayed in the sanctuary. 4. Something fearful and amazing happened. 5. Elizabeth would bear a son. 6. Upon his birth, many will do this. 7. The angel gave the baby this name. 8. For doubting, this happened to Zechariah. 9. The child will be enflamed with this. 10. These would turn. a. no children b. could not speak c. offering incense d. Holy Spirit e. angel appeared f. Elizabeth and Zechariah g. rejoice h. hearts i. angel s promise j. John Nativity of Saint John the Baptist TeamRCIA.com