Palm Sunday of the Lord s Passion 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 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). Children s RCIA Resource CATECHIST S NOTES Select options and adapt the session to fit your time frame. NOTES FOR THIS SUNDAY Sunday s readings Matthew 21:1-11 Isaiah 50:4-7 Psalm 22:8-9, 17-20, 23-24 Philippians 2:6-11 Matthew 26:14 27:66 Doctrine correlations The value of Christ s sacrifice as redemption and reparation is conferred as love to the end. When Jesus offered his life, he knew and loved all humanity (CCC #616). Christ s most holy sacrifice on the wood of the cross, which the church venerates, merited justification for all (CCC #617). RCIA team notes Encourage the catechumens to participate in all the liturgies of Holy Week and to support the elect being initiated during the Easter Vigil. If the catechumens are among the elect to be initiated during the Vigil, advise them to refrain from their usual activities on Holy Saturday. If possible, bring them together for prayer and reflection (RCIA #185 205), and coordinate with the leaders of the adult group. By Janet Miller. Copyright 2011, 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 space for prayer Bibles, one set to Matthew 26 crucifix candle in a heat-proof holder, matches copies of verse references with summaries copies of Faith At Home posting notes Gathering Prayer Ritual Set up a prayer space. Display the words for All. Singing option Use music from your faith community resources. The suggestion is a guide. Bring songbooks and music in a player. Building community Arrange a clean floor space. Plan to use palms from liturgy or bring small branches. Bring music for a Hosanna song, such as Palm Sunday Procession by Christopher Willcock (OCP Publications). Snack option Send a reminder to the sponsor providing the snack this week. Engaging the Word option Make a copy of the verse references with the summaries. Cut into strips. Crossing the Ages Activity option: Holy Week Planner Notes Make a list of liturgies and faith community Holy Week activities with times. Bring pads of posting notes. Closing prayer Practice the prayer. Friends on the Way - Palm Sunday of the Lord s Passion, 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. Provide nametag materials for anyone new. GATHERING PRAYER RITUAL All stand around the prayer focal point with the words for All displayed. Light the candle. A volunteer holds up a crucifix. All: Leader: All: Be with us, Jesus, as we walk the way of your cross. Christ Crucified, have mercy on us. The crucifix is placed near the Bible on a red cloth. Song Suggestion: Come and Follow Me from Give Your Gifts, Melody Book, GIA Publications, Inc. ( ) Invite the members when you lift a hand to respond with You are my help, O God. Hurry to my aid. Prayerfully say each of the following verses inspired by Psalm 22, and call for the response by lifting a hand: 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, be not far from me. I will praise your name in the assembly. (response) Hold up the crucifix and say: Behold the cross of Christ. Pass the crucifix around the circle. Each member holds it high and repeats, Behold the cross of Christ. Place the crucifix on the cloth and say: Remember, Christ is with us when we follow the way of the cross. Extinguish the candle flame. Friends on the Way - Palm Sunday of the Lord s Passion, 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 Sing Hosanna: While wearing coats and sweaters, the catechumens and elect form two lines facing one another with space between. In your own words, tell the story of Jesus entrance into Jerusalem (Mt 21:1 14). Invite everyone to relive the crowd s greeting Jesus by laying their coats and sweaters to make an imaginary walkway. Ask them to imagine the joy of seeing Jesus passing through as they wave their palms or branches and acclaim Jesus as savior. Together sing a simple Hosanna song. Afterward, they pick everything up and put away the branches. 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 reflection on the Faith at Home page. Have the catechumens turn to Isaiah 50:4-7. This week we heard the Prophet Isaiah describe the Suffering Servant of God. What in this reading reminds you of Jesus? (Affirm responses. Emphasize that besides being the object of violence, Jesus had a well-trained voice to speak to thousands, prayed often, and was totally focused on doing God s will.) Have the catechumens turn to Philippians 2:6-11. This part of Saint Paul s letter to the Philippians recommends a hymn about Jesus Christ for the community to sing during worship. What do you notice in this song that describes Jesus? If you were writing a song about Jesus, what is one line you would include? Have the catechumens turn to Matthew 26:14 27:66. This week we heard a long gospel passage telling us how Jesus died on the cross. What do you remember hearing? What saddens you? What surprises you? Summarize the members comments and insights. Emphasize: Jesus death at the hands of Pilate and his invading soldiers was a terrible event. The women who had cared for Jesus were powerless. They could only stand watch as their beloved teacher was tortured, but death is not the end. During Holy Week, we will relive the sadness of Jesus last days; however, on Easter we will rejoice because through the cross Jesus brought new life. Friends on the Way - Palm Sunday of the Lord s Passion, A 4
PRAYING INTERCESSIONS (5 MINUTES) We believe that God knows our concerns and hears our prayers. We offer these prayers for ourselves and for people everywhere. When I lift my hand, please respond, God, you love beyond the end; hear our prayer. May our Hosannas and praises of you, O God, always be sincere. (Lift a hand for the response.) Give all followers of Jesus well-trained tongues to speak to the weary. (Lift a hand for the response.) Make us strong, when necessary, to bear the cross of Jesus. (Lift a hand for the response.) Invite the members to contribute intercessions. Then conclude: God, who gave us your own begotten Son, hear the prayers we have spoken and those we hold in our hearts. Help us always to be strong and to react to violence with the strength of love. We pray in unity with the Holy Spirit, for ever and ever. All: Amen. Option: Break for a snack or social time. Friends on the Way - Palm Sunday of the Lord s Passion, 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). GATHERING FOR CATECHESIS (5 MINUTES) Welcome the catechumens, parents, sponsors, and any baptized children arriving from liturgy. 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. ENGAGING THE WORD Explain the following: (25 MINUTES) Together we will silently enact the Passion of Jesus Christ. You will each receive a set of verses. Decide what characters you need for the scene and what they will do. If you need more characters, explain to other members how to help show the scene. Assign partners or small groups with Bibles. Distribute verse references with summaries on paper slips. If needed, combine some sets of references. Allow eight minutes to prepare. (1) Matthew 26:6-16: When Jesus is at Simon the leper s house, a woman anoints him, while Judas in contrast betrays Jesus. (2) Matthew 26:17-29: After preparation, the disciples eat the Passover meal with Jesus. (3) Matthew 26:30-46: While the disciples fall asleep, Jesus prays at Gethsemane at the Mount of Olives. (4) Matthew 26:47-56: When betrayed by Judas, Jesus refuses to resort to violence by using the sword. PALM SUNDAY OF THE LORD S PASSION, YEAR A Matthew 21:1-11 Isaiah 50:4-7 Psalm 22:8-9, 17-20, 23-24 Philippians 2:6-11 Matthew 26:14 27:66 Insight for the Catechist Matthew depicts the final conflict between two power sources wherein Christ reigns triumphantly over death. Jesus displays the power of God while King Herod represents the power of evil. A political coalition, temple priests plotting with the occupying Roman forces, brings Jesus to the cross. Misinterpretation of the responsibility for Jesus death has caused great suffering for the Jewish people throughout history. The capture episode fulfills Scripture in that Jesus death marks the end of an age. Responding in silence and rejecting the temptation to take up the sword, Jesus acts on his own teaching that God s will be done. Jesus explains that once raised, he will go ahead of the disciples to Galilee. The gospel story comes full circle, back to where Jesus recruited his first followers. Christ s resurrection signifies the new age. By Janet Miller. Illustration by Liz Asborno. Copyright 2011, TeamRCIA.com. All rights reserved. 6
(5) Matthew 26: 57-75: Jesus is questioned by Caiaphas, while in the courtyard Peter denies Jesus. (6) Matthew 27:1-10: When Jesus is handed to Pilate in chains, Judas regrets what he has done. (7) Matthew 27:11-31: Jesus is questioned, sentenced, tortured, and mocked, and Pilate ignores his wife and releases Barabbas. (8) Matthew 27:32-44: Simon the Cyrene is recruited to help Jesus carry the cross on which Jesus is crucified between two bandits. (9) Matthew 27:45-56: Bystanders watch as darkness comes and the earth quakes. Jesus death is witnessed by some guards, the centurion, Mary Magdalene, and other women who had helped Jesus. (10) Matthew 27:57-66: Joseph of Arimathea buries Jesus, while women hold vigil and guards are posted. Have the members enact the scenes. Then, allow a few moments of silence. SHARING FAITH (15 MINUTES) Process the enactment as a whole group. CONVERSING ABOUT JOHN 11:1-45 Now that we have enacted the Passion of Jesus, how do you feel? What comments would you like to make? Summarize and conclude with something like the following: During the liturgy on Good Friday, we venerate the wood of the cross to show our appreciation for Christ s sacrifice for all humanity, which we call reparation and redemption. Reparation means that Christ s death makes up for all the sins in the world. Redemption means that we all receive forgiveness through Jesus loving sacrifice. 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. Conclude with the following: When we reflect on Scripture, some of our questions are answered while other questions continue to come to us. Jesus assured the disciples that he would be raised up and go ahead of them to Galilee. Through the paschal mystery, we know that bodily death is not the end. Friends on the Way - Palm Sunday of the Lord s Passion, A 7
CLOSING PRAYER Ask the members to stand with their arms outstretched at the shoulders. Mention they can put their arms down when they need to. Hold out your arms. Slowly, pausing between sentences, pray something like the following from memory: O Jesus, you hung on the cross for hours on your outstretched arms. We imagine how weak you were. We imagine how tired your arms must have become. We imagine how alone you must have felt, even though it is impossible to imagine the horrible pain you experienced. As you cried out and gave up your spirit, the earth became dark and quaked violently. The veil of the sanctuary was torn open, and the bodies of saints were raised. Count us, dear Jesus, among those who will enter the holy city with you. You truly are the Son of God! Amen. Lower your arms as a sign for all to lower theirs. Then, raise your hands in blessing over the group. Say: Go forth from this place to reflect on the Passion of Jesus during this Holy Week. And may 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: 10 minutes) Holy Week Planner Notes (Activity Leading to Liturgy) Depending on your schedule, do the activity with the members, parents, and sponsors. Display on the board or a chart the liturgies and times of Holy Week activities in your faith community. Explain the liturgical celebrations. Give each member a small pad of four or five posting notes and pens. Keeping the pad intact, they turn the pages and print headings to include HOLY THURSDAY, GOOD FRIDAY, HOLY SATURDAY/ EASTER VIGIL, EASTER, and days of other faith community events. On the note papers, they print the liturgy or activity times. Encourage everyone to post the notes at home as a family reminder to participate in Holy Week liturgies. Friends on the Way - Palm Sunday of the Lord s Passion, A 8
Faith at Home Palm Sunday of the Lord s Passion, Year A Remember Sunday s Word Matthew 21:1-11 Isaiah 50:4-7 Psalm 22:8-9, 17-20, 23-24 Philippians 2:6-11 Matthew 26:14 27:66 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 26 in the center. Begin with a moment of quiet. REFLECTING ON ISAIAH 50:4-7 The Servant Songs of Isaiah parallel the experiences of Jesus. The suffering servant proclaims hope in God but suffers violent rejection. The servant who addresses those who are weary ends up being the one who is attacked. The suffering servant never feels shame for remaining steadfast to God s ways. During what times of stress has God given one of us a well-trained tongue? Which weary people have felt better after we have talked with them? How do we support one another so as not to feel disgraced or ridiculed for doing what is right? REFLECTING ON PHILIPPIANS 2:6-11 Philippi was Saint Paul s first mission to be founded in Europe. He wrote joyful letters to encourage the fledgling community as they struggled to understand the true meaning of being Christian. Saint Paul advises them to sing this hymn as a type of creed. What does Paul s hymn teach about Jesus? What are the beliefs expressed in the hymns that our faith community sings during Holy Week? As a family, choose a tune and make up a song that expresses what you believe about Jesus. Sing your song together. By Janet Miller. Illustration by Liz Asborno. Copyright 2011, TeamRCIA.com. All rights reserved. Permission is given to reproduce this handout for family home use.
REFLECTING ON MATTHEW 26:14 27:66 The Passion story is central to all the gospel narratives. Jesus, although his life is threatened, remains faithful to God s merciful way. He knows who he is and what God calls him to do. In the garden on the Mount of Olives, he confronts his fears in prayer and comes to the realization that he is going to have to do it alone. Denying the sword, Jesus shows that he is not a leader of a group of political revolutionaries. He obeys a higher authority. The men disciples, fearing for their own lives, desert. The women disciples, who probably are not at risk, stand by. Each family member picks out one character from the Passion story. Tell what that person did and how that person probably felt. Why is it important to realize that Jesus death is not the end of the story? Search the Internet or newspapers for a story about a victim who was attacked. Light a candle in the person s memory. If the person is still alive, light the candle in prayer for a speedy recovery. Send a sympathy card to the family or get well wishes to a recovering victim. If appropriate, use social networking to elicit prayers and support from others. Friends on the Way - Palm Sunday of the Lord s Passion, A TeamRCIA.com