Solemnity of Pentecost 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). During the Easter season, the Catechetical Session may be used both for the ongoing catechumenate and as postbaptismal catechesis with neophytes. Adapt your language and choose options appropriate for your group s stage of faith and adjust your time frame. Children s RCIA Resource CATECHIST S NOTES NOTES FOR THIS SUNDAY Sunday s readings Acts of the Apostles 2:1-11 Psalm 104:1, 24, 29-30, 31, 34 Romans 8:8-17 or 1 Corinthians 12:3b-7, 12-13 John 14:15-16, 23b-26 or John 20:19-23 Doctrine correlations The Holy Spirit is professed in baptism, and Spirit translates the Hebrew word, ruah, which means breath, air, and wind (CCC #691). Promising the coming of the Holy Spirit, Jesus uses the term Paraclete, meaning called to one s side, translated as consoler, advocate (ad-vocatus), and the Spirit of Truth (CCC #692). RCIA team notes For dismissal discussion, check with the liturgy committee about which passages will be proclaimed for the second reading and gospel. To close the period of postbaptismal catechesis, a celebration should be held near Pentecost Sunday (RCIA #249). Children with special needs Children with cognitive behavioral differences may need special assistance to make social connections in the faith community. 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 red cloth on table or counter for prayer, percussion instrument Bibles, one set to John 14 or 20, prayer cards floating candles in container of water, matches index cards hymnals, posting notes Sharing Faith questions, copies of Faith at Home red decorating supplies and refreshments, selected activity items Gathering Prayer Ritual Set a prayer space with a red cloth and floating candles to represent the waters of baptism and the fire of the Holy Spirit. Print the five readers parts for the prayer adapted from the Veni, Sancte Spiritus Sequence on separate cards numbered in order. Bring red paper, markers, and clean recycled lanyards. 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 Print one key word on each index card. For extra sets, use different color cards. Snack option Send a reminder to the sponsor providing the snack this week. Engaging the Word Bring hymnals and posting notes. In Bibles, bookmark this week s readings. Option: Invite a music minister to lead Holy Spirit hymns. Sharing Faith groups Put the Scripture citation with the questions on cards for group leaders. Crossing the Ages Activity option: Pentecost Party Coordinate with other RCIA leaders. Invite members of the faith community. Bring red streamers, balloons, removable tape, red punch, cupcakes, and cake decorating supplies (red icing or white icing and red sprinkles). Decide which activities to offer. Ask sponsors to help gather supplies: (1) balloons; (2) bubble solution, assorted items with holes (strainers, wire whisks, clean fly swatters, or plastic connectors from a beverage six-pack), and wire; (3) flashcards with words for peace printed in various languages with their country of origin. Friends on the Way - Solemnity of Pentecost, Year C 2
DISMISSAL SESSION GATHERING (15 MINUTES) Catechumens, having heard the Sunday proclamation of word, are dismissed from the Mass. Greet the catechumens as they arrive. Have them check in and put on nametags. Ask them to cut red paper into a flame shape, print their names, and attach to lanyards. 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 floating candles. Song Suggestion: Send Down the Fire (GIA Publications). Ask everyone to respond at the end of the prayer, Amen. Alleluia. (Prayer adapted from the Veni, Sancte Spiritus Sequence) Reader 1: Reader 2: Reader 3: Reader 4: Reader 5: All: Come, Holy Spirit, come. Shine forth from heaven. Come, Father of the poor. Come, shining Spirit. Light our hearts, comfort us. Holy Spirit, come to us. Come, breath of God. Renew and strengthen your people. Holy Spirit, come to us. Amen. Alleluia. Invite everyone, when you lift a hand, to respond, Send out your Spirit, and renew the face of the earth. Alleluia. Prayerfully say the following verses inspired by Psalm 104. Bless the Lord, O my soul! My God, you are great indeed. (response) May God s glory endure forever. May all we do be pleasing to God. (response) Send out your Spirit, O God. Recreate us and renew the face of the earth. (response) Extinguish the candle flame. Friends on the Way - Solemnity of Pentecost, 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 Celebration Cycle: Determine the number of catechumens present, and randomly distribute cards in complete sets, giving two connecting cards of the same color to some members if necessary. Ask them to find other members with the same color card and the matching keyword. When all have found their match, have them decide in what order to stand based on the sequence of their keywords. Give them opportunities to change order after you explain each of the following: Order Keyword Description 1. Preparation The Jewish people anticipated the birth of the Messiah. 2. Birth In the Incarnation, Jesus was born in Bethlehem. 3. Ministry Jesus mission was to teach God s way and the forgiveness of sins. 4. Death Jesus, faithful to God s way of love, suffered death on the cross. 5. Resurrection Through totally selfless love, Jesus was resurrected. 6. Eternally Jesus sent the Holy Spirit and forever lives on in the church of believers. Collect the cards and have everyone be seated. Say : The words on the cards tell the celebration cycle of the church. We call this the liturgical year. Beginning four weeks before Christmas, Advent is our period of preparation. During Christmas season, we celebrate the birth of Jesus. During Ordinary Time we reflect on Jesus ministry. The path of Lent leads us to reflect about Jesus death on the cross. During the Easter season, we celebrate Christ s resurrection. Now we celebrate Pentecost and remember that Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to live on in the people of faith. 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 broaden their understandings. Help the catechumens find Acts 2:1-11. Mention: When men and women disciples gathered together and prayed, Jesus sent the Holy Spirit. The people from many territories heard their proclamation. They were astounded and amazed. Friends on the Way - Solemnity of Pentecost, Year C 4
I wonder: Why does Saint Luke describe the Holy Spirit coming like wind and fire? What happens when the disciples are filled with the Holy Spirit? Are you more like the disciples before receiving or after receiving the Holy Spirit? Help the catechumens find the second reading proclaimed during the liturgy of the word: Romans 8:8-17 or 1 Corinthians: 12:3b-7, 12-13. (For Romans 8:8-17) For Saint Paul, in the flesh meant being concerned only about things that give enjoyment in this life without recognizing the Spirit that dwells in us. What kinds of righteous things do you do through the Spirit that dwells in you? What does being a child of God mean to you? (For 1 Corinthians 12:3b-7, 12-13) Like you, members of the first church communities were just learning how to be Christian. They discovered that the one Spirit of God gives people different gifts for the good of everyone. In the one body of Christ, everyone is to be treated equally regardless of ethnic background, way of life, or social status. I wonder: Why does the Holy Spirit give us different kinds of talents? What different kinds of service do Christians do? Why is it important to treat everyone with respect as equals? Note: The gospel proclamation may have been John 20:19-23 or John 14:15-26. Have the catechumens find the appropriate reading and introduce it. (For John 14:15-26) Saint John tells how Jesus taught the disciples about the Holy Spirit. I wonder: What do people who love Jesus do in order to keep his word? (For John 20:19-23) Saint John records the scene of Jesus appearing after his death and resurrection. I wonder: Why did the disciples feel at peace as they received the Holy Spirit? Affirm the members comments. Summarize: At Pentecost the Holy Spirit, the Advocate, came through Jesus to the disciples, and the church began. Many disciples told about their experiences. For some, the coming Spirit was powerful like wind and fire. For others, the Spirit brought a sense of peace and willingness to forgive those who had crucified Jesus. Friends on the Way - Solemnity of Pentecost, Year C 5
PRAYING INTERCESSIONS (5 MINUTES) With concern for all, we offer prayers. When I lift my hand, please respond, Spirit of God, divine Advocate, hear our prayer. As catechumens experience the coming of the Holy Spirit, may they be enflamed to boldly testify. (Lift a hand for the response.) Inspire children of God everywhere to bear witness by including everyone equally. (Lift a hand for the response.) As we strive to live by your commandments, make your dwelling with us and bring us peace. (Lift a hand for the response.) Invite the members to contribute intercessions. Then conclude: Divine Holy Spirit of God, you breathe your life into us. Enflame us, your faithful people, as we celebrate your coming among us. Move us to follow your way of justice and peace, as we strive to live like Jesus, our friend and teacher, One God 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 - Solemnity of Pentecost, Year C 6
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. Option: As members arrive, invite them to put up Pentecost decorations. 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. OPTION FOR NEOPHYTES (10 MINUTES) Gather the neophytes in a circle. Pray the Apostles Creed together. Encourage each neophyte to respond to the questions. Others may ask a clarifying question or affirm. After everyone has an opportunity to respond to the first question, ask the next. Remember the night of your baptism. How did you feel as the fire was lit to begin the celebration of your initiation? How does your experience of receiving the Holy Spirit compare to the disciples experience of receiving the Holy Spirit like a driving wind with tongues as of fire? Help alleviate any anxieties some children may have about their changed status as they move into new groups within the faith community. Give the neophytes information about sessions and summer activities for children. Introduce the children to partners in faith who will accompany them and introduce them at parish functions. By Janet Miller. Copyright 2013, TeamRCIA.com. All rights reserved. Photo by Christos Loufopoulos, via flickr, CC BY 2.0. SOLEMNITY OF PENTECOST, YEAR C Acts of the Apostles 2:1-11 Psalm 104:1, 24, 29-30, 31, 34 Romans 8:8-17 or 1 Corinthians 12:3b-7, 12-13 John 14:15-16, 23b-26 or John 20:19-23 Insight for the Catechist For the Evangelist Luke, the Holy Spirit is the driving force of the new movement that began at Pentecost. With the new era, repentance and forgiveness of sins are to be preached to all nations. The inrushing Spirit comes upon disciples as tongues of fire. Those enflamed are able to proclaim the mighty acts of God in many languages. Empowered speech marks the importance of the mission to the Gentiles. Saint John emphasizes that Jesus, our Advocate, conveys another Advocate. The Spirit of truth, the Paraclete, comes upon the disciples through the breath of Christ. Divine unity dwells with all who love and keep Jesus word. Peace is their hallmark. The group of disciples, originally a close knit circle of men and women friends of Jesus, continually expands under the guidance of the Holy Spirit and becomes the whole people of God. 6
ENGAGING THE WORD (20 MINUTES) Introduce the activity: This week we celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit to guide the church. Spirit translates the Hebrew word, ruah, which means breath, air, wind. We who love Jesus keep his commandments, but we are not alone. The Advocate, the Paraclete, the Holy Spirit is sent in Jesus name to teach and remind us to live in loving ways. The church selects hymns for worship that remind us of the Holy Spirit s presence with us. Distribute hymnals. Have everyone find the section with hymns for Pentecost and the Holy Spirit. Assign mixed-age groups of four, each with a leader, a bookmarked Bible, and posting notes. Show that the readings are bookmarked in the Bibles for easy reference. Ask the groups to look over the hymns for the Holy Spirit. Encourage them to find song words that reflect the readings proclaimed in the Pentecost celebration. Ask them to pick Holy Spirit songs they would select if they were on the liturgy committee. Each group chooses a song and marks it with a posting note. After about seven minutes, invite representatives from groups to talk about the songs they selected and why. Option: Introduce the music minister to lead in singing some of the selected Holy Spirit hymns and omit the Sharing Faith questions. 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 JOHN 14:15-16, 23B-26 OR 20:19-23 Why is the coming of the Holy Spirit important? How does it feel to have the Spirit of God dwell within you? Which name for the Holy Spirit do you prefer and why: Advocate, Counselor, Ruah, Paraclete (means called to one s side ), Spirit of Truth, another term? With the whole group, explain for the catechumens: When you are baptized, the Holy Spirit will come upon you in an intense way. When you are confirmed, the gifts of the Holy Spirit will be sealed within you. Then, as a member of Christ s church, you will share in communion at the eucharistic table. Friends on the Way - Solemnity of Pentecost, 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. Our Pentecost celebration concludes the Easter season. We continue to celebrate a little Easter every Sunday as we gather to worship the one true God and rejoice in Christ. The Holy Spirit, as counselor, Advocate, and the Spirit of Truth, will come to you more and more as you become deeply involved in Christ s church and mission. CLOSING PRAYER (With neophytes, say the Lord s Prayer.) Invite everyone to respond Come, Holy Spirit, enflame us with the fire of your love. Lead the following prayer: Holy Spirit, empower us. (response) Reach into the hearts of people. (response) Grace us with your gifts so that we may serve and glorify God. (response) Raise your hands in blessing over the group. Say: Go forth from this place to fan into flame the gift that God has given you, not a spirit of fear but a Spirit of power. 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 - Solemnity of Pentecost, Year C 8
Crossing the Ages Activity (Optional activity for children and adults together: 20 minutes minimum) Pentecost Party (Activity accommodates to the liturgical year, RCIA #75.1.) If possible, catechumens join with neophytes to celebrate Pentecost and the completion of initial mystagogy. Provide red streamers, balloons, and removable tape. Invite everyone to decorate the space, if it is not already decorated. Set out red color punch, cupcakes, and cake decorating supplies (for example, red icing or white icing and red sprinkles). Encourage everyone to decorate cupcakes and join in the festivities. Pentecost Party Possible Activities: 1. Upward Balloon Bounce: Form one or more circles. One person bounces up a balloon, and everyone keeps it bouncing upward. Add another balloon, then another. See how many balloons the group can keep up. 2. Bubble Blowing: Gather outside in an open area. Carefully pour bubble solution in wide shallow containers. Use assorted items to blow bubbles. Try strainers, wire whisks, clean fly swatter, or plastic connectors from a beverage six-pack. Shape pieces of wire into a circle, and twist ends together. 3. Peace Guess: A volunteer draws a peace card and says Peace in that language (see Faith at Home activity). Others try to guess what the language is. They can ask questions, such as: How is the word spelled? Is the country in Africa? Friends on the Way - Solemnity of Pentecost, Year C 8
Faith at Home Solemnity of Pentecost, Year C Remember Sunday s Word Acts of the Apostles 2:1-11 Psalm 104:1, 24, 29-30, 31, 34 Romans 8:8-17 or 1 Corinthians 12:3b-7, 12-13 John 14:15-16, 23b-26 or John 20:19-23 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 John 14 in the center. Begin with a moment of quiet. REFLECTING ON JOHN 14:15-16, 23B-26 (During liturgy you may have heard the optional gospel reading, John 20:19-23, from part of the gospel proclamation on the Second Sunday of Easter.) The Evangelist John conveys Jesus challenge to dwell with God. All who love Jesus keep his commandments but are not alone in efforts to love. The Advocate, the Paraclete, the Holy Spirit is sent in Jesus name to teach and remind us always. What challenges have we each encountered in seeking to follow Jesus command to love? REFLECTING ON ROMANS 8:8-17 OR 1 CORINTHAINS 12:3B-7, 12-13 During the liturgy of the word, one of these messages from Saint Paul was proclaimed. In one letter, Paul is writing to people in Rome and in the other to people in Corinth. The message is similar in both. All who are baptized are led by the Spirit of God and are children of God. The Spirit of the One who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in us and will give life to our mortal bodies. We each manifest different types of spiritual gifts. In what ways is the Spirit of God that dwells within us manifested for the glory of God? Each person draws a body outline. On the shape, draw or write ways the Spirit of God is manifested in you. Add to one another s drawings. REFLECTING ON ACTS OF THE APOSTLES 2:1-11 The Spirit came to the disciples of Jesus when they were gathered, men and women praying together. Rushing in like wind and appearing like flames, the Holy Spirit filled the disciples with amazing energy and the ability to communicate God s saving love and peace to all people. Those who heard were astounded and amazed. In what ways have we experienced the Spirit s presence in our lives? What attempts do we make to share with families whose primary language or social background differs from ours? By Janet Miller. Copyright 2013, TeamRCIA.com. All rights reserved. Permission is given to reproduce this handout for family home use.
Peace in Many Languages Learn to say Peace, as Jesus said to the disciples, using various languages. Referring to the chart, declare peace to one another often. The chart uses traditional English spelling. Make a game by trying to guess which language a person is using. Language (location) Word Batak (Indonesia) Bemba (Zambia) Bangi (Congo) Cheyenne (North America) Czech (Czech Republic) Danish, Swedish (Northern Europe) English (worldwide) Estonian (Estonia) German (Middle Europe) Irish (Ireland) Ibo (Nigeria) Laganda (Uganda) Masaba (Uganda) Oluta (Nicaragua) Persian, Farsi (Pakistan, Azerbaijan) Scottish Gaelic (Scotland) Spanish (worldwide) Swahili (East Africa) Tonga (Zambia) Yiddish (Israel, worldwide) Yu pik (northern North America) Pardamean Mutenden NyiEe Nanomonsetôtse Mir Fred Peace Rahu Friede Sίocháin Udo Emirembe Koosi Maxu Soln Sith Paz Amani Malino Sholim Kiñuiñak Solemnity of Pentecost, Year C TeamRCIA.com