Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord Year B 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 1:1-11 Psalm 47:2-3, 6-7, 8-9 Ephesians 1:17-23 or Ephesians 4:1-13 Mark 16:15-20 Doctrine correlations Christ s Ascension into heaven signifies his participation, in his humanity, in God s power and authority (CCC #668). Christ s reign, present in the church especially in the sacraments, is yet to be fulfilled (CCC #671). 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. Choose the sessions compatible with the liturgy, and find out which passage from Ephesians will be proclaimed. Catechesis leads the catechumens to a profound sense of the mystery of salvation (RCIA #75.1). By Janet Miller. Copyright 2012, 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 white cloth on table or counter for prayer, percussion instrument Bibles, one set to Mark 16 adorned crucifix, candle in a heat-proof holder, matches recycled greeting cards Sharing Faith questions, copies of Faith at Home costumes and props (optional) Gathering Prayer Ritual Place a Bible, candle, and crucifix adorned with ribbons or flowers on a white cloth. See the Easter Sunday session Faith at Home handout for the hand signs. Singing option Choose an Alleluia song from your faith community s resources or use Give Your Gifts, Melody Book, from GIA Publications, Inc. Bring hymnals or and music in a player. Building Community Contact sponsors to provide a variety of recycled greeting cards wedding, engagement, graduation, sympathy, new baby, promotion, confirmation, get well. 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: Post-Resurrection Tableaux Decide if the members will perform for another group. If so, inform parents, allow time to practice, and make the necessary arrangements. Bring costumes and props (optional). Friends on the Way - Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord, Year B 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. 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. ( ) Light the candle. Sing: an Alleluia song from your faith community s resources or Send Down the Fire (GIA Publications). Together, pray the following prayer using hand signs: Alleluia, Jesus lives! Alleluia! Peace to friends everywhere. Alleluia! Amen. Alleluia! Love one another. Alleluia! Amen. Alleluia! Invite everyone to respond each time with hand signing Alleluia and adding a clap, clap. Prayerfully say the following verses inspired by Psalm 47. 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) Extinguish the candle flame. Friends on the Way - Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord, Year B 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 Life-Changing Events: Distribute greeting cards. As each catechumen shows the card, ask: When a person receives such a card, what life-changing things are happening? What joys and concerns might the card receiver have? Often times of joy can also be times of confusion and doubt about the future. The disciples were joyful to see the risen Christ, but were confused about how they could carry on when Jesus ascended into heaven. Collect the cards. 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 1:1-11. Explain: Saint Luke addresses this book to Theophilus, which means the lover of God. The story is for all of us who are lovers of God. Luke tells that the disciples were given plenty to do before Jesus someday would return. The early church carried on the mission of Jesus and rapidly gained members. What is amazing in this story? What is the important message for us? (For example, Jesus promises the Holy Spirit, or Jesus will return.) Help the catechumens find the passage proclaimed during the liturgy of the word Ephesians 1:17-23 or Ephesians 4:1-13. Mention: Ephesus was a city in what is now the country of Turkey. When Saint Paul preached, many who heard him became Christian. Afterwards, he wrote a letter to further explain the faith and to beg for the unity of all Christians. This message was passed around to other Christian communities. When we read Paul s letters, we find messages for ourselves. What message is Saint Paul telling you? Friends on the Way - Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord, Year B 4
Have everyone find Mark 16:15-20. To whom is Jesus speaking? What important mission is he giving those who listen? Considering that you are preparing for baptism, how do you feel about the amazing images in this passage? Affirm the members comments. Summarize: 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 but remains with disciples who proclaim the good news for every creature throughout the whole world. PRAYING INTERCESSIONS (5 MINUTES) Jesus has concern for all people and every creature on earth, so we offer prayers. When I lift my hand please respond, God who created all creatures, hear our prayer. God of every nation, strengthen those who witness to your ways, especially in war-torn areas and in places of extreme poverty. (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 that every creature on earth may benefit from the preaching of the gospel. (Lift a hand for the response.) Invite the members to contribute intercessions. Then conclude: We praise you, God, who cares about every creature in the world. Hear the prayers we have spoken and those we hold in our hearts. We offer our prayer through Christ 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 - Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord, Year B 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: Performing the tableaux for another group may take extra time. 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. 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. 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? As a newly baptized Christian, how did you feel when you heard during liturgy that those who believe would be able to do amazing things? ENGAGING THE WORD (20 MINUTES) While listening to the gospel proclamation, imagine that you are the disciples hearing the words of Jesus. Imagine that you are the first believers to be commissioned to go into the world and preach the good news. Keep in mind that two thousand years ago, people had no knowledge of science. They thought demons could cause illnesses. They may have been confused about which snakes were deadly. They had strict rules about drinking only from certain cups and against touching sick people. By Janet Miller. Copyright 2012, TeamRCIA.com. All rights reserved. Photo by Fort George G. Meade Public Affairs Office, via Flickr, CC BY 2.0. SOLEMNITY OF THE ASCENSION OF THE LORD, YEAR B Acts of the Apostles 1:11-11 Psalm 47:2-3, 6-7, 8-9 Ephesians 1:17-23 or Ephesians 4:1-13 Mark 16:15-20 Insight for the Catechist The transitional period between Christ s resurrection and ascension was a recovery period for the disciples. Addressing the Acts of the Apostles to the lover of God, the evangelist Luke recorded how the disciples carried on after Jesus death. During the crucifixion, the disciples had run off in fear. When thrust into the mystery of Christ s resurrection, they needed time to grapple with their shock. Forty days is a symbolic period of preparation. Like Jesus who meditated for forty days in the desert before embarking on his mission, the disciples spent forty days in prayer. Men and women together prayed for divine inspiration. After having commissioned the disciples, Jesus ascends and maintains his role from his heavenly seat. The evangelist Mark emphasizes that Jesus continues to work through those carrying on his mission. Christ is manifested through the work of disciples. 6
While the members imagine being the first disciples, use the following guide for Mark 16:15-20. Encourage them to tell how they would feel as early disciples. Read Mark 16:15. You are a small town person who only has traveled around familiar country with Jesus. How do you feel being told to go preach to the whole world and all creation? Read Mark 16:16. How are you feeling about this harsh statement? Read Mark 16:17-18. You never have had anything to drink that was not in a purified cup. You have never touched a snake or a sick person or learned a foreign language. How do you feel about Jesus promises? How much confidence do you have that calling on the name of Jesus will help? Read Mark 16:19. How do you feel about Jesus leaving you and sending you out among the dangers of the world? Read Mark 16:20. Why do you have the confidence to do fantastic things and to proclaim the good news in new languages? 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 MARK 16:15-20 What did Jesus commission the disciples to do? After Jesus Christ was taken to heaven, how did he remain with the disciples and how does he remain with the church? Since the good news is for every creature, what does that mean to us regarding the environment and poverty throughout the world? With the whole group, conclude: Jesus accomplished his mission on earth by remaining faithful even on the cross and then was glorified. Christ s ascension into heaven shows participation in God s power and authority. Friends on the Way - Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord, Year B 7
CARRYING OUT THE WORD (5 MINUTES) SUMMING UP Invite everyone to bring a chair and sit around the prayer focal point. Ask: Conclude: 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? Christ is present in the church especially in the sacraments. Christ s reign comes to greater fulfillment as we spread God s love in the world. Options: You neophytes, and all who are baptized, participate more fully in the reign of Christ. You catechumens, prepare to participate more fully in the reign of Christ and receive saving grace through the process of initiation into Christ s church. CLOSING PRAYER Invite the members to offer spontaneous prayers. Ask everyone to respond after each by saying Alleluia, Amen while using hand signs. Conclude by hand signing: Jesus lives. Alleluia. Amen. Alleluia. Raise your hands in blessing over the group, and say: Go forth from this place knowing that Jesus continues to live among us. 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 the Ascension of the Lord, Year B 8
Crossing the Ages Activity (Optional activity for children and adults together: 20 minutes minimum) Post-Resurrection Tableaux (sense of the mystery of salvation, RCIA #75.1) Invite the members to create tableaux of the appearance of resurrected Christ based on the Gospel according to Mark. Explain: In past centuries, tableaux sometimes were used during Mass to help people realize the gospel message. For each tableau, in partners (or small groups), you will plan a freeze-frame scene for the verses and ask other members to participate as needed. Assign the following to partners or small groups, giving groups more than one verse if needed. Offer costumes and props (optional). Explain that the actors stand still, so they are to plan facial expressions and body positions that will convey the message. 1. Christ appears first to Mary Magdalene. (Mark 16:9). 2. Mary Magdalene carries the news to the disciples (Mark 16:10). 3. The disciples would not believe. (Mark 16:11). 4. Jesus appears to two disciples walking in the country (Mark 16:12). 5. The disciples refuse to believe the walkers (Mark 16:13). 6. Jesus appears and scolds the eleven for doubting the witnesses (Mark 16:14). 7. Jesus commands the disciples to preach to all creation (Mark 16:15). 8. Those who believe and become baptized will be saved (Mark 16:16). 9. Signs of casting out demons and speaking new languages accompany preaching (Mark 16:17). 10. The disciples will be protected from harm and have healing powers (Mark 16:18). 11. Jesus ascends into heaven (Mark 16:19). 12. Jesus works through disciples as they spread the good news of salvation (Mark 16:20). Appoint someone or two alternating readers to prepare to read Mark 16:9-20. To perform the tableaux the performers take their positions and hold still while the accompanying verse is read. Option: After practicing, go together to perform for other members of the faith community. Friends on the Way - Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord, Year B 9
Faith at Home Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord, Year B Remember Sunday s Word Acts of the Apostles 1:11-11 Psalm 47:2-3, 6-7, 8-9 Ephesians 1:17-23 or Ephesians 4:1-13 Mark 16:15-20 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 Mark 16 in the center. Begin with a moment of quiet. REFLECTING ON ACTS OF THE APOSTLES 1:1-11 During an uncertain time, the disciples pray for insight about what to do next. Saint Luke describes a threefold plan in this account of Christ s ascension. The disciples are to wait for the Holy Spirit and then will become witnesses throughout the world. Jesus physical disappearance allows for a spiritual presence that transcends time and space, and eventually Jesus will return. When have we experienced uncertain times regarding school, work, or friends? How can praying and being open to the Spirit s guidance help with uncertainty? REFLECTING ON EPHESIANS 1:17-23 AND EPHESIANS 4:1-13 Saint Paul addresses this letter not only to the Ephesians but to a universal church. The first part of the letter offers prayer that believers may have a Spirit of wisdom, knowledge of God, enlightenment, and hope. In the fourth chapter, Paul petitions followers of Christ to live as one in peace. Each member has particular gifts which contribute to unity. What does Paul want readers of this letter to know? Family members exchange names. Each member writes a letter or draws a picture about the gifts God has given the other person. Express how the person s gifts contribute to peace and Christian unity. REFLECTING ON MARK 16:15-20 This ending of the gospel according to Mark speaks about the disciples empowerment to continue the mission of Jesus and build the church. It offers the assurance that the work will be guided by Christ who reigns in glory. What signs do we see of Jesus presence through the work of disciples in the world today? By Janet Miller. Copyright 2012, TeamRCIA.com. All rights reserved. Permission is given to reproduce this handout for family home use.
The Paschal Mystery Write a caption for each picture to tell the story of the paschal mystery Jesus life, mission, death, and resurrection. Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord, Year B TeamRCIA.com