By Janet Miller. Copyright © 2013, TeamRCIA.com. All rights reserved.

CATECHIST’S NOTES

Feast of the Baptism of the Lord Year C

Children’s RCIA Resource

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). Select the session options that fit your time frame.

NOTES FOR THIS SUNDAY Feast of the Baptism of the Lord readings (for Year C) Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11 Psalm 104:1b-2, 3-4, 24-25, 27-28, 29-30 Titus 2:11-14; 3:4-7 Luke 3:15-16, 21-22

Doctrine correlations Jesus’ public life begins with his baptism by John (CCC #535). At his baptism, Jesus is the Servant consecrated to the redemptive

work accomplished by the baptism of his Passion (CCC #565).

RCIA team notes The first and second readings explored here are the optional readings for Year C. Find out from the liturgy committee which readings will be proclaim, and adjust the dismissal session, if needed.

During the first year after their baptism, the newly baptized are known as neophytes, and guidelines for adults can be adapted for children (RCIA #250 and #330). See the Crossing the Ages activity.

Children with special needs Check for sensitivities to incense.

GETTING READY FOR THE SESSION

Items to prepare

check-in sheet and nametag materials poster paper or white board, erasers, erasable markers white cloth on table or counter for prayer, percussion instrument Bibles, one set to Luke 3, matches, candle clear bowl of water, quick-light incense index cards, markers Sharing Faith questions, copies of “Faith at Home” refreshments, serving supplies

Gathering Prayer Ritual Place a Bible, clear bowl of water, and candle on a white cloth. Have quick-light incense in a holder and matches handy.

Singing option Use music from your faith community resources. The suggestion is a guide available in Gather Comprehensive from GIA Publications, Inc., or online. Bring songbooks or song sheets and music in a player.

Snack option Send a reminder to the sponsor providing the snack this week.

Engaging the Word Bring plain index cards and markers. On a posting note print the two questions and place it at Luke 3:15. Ask a sponsor to practice the reading, pausing after each verse and asking the questions.

Sharing Faith groups Put the Scripture citation with the questions on cards for group leaders.

Crossing the Ages Activity option: Neophyte Visit Invite children and adult guests who were baptized within the year to come and share their experiences of baptism, growth in prayer and Christian service, and joy in knowing they are God’s beloved. Ask sponsors to bring refreshments, napkins, cups, and beverages.

CATECHIST’S NOTES

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DISMISSAL SESSION

GATHERING (15 MINUTES)

If using incense charcoal, light it in a heat proof container at least five minutes before catechumens arrive and have an assistant watch it. 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. 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.

(†) Sprinkle incense on the coals, or light quick-start incense. Light the candle. Pause for a moment of silence. Then pick up the incense container.

Waft the incense towards the candle, saying: May your light, O Christ, show us the way.

Waft the incense towards the Bible, saying: Teach us, O God, the words of everlasting life.

Waft the incense towards the water, saying: Salvation comes through life-giving waters.

Waft the incense around the space, saying: Come, Holy Spirit, and sanctify this gathering place to be holy ground.

Waft the incense towards the catechumens, saying: God who is among us, open the eyes, open the lips, and open the hearts of these catechumens as we share here today.

All: Amen.

One at a time, come up to the bowl. As you dip a hand in the water, imagine God cleansing you of all sin. Return to your place. Your damp hand will dry in a few moments.

After everyone touches the water, invite them, when you lift a hand, to respond, “My God, you are great indeed!” Prayerfully say the following verses inspired by Psalm 104.

Clothed in majesty and glory, you spread the heavens like a tent-cloth. (response)

You construct your palace upon the waters, make the clouds your chariot, and travel on the wings of the wind. (response)

How magnificent your works. In wisdom you made them all. (response)

They look to you for food to gather. Send forth your spirit, and renew the face of the earth. (response)

Song Suggestion: “Wade in the Water.”

Extinguish the candle flame. Snuff out the incense.

Friends on the Way - Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, 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

Standing in Line: Ask the catechumens to form a line. Then, they turn, so that everyone is shoulder-to-shoulder. Stand in the middle, several feet away from the line, facing the members and ask:

Where are some places you stand in line?

How do you feel when someone tries to “cut ahead” in line?

How would you feel if someone was given special preference to move to the head of a line ?

Mention:

Standing in line shows that we are equal. No one in line gets a special privilege. It was like that when Jesus was baptized by John. Jesus did not expect special treatment but waited his turn like the others. Jesus was like us in all things except sin. This week’s gospel story tells us more.

RECALLING THE WORD (10 MINUTES)

Give everyone Bibles, and have them sit 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 add to their understanding.

Help the catechumens find Isaiah 40:1-11. (Note: The verses about the shortness of life are not included in the liturgical proclamation. If needed, explain that each person’s life is short compared to the word of God, which is forever.)

In what ways do you give comfort to any of God’s people?

When have you heard this message before about preparing the way?

What in this message is meaningful for you?

Help the catechumens find Titus 2:11—3:4-7. Mention:

This letter tells about how our lives change once we accept that, in baptism, Jesus saves us. Consider what your own baptism will be like.

Why is baptism called a bath or rebirth?

From what will baptism cleanse you?

How are you beginning to live a new type of life guided by the Holy Spirit?

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Friends on the Way - Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, Year C 5

Have the catechumens find Luke 3:15-16.

Who remembers seeing these verses before? (Before Christmas, we read about John the Baptist preparing the way for Jesus.)

I wonder: Why did John say these things about Jesus?

I wonder: Why did Jesus stand in line shoulder-to-shoulder with sinners?

Look at verses 21-22.

I wonder: Why did the voice from heaven talk to Jesus?

I wonder: How do you feel about becoming baptized?

Affirm the members’ comments. Summarize:

Water, which naturally cleanses, symbolizes the washing away of our sins. Although Jesus never sinned, he joined with those being baptized. Through baptism you will begin a new life enflamed by the Holy Spirit. You are already beginning to have a passion for doing what is good. We find the way to righteousness through prayer as Jesus did. We become one with Jesus, beloved by God.

PRAYING INTERCESSIONS (5 MINUTES)

Following the example of Jesus, we pray for the good of all. When I lift my hand, please respond, “Saving God, hear our prayer.”

Heralding the good news, may we speak tenderly and give comfort to all in need. (Lift a hand for the response.)

Justified by grace, may believers live temperately, justly, and devoutly. (Lift a hand for the response.)

We, along with all catechumens preparing for baptism, pray to become enflamed by the fire of the Holy Spirit. (Lift a hand for the response.)

Invite the members to contribute intercessions. Conclude:

God, we seek comfort for all your people and ask for all things according to your will. Hear our spoken prayers and those we hold in our hearts. We pray as Jesus did in the unity of the Holy Spirit, 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.

By Janet Miller. Photo by Intel Free Press, via flickr, CC BY 2.0. Copyright © 2013, TeamRCIA.com. All rights reserved.

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. Have those arriving check in and put on nametags. 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.

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 (20 MINUTES)

Distribute four plain index cards to each member. Provide markers. Ask them to print across the bottom of each card one of the following: People, John, Jesus, God. Invite them, if they wish, to draw symbols on the cards to represent the words. Explain:

During the gospel proclamation, the reader will pause and ask questions. Hold up the appropriate cards.

Have the prepared reader proclaim Luke 3:15-16, 21-22 and pause after each verse to ask:

Who is speaking?

Who is listening?

The members hold up their cards. Invite volunteers to respond out loud. (Note: For verse 15, the people are speaking in their hearts, and John understands or “listens” to their expectations.)

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.

CATECHETICAL SESSION

FEAST OF THE BAPTISM OF THE LORD, YEAR C

Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11 Psalm 104:1b-2, 3-4, 24-25,

27-28, 29-30 Titus 2:11-14; 3:4-7 Luke 3:15-16, 21-22

Insight for the Catechist

The appearance of John the Baptist filled the people with expectation as they anxiously awaited the Christ, but John had another purpose. John prepared the way for One much mightier. John’s cleansing water baptism would be little in comparison.

The baptism of Jesus would enflame the baptized with fire and the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus provides the model. Those who are baptized need prayerful discernment. What does being baptized really mean? How does a baptized person act in a new way?

We share what we have with those in need. We are honest in our dealings and satisfied with fair wages. In doing what is right and just, we accept a purging of everything in our lives that leads us away from God.

Jesus’ baptism ushered in a new era. When Jesus became aware of being God’s beloved, the world changed forever.

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CONVERSING ABOUT LUKE 3:15-16, 21-22

How did the people feel about John? What did John teach about Jesus? What happened to Jesus while he was praying after being baptized? What are our expectations concerning baptism?

With the whole group, conclude:

Jesus’ public life began with his baptism by John. Jesus’ work is accomplished by offering himself on the cross for our redemption from sin. This is called the baptism of Christ’s Passion.

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. Summarize:

Jesus was consecrated by the words of God, “You are my beloved Son. With you I am well pleased.” From that point on, Jesus’ work was a sign of redeeming our sins.

CLOSING PRAYER

Ask everyone to close their eyes and imagine.

For those of you already baptized, recall your own experience, or, if you do not remember it, imagine what it was like. For you awaiting baptism, take a moment and feel the expectation. (Pause.)

Feel yourself going down into the baptismal waters. Imagine your clothes getting wet. Hear the minister say, “I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” Hold your breath a moment as you feel yourself under the water. (Pause.)

Imagine coming up suddenly out of the water. (Pause.) Feel what being born of the Holy Spirit and fire is like. (Pause.) Hear God saying to you, “You are my beloved. In you I am well pleased.” (Pause.)

When you are ready, open your eyes. (Pause.)

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Invite comments. Then conclude:

Go forth from this place filled with expectation and ablaze with the Holy Spirit.

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.

Crossing the Ages Activity (Optional activity for children and adults together: 20 minutes)

Neophyte Visit (Newly baptized share their new perception of faith and help the catechumens, RCIA #245, #9.)

Explain:

We are about to welcome some special guests who were baptized within this past year. They will share about their baptism and faith experiences as one of God’s beloved.

Assign the catechumens tasks of inviting in the guests, uncovering the refreshments, distributing napkins, serving refreshments, pouring beverages, and cleaning up.

Have the assigned catechumens invite in the guests. Welcome and introduce everyone. Invite the guests to speak and the members to ask questions. Then, have the catechumens serve refreshments. Invite everyone to join in the closing prayer.

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 Luke 3 in the center. Begin with a moment of quiet.

REFLECTING ON ISAIAH 40:1-5, 9-11

The prophet Isaiah speaks most tenderly to people in need of comfort. All guilt is expiated. Prepare the way. Call out, “Here is your God.”

In what ways does our family give comfort to God’s people in need?

How do we live in a straight way so that the glory of God is revealed?

Each family member takes a turn speaking tenderly, as a shepherd speaks to a newborn lamb. Say gentle words of forgiveness for anything hurtful other family members have done. In a peaceful conversation, aware of one another’s needs and points of view, straighten out any difficulties.

REFLECTING ON TITUS 2:11-14; 3:4-7

We live between two events in time when God’s grace first appeared in Jesus and when Jesus Christ will appear in the glory of God at the second coming. Jesus’ first coming brought salvation and gave us the model of how to live in this age. Salvation comes through the bath of rebirth and renewal in the Holy Spirit.

Why do we say that baptism is a bath, a cleansing, and a rebirth?

What does God’s free gift of baptism mean to each of us?

Family members make a list or draw a picture of the godless ways and worldly desires each rejects. Then, everyone makes another list or draws another picture about living temperately, justly, and devoutly. Share, if everyone wishes, with one another.

REFLECTING ON LUKE 3:15-16, 21-22

After being baptized, Jesus was praying when heaven opened and the Holy Spirit descended in bodily form. With a fiery baptism that conveyed the Holy Spirit, Jesus superseded John.

What does the promise of being baptized with the fire of the Holy Spirit mean to each of us?

By Janet Miller. Copyright © 2013, TeamRCIA.com. All rights reserved. Permission is given to reproduce this handout for family home use.

Faith at Home Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, Year C

Remember Sunday’s Word

Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11 Psalm 104:1b-2, 3-4, 24-25,

27-28, 29-30 Titus 2:11-14; 3:4-7 Luke 3:15-16, 21-22

Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, Year C TeamRCIA.com

Baptized with Jesus

Draw people around Jesus and John the Baptist. Include those already baptized, others waiting to be baptized, and your family members. Show the Holy Spirit coming down in bodily form.