Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B HOW TO USE THIS RESOURCE

Children’s RCIA 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 Deuteronomy 18:15-20 Psalm 95:1-2, 6-7, 7-9 1 Corinthians 7:32-35 Mark 1:21-28 Doctrine correlations From Jesus the Church has received the power of exorcising, asking publicly and authoritatively in the name of Jesus Christ that a person be protected from the power of the Evil One (CCC #1673). Exorcism is directed at the expulsion of demons through the spiritual authority Jesus entrusted to the Church (CCC #1673). RCIA team notes A minor exorcism may be held at the beginning or end of a catechetical meeting, and the presider is a priest, deacon, or qualified catechist appointed by the bishop (RCIA #91-92).

By Janet Miller. Copyright © 2012, TeamRCIA.com. All rights reserved.

CATECHIST’S NOTES

CATECHIST’S NOTES GETTING READY FOR THE SESSION Items to prepare  check-in sheet and nametag materials  poster paper or white board, erasers, and erasable markers  green cloth on table or counter space for prayer, percussion

instrument  Bibles, one set to Mark 1:21, prayer cards  potted plant, candle in a heat-proof holder, matches  pictures, newsprint sheet or poster board, scissors, glue  Sharing Faith questions, copies of “Faith at Home”  poster boards, color markers, dictionaries, recycled magazines,

scissors, glue Gathering Prayer Ritual Place a Bible, candle, and potted plant on a green cloth. Use the prayer cards from previous weeks or, if needed, make new cards. Plan to collect to reuse. Singing option Use music from your faith community resources. The suggestion is a guide available in Gather Comprehensive and Give Your Gifts, Melody Book (GIA Publications, Inc.). Bring songbooks and music in a player. Building Community From church, news, and sports magazines and local newspapers cut out pages with pictures of people who have some type of authority. Display a sheet of newsprint or large poster board. Bring scissors and glue. Snack option Send a reminder to the sponsor providing the snack this week. Engaging the Word Find out if the catechumens have experienced a minor exorcism. Sharing Faith groups Put the Scripture citation with the questions on cards for group leaders. Crossing the Ages Activity option: Explore Minor Exorcism Prayers On separate slips of paper print expressions from the minor exorcisms (RCIA #94). Bring poster boards, color markers, dictionaries, recycled magazines (tear out any material not appropriate for children), scissors, and glue. Bring mounting supplies. Check with parish staff about displaying the posters. Closing Prayer Arrange for a minister deputed by the bishop to offer a prayer of exorcism. Planning ahead For the Crossing the Ages optional activity next session, invite deacons or other ministers.

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DISMISSAL SESSION (15 MINUTES)

GATHERING

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 the candle. Teach the response, “Come for the reign of God is at hand.” Have the prepared readers lead, and the others respond. Reader: All:

Hearing the call and inspired to follow: come for the reign of God is at hand.

Reader: All:

You who are casting and you who are mending: come for the reign of God is at hand.

Reader: All:

Recognizing Jesus who has authority over evil: come for the reign of God is at hand.

Reader: All:

Healing the sick and serving the needy: come for the reign of God is at hand.

Song Suggestion: “You Are Mine.” Invite everyone when you lift a hand to respond, “If today you hear God’s voice, harden not your hearts.” Prayerfully say the following verses inspired by Psalm 95, calling for the response by lifting a hand. Come; let is sing joyfully. Let us acclaim the rock of our salvation. (response) Come; let us bow down in worship. Let us kneel before God who made us. (response) We are the holy flock, who hears the voice of the shepherd. (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 Authority Figure Collage: Invite the catechumens to make an “Authority Figures Collage.” Spread an assortment of pictures on a table. Ask them each to choose a picture of someone in authority, trim the picture, and glue it onto the collage. As they finish, they help clean up. Examine the collage together and discuss each person’s authority. For example, a coach or referee is an authority regarding a particular sport or the mayor is an authority in city government. Mention: In the gospel proclamation we hear this week, the people are amazed because Jesus speaks with unique authority.

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 everyone find Deuteronomy 18:15-20. Point out that Moses is telling the word of God to the people Israel.

What has God promised the people? Have the catechumens find 1 Corinthians 7:32-35. Explain: In this section, Saint Paul gives his own opinion about how to stay focused on Christ who he believed would return very soon. He decided not to marry but to stay focused on the coming of Christ.

I wonder; what do you think about Saint Paul’s opinion? I wonder; in what ways can family members help one another stay focused on Christ? Have everyone find Mark 1:21-28.

I wonder; why were the people astonished? I wonder; what do you find astonishing about Jesus? Affirm the members’ comments. Summarize: Jesus astonished people because he taught with holy authority. The Evangelist Mark tells this story because he wants people to know that Jesus came to combat evil and to make things right.

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PRAYING INTERCESSIONS

(5 MINUTES)

God commands us to listen and listens to us, so we offer our prayers for ourselves and others. When I lift my hand please respond, “God who empowers, hear our prayer.”  That faithful people will listen to holy words, we pray. (Lift a hand for the

response.)  For people of faith to live free of anxieties, we pray. (Lift a hand for the response.)  In thanksgiving for Jesus who teaches with authority, we pray. (Lift a hand for the

response.) Invite the members to contribute intercessions. Conclude: God, you empowered Jesus with authority over all spirits. Hear our prayers, and use us as instruments to bring goodness to others. May your Holy Spirit guide us, united as one in Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns 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.

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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).

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.

ENGAGING THE WORD

(15 MINUTES)

Ask the members to close their eyes and imagine the scene as they listen. Proclaim Mark 1:21-28. Invite those who wish to tell what they imagined. (Note: If the catechumens experienced the optional rite of exorcism during the Rite of Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens, remind them of that experience and ask how it felt when the celebrant symbolically breathed on them and asked Christ to drive away evil spirits.) Mention: The forces of evil are a reality that Jesus overpowers. The church has received special powers to pray in the name of Jesus Christ for a person to be protected from the power of evil. These special prayers are said by a priest, a deacon, or a catechist appointed by the bishop. You catechumens may experience several minor exorcisms as you prepare for baptism. This is one way that the church asks publicly and authoritatively in the name of Jesus Christ for your protection from evil influences.

By Janet Miller. Copyright © 2012, TeamRCIA.com. All rights reserved.

FOURTH SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME, YEAR B Deuteronomy 18:15-20 Psalm 95:1-2, 6-7, 7-9 1 Corinthians 7:32-35 Mark 1:21-28

Insight for the Catechist The Evangelist Mark portrays Jesus as one who establishes a new era. The evil that has dominated the former age is stripped of power. The teachings of Jesus are not Mark’s focus. Mark reports about the authority of Jesus. These are not earthly credentials. Mark shows that Jesus has divine authority as the begotten of God. Mark captures the cosmic struggle between God and the powers of evil. In this introductory account, Jesus is not dealing with a physical illness but with a shrieking demon. According to ancient beliefs, the demon’s use of Jesus’ name and identity is an attempt to overpower and control Jesus. No evil spirit, however, is a match for Jesus. Using a single command, Jesus dispenses with this one demon while manifesting authority over the entire spiritual world. The crowd is amazingly convinced.

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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. (Note: Ask the leaders to use the reflective listening process instead of discussion. That is: each member around the circle has an opportunity to answer each question while the others listen and affirm.) Circulate to offer support as needed.

CONVERSING ABOUT MARK 1:21-28  How do you suppose the witnesses at the synagogue felt?  How do you suppose the man who was restored felt?  How do you feel knowing that the church prays in Jesus’ name for your protection from

evil? With the whole group, conclude: Jesus has authority over all forces and entrusted to the church the spiritual authority to expel demons. This special prayer is called exorcism.

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: Those of you who are catechumens, called by Christ, are going through a very special experience called the catechumenate. The church offers special prayers for you new members. Even though it may not be as dramatic as the gospel story, the church prays in the name of Jesus Christ that evil influences will stay away from you.

CLOSING PRAYER Introduce the ordained minister or qualified catechist to lead a prayer of exorcism using a formulary from RCIA #94. If no leader deputed by the bishops is available, conclude with the following prayer of protection for the catechumens. Invite the other members to join in extending hands over the catechumens. God of power, You sent us Jesus who promised us the Holy Spirit. Protect these catechumens from the power of evil. Guard them against sin So that they may become temples of your Holy Spirit. We ask this through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns forever. All: Amen.

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Go forth from this place, knowing that Jesus conquers evil. 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) Explore Minor Exorcism Prayers (Formularies for minor exorcisms, RCIA #94) Invite the members to explore the meaning of some of the expressions said in prayers of minor exorcism. Assign groups of four. Give each group a large poster board, assorted color markers, and an expression written on a slip of paper. Provide dictionaries, recycled magazines, scissors, and glue. Ask each group to print its expression in large dark letters and create a poster showing the meaning. Use the following or other words the group experiences condensed from the formularies in RCIA #94:  Guard catechumens against error and sin, to become the

temple of your Holy Spirit.  Remove all unbelief and hesitation in faith, enmity and

quarreling, and every manner of evil.  Keep far from these catechumens the spirit of wickedness, falsehood, and greed.  Protect these catechumens from the spirit of greed, lust, and pride. May they work for peace.  Look kindly on the efforts and progress of your servants. Strengthen them on their way.  Free these catechumens from the snares and malice of Satan. Heal their weakness, and blot out their

sin.  Do not let their minds be troubled or their lives tied to earthly desires.  Freed from deception may these catechumens never look back but strive for what is to come.

As the groups complete their posters, they share with others. Display the posters in the meeting room or elsewhere around the faith community facility.

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Remember Sunday’s Word

Faith at Home

Deuteronomy 18:15-20 Psalm 95:1-2, 6-7, 7-9 1 Corinthians 7:32-35 Mark 1:21-28

Fourth Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year B 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 Mark 1 in the center. Begin with a moment of quiet.

REFLECTING ON DEUTERONOMY 18:15-20 Moses tells of a forthcoming prophet who again will speak the word of God to the people. This promise points to the messiah who speaks words of truth and redemption. The revelation includes a warning about false prophets who use fortune-telling and trickery.  Why does a person of faith have no need for fortune-tellers?  Why is it sometimes difficult to determine the truth in what we hear? As a family, watch a news program. Determine together the truth in what is being presented. Determine if there are any catch phrases that distract from the truth.

REFLECTING ON 1 CORINTHIANS 7:32-35 Saint Paul continues with his advice about marriage. Earlier in the letter he clarifies that this is his own opinion. Paul is trying to help everyone stay totally focused on the endtimes, which he believes are soon to come. To Paul, there is no need to marry and establish a family line or deal with the difficulties of developing a household because the end of the world is near.  How can we keep our family focused on the things of God in spite of many distractions?  What types of things can the marriage partner of a tow truck driver or an emergency room medic do to help relieve stress after a hard night’s work?  What types of things can we do for one another? Evaluate how the family budgets time. Determine what, if anything, can be done, eliminated, or changed to reduce stress.

By Janet Miller. Copyright © 2012, TeamRCIA.com. All rights reserved. Permission is given to reproduce this handout for family home use.

REFLECTING ON MARK 1:21-28 The existence of the power of evil is never to be taken lightly, but those who submit to the authority of Jesus have no need to fear. With a single command Jesus demonstrates authority over the spiritual world. The authority of Jesus amazes us and points the way as we are drawn into his protective service and spread the good news.  How are demonic forces, such as, jealousy, greed, lust, and cruelty evident in today’s world?  Who do we know, personally or historically, who has been saved from evil ways?  While depending on the authority of Jesus, what do we do to avoid evil influences?

Criteria for True Authority from Mark 1:21-28  Words are supported by good deeds.  Authority brings about what is good.

 Teachings overcome evil influences.  Authority models integrity.

 Words and actions promote healing.  Authority does not argue.

 Authority earns respect.

Using Mark 1:21-28 as a model, consider the attributes of true authority. Brainstorm authority figures that family members know. Evaluate each person’s exercise of authority according to the above criteria. Determine which leaders exercise their authority according to the model provided by Jesus.

Governments

Community

Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B

Church

School

Family

Work

Friends

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