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

CATECHIST’S NOTES

Fourth Sunday of Easter 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). 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.

NOTES FOR THIS SUNDAY Sunday’s readings Acts 13:14, 43-52 Psalm 100:1-2, 3, 5 Revelation 7:9, 14b-17 John 10:27-30

Doctrine correlations Hope is the theological virtue by which we desire heaven and

eternal life as our happiness, trusting in Christ’s promises (CCC #1817).

Christ is truly risen from the dead and lives forever, and the righteous will live forever with the risen Christ who will raise them up on the last day (CCC #989).

RCIA team notes This is a critical time for the children neophytes. While the catechumenate continues for those who will be initiated next year, ensure that children neophytes have opportunities to meet with companions who have completed their initiation (RCIA #330). Catechumens learn to turn to God in prayer (RCIA #75.2).

Children with special needs Some children may need help applying abstract themes to concrete situations.

GETTING READY FOR THE SESSION

Items to prepare

check-in sheet and 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 John 10, biblical map adorned crucifix, candle in a heat-proof holder, matches black paper, pencils, scissors, craft eyes, white adhesive circles or

dots paper slips Sharing Faith questions, copies of “Faith at Home” construction paper, pencils, scissors, stapler recorded voices, speaker

Gathering Prayer Ritual Place a Bible, candle, and crucifix adorned with ribbons or flowers on a white cloth. Display a biblical map (found in church resources or from a library). Retain the biblical map for the Fifth Sunday of Easter. Set chairs in a circle.

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 Bring black paper, pencils, scissors, adhesive craft eyes, and white adhesive circles for reinforcing binder holes or white adhesive dots.

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

Engaging the Word Print the “In Jesus’ Hand” themes on slips of paper. Repeat to have one for each partner. Place in a container.

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

Crossing the Ages Activity option: Hand-in-Hand Prayer If any parents or sponsors are unable to attend obtain their hand shapes cut from construction paper on which they have written a prayer for their child. Bring construction paper, pencils, scissors, and a stapler.

Closing prayer Use a recorder to record voices of members of the faith community urging the members to follow Jesus. Bring a speaker that connects to the device that will play your recordings.

CATECHIST’S NOTES

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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 everyone 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 “Word of Truth and Life” (GIA Publications).

Leader:

Slowly take two deep breaths. If you feel comfortable close your eyes. Continue to breathe deeply. Feel God’s life-giving air flow into you. Now hear the voice of Jesus. Listen to Jesus say, “I hold you in my hand.“ (Pause.) Imagine the scene, Jesus is holding you. When you are ready, open your eyes.

Invite those who wish to comment about what it is like being held by Jesus.

Invite everyone when you lift a hand to respond “Alleluia.” Prayerfully say the following verses inspired by Psalm 100.

Sing joyfully, all you lands; serve God with gladness. (response)

Know that we belong to God who made us, the flock. (response)

God is good and kind, faithful through all generations. (response)

Extinguish the candle flame.

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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

Hand Lamb: Invite the catechumens to convert a copy of their hand into a lamb design. Distribute black paper, pencils, and scissors. Show how to place one hand on the paper, trace around it, and cut out the hand shape. Have them place the hand with fingers pointing down. Offer reinforcement circles or white adhesive dots for them to cover the palm and two-thirds down the fingers. Point out the lamb resemblance with fingers forming the legs. Offer an adhesive craft eye to place on the thumb tip.

Mention:

This week we hear about being Jesus’ sheep and being held in Jesus’ hand. Place your lamb near your Bible or bed at home as a reminder that Jesus holds you, his own, in his hand.

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 aid their understanding.

Help the catechumens find Acts 13:14. Show a biblical map. Have volunteers locate the Mediterranean Sea, Cyprus, and southern Turkey northwest of Cyprus. Mention:

Saints Paul and Barnabas traveled in this area of the Gentiles to spread the teachings of Jesus. As people came to believe in Jesus, the apostles established churches. Gentiles were all the people who did not follow the Jewish faith. All of the first disciples were Jews, but many other Jews preferred to remain faithful to the old ways. Sometimes the apostles had conflicts with those who did not accept the new way of Christ.

Have the catechumens turn to Acts 13: 43-52.

I wonder: Why do some people reject the word of God?

I wonder: What does being “a light to the Gentiles” mean?

I wonder: In what ways are you a light to others because of your faith?

Have the catechumens find Revelation 7:9-17.

What do you notice in Saint John’s vision of heaven? (The “Lamb” is Jesus and “blood” refers to the cross and those who suffered for staying faithful to Jesus.)

I wonder: Why are people from every nation, culture, and ethnic background in heaven?

I wonder: What do you think heaven is like?

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Have the catechumens find John 10:27-30.

Whose voice has helped you to know Jesus?

What does being held in God’s hand mean to you?

Affirm the members’ comments. Summarize:

Whenever we feel the desire to do what is right the voice of Jesus is calling us. Each one of you has been called to come learn more about the ways of Jesus. In a spiritual way Jesus holds each one of us.

PRAYING INTERCESSIONS (5 MINUTES)

Trusting that God holds us, we pray for the needs of all. When I lift my hand please respond, “God who wipes away every tear, hear our prayer.”

Strengthen converts everywhere to remain faithful. (Lift a hand for the response.) Shelter those in distress so that no one will hunger or thirst. (Lift a hand for the

response.) Let us hear the voice of righteousness and follow the way of truth. (Lift a hand for

the response.)

Invite the members to contribute intercessions. Conclude:

God, who hold us in your hand, we ask for all things according to your will. Hear our prayers that we offer through Christ Jesus, the Lamb who shepherds us from the throne of heaven and leads us to life-giving water, 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. 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. 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 each question without interruption. Others ask clarifying questions or affirm.

In the celebration of your baptism your friends in our faith community prayed for each of you by name. You were called by name and immersed in the baptismal water.

I wonder: Why did the celebrant call each of your names?

How did it feel to be called and baptized personally by name?

Why is it important that God knows each of us by name?

ENGAGING THE WORD (20 MINUTES)

Proclaim John 10:27-30. Ask everyone:

What meaning does this scripture reading have for you?

Assign partners. Have each pair select a slip of paper with an “In Jesus’ Hand” theme. Ask them to act out a situation that applies to that theme adding details and dialog. For examples say:

CATECHETICAL SESSION

FORUTH SUNDAY OF EASTER, YEAR C

Acts 13:14, 43-52

Psalm 100:1-2, 3, 5 Revelation 7:9, 14b-17

John 10:27-30

Insight for the Catechist

John the Evangelist uses a scriptural image of God, the shepherd of Israel, to create an image of Jesus bonded to his flock. Our shepherd Jesus provides sustenance, protection, and eternal life.

Jesus gives what he has been given, and no one can snatch us from divine loving care. When we go in the wrong direction, Jesus reaches out and turns us around. When we cannot go on through dread or exhaustion, Jesus’ hand lifts us. The hand of God holds us as one of Christ’s own.

We pray that those who are lost will hear the voice of Jesus who is out in the gullies of the world seeking them. May they know the lavish love of the One who carried the staff of the cross as he lifts them in his gentle hands and carries them with joy.

6

We might be going in circles if everyday we do not take care of our things and have to be reminded over and over. Jesus’ voice might say, “Shape up and care about your responsibilities.” Our path is bogged with mud, if we are under the influence of bad friends, so Jesus might lift us by providing a new hobby where we meet new friends who carry us in a new direction.

“In Jesus’ Hand” themes:

When we are going in circles, Jesus reaches in with a hand and straightens us out. When we go in the wrong direction, Jesus grabs our shoulder and turns us around. When we go off the track, Jesus extends an arm and pulls us up on the track. When we sit down and refuse to go further, Jesus pulls us up with both hands. When we are going too slowly, Jesus pushes us from behind. When we lie down exhausted or ill, Jesus gently lifts and carries us. When the path is bogged with mud Jesus puts us on his shoulders. When we get to a locked gate, Jesus the Good Shepherd hands us the key. When things are going great we walk along with Jesus hang in hand.

Mention they have five minutes to prepare. Circulate to help. Have each partner act its scenario and reads the theme at the end. Applaud all.

SHARING FAITH (10 MINUTES)

Form mixed-age groups of four to six 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 JOHN 10:27-30

How did you know that Jesus was calling you learn more about God? Whose voices lead you to God? During what kinds of difficulties do we know Jesus is holding us?

With the whole group, conclude:

By the virtue of hope, we desire heaven and eternal life with Jesus. We place our trust in Christ’s promise to always hold us.

CARRYING OUT THE WORD (5 MINUTES)

SUMMING UP

Invite everyone to be seated around the prayer focal point. Encourage them to offer insights from this week’s session. Say:

Jesus Christ, who continually holds us, truly is risen from the dead and lives forever. Christ will raise the righteous on the last day so that we might never perish.

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CLOSING PRAYER

(With Neophytes: Say the Lord’s Prayer.)

Invite everyone to listen to voices that reflect Jesus calling them. Play the various voices pausing after each. Then, invite volunteers to share what they heard and help identify the voices.

Raise your hands in blessing over the group, and say:

Go forth from this place and listen to the voice of Jesus calling you.

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.

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

Hand-in-Hand Prayer (Catechumens learn to turn to God in prayer, RCIA #75.2.)

Mention:

Jesus promises that no one will ever take us from his hand. He also gives us one another to help us keep focused on his voice. We follow, not as individuals, but as a faithful flock. Now we will make a visual to help us remember that we are together, praying for one another, hand-in-hand with Jesus.

Distribute construction paper, pencils, and scissors. Ask each person to trace their own hand and cut two shapes. On one hand, the children write a prayer for a parent or sponsor. On the other they write a prayer for themselves. The adults write one prayer for their child and another for themselves. (Provide hand prayers to children for adults unable to attend.) Then, they exchange one shape so that each person has one adult and one child hand. They staple the shapes together at the wrists. Encourage everyone to keep the hand-in-hand prayers where they pray at home and read them often.

Jesus, may this child always

hear your voice and follow. Thank you,

Jesus, for my sponsor who

holds my hand with you.

Faith at Home Fourth Sunday of Easter, Year C

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 John 10 in the center. Begin with a moment of quiet.

REFLECTING ON ACTS OF THE APOSTLES 13:14, 43-52

Reflecting the ministry of Jesus, Paul and Barnabas when arriving in Antioch take seats in the synagogue. Many Jews and Jewish converts become interested in the Christian way when Paul and Barnabas speak boldly. Tension develops with the religious elite, but ultimately God triumphs over all opposition.

When has one of us spoken boldly about Jesus?

REFLECTING ON REVELATION 7:9, 14B-17

As John’s heavenly vision continues, a growing crowd worships at the throne of God where the Lamb is central. The worshipers are those who had remained faithful and given their lives during persecutions. The heavenly church is totally inclusive with members of every nation and culture. The Lamb shepherds this flock to springs of living water where there is no more hunger or sorrow.

What do we each find most hopeful in John’s vision of heaven?

In what ways has God wiped away our tears?

REFLECTING ON JOHN 10:27-30

Jesus is the Good Shepherd who calls everyone, but some refuse to listen. The faithful who do hear know that Jesus is one with God. They follow into eternal life as Jesus’ supporting hand never fails.

When have we each felt Jesus’ supporting hand?

Instructions for Hand in Hand with Jesus Game Glue the picture game board found on the other side of the page onto a piece of recycled cardboard. Using examples from the list, on ten separate cards, print a description of a time Jesus gives a hand. Place the ten cards upside down on a table. Take turns choosing a card. Find an illustration on the game board that fits the description on your card, and say one specific way to help Jesus do this for someone. Be creative. There are no wrong responses. Return and shuffle the cards for each round.

Remember Sunday’s Word

Acts 13:14, 43-52 Psalm 100:1-2, 3, 5

Revelation 7:9, 14b-17 John 10:27-30

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

Fourth Sunday of Easter, Year CTeamRCIA.com

Hand in Hand with Jesus Game

learning to stand pushing into action steadying hand to help balance helping hand for carrying a burden stabilizing hand for support

giving a pat on the back offering a hand in peace lifting us up when hurt hoisting us over a barrier bearing us when we cannot go on