Second Sunday of Advent Year A

Children s Catechumenate Resource Second Sunday of Advent Year A GETTING READY FOR THE SESSION The Dismissal Session is for catechumens only who are dismissed from worship before the Creed (RCIA #75.3). When the Dismissal Session is immediately followed by the Catechetical Session, the 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). The Dismissal Session group may reconvene for the Catechetical Session at another time during the week. Select the session options that fit your time frame. Singing option Use the suggestion as a guide only. Preferably, choose music from your faith community resources to prepare members for liturgy. Bring songbooks and accompanying music in a player. For Sharing Faith groups Put each Scripture citation with the questions on separate cards or poster paper. Crossing the Ages activity option Gifts of the Spirit: Bring pencils, small boxes, scissors, wrapping paper, tape, and ribbon. Cut fronts of recycled Christmas cards to fit boxes. Snack option Send a reminder to the sponsor providing the snack this week. Include what is needed for Building Community (p. 3). Planning ahead For the Celebration of the Word of God option in next week s session, arrange the location. Plan with other ministers. Let parents know if the gathering will be at a special place or time. By Janet Miller. Copyright 2010, TeamRCIA.com. All rights reserved. Isaiah 11:1-10 Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17 Romans 15:4-9 Matthew 3:1-12 Doctrine correlations Wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord are the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit (CCC #1830). John the Baptist bears witness to Jesus (CCC #719). RCIA team notes New catechumens likely are not familiar with Scripture and terms. Answer their questions simply without overwhelming them. Clarify in ways that keep the session flowing and on target. The Catechetical Session is designed for catechumens and children preparing for confirmation and Eucharist. Adapt your explanations for any inquirers or neophytes. Encourage participation in an Advent Penance Service. Items to prepare check-in sheet and nametags Bibles poster paper or white board, erasers, and erasable markers Sharing Faith questions copies of Faith at Home violet cloth on table or counter space for prayer Advent wreath, matches Bible open to Matthew 3 recycled nametag lanyards, or 3-ft yarn pieces and stapler scissors and markers old Christmas cards

DISMISSAL SESSION GATHERING (15 MINUTES) Catechumens, having heard the proclamation of the word for the Second Sunday of Advent, are dismissed from the Mass before the Creed. Greet the catechumens as they arrive. Have them check in and put on nametags. For new members, offer recycled lanyards or yarn and stapler, recycled Christmas cards, scissors, and markers. Ask them to make nametags by cutting a picture, phrase, or word from the cards to fit the lanyard and print their names clearly on the reverse side. GATHERING PRAYER RITUAL All stand around the Advent wreath. Begin by saying: During the Rite of Acceptance you were marked with the sign of the cross. As a reminder of Christ s presence among us we gather (+) in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Recall the symbolism of the wreath: God among us, we display this wreath as an instrument of our prayer. This evergreen circle represents your everlasting love that has no beginning or end point. These candles mean Christ lights our way. (Reader 1:) The green color reminds us of hope in you. (Reader 2:) The violet color reminds us to turn to you always. (Reader 3:) The rose color reminds us of the joy you give. Send your Holy Spirit to guide us during this time of preparation. In the name of Jesus, we pray. All: Amen. Ask one of the participants to light two violet candles and to say: May these lights remind us to be leaders of peace and justice. Ask a participant to read the following (inspired by Isaiah 11:9): There shall be no harm or destruction on all my holy mountain. For the earth shall be full of the knowledge of God. Ask the participants to say the response Justice shall flower with peace forever, after each of the following each sentences. Prayerfully say the following verses inspired by Psalm 72. ( ) Justice shall flower with peace forever. (response) O God, guide leaders in the way of justice. (response) And rescue, O God, the poor who cry out. (response) Blessed be God s name forever. (response) Invite everyone to share a sign of peace by reverently shaking one another s hands. Song Suggestion: Come, O Come, Emmanuel, verse 2. After the song, extinguish the candle flames. Friends on the Way - Second Sunday of Advent, A 2

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 John the Baptist Snack: On a table arrange trays of toast squares, cups of plain yogurt, gummy bugs, and honey. Distribute sanitary wipes for cleaning hands. Offer snack plates and spoons. Ask how the foods remind them of this week s gospel. Invite the members to make a John the Baptist snack to enjoy during the next segment of the session. RECALLING THE WORD (10 MINUTES) Have everyone sit in a circle. Use the following guide to help the members recall the Scripture from the liturgy. Refer to Insight for the Catechist (p. 5) and the reflection on the Faith at Home page, as needed. We heard a message from Saint Paul encouraging the Roman Christians to welcome newcomers to their faith community. (See Romans 15:4-9. If anyone asks what the circumcised means, explain that here it means Jewish people and that Jesus preached to these people so that others would come to know God.) In what ways has our faith community helped you to feel welcome? This week we heard from the book of the prophet Isaiah. What do you think of Isaiah s vision of the peace that is to come? What are the gifts of the Spirit? (See Isaiah 11:1-10.) List on the board: wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord. Talk about the meanings of these gifts. Explain that delight in fear is often understood to mean piety and that fear often is translated as awe and means to have a respect for God s power. Use the Catechist Insight section to explain about Pharisees and Sadducees. In this week s gospel we hear John the Baptist tell that Jesus will baptize with the Holy Spirit. What will it mean to you to be baptized with the Holy Spirit? This time of year we think a lot about gifts. The Holy Spirit gives us gifts of lasting value. Since you already have expressed a desire to live as a baptized person, these gifts are developing in you. Friends on the Way - Second Sunday of Advent, A 3

Ask the members to reflect how the gifts of the Holy Spirit are developing within them. Read each gift pausing after each one for the members to reflect in silence. Then continue by saying: This week we continue on our Advent journey. Focus on the gifts you are receiving from the Holy Spirit. Invite Christ deeper into your lives as you prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus. We look forward to the Second Coming as we prepare together for your baptism. PRAYING INTERCESSIONS (5 MINUTES) We believe that God hears our prayers, so let us petition God in prayer. When I lift my hand please respond, God of justice and peace, hear our prayer. For all leaders, that they be inspired by God s mercy, we pray. (Lift a hand for the response.) That these catechumens may blossom with the gifts of the Holy Spirit, we pray. (Lift a hand for the response.) For catechumens everywhere to firmly walk the path towards baptism, we pray. (Lift a hand for the response.) Invite the members to contribute their own intercessions. Then conclude: God of all, send your divine wisdom upon all leaders in the world. Give them counsel so that your peace may flourish. Help us to come to a fuller understanding of what it means to be baptized with the Holy Spirit. We ask this through Christ our Lord. All: Amen. Option: Break for a snack and social time. Friends on the Way - Second Sunday of Advent, A 4

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: Setting up the community display 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 does not take place immediately following the Dismissal Session, plan an additional ten minutes and begin with the Gathering and Connecting segments 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, another prayer, or sing a gathering song from liturgy. ENGAGING THE WORD Invite everyone to sit in a circle with Bibles. Ask: (15 MINUTES) How do you feel when you see someone in a clothing style that is different from what you are used to? (Invite a few comments. If needed, gently redirect prejudicial remarks.) In this week s Gospel story we learn from John the Baptist who dressed in an unusual manner. Have everyone open to Matthew 3:1-12. Invite the members to participate in a Bible search. Ask the following questions, one at a time. This is a search exercise, not a discussion, to help members become familiar with and enjoy the Bible. Affirm their responses. Who appeared preaching in the desert? What did John the Baptist preach? Who had spoken of John the Baptist? What had Isaiah prophesized about John the Baptist? By Janet Miller. Copyright 2010, TeamRCIA.com. All rights reserved. SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT, YEAR A Isaiah 11:1-10 Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17 Romans 15:4-9 Matthew 3:1-12 Insight for the Catechist John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness like Elijah whose return would indicate God s reign on earth. John s preaching is urgent: Turn around! The reign of God is imminent. Pharisees and Sadducees were Jewish sects. Pharisees were extremely orthodox. They believed if all Jewish people strictly adhered to the Mosaic Law, then the Roman invaders would have no need to impose Roman law. Sadducees held to a selected set of beliefs including absolute moral freedom and no afterlife. In Matthew s account, John holds both groups accountable. Just getting wet in the river would not protect them. Their ancient ties and social status would not do it either. To prove they had turned around, they needed to do good actions or else be cut down like fruitless trees. While many of John s followers waited for his return, Christians turned to the new baptism into Christ, which brings the gifts of the Holy Spirit. The Christian writers emphasized John s position as the herald of Jesus. 5

Invite the members to join in forming more questions about the gospel passage. If they need help, use the following: What did John eat? What did John wear? Who came out to see John the Baptist? What happened to the people who came to see John the Baptist? What did John say to the religious leaders? What will the one coming after John do? SHARING FAITH (15 MINUTES) Form groups of four to six members. Provide 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 among the groups to offer support as needed. CONVERSING ABOUT MATTHEW 3:1-12 Ask each group to discuss the questions below. Considering John the Baptist, what might we learn from people who dress in unfamiliar ways or eat unfamiliar foods? How should we treat people whose cultures differ from ours? What can we learn from John s warning to people who show off and think they are better? What kinds of good fruit are we producing as we prepare for baptism? After eight minutes, a volunteer from each group reports one major insight. Ask if anyone would like to add to the reports. Since some of your children may be at a literal age, talk about being baptized with fire. Explore images such as burning with desire for God and being on fire with the Holy Spirit. Emphasize that in baptism we receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit told about in the Isaiah reading. Crossing the Ages Activity (Optional craft: 20 minutes) Gifts of the Holy Spirit (Faith Community Experience) Depending on your schedule, the members and parents and sponsors may do this activity together during the session. Set out fronts of recycled Christmas cards, pens, small boxes, scissors, wrapping paper, tape, and ribbon. Each person chooses a gift of the Holy Spirit to offer to someone. They write a message regarding that gift on a card s plain side such as, Christ baptizes in the Holy Spirit. Remember to use your gift of. They place the message inside a box and wrap as a gift. Send groups of four (children with adults) around the faith community facility and offer the gifts to people they encounter. Encourage them to introduce themselves and become acquainted with members of the faith community. (Option: Send the gifts home for the members to share with family.) Friends on the Way - Second Sunday of Advent, A 6

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. Then conclude with the following: This week we learned that people who dress in unfamiliar ways or have unfamiliar ways of eating may have much to teach us. We are called to turn away from things that are for showing off and live by the gifts of the Holy Spirit. As you prepare for the coming of Christ, for Christmas, and for your own baptism, try to stay in harmony with things that bring peace. CLOSING PRAYER Invite the members to stand in a circle. John preached for people to turn around and prepare for God s reign. Saint Paul advised the Romans in ways to turn. After each question, quietly reflect on how you might turn to prepare a way for Jesus in your lives. How do I find hope in the Scriptures? (pause) What can I do to welcome people whose customs differ from mine? (pause) In which ways might I change so that there is more harmony in my family? (pause) Going around the circle invite members to comment about their reflections or pass. Conclude: God who encourages us, may we learn from your Scriptures and gain wisdom, understanding, and strength. Help us to listen to good advice and give wise counsel to our friends. Most of all, O God, may we attentively pray with deep respect for you. And may the Lord 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. Raise your hands over the group in a blessing gesture. Go forth with God s blessing and spread God s reign of peace and justice to all. All: Amen. Distribute the Faith At Home page. Collect the nametags. Friends on the Way - Second Sunday of Advent, A 7

Children s Catechumenate Resource Remember Sunday s Word Isaiah 11:1-10 Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17 Romans 15:4-9 Matthew 3:1-12 Faith at Home Second Sunday of Advent, Year A At a convenient time for the family, gather around the dining table or in the living room. Place a Bible opened to Matthew 3 in the center. Silence all electronics. If your family has an Advent wreath, light two violet candles. Begin with a moment of quiet. REFLECTING ON ISAIAH 11:1-10 While exact wording varies in Bible translations, the gifts of the Holy Spirit are wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and awe of God. Reverence for God and faithfulness are among the gifts we receive with the Holy Spirit. The prophet Isaiah tells of a child who, abiding with the spirit of God, will lead until the day when there is no more harm or ruin on earth. During this week of Advent, we focus on the time when Christ will return in glory. Consult a dictionary for definitions. What is one gift of the Holy Spirit that is beginning to manifest in each person in the family? In what ways does each child in your family lead, even if in a small way? REFLECTING ON ROMANS 15:4-9 In the early Roman Church, there were two types of Christians, Jewish and Gentile. Saint Paul encouraged these two very different people to respect one another s differences. The Hebrew scriptures carry the hope of salvation to everyone who believes in God. All people, regardless of their ethnic backgrounds, can praise God for having mercy. How do the members of your family help people feel welcome and comfortable, even people of other faith practices and ethnicities? By Janet Miller. Copyright 2010, TeamRCIA.com. All rights reserved. Permission is given to reproduce this handout for family home use.

REFLECTING ON MATTHEW 3:1-12 This gospel passage reminds us that the God s dominion is at hand. Christ is sure to return at any moment. Now is the time to be ready. With the gifts received in baptism, the Holy Spirit helps us prepare. Fire represents a burning desire for God in our hearts and a symbolic burning of what is useless in our lives. How do family members who are catechumens feel about being baptized with the Holy Spirit and fire? For baptized members, how has the Holy Spirit helped rid the chaff from your lives? Family Repentance Service Gather seated in a place for a small fire, such as a fireplace or outdoor grill. Cut scraps of recycled paper into 2 x 3 inches, two pieces of paper for each person. Bring pencils, and an adult brings matches. From a Bible, take turns reading aloud Matthew 3:1-12. On one slip of paper, each person writes something they would like to turn away from to change life for the better. An adult starts a small fire of crumpled scrap paper. Each person carefully adds the written change to the fire. Sit quietly while the piece of paper burns to ash. Then, someone reads Isaiah 11:1-2. Everyone chooses a gift of the Holy Spirit to focus on throughout this coming week, and writes that gift on the other slip. Share about the selected gifts. Vow to help one another during the week to exercise these gifts. Check that the fire is safely extinguished, and walk away holding the gift papers. Friends on the Way - Second Sunday of Advent, A TeamRCIA.com