Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord 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.
Children’s RCIA Resource
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 Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord readings Isaiah 62:1-5; Isaiah 9:1-6; Isaiah 62:11-12; or Isaiah 52:7-10 Psalm 89:4-5, 16-17, 27, 29; Psalm 96:1-3, 11-13; Psalm 97:1, 6, 1112; or Psalm 98:1-6 Acts of the Apostles 13:16-17, 22-25; Titus 2:11-14; Titus 3:4-7; or Hebrews 1:1-6 Matthew 1:1-25; Luke 2:1-14; Luke 2:15-20; or John 1:1-18 Doctrine correlations Human nature has been assumed by the divine person of the “Author of Life” (CCC #612). The “Incarnation” is the fact that the Son of God assumed a human nature in order to accomplish our salvation (CCC #461). RCIA team notes The liturgy offers four complete sets of readings for Christmas liturgical celebrations. These are identified for proclamation at the Vigil Mass, Midnight Mass, Mass at Dawn and Mass During the Day. The liturgy, however, allows for using the options according to the pastoral needs of each assembly. Check with the liturgy committee for the readings that will be proclaimed at Masses that most of the child catechumens attend. The sessions are adaptable according to your needs. Be sensitive to any members suffering or in sorrow this Christmas time. By Janet Miller. Copyright © 2011, TeamRCIA.com. All rights reserved.
CATECHIST’S NOTES
CATECHIST’S NOTES GETTING READY FOR THE SESSION Items to prepare check-in sheet, recycled Christmas cards, scissors, markers, clean
recycled lanyards poster paper or white board, erasers, erasable markers white cloth on table or counter for prayer, percussion instrument Bibles, one set to Luke 2, prayer on cards nativity set figures, candle in a heat-proof holder, matches recorded carols, music player paper slips, hymnals or song sheets Sharing Faith questions, liturgical calendar, copies of “Faith at
Home” biblical name and Scripture citation on paper slips of paper,
scratch paper, pencils, costumes, props, and refreshments (optional) Gathering Prayer Ritual Place a Bible and candle on a white cloth. Have nativity set figures handy. 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 or song sheets and a music player. Building Community Bring recorded carols and a music player. Snack option Send a reminder to the sponsor providing the snack this week. Engaging the Word Cut scratch paper into strips. Bring hymnals or print song sheets. Sharing Faith groups Put questions on cards for group leaders. Bring a liturgical calendar from the last week of Year A or another source. Crossing the Ages Activity option: Jesus’ Genealogy Skits Have each biblical name and Scripture citation on a slip of paper. Gather scratch paper, pencils, costumes, and props, and refreshments (optional).
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DISMISSAL SESSION (15 MINUTES)
GATHERING
Catechumens, having heard the Sunday proclamation of the Word, are dismissed from the Mass. Greet each catechumen with “Merry Christmas!” Have them check in and make nametags using recycled Christmas cards, scissors, dark markers, and clean recycled lanyards. Distribute prayer cards to readers.
GATHERING PRAYER RITUAL Chime a percussion instrument as a call to prayer. All stand around the prayer focal point. Light the candle. Greet everyone: Glad tidings! Everyone has done a wonderful job of watching, preparing, testifying, and pondering. Our waiting for this year’s celebration is now over, but we continue to look forward with faith and hope. (†)
Song Suggestion: “Rise Up, Shepherd, and Follow.”
Volunteers hold nativity scene figures and place them during the reading. Have prepared volunteers read from cards. Reader 1:
(place Mary and Joseph figures) With Mary and Joseph we celebrate the birth of Jesus.
Reader 2:
(place animal figures) Simple animals were near when Jesus was born so we remember to care for all God’s creatures.
Reader 3:
(place baby in manger) Since Jesus was born without a bed to sleep in, we remember the homeless who sleep in the cold.
Reader 4:
(place shepherds) Hardworking shepherds were the first to seek Jesus, so we pray for those seeking jobs.
Reader 5:
(place an angel) As the angel brought glad tidings, may we offer comfort and joy to others.
All: Amen. Invite everyone when you lift a hand to respond, “Today our savior, Jesus Christ, is born.” Prayerfully say the following verses inspired by Psalm 96, calling for the response by lifting a hand. Announce salvation, day after day. Tell God’s glory among the nations. (response) Among all people, announce wondrous deeds. Let the heavens be glad and earth rejoice. (response) Our savior comes to rule the world, ruling with justice and constancy. (response) Extinguish the candle flame. Friends on the Way - Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord, Years A, B, or C
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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 Name that Carol: Welcome the catechumens to their first (or second) celebration of Christmas as a Christian catechumen. Invite sharing about ways they stayed focused during Advent, by watching, preparing, testifying, and pondering the wonder of Christ’s Incarnation. Play bits of a Christmas carol. Invite members to call out the name. Each time a correct name is called, switch to another carol selection.
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 the Isaiah passage proclaimed in liturgy: 62:1-5; 9:1-6; 62:11-12; or 52:7-10. Ask:
When the people of God hear this message, why are they happy? Help everyone find the second reading proclaimed in liturgy: Acts of the Apostles 13:16-17, 22-25; Titus 2:11-14; Titus 3:4-7; or Hebrews 1:1-6. (Note: For Titus 3:4-7, make connections to the catechumens’ upcoming baptism.) Ask:
What does this passage tell about Jesus, whose birth we celebrate today? Have everyone find the gospel passage proclaimed in liturgy: Matthew 1:1-25; Luke 2:1-14; Luke 2:1520; or John 1:1-18.
Why do we hear this gospel proclamation as part of our Christmas celebration? What questions does it answer for you about Jesus’ coming? What questions do you have about Jesus’ birth? (If needed, assure the catechumens that no one knows all the answers and assure them of more information next session. Follow up.) Conclude: We celebrate the wonder of Jesus, the Word of God, born among us. We continue to watch for signs of Christ with us. We look forward to your time of baptism. As one of God’s children, you each have your own work to do until the Second Coming.
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PRAYING INTERCESSIONS
(5 MINUTES)
As we celebrate Christmas, let us pray for the needs of the world. When I lift my hand please respond, “God among us, hear our prayer.” May all people of the earth come to know glad tidings of comfort, peace, and
joy. (Lift a hand for the response.) Thank you for sending Jesus, savior of us all. (Lift a hand for the response.) We pray that Christmas celebrations everywhere will be times of wonder and
peace. (Lift a hand for the response.) Invite the members to contribute intercessions. Conclude: God Incarnate, you came to live as one with humanity to show us the way. Hear our prayers. 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. 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.
SOLEMNITY OF THE NATIVITY OF THE LORD Isaiah 62:1-5; 9:1-6; 62:11-12; or 52:7-10 Psalm 89:4-5, 16-17, 27, 29; 96:1 -3, 11-13; 97:1, 6, 11-12; or 98:1-6 Acts of the Apostles 13:16-17, 22 -25; Titus 2:11-14; Titus 3:4-7; or Hebrews 1:1-6 Matthew 1:1-25; Luke 2:1-14; Luke 2:15-20; or John 1:1-18
Insight for the Catechist 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 Bibles and three slips of paper each. Help everyone find Matthew 1:1-25, Luke 2:1-20, and John 1:1-18. They place paper slips to mark these pages. Mention: Three evangelists each have a way of telling the Incarnation story. The “Incarnation” is the fact that the Son of God assumed a human nature in order to accomplish our salvation. Today, we will look at the words in Christmas carols and see how they express the story told in the gospels. Distribute hymnals or Christmas carol song sheets. Assign small groups, or some members may wish to search independently. Show how to find the Christmas section in the hymnal. Ask the members to match carols to gospel passages. Suggest they keep the hymnal and Bible open to corresponding pages or mark pages using paper slips. After five minutes, invite them to share. Then, sing some of the carols together.
By Janet Miller. Photo by Scott Schram, via flickr, CC BY 2.0. Copyright © 2011, TeamRCIA.com. All rights reserved.
Glad tidings of great joy! The waiting is over. There are no more prophecies of expectation, only fulfillment. God’s promises are kept. The mystery that has been hidden is now revealed to the whole human family. The child of Mary is truly God with us, Emmanuel. In choosing to become one with humanity, God Incarnate dignifies every human life. Each person is indissolubly united with Christ through the human experience. Taking on human form as a baby, God chose to identify with the most vulnerable of human conditions. Swaddled in a manger with total dependency, Jesus as a baby had no voice to express his needs. Jesus, born into a temporary home, identified with all who depend on others for daily food, clothing, and shelter. The meager circumstances of Jesus’ birth provide a special solidarity for defenseless and needy persons.
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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 as needed.
CONVERSING ABOUT THE INCARNATION What did you discover about Jesus’ birth? What would you like to point out about the Incarnation and Jesus’ birth?
With the whole group show a liturgical calendar. Conclude: Today, we begin the season of Christmas. For Christians, the celebration of Christmas lasts until Epiphany, about 12 days after Christmas. We rejoice because the divine person, Jesus, assumed human nature.
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: The divine person, the Author of Life, came to us as one with all humanity to bring salvation to the world. We never finish pondering the wonder of Jesus’ birth.
CLOSING PRAYER Invite those who wish to offer a prayer of thanksgiving. Everyone responds, “For Christmas blessings, we thank you, God among us.” If needed, begin: Thank you, God, for celebrations with family and be with those who are not close to loved ones this Christmas. After everyone who wishes offers a prayer, sing “Go Tell It On the Mountain.” Then conclude: Go forth from this place to celebrate the joy of God among us. 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) Jesus’ Genealogy Skits (Acquaint catechumens with the history and mystery of salvation, RCIA #75.1) Assign small groups. Invite the members to develop skits that show events in the lives of some of Jesus’ ancestors listed by Saint Matthew (see list below). Offer scratch paper, pencils, costumes, and props. Have each group use one of the following or other scripture passages. Allow time to prepare. They can ask other members to play parts. Encourage creativity. Then, invite enjoyment of one another’s skits. Option: Offer refreshments.
Abraham (Genesis 21:22-33) Sarah (Genesis 21:1-19) Isaac (Genesis 26:23-33) Rebecca (Genesis 27:1-29) Jacob (Genesis 35:6-15) Leah (Genesis 29:31-35) Judah (Genesis 37:12-28)
Rahab (Joshua 2:8-18) Ruth (Ruth 2:8-18) Boaz (Ruth 4:7-11) David (1 Samuel 16:1-13) Bathsheba (1 Kings 1:28-40) Solomon (1 Kings 3:17-28)
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Remember Sunday’s Word
Faith at Home Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord
Isaiah 62:1-5; 9:1-6; 62:11-12; or 52:7-10 Psalm 89:4-5, 16-17, 27, 29; 96:1-3, 11-13; 97:1, 6, 11-12; or 98:1-6 Acts of the Apostles 13:16-17, 22-25; Titus 2:11-14; Titus 3:47; or Hebrews 1:1-6 Matthew 1:1-25; Luke 2:1-14; Luke 2:15-20; or John 1:1-18
At a convenient time for the family, gather around a dining table or in the living room. Silence all electronics. Open a Bible opened to a gospel account of the Nativity. Begin with a moment of quiet. The liturgy offers many possible Scripture readings to celebrate Christmas.
REFLECTING ON THE FIRST READING During the celebration of Christmas liturgies, the church proclaims a reading from the Book of Isaiah. The writings attributed to the prophet are actually a collection from various dates and places. A basic message underlies these writings. The true ruler of Israel is YHWH, God, who sits on high. Whereas kings on David’s throne come and go, God’s dominion is everlasting. The line of David survives as the people of God. “Jerusalem” and “daughter of Zion” are collective names for the people of God. Reflect together on one of the passages. (Isaiah 9:1-6) Why are the people rejoicing? (Isaiah 52:7-10) What are the “glad tidings” of this prophecy? (Isaiah 62:1-5) What are the people of God promised? (Isaiah 62:11-12) What is being joyfully proclaimed? As a family, write a Christmas proclamation that expresses glad tidings and cause for rejoicing.
REFLECTING ON THE SECOND READING During the celebration of the Nativity, your family heard one of the following proclamations from the New Testament. Choose one and reflect together. (Acts of the Apostles 13:16-17, 22-25) How did Saint Paul summarize the history of salvation? (Titus 2:11-14) In what ways, does Jesus teach us to live? (Titus 3:4-7) Why do we reflect on celebrating baptism at Christmas time? (Hebrew 1:1-6) What was accomplished because Jesus Christ was born? Twelve Days of Christmas Key: 1. Jesus; 2. Old and New Testaments; 3. Faith, Hope, and Love; 4. Four Gospels; 5. First Five Books of the Bible; 6. Six Days of Creation; 7. Seven gifts of the Holy Spirit; 8. Eight Beatitudes; 9. Nine fruits of the Holy Spirit; 10. Ten Commandments; 11. Eleven Faithful Apostles; 12. Twelve doctrinal points in the Apostles Creed. By Janet Miller. Copyright © 2011, TeamRCIA.com. All rights reserved. Permission is given to reproduce this handout for family home use.
REFLECTING ON THE GOSPEL During the liturgy that celebrates Jesus’ Nativity, you heard one of the following gospel proclamations—Matthew 1:1-25, part of Luke 2:1-20, or John 1:1-18. Matthew emphasizes the lineage of Jesus in the house of David and Joseph’s role. Luke emphasizes Mary and tells the wonder of God coming to us in the most humble of circumstances. John proclaims the Word of God has joined humanity and dwells in our midst. We call this the Incarnation. Look at one of the passages. What does this gospel say about the glory of God born into the human condition to dwell among us?
Twelve Days of Christmas The dates for celebrating Jesus’ birth developed over time. The church in Western Europe decided on December 25. The eastern churches dedicated January 6, the Epiphany, as the date to celebrate. In the ninth century, King Alfred of England extended festivities for a “twelfth night” from Christmas to Epiphany. In the seventeenth century, the British government abolished all religious festivities associated with Christmas. Tradition has it that in defiance people sang “The Twelve Days of Christmas” with its hidden religious themes. Choose a religious theme from the following list, and write it on the blank of the corresponding number. Four Gospels Eleven Faithful Apostles Nine fruits of the Holy Spirit Seven gifts of the Holy Spirit Faith, Hope, and Love Jesus
Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord, Years A, B, or C
First Five Books of the Bible Eight Beatitudes Twelve doctrinal points in the Apostles Creed Ten Commandments Old and New Testaments Six Days of Creation
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