Third 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 Isaiah 61:1-2a, 10-11 Luke 1:46-50, 53-54 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 John 1:6-8, 19-28 Doctrine correlations In John the Baptist the Holy Spirit concludes speaking through the prophets (CCC #719). John is the precursor to Jesus (CCC #718). RCIA team notes Catechumens learn how to work actively with others to profess their faith (RCIA #75.4). See the Crossing the Ages activity.

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 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 John 1, and prayer on cards  Advent wreath or candles in heat-proof holders, matches  nativity set, lock, globe  sticky notes, scratch paper, pencils  Advent Watch, copies of “Faith at Home”  paper tubes, paper plates or construction paper, rulers, pencils,

heavy tape or quick-set glue, assorted craft supplies Gathering Prayer Ritual On a violet cloth place a Bible, three candles or Advent wreath, the empty manger, and animal figures. Have Mary and Joseph figures, an open lock, and small globe handy. On separate numbered cards, print 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. Snack option Send a reminder to the sponsor providing the snack this week. Sharing Faith groups With sticky notes, mark the location of furniture that will be moved. Bring the “Advent Watch” from the first week of Advent. Crossing the Ages Activity option: Testify Megaphone Gather paper tubes, paper plates cut in half or construction paper semicircles, rulers, pencils, heavy tape quick-set glue, and assorted craft supplies. Check with parish staff for places to testify.

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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. Mention that the prayer is based on Isaiah 61:1-11. Light three (two violet, one rose) 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 Mary and Joseph figures, an open lock, and a small globe and place them on the prayer space during the reading. Reader 1:

(place Mary figure) God clothed Mary in the robe of salvation.

Reader 2:

(place Joseph figure) God wrapped Joseph in a mantle of justice.

Reader3:

(place open lock) The Messiah proclaimed liberty for captives.

Reader 4:

(place small globe) God makes justice and praise spring up before all the nations.

Invite everyone when you lift a hand to respond, “My spirit rejoices in God, my savior.” Prayerfully say the following verses inspired by Luke, chapter 1, calling for the response by lifting a hand. My soul proclaims God’s greatness. From this day, all call me blessed. (response) The almighty has done great things for me, and holy is God’s name. (response) God has filled the hungry with good things, and remembers all promises. (response) Song Suggestion: “O Come, Divine Messiah.” 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 Clothed for the Job: Help the children reflect about wearing types of clothing using the following:

What is the dirtiest chore you have to do? How do you dress for that work? In what ways do you dress differently for a day at the beach and coming to church?

What clothes do you wear to celebrate a special occasion? How do we feel when you wear different types of clothing? Mention: Today we hear a message from the prophet Isaiah who uses clothing images to show how we feel when we follow God’s way.

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 Isaiah 61:1-2. Mention: Jesus quoted this poem to tell the people that he intended to fulfill this mission. During your baptism you will be anointed to carry on Christ’s mission.

As followers of Jesus, how can we do some of the actions stated here? Now, have everyone look at Isaiah 61:10-11. Mention: A mantle is a cloak, and a diadem is a jeweled crown. The prophet uses beautiful images of clothing and jewelry to emphasize the feeling of doing what is right according to God’s teachings.

Why does the prophet describe the person who is doing what is good and just as wearing beautiful clothing and jewels?

What do you think is more important—having wonderful clothing and jewelry or doing God’s work of bringing joy to the poor? The wonderful clothing and jewelry are figures of speech. When we do what is right and just, we are clothed in God’s goodness without buying expensive things. Help everyone find 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24.

What does Saint Paul recommend?

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Saint Paul recommends that we do not condemn the faith practices of other believers. Instead we are to find what is good in ways they show faith.

In our world today, which types of people sometimes are ridiculed and condemned for their faith?

What might we learn from other faiths? How is God’s call to faith being accomplished in each of you? Have everyone find John 1:6-8.

What does “to testify” mean? What would you say to testify that Jesus came as the Messiah? Have everyone find John 1:19-28.

How does John make clear that he is not Christ? Affirm the members’ comments. Conclude: People were very anxious to see the Messiah, also called the Christ. They noticed that John the Baptist was very holy, so they hoped he was Christ. John firmly pointed them toward Jesus.

PRAYING INTERCESSIONS

(5 MINUTES)

We pray without ceasing, asking for God to be with everyone. When I lift my hand please respond, “God, the joy of our souls, hear our prayer.”  Show us ways to help justice spring up before all the nations. (Lift a hand for the

response.)  Send your Holy Spirit so that we may rejoice always and pray without ceasing. (Lift a hand for the response.)  We pray others may come to believe though the faith of all who testify. (Lift a hand for the response.) Invite the members to contribute intercessions. Conclude: God of justice, you make us all perfectly holy. Hear the prayers we have spoken and those we hold in our hearts. May your Holy Spirit guide us as we await Christ’s second coming, for he 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.

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

(10 MINUTES)

Distribute Bibles. Have everyone find John 1:6-8 and 19-28. Mention that this week we hear more about John the Baptist. Select two volunteers, one to be the narrator and one to be John. Have them look over their parts. With the others, form two groups: priests and Levites in one group and Pharisees in another. Have them find their parts to read in unison. Then, as a whole group, all read aloud their parts. Then say: John the Baptist is not the Messiah for whom the people have been waiting, but it is time to prepare. The religious leaders, trying not to miss the Messiah, asked John lots of questions. John clarified, “I am not the Christ. Prepare for the one who will baptize with more than water and offer the very life of God.” You catechumens among us are preparing for the life of baptism in Christ.

By Janet Miller. Illustrations by Jim Burrows. Copyright © 2011, TeamRCIA.com. All rights reserved.

THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT, YEAR B Isaiah 61:1-2a, 10-11 Luke 1:46-50, 53-54 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 John 1:6-8, 19-28

Insight for the Catechist Traditionally, the third Sunday in Advent is called Gaudete Sunday, a joyful celebration of hope. The prophet Isaiah announces a year of favor. Accordingly, the land is left fallow and property seized in foreclosure is returned. Debts are forgiven and slaves set free. Such causes for rejoicing symbolize God’s redemptive power. As we joyfully await the Second Coming, Saint Paul reminds us not to condemn one another’s practices. Test without criticizing, and retain what is good. The evangelist John records John the Baptist’s response to his interrogators. The Baptist is only a voice pointing to the One greater who will come. John testifies, and so do we. Are we waiting joyfully for the Second Coming? Do our families and community reflect on ways to make straight the way for Jesus by bringing justice, peace, and joy to the world?

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SHARING FAITH

(20 MINUTES)

Form groups of four to six mixed-age groups. Explain that they are witnesses being called to testify that Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah, the Savior of the world. They help one another plan a personal testimony about Jesus acting in their own lives, or they can use examples from the Bible. Offer scratch paper and pencils. Prepare volunteers to act as the judge, a prosecuting attorney, and a defense attorney. Set the front of the room like a court with a judge’s bench, witness stand, and attorney seats. Those who do not wish to testify can serve as the jury or the whole group can declare the verdict. One by one, call volunteers to the witness stand. Ask them to state their name. Then, the attorneys ask questions, such as:  So you are a follower of Jesus; what evidence can you give that Jesus is the

Christ?  You are here as a expert witness. What did Jesus accomplish that proves he is

the Messiah?  Since Jesus is the savior of all, what has happened in your life to prove that?

After everyone who wishes has a chance to testify, the judge asks: So what is your verdict? Do you find Jesus to be the Christ, the Messiah, the anointed one of the living God? (Encourage a joyful and resounding “Yes!”) Have members help move the furniture back in place. Show the “Advent Watch.” Invite a volunteer to move the hand to the “Testify” section. Say: This week during prayer time at home, you will move the hand of the Advent watch in the “Testify” section. Each day say or do something that testifies to having Jesus in your life.

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: John the Baptist is the precursor to Jesus. John came before Jesus and pointed out that Jesus is the one worthy of being called “Christ.” With John the Baptist the Holy Spirit completed speaking through the prophets.

CLOSING PRAYER Invite the members to make statements of testimony about Jesus. If needed, begin with your own or the following: Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. I am not worthy to untie his sandal strap.

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After everyone who wishes gives testimony, say: Go forth from this place and testify to Jesus in what you say and do. 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) Testify Megaphone (Profess faith, RCIA #75.4) Show how to construct a tube megaphone to use to testify about Jesus. Have members gather around craft tables set with paper tubes, paper plates cut in half or construction paper semicircles, rulers, pencils, heavy tape or quick-set glue, and assorted craft supplies. Instructions: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

Use a ruler to find the center of the straight edge of the half circle. Cut a 1-inch radius half circle from the center of the straight edge. Form the half circle into a cone shape, and tape along the straight edge. Insert the small open end into the tube. Tape or glue the cone and tube together. Decorate with craft supplies. Use the megaphone to testify about Jesus.

Adults supervise children who go to various areas, such as in hallways, planned rooms, near parking lots, and on sidewalks to testify. If needed, suggest testifying, “Rejoice, Christ comes! Prepare the Way!”

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Remember Sunday’s Word

Faith at Home

Isaiah 61:1-2a, 10-11 Luke 1:46-50, 53-54 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 John 1:6-8, 19-28

Third Sunday of Advent, 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 John 1 in the center. Begin with a moment of quiet.

REFLECTING ON ISAIAH 61:1-2A, 10-11 The prophet speaks as the one who is with God’s spirit. Jesus later quotes this Scripture to announce his ministry. The glad tidings are freedom from depression and discouragement. The year of jubilee, when all debts are forgiven, teaches about the redemption God offers by forgiving all sins. The bedecked bride and groom symbolize salvation, justice, peace, and comfort.  What do we do to help people feel comfort and release from hardship? Children of the family (and young at heart adults) dress in robes of salvation, mantles of justice, diadems, and jewels that reflect God’s comfort and care. Dressed up, take turns testifying “God is the joy of my soul!” Rejoice and praise heartily. Declare glad tidings for the poor and ways to live the testimony of Isaiah.

REFLECTING ON 1 THESSALONIANS 5:16-24 The Third Sunday of Advent celebrates the joy of Christ coming among us. Saint Paul advises what we ought to do and what we ought not to do while we wait in joyful hope for the Second Coming. Then, Saint Paul offers a prayer for us. This prayer is especially meaningful for those joining the church as new Christians. It reminds us that the call to faith comes from God who accomplishes its fulfillment.  Why do Christians rejoice and give thanks in all circumstances, even during times when we have to wait?  Why does Saint Paul advise not to despise the ways others express their faith but instead advises to test what is good for our spiritual growth? Always, without ceasing rejoice, pray, and give thanks.

REFLECTING ON JOHN 1:6-8, 19-28 This week the gospel proclamation focuses on John the Baptist’s testimony. The Judeans who are

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

anxiously awaiting the Messiah and hoping that John is the one are told, “One more worthy is coming.” Those who question John are unclear about who the Christ is. John’s testimony makes the truth crystal clear.  What is it like when all the lights are out and we try to find our way around the house?  What was it like trying to find our spiritual way without Jesus to enlighten the way?  What is it like now that we are discovering more and more about Jesus? Testify to Jesus by making and sending or delivering Christmas cards. Add color to the pictures. Cut out the rectangles and fold in the center. (Option: Glue onto construction paper cut to size.) Write a personal message and sign your name inside each card. Insert the cards in envelopes. Deliver to a care home or hospital for someone who needs a comfort message or send to someone far away who cannot come home for Christmas.

In the cloud shape, write a greeting: “Glad Tidings!” or “Comfort and Joy!” Third Sunday of Advent, Year B

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