Fourth Sunday of Advent - TeamRCIA – Conversion...

By Janet Miller. Copyright © 2011, TeamRCIA.com. All rights reserved.

CATECHIST’S NOTES

Fourth Sunday of Advent Year B

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 Sunday’s readings 2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16 Psalm 89:2-3, 4-5, 27, 29 Romans 16:25-27 Luke 1:26-38

Doctrine correlations At the announcement that she would give birth by the power of

the Holy Spirit to “the Son of the Most High” Mary responded with the obedience of faith (CCC #494).

In Jesus the Holy God is revealed and given to us as Savior in the flesh (CCC #2812).

RCIA team notes Adapted to the liturgical signs, instruction of the catechumens, as far as possible, should be enriched by local traditions (RCIA #16). Incorporate any local cultural traditions regarding Christmas into your Christmas sessions. Be sensitive to the possibility that the families of some catechumens may have had difficulties that hinder a joyous celebration of Christmas.

GETTING READY FOR THE SESSION

Items to prepare

check-in sheet and nametag materials poster paper or white board, erasers, erasable markers violet cloth on table or counter for prayer, percussion instrument Bibles, one set to Luke 1, prayer on cards Advent wreath or candles in heat-proof holders, matches nativity set, angel figure, and a picture of the “human family” letters on papers Sharing Faith questions, copies of “Faith at Home” “Advent Watch” mural paper, markers, mission and news magazines, recycled

religion textbooks, scissors, glue, poster mounting supplies, photos

Gathering Prayer Ritual Place four candles or an Advent wreath on a violet cloth. Set part of the nativity scene with Mary, Joseph, and the animals. Bring a Bible, angel figure, empty manger, and a picture showing a variety of people representing the human family. On separate numbered cards, print the lines of the prayer.

Singing option Use music from your faith community resources. Suggestion is available from Gather Comprehensive (GIA Publications, Inc.) or online at hymnsandcarolsofchristmas.com. Bring songbooks and music player.

Building Community On backs of recycled paper, using a dark marker, separately print M-E-S-S-I-A-H. Make as many sets as needed.

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

Engaging the Word Prepare to tell the story or invite a volunteer storyteller to prepare and come.

Sharing Faith groups Put the Scripture citation with the questions on cards for group leaders. Bring the “Advent Watch” from the first Sunday of Advent.

Crossing the Ages Activity option: Jesus’ Family Mural Gather markers, mission and news magazines, recycled religion textbooks (may be found in the back of storage cabinets), scissors, glue, poster mounting supplies, such as, removable putty. Call parents to provide non-returnable copies of family photos if they wish. Ask the office for photos of faith community activities and permission to display the mural in a gathering area.

CATECHIST’S NOTES

Friends on the Way - Fourth Sunday of Advent, Year B 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, 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.

Light four candles.

(†) Emmanuel, God with us, as we prepare to celebrate your birth, we watch for your final coming in glory. We also prepare the way for you in the world.

All: Amen.

Volunteers hold a Bible, angel figure, manger, and “human family” picture and place them on the prayer space during the reading.

Reader 1: (place the Bible) We are strengthened through the prophetic and Gospel writings commanded by the eternal God.

Reader 2: (place an angel figure) The angel of God appeared to Mary saying “Hail, full of grace.”

Reader3: (place the empty manger) God established the House of David, a house that will endure forever.

Reader 4: (place a picture of the human family) God’s saving love in Christ comes to the whole human family.

Invite everyone when you lift a hand to respond, “I will sing God’s goodness forever.” Prayerfully say the following verses inspired by Psalm 89, calling for the response by lifting a hand.

I will sing God’s promises forever. Through all generations I will proclaim your faithfulness. (response)

“I have made a covenant with my chosen one. I will establish David’s throne for all generations.” (response)

“Forever I maintain kindness toward him. My covenant stands firm.” (response)

Song Suggestion: “O Come, Divine Messiah.”

Extinguish the candle flame.


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

Messiah Secret Message: (Adjust for the size of your group by having more than one set or assigning partners as needed so that every letter is used.) Randomly distribute the prepared papers with M-E-S-S-I-A-H. Ask them each to think of a word or phrase that begins with the letter and has to do with Advent. Circulate to assist. Possibilities are: Mary, Messiah, Emmanuel, eyes see, shepherd, savior, Spirit, Second Coming, song, Isaiah, I am the handmaid, I am not worthy, Advent, await, angel, hope, highway for our God, here is your God. Invite the catechumens to stand in a circle holding their letters for others to see. Ask each person or partner to use the word or phrase they chose in a sentence. Then say:

A secret word is hidden in these letters. Let’s unscramble them until we discover it. (They switch places until the letters spell “Messiah.”) This week is the last Sunday before we celebrate the birth of the Messiah.

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 add to their understandings.

Help everyone find 2 Samuel 7:1-16. Explain:

The reading proclaimed during liturgy was summarized from this section of the Bible. After King David has a grand palace built for himself, he decides that God should have a beautiful temple. The prophet Nathan lets David know who is in charge and that an heir will carry on the ruler’s family, the house of David.

Through what times has God been with David? Who is truly in charge, always, and will be with David’s heir?

Have the catechumens find Romans 16:25-27. Explain:

The entire reading forms one long sentence that concludes Saint Paul’s letter to the Romans. To us it may seem like a word puzzle, a circle of words that begin and end with “God.”

What does it tell about God? (Possibilities: eternal , wise, made know to all)

Help everyone find Luke 1:26-38.

I wonder; what did Mary ponder?

I wonder; what feelings did Mary have?

I wonder; what do you ponder about Jesus?



Affirm the members’ comments. Summarize:

The baby born of Mary is the heir who rules forever as promised to David. This child, Jesus, is of David’s family and also is one with the whole human family.

PRAYING INTERCESSIONS (5 MINUTES)

As we prepare to celebrate Christmas, we give thanks to God for gracing Mary and sending us Jesus. When I lift my hand please respond, “Thank you, God, for all your blessings.”

Thank you, God, for sending us our Savior, the heir of David. (Lift a hand for the response.)

Thank you for Jesus who is made known to all nations. (Lift a hand for the response.)

Thank you for Mary who gave birth to Jesus, born of the house of David. (Lift a hand for the response.)

Invite the members to contribute intercessions. Conclude:

Eternal and wise God, we give thanks for your saving grace. Hear the prayers we speak and those we hold in our hearts. May your Holy Spirit guide us as we await Christ’s second coming. Through Jesus Christ be glory 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 John Trainor, via flickr, CC BY 2.0. Copyright © 2011, 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 (15 MINUTES)

Invite the members to sit back, relax, and enjoy a story. Introduce the storyteller or tell the story recorded in Luke 1:26-38. Then ask:

What did you hear?

What feelings and reactions does Mary have?

Help the members find evidence that Mary is troubled, confused, pondering, and fearful. Have them find where she questions and how she accepts in faith. Say:

The heir promised to the house of David comes to be one with the whole human family. Notice Mary’s willingness to trust God in spite of the very unusual events.

SHARING FAITH (15 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 as needed.

CATECHETICAL SESSION

FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT, YEAR B

2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8b-12,

14a, 16 Psalm 89:2-3, 4-5, 27, 29

Romans 16:25-27 Luke 1:26-38

Insight for the Catechist

“Hail, full of grace!”

The angel’s announcement goes beyond all expectation. Israel is promised a son of David, and the world receives the Son of God. The Creator who made the galaxies is enfolded in the womb of a pregnant maiden.

Mary questions, “How can this be?” The good news brings questions about how God comes to dwell among the human family.

Mary is troubled. Her life is to be turned upside down. With us too, commitment to Jesus always turns lives in unexpected directions.

Mary has fears but is calmed by the angel. She becomes the model for everyone who depends on God’s word.

God, whose ways are not our ways, breaks into human family life, and Mary is accepting. We join in her response, “Do unto me according to Thy will.”

Ponder: “What can all this mean?”

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CONVERSING ABOUT LUKE 1:26-38

What did the angel say to Mary? What is this child of Mary to be called? I wonder, what does “nothing is impossible for God” mean to you?

Call the attention of the whole group. Show the “Advent Watch” from the First Sunday of Advent. Invite a volunteer to move the watch hand to the “Ponder” section. Say:

At the announcement that she would give birth by the power of the Holy Spirit to “the Son of the Most High,” Mary responded with the obedience of faith. At that time, she had no way of knowing what the birth of Jesus would mean to the whole human family, but she pondered the meaning in her heart. Each day at home during family prayer time, move the hand forward one notch. On Christmas Eve, move it to the last notch. Take a little time each day and ponder the meaning of Jesus who is God with us.

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:

God who is all holy is revealed in Jesus, our Savior, the Messiah. Born into the human family with flesh and bones, Jesus is truly human and truly divine.

CLOSING PRAYER

Announce the prayer as follows:

Join hands. You may say the prayer aloud or, if you choose not to speak, gently squeeze the next person’s hand to indicate it is their turn. We will pass the prayer around the circle. Let us join our prayer to Mary’s proclamation by saying:

Behold, I am God’s servant; let it be done to me according to your word.



Begin by saying the above line. Then, gently squeeze the next person’s hand. When the prayer has completed the circle, say:

Go forth from this place, pondering what it means to be called by God.

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.

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

Jesus’ Family Mural (Solidarity, social justice, RCIA #75.4)

Spread poster paper on tables. On another table have markers, parishioners’ and the catechumens’ family photos, mission and news magazines, recycled religion textbooks, scissors, and glue. Invite the group to make a mural of Jesus’ Family which is the whole human family throughout time. Some members draw while others cut and glue pictures. Appoint someone to write a caption. Go together to display the mural in a faith community gathering area, or tell the members where it will be on display.

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 1 in the center. Begin with a moment of quiet.

REFLECTING ON 2 SAMUEL 7:1-5, 8B-12, 14A, 16

This reading is condensed from 2 Samuel 7:1-16. While David wants to build a house for God, which is a temple, God’s plan is to build a household or family for David. David’s dynasty includes an heir who will be the hope of Israel. Salvation then comes to the whole human family through a community of believers.

Even though David wants to be in control, who is in control of everything?

What does God promise David?

REFLECTING ON ROMANS 16:25-27

In one sentence Saint Paul summarizes God’s intervention into human history. God’s plan of salvation, manifested through prophetic writings, is made known to all nations through Jesus Christ. The whole human family is included in God’s saving love in Christ.

What does being part of the human family mean?

If all peoples were obedient in faith, how would the world be different?

REFLECTING ON LUKE 1:26-38

Through marriage, Mary becomes a member of the house of David. The family connection is very important to this story that has become known as “The Annunciation.” The great ruler promised to be an heir of David becomes reality in the child born of Mary. The promised Messiah comes from heaven and is the union of the Holy with humanity. With the birth of the Savior all humanity is bonded into one family of Jesus. Ponder. Salvation does not come to us alone but comes to us in how we relate to other members of God’s family.

Who are the members of our immediate family? Extended family? World family?

How do we include them all in our Christmas celebrations?

What does it mean that every other person on earth is our sister and brother?

By Janet Miller. Illustration by Jim Burrows. Copyright © 2011, TeamRCIA.com. All rights reserved. Permission is given to reproduce this handout for family home use.

Faith at Home Fourth Sunday of Advent, Year B

Remember Sunday’s Word

2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16

Psalm 89:2-3, 4-5, 27, 29 Romans 16:25-27

Luke 1:26-38

Fourth Sunday of Advent, Year B TeamRCIA.com

Ponder: How Can This Be? Color the image of Mary pregnant with Jesus. Around the image, draw your family members and many other members of the human family pondering the wonder of God among us.

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