MISSIO-Advent Giving Program 6-8 Cycle B 1
Welcome to the Missio Advent Giving Program To share the Good News of God s love and salvation, to be a missionary disciple. That s the opportunity offered to young people by the 6-8 MISSIO-Missionary Childhood Association (MCA). This Advent, in this program, children learn about their brothers and sisters in mission countries children just like them. And they also discover that their own prayers, personal sacrifices and financial help make a faith-filled difference for their mission family and make them missionaries today! Program resources include four weekly lessons for young people divided according to grade level: K-1, 2-3, 4-5, and 6-8. Scripture-based activities and Advent themes featured in this guide teach the importance of sharing the hope-filled message of Christ s birth with children half a world away by supporting the chosen project. In addition, we include take-home materials and a weekly invitation to make a sacrifice of time, talent or treasure for the chosen project. Leading the Sessions As with all lessons, preparation is vital to success, with some activities requiring more time and planning than others. Perhaps an activity can be easily incorporated into existing weekly lessons, or may fit with strategies that best match students current knowledge and needs. Supporting the Missionary Childhood Association Through MISSIO-Missionary Childhood Association provides basic support for outreach to children in mission countries, including education and health care efforts. But more importantly, as children and their families offer their prayers and sacrifices through the MISSIO they can be assured that children in the Missions also come to experience the abundant love of our Lord through the service of local priests, religious Sisters and Brothers, and lay catechists. To learn more about the work of Missio, visit www.missio.org 2
Week One Overview The Gospel of Mark (13:33-37) reminds us that no one knows when Jesus will return. We can prepare for His coming by praying, by being kind to others and by caring for those in need. Materials and Preparations Needed Advent wreath and candles One die Small wrapped gift box Small sheets of paper, a few for each student Pens or pencils, one for each student Newsprint and marker Session Steps 1. Introduce the Season of Advent to the group as the four weeks the Church sets aside to await and prepare for the important celebration of Jesus birth. During Advent, we think about how Jesus came to be with us a long time ago and how He is coming to be with us again. Explain that this is the first week of Advent. 2. Point out the Advent wreath. Provide a brief introduction noting its symbolism and significance to the Advent Season. Then invite the children to gather around the wreath as you light the first candle and pray: As we light this first candle for the first Sunday of Advent, let us give thanks for the Child whom we await and prepare for this Advent Season. Let us also give thanks for children in the Missions who teach us the importance of staying alert to the needs of others around us. Lord Jesus, Help us to reflect Your love for all by loving and helping to take care of all we meet. Blessed are You, Lord Jesus, forever and ever. Amen. 3
3. Prepare to play a quick game. Divide the group into two teams of equal players. If there is an odd number of students, select remaining student to roll the die. Ask teams to sit on the floor in semi-circles across from one another. Team leaders are those students sitting at the end of the semi-circles closest to the front of the room. Team anchors are those students sitting at the opposite end of the semi-circles closest to the back of the room. Instruct all students (except team leaders and anchors) to close their eyes. Place in the center area between the two semi-circles a small wrapped gift box. Tell students to hold hands. Then roll the die in the center area between the two semi-circles. If an even number is rolled and only an even number each leader should squeeze the hand of the player next to him or her starting a chain reaction until the anchor s hand is squeezed. Once his/her hand is squeezed, with the free hand, the anchor should grab for the gift on the floor in between the semi-circles. The team that grabs the gift first during each round rotates players. The anchor becomes the leader, and everyone else moves down. When a gift is grabbed on a false start when an odd number is rolled players rotate in the opposite way; that is, the leader goes back to being the anchor. A winning team is named when that team s original leader has rotated through each position until he or she is back in the leader s spot. The significance of this game is found in the next activity (#4). 4. Invite everyone back to their seats for the Gospel reading for the first week of Advent. Read Mark 13:33-37, or invite a student to do so. What kinds of connections can be made between the game they played and this Gospel reading? Allow for a few responses. Then ask what it means to stay alert. Again, allow for some responses. Note that the Gospel reminds us that we need to stay awake to all that is happening in and around us. Of course, sleeping is important to stay healthy. When Jesus tells us to keep watch and be ready, He does not mean we should not sleep. But He does want us to be prepared for His return by making Him the center of our lives. Hold up the wrapped gift box used during the earlier game. Ask the students to call out what could possibly be in the box. You will get a variety of responses. Then make the point that there is no way to know what is inside until the gift is open. Again, make a connection to the Gospel reading. 4
5. Explore Missio.org with young people explaining that these are their brothers and sisters in mission countries children just like them. Tell them that they are asked to participate in a special program during Advent. They can voluntarily give up various items they are accustomed to having as a sacrifice to help their brothers and sisters in the Missions. 6. Choose a project to pray and make financial sacrifices for during Advent on Missio.org based on any criteria that best fits with other areas of study or interests. e.g. by country, specific need (water, school, orphans, etc.). 7. Provide each student with an index card and a pen or pencil. Ask them to write down six to eight items or services they receive or buy on a daily or weekly basis. For example, fast food, a soda, video games, new clothes, etc. Now ask them to flip their cards over and write down which items or services they can live without for the four weeks of Advent. Ask them to choose at least two of the items or services they listed on the front of their cards. Note that you are asking them to give up these things during Advent and donate the value of these items or services to their Missio project. 5
Week Two Overview The Gospel of Mark (1:1-8) tells us what we must do to prepare ourselves for the coming of Christ and how to bring the Good News of Jesus to a waiting world. Materials and Preparations Needed Advent wreath and candles Newsprint and markers, writing paper, pens and pencils. Session Steps 1. Begin by checking with students on the Advent Missio program. Invite a few to share ways in which they are collecting funds for their project. 2. Point to the second Advent candle a reminder of this second Sunday of Advent. Invite the children to gather around the wreath as you light last week s candle, and a second purple/blue candle, and then pray: As we light these candles for this second Sunday of Advent, we give thanks for the Child whom we celebrate this Advent Season. We give thanks also for all those who help us prepare our hearts and minds for the coming of Christ. Lord our God, help us to be ready for Your coming, by making good choices, and turning away from bad ones. Create in us clean hearts, so we may welcome and care for all Your children, in the name of Your Son, Jesus, Savior of our world. Amen. 3. Read the Gospel (Mark 1;1-8) with students. Talk about John s journey traveling throughout his homeland, preaching repentance, and encouraging people to turn their lives and hearts to God. John had a great following. He was faithful to God and told the people that he was preparing them for Jesus coming. God still needs messengers like John the Baptist to spread the Good News of Jesus and to challenge people to change their ways and follow God s path. 6
John the Baptist in this Gospel reminds us that we can sometimes lose sight of God s way. Advent is a time for us to turn back from thoughts, habits, and actions (such as dishonesty, selfishness, lack of caring or concern for others, etc.) that take us out of step with God. During Advent we seek ways to clear a path for Jesus to come into our lives and hearts more fully. 4. The missionaries featured in the stories bring the Good News of Jesus to the people they serve. We bring the Good News when we help others, when we pray with and for others, and when we care for and love others, especially those in need including our mission family. 5. Ask: As you prepare for the coming of Christ at Christmas, how will you be God s messenger of love and forgiveness to others? Invite students to divide into small groups and share their responses. If time permits, bring the groups back together to exchange ideas. 6. Present the following scenario to the students: A local radio station has chosen them to create a short commercial to share the Good News of Christ s coming. Their commercial must include practical ways for the listener to prepare for this important event. 7.Divide the students into small groups, with four or five persons in each group. Tell the groups they will have 10 to 15 minutes to work together to create their radio message. Suggest that they look to the Gospel reading and the stories you shared as a basis for their message. Note that the commercials cannot be longer than 60 seconds. Allow time for them to prepare and practice. Invite each group to come forward to present their commercial. After each presentation, discuss the key points made, and the ideas suggested. Conclude by discussing which of those ideas students might adopt in the coming week, as they continue to prepare for the birth of Jesus at Christmas. 8. Go to your chosen project on Missio.org and send a message or post pictures to show your activity, prayers and union with the people you are helping. 7
Week Three Overview The Gospel of John (1:6-8, 19-28) reminds us that the only true joy is the joy that comes from knowing Jesus and sharing the love of Christ with others. Materials and Preparations Needed Advent wreath and candles Newsprint and marker Index cards, 10 for each student Session Steps 1. Check on students progress with the Missio Advent program. Invite a few to share ways in which they are collecting funds for their project. 2. Invite the students to join you around the Advent wreath. Note that for this third Sunday of Advent, we light the pink candle, in addition to the two purple candles. This week of Advent is referred to as Gaudete Sunday. Gaudete is Latin for rejoice. The pink candle symbolizes joy. The candle reminds us that we do not have to wait until Christmas to rejoice. Light the first two purple candles and the pink candle. Then offer the following prayer: As we light these candles for this third Sunday of Advent, let us give thanks for the Child whom we celebrate this Advent Season. Let us also be reminded of our baptismal call to care for others. All loving and powerful God, we shout for joy for the gladness You have placed within our hearts. As we continue to celebrate, remind us that we await a mighty Savior, an Infant Child Who will bring gladness to all. We will walk with You today Lord, with confidence in the promise of Your love. We will show Your kindness to all people especially those who have yet to know the goodness of Your Son. We pray this in the name of the Christ Child. Amen. 8
3. Recall last week s lesson about John the Baptist. Then note that this week they will hear more about John. We know that God uses specific people in life for a particular purpose. God used John to help people prepare for the arrival of His Son. God used Mary to carry and care for Jesus. Ask: Who are some of the people God has placed in your lives to help you prepare for something? Discuss. Ask them to talk about particular missionaries or missionary saints who they think had a special purpose. 4. We already know that John spent time telling people to prepare for the coming of Christ. He told people to repent and ask forgiveness for their sins for the things they did to hurt others or themselves. In this week s Scripture reading, John is asked if he is the Christ. When asked the question, John s testimony clearly points out that his mission was to point and lead others to Jesus, the Messiah. John understood that true joy only comes from knowing Jesus and sharing His message of love with others. 5. Read the Gospel of John 1:6-8, 19-28 or invite a student to do so. 6. Ask students to imagine that they are present while Jesus is healing people and sharing the Good News with the poor. What would they want to tell John who was in prison about what they had seen? 7. Divide the students into groups, with four or five in a group. Provide each group with a sheet of newsprint and a marker. Ask them to think about some ways they can bring the joy of Christ to others. Allow some time for them to brainstorm and write their ideas on the newsprint. Invite each group to share their thoughts. 8. Tell them to imagine they have the opportunity to create a brief television segment to share the message of the joy of new life found in Christ. Allow ample time for them to prepare their television segment, noting that it should be no longer than two minutes. 9. Have each group come forward and share their message. Invite comments from the remaining students after each presentation. 10. Ask the students to write on their index cards the ways they have tried to bring hope, joy, love and peace and Jesus message to others this Advent. (Connect those actions with those of missionaries who proclaim the Good News of Jesus in word and deed.) 9
11. Now ask the students to turn their index cards over. Invite them to think about additional ways they can bring hope, joy, love and peace to others not only during the Advent and Christmas Seasons, but throughout the year. Ask them to write down at least one idea for each area: hope, joy, love and peace. 12. Connect the Gospel with the work of the missionaries in their project. Go to your chosen project on Mission and send a message or post pictures to show your activity, prayers and union with the people you are helping. Ask them to share stories of how they bring joy or someone has brought joy to them. 10
Week Four Overview The Gospel of Luke 1:26-38 reminds us of that like Mary, we, too, must always try to say Yes to God and live our lives in a manner pleasing to Him. Materials and Preparations Needed Advent wreath and candles Newsprint and marker Session Steps 1. Ask how they are doing with the Missio Advent program. Invite a few students to share the ways in which they are collecting funds for their project. 2. Gather students around the Advent wreath. Light all four candles and then pray: As we light these candles, let us give thanks for the Child Whom we celebrate this Advent Season. We thank you for the gift of Mary, our example of what it means to be pleasing to you. All-powerful God, we wait in anticipation of the arrival of Your Son as an infant child. In Mary s yes, your Word took flesh on earth. In these last days of Advent, help us to be strong in our prayer. Help us to be kind and gentle with one another and with those we meet. Help us to continue to extend our love and prayers to our brothers and sisters in the Missions, in this Advent Season and throughout the coming New Year. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 11
3. Ask the students to form a large circle facing each other. Ask for a volunteer to stand in the middle of the circle and blindfold him or her. Ask for an additional volunteer as well, but this volunteer will remain in the circle of students. Tell remaining students to repeat the word world over and over again in a normal tone of voice. The second volunteer should repeat the word God continuously, also in a normal tone of voice. The object of the game is for the blindfolded student to determine who is saying the word God. He or she can walk around the circle until they want to take a guess. Once the student is correct, blindfold another student and repeat the game. 4. Ask students to remain in the circle, but to be seated. Explain that there are many distractions in our busy world that prevent us from staying focused on God. These include social media, television, sports and other activities, etc. As with the game, we must remain open to hearing God s voice at all times, regardless of distractions that come our way. Make a list of possible distractions faced by the students. Have students think about what type of distractions children in the Missions face (war, poverty, hunger, etc.). List answers on the board and encourage discussion about similarities and differences. 5. Holding the ball, tell them that you will be quizzing them about the focus of this week s Gospel. Tell them you will toss the ball to someone in the circle. That person will need to share what they know about Mary, the mother of Jesus, in just a few words. After a person has shared, then he/she should toss the ball to someone else in the circle, who will then share. The process should continue until everyone has had a turn, or the students have articulated fairly well the story of Mary. 6. This week s lesson explores Mary s story and how she accepted God s plan for her to be the mother of Jesus. Share the Gospel of Luke 1:26-38 or invite a student to read the Scripture. Ask the students to imagine what it would have been like to be in Mary s place. Would they have been fearful at first? Would they have listened to God s call? Why or why not? Do they consider Mary a missionary? Explain. 7. Provide each student with a blank sheet of paper and a pen or pencil. Ask them to make a list of people in their lives who listen to God s voice and trust Him. Ask them to identify ways these people show that trust to others. Invite the students to pair off and share responses. 8. Note that the story of Mary and the people in their Missio project are reminders that we are blessed when we have people in our lives who help us recognize and accept God s plan for our lives. 12
9. End by connecting Mary s yes to God with what missionaries do every day. Emphasize that their prayers and sacrifices through Missio put them in the Missions, sharing that Good News alongside missionaries every day. End with a prayer for all missionaries and all who hear the Good News of Jesus. 13