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Religious Education Archdiocese of Perth

Teaching and Learning Resource Confirmation

Developed using the essential content from the units

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Empowered by the Spirit (Year Six), Gifted by the Spirit (Year Seven) and Spirit of Truth (Year Seven).

Introduction to the MaterialThis Confirmation resource for 2009 has been developed using the essential content from the units Empowered by the Spirit (Year Six), Gifted by the Spirit (Year Seven) and Spirit of Truth (Year Seven). It has been developed to take into account the movement of Year Sevens to secondary sites and the Confirmation policy which suggests that Confirmation should be celebrated in the final year of Primary school. For 2009, this material can be used in place of the current Year Six and Seven Confirmation units or as a supplement to those units. Students may require a range of learning experiences to explore and reflect on the content presented in this resource in order to come to a deep understanding of the material be presented and what the Sacrament of Confirmation both offers them and challenges them to be. Some activities may require more time for students to develop high order thinking and a depth of knowledge which can be applied to everyday life situations. Each content area has the Teacher background Information from the current units provided for teachers, followed by suggested strategies to help students know and apply this information. Teachers may choose to use a number of the suggested activities for each topic or may choose to develop their own learning experiences as they introduce the required content.

Contents for the Learning and Teaching Program Page

Outline for Planning 20-21Preparing to Receive Confirmation 22-23Sacraments of Initiation 24-35Jesus promised the special strength of the Holy Spirit to his Church 36-39The Giving of the Spirit at Pentecost 40-45People Who Drew on the Gifts of the Spirit (Saints) 46-61Saints Research 62-67The Beatitudes 68-75Gifts of the Spirit 76-93Fruits of the Spirit 94-101The Holy Spirit in Society 102-105Virtues of Faith, Hope and Charity 106-109Values – Choosing Them Day by Day 110-113Pillars of Faith 114-123Rites & Rituals 124-133Symbols of Confirmation 134-137

Catechesis Prayers & Liturgies 138-177Resources to Support Parents 178-184Glossary 185-186Certificate of Completion 187Essential Resource For Confirmation Preparation 188Celebrating the Gift of the Spirit – Liturgical Guidelines for Confirmation 189

Outline for Planning

This Outline for Planning is provided as a guide only. When planning the length of time needed for students to develop knowledge of the required content, teachers need to take into account the learning needs and styles of their students. Students may require a range of learning experiences to explore and reflect on the content in

order to come to a deep understanding of the material be presented.Some activities may require more time for students to develop a depth of knowledge which can be applied to everyday life situations.

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY ASSESSMENT1 Preparing to Receive

ConfirmationSacraments of Initiation

Sacraments of Initiation

Jesus promised the special strength of the Holy Spirit to his Church


2 The Giving of the Spirit at Pentecost

The Giving of the Spirit at Pentecost

People Who Drew on the Gifts of the Spirit



3 Saint Research Saint Research Saint Research Saint Research Saint Research

4 The Beatitudes The Beatitudes The Beatitudes Gifts of the Spirit Gifts of the Spirit

5 Gifts of the Spirit Fruits of the Spirit Fruits of the Spirit Fruits of the Spirit The Holy Spirit in Society

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MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY ASSESSMENT

6 Virtues of Faith, Hope and Charity

Virtues of Faith, Hope and Charity

Values – Choosing Them Day by Day


Pillars of Faith

7 Pillars of Faith Rites & Rituals Rites & Rituals Rites & Rituals Rites & Rituals

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9

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Sacraments of Initiation(Gifted By The Spirit Year Seven (B2))

Read the information on the Sacraments of Initiation. Teach the Sacraments of Initiation

Explain that Eucharist is the sacrament that helps people to live more like Jesus.

Select strategies which will enable your students to process and apply this information to real life situations.

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Sacraments of Initiation(Gifted By The Spirit Year Seven (B2))

Sacraments are sacred events, in which we enter more fully into the mysteries of our Catholic faith. They are community events, which remind us of the role of the community in our faith life. We are a community of faith, and we journey together to God. The sacraments use things that are part of life to remind us that God is present in our life. The sacramental life of the Catholic community is meant to affirm the presence of God in our ordinary everyday situation. The sacraments provide the support that we need to live out our faith commitment.The sacraments, gifts of Christ’s love and forgiveness, are offered to us through the Church. When the Church - the community of believers - celebrates a sacrament, Christ himself is present in the celebration.

The Sacraments of Initiation, are the sacraments through which we become united with, and enter more deeply into, the life of Jesus Christ in the community of the Church. In Baptism, we are welcomed into the Church community. In Confirmation, our belonging to the Church community is affirmed, and we have a place in the life and work of the Church for the Reign of God in the world. In Eucharist, we continue to enter more deeply into the life of the Church, and we share at the table of the community to be nourished and strengthened, to be a living and active part of the continuing mission of Jesus Christ in our world. Initiation into the community of the Church means initiation into the vision and mission of Jesus Christ for the Reign of God in the world.

The promise of Jesus was fulfilled for the Apostles at Pentecost [Acts 2:1–11]. The Apostles in their turn handed on ‘the power from on high’ to other followers of Jesus through the first two of what are now called the Sacraments of Initiation:

• Baptism, when, with God the Father and Jesus, the Holy Spirit ‘makes a home in them’ [cf. John 14:23]

• Confirmation, when the fullness of the Spirit is received as the Apostles received this fullness at Pentecost [Acts 2:1–11].

The third Sacrament of Initiation, the Eucharist, nourishes the spiritual gifts of those who have been baptised and confirmed. Without the Eucharist, these gifts could not mature.

Jesus gives his followers many spiritual gifts. However, to bring the blessings he intends into their lives, these gifts need to be nourished. This is one reason why Jesus gave his followers the Eucharist during the Last Supper. He changed bread and wine into his Body and Blood. He then told them [Luke 22:19]: ‘… do this in remembrance of me.’ On an earlier occasion, Jesus had explained that the spiritual gifts he gives, included in what he called ‘life’, can help people as God intends only if they are nourished by him in Holy Communion [John 6:53–56] In sharing Jesus’ body and blood, the people are meant to become Jesus – becoming hope, life and joy for the world. Not only are the gifts of bread and wine changed in the Eucharist; those who participate are changed as well.

Suggested Strategies for the Sacraments of InitiationTeach the Sacraments of Initiation and what these sacraments offer Catholics.

Focus on the gift of the Eucharist

Invite people to visit the students and to be interviewed about what they receive from participating in the Eucharist.

Brainstorm with the students the gifts Eucharist offers. e.g. Spiritual nourishment Connection with like minded people – community Acceptance of all people as equals Opportunity to hear Scripture and shape our lives on the values of the Gospel Opportunity to give thanks for the gifts in our lives. Opportunity to connect with people who have died. (Catholics believe that in the Eucharist

we are united with those who have died and gone to heaven).32

Opportunity to reflect on how we are living. Opportunity to be challenged and to grow. Opportunity to be reminded that God is present to us.

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You have been asked by the Principal to explain in the parish bulletin, why people shouldcelebrate the Eucharist weekly. Write an appropriate article for the bulletin.

OR

Your group has been asked to teach the Year Four (First Communion) class the importance ofcelebrating the Eucharist weekly. What would you tell them and how would you present theinformation to them?

OR

Your group is to design an advertisement promoting the importance of celebrating theEucharist weekly. These advertisement could then be placed in strategic places around the school.

OR

Select any of the activities or questions on pages 10 - 17

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The Catholic Community – Different but the Same

Any group that is as large as the Catholic Church will have differences based on geography, history and the culture that has developed over time. Like a family, however, the Church has many things that unifies it. By completing the tasks below you will be reminded of some of these. Respond to each in your workbook and then produce a visual summary in a style of your choice (mindmap or other diagram, collage, picture etc).

1. Who is the worldwide leader of the Catholic Church and where does he live?(Hint: http://vatican.va/ )

2. Read Galatians 3: 27-28. What does this passage tell us about the faith we share?

3. All Catholics share the same sacraments.

a. What is a sacrament?

b. Name the sacraments of the Catholic Church and briefly describe each.

4. Before being taken prisoner and sentenced to death, Jesus shared a meal with his friends. This meal which we call ‘Communion’ or ‘Eucharist’ is shared by all Catholics wherever they are in the world.

a. Find out what the word ‘Eucharist’ means.

b. In 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 St Paul is reminding the community at Corinth about Jesus’ gift of the Eucharist. Why do you think Paul wrote this passage? Re-write the passage adding what you think he might say to our Catholic community today.

5. It is impossible to be truly Catholic without living Jesus’ message of justice.

a. Read Luke 4:16-21 and explain what Jesus said he had come to do in the world.

b. The Catholic Community is one way in which Christ is present in the world today. We are God’s hands. Research three examples of where the Church (the people of God) is working for justice in the world.

“The Catholic Community – Different but the Same” by Helen SmithTaken from Echoing the Word Volume 1, No. 4, 2002

Link: www.echoingtheword.com(c) Pauline Electronic Publishing 2009

Used with permission

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http://www.echoingtheword.com/

http://vatican.va/

The Seven Sacraments of the Church

Seven Sacraments are celebrated within the liturgy of the Catholic Church. They are:-

Baptism Confirmation Eucharist Penance (Rite of Reconciliation) Anointing of the Sick Marriage Holy Orders

Three of these are Sacraments of Initiation, in which we become united with, and enter more deeply into, the life of Jesus Christ in the community of the Church.

The Sacraments of Initiation are:

_____________________ ______________________ ______________________

Because we belong to the Church community, we have access to the two Sacraments of Healing, in which we bring to God’s healing, reconciling love the brokenness that comes from illness and human frailty, and the brokenness that comes from sin and failing to love.

The Sacraments of Healing are:

_________________________________ _________________________________

Two sacraments are Sacraments of Love and Service in the community, for the Reign of God in the world.

The Sacraments of Service are:

_________________________________ _________________________________

What is a Sacrament?

A sacrament can be described as a sign and symbol

that we can see and experience within our human-living in our world that points to the deeper reality of

God’s loving Presence (which we cannot see and experience directly)

in our lives and in our human world.

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Sacramental Moments in our LivesWe experience many signs and symbols of God’s loving presence in our lives. These are sacramental moments.

We can experience God’s presence in sacramental moments such as,

in the wonders of creation at significant family times like the birth of a new baby or a special gathering or occasion at sad or anxious times at times of safety after danger or upset when things happen in a good way in the experience of forgiveness and reconciliation in quiet, gentle moments of peace in the experience of being accepted, understood and loved.

Describe a time when you felt God’s loving presence close to you...

___________________________________________________________________________

The seven Sacraments of the Church are symbolic rituals that celebrate the presence of God’s loving care in the significant moments and needs of our lives.

Name a significant human moment or need for which we celebrate God’s loving presence to us in each of these Sacraments:

Baptism –

Confirmation –

Eucharist –

Penance (Rite of Reconciliation) –

Anointing of the Sick –

Marriage –

Holy Orders –

“The Seven Sacraments of the Church” by Clare HoranTaken from Echoing the Word Volume 5, No. 2, 2006



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JESUS, THE SACRAMENT OF GOD’S LOVE

God is transcendent, and God’s love is beyond our human grasp and understanding. We can only experience and know about God through the signs and symbols that we can see and experience in our human ways.

The First Testament tells the story of how God’s people experienced God’s presence to them, and God’s relationship with them, in their lives and in their history. God’s love for all humankind was revealed more fully when God chose to enter our human history in the human life of Jesus of Nazareth 2000 years ago.

Jesus, in his human living in our world, was sign and symbol of God’s love to those who encountered him. Through his words and actions, Jesus not only revealed what God’s love is like, but he made God’s love present to those he encountered in ways that people could experience and understand.

Jesus, in his human life, is the basic sacrament of God’s love in our world.

JESUS, IN HIS WORDS AND ACTIONS, IS THE SACRAMENT OF GOD

The following Gospel stories illustrate how Jesus revealed something of what God’s love is like and made God’s love present to people in their human experience of Jesus.

Read Mark 1:40-44 Jesus heals a leper Which aspects of God and God’s love did Jesus reveal and make present in this Gospel story?[ ] inclusive of all people [ ] compassionate[ ] bringing hope [ ] ignores unjust rules and barriers [ ] faithful [ ] listening[ ] open to all people [ ] concerned for human well-being and dignity[ ] forgiving and reconciling [ ] responding to the cry of the human heart [ ] standing up for what is right [ ] being on the side of the poor and powerless[ ] healing and restoring to wholeness [ ] unconditional love

Read Mark 7:24-30 Jesus and the Gentile foreign woman Which aspects of God and God’s love did Jesus reveal and make present in this Gospel story?[ ] inclusive of all people [ ] compassionate[ ] listening [ ] faithful [ ] bringing hope [ ] ignoring unjust rules and barriers [ ] open to all people [ ] concerned for human well-being and dignity[ ] forgiving and reconciling [ ] responding to the cry of the human heart[ ] standing up for what is right [ ] being on the side of the poor and powerless[ ] healing and restoring to wholeness [ ] unconditional love

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THE CHURCH IS THE SACRAMENT OF JESUS CHRIST IN THE WORLD

After Jesus’ death, resurrection and ascension into heaven, the Holy Spirit came upon the community of disciples at Pentecost, as Jesus had promised. Jesus of Nazareth, the sacrament of God, was no longer in our human world, although he is part of our human history. Since Pentecost, Jesus Christ, our risen Lord, is present in the Church through the power of the Holy Spirit.

We cannot see and experience Jesus Christ today in our ordinary human way, so the Church is now the sign and symbol, the visible presence, the sacrament of Jesus Christ, risen Lord, in our world.

We become part of this sacrament, the visible presence, of Jesus Christ when we celebrate Sacraments of Initiation into the Church community.

Name some ways in which the Church is a sign and symbol of the presence of Jesus Christ in our world:

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Sacraments of Initiation Clare Horan

Sacraments of Initiation In Baptism, we are welcomed into the Church community.

In Confirmation, our belonging to the Church community is affirmed, and we have a place in the life and work of the Church for the Reign of God in the world.

In Eucharist, we continue to enter more deeply into the life of the Church, and we share at the table of the community to be nourished and strengthened, to be a living and active part of the continuing mission of Jesus Christ in our world.

Initiation into the Vision and Mission of Jesus Christ Initiation into the community of the Church means initiation into the vision and mission of Jesus Christ for the Reign of God in the world.

List some features that might be part of Jesus’ vision for our world:

Name some ways in which young people and their families can support the mission of the Church to help Jesus’ vision become a reality in our world:

Initiation into the whole life of the Church Community Initiation into the Church means initiation into the beliefs and values of the Catholic Christian community.

List some of the major beliefs of the Church community. We proclaim these beliefs together when we recite the Creed at Mass:

List some of the important values of the Church community:

Initiation into the Church means initiation into the life of liturgy and prayer of the Church community.

List some of the occasions on which the Church community gathers to celebrate liturgy and prayer together:

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Initiation into the Church means initiation into the identity of the Church community.

Name some of the signs in a person’s way of living and acting that would identify them as belonging to the Church community:

Initiation into the Church means initiation into the good works of the Church community.

Name some of the good works and ministries through which organizations and people in the Church undertake for the continuing mission of Jesus Christ in the world:

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SACRAMENTS OF INITIATION

BAPTISM CONFIRMATION

EUCHARIST

Are sacraments of initiation through which we enter the community of the Church

to share in the life of Jesus Christ in our world.

Through sacraments of initiation we share in the Holy Spirit,

God’s Holy Spirit that was given to Jesus, so that we can be signs of Jesus’ love in our world.

At Baptism we are welcomed into the community of the Church. In Confirmation our belonging to the Church,

and to its life and mission, is affirmed.

Sharing in the Eucharist is the sign that we belong to the community

and the way we grow in our belonging to the life of Jesus in the Church.

“Sacraments of Initiation” by Clare HoranTaken from Echoing the Word Volume 5 No. 2, 2006



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(Empowered By The Spirit – Year Six (B2))

Read the teacher information Use the suggested stories from the life of Jesus.

Identify what Jesus was able to do by drawing on the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Identify the temptations Jesus was able

to overcome.

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(Empowered By The Spirit – Year Six (B2))(‘Confirmation… gives us a special strength of the Holy Spirit to spread and defend the faith by word and action as true witnesses of Christ, to confess the name of Christ boldly, and never to be ashamed of the Cross… .’ – Catechism 1303)

Throughout his life on earth, Jesus was filled with the Holy Spirit. The Spirit:• led Jesus in his work [Luke 4:1, 14]• strengthened him against evil and the Devil [Matthew 12:28].

Jesus faced many obstacles as he fulfilled his mission from God the Father. This mission was to teach about God, and how people need to live to become close to God. In time, the teachings of Jesus led many to oppose him. Eventually they plotted to kill him [John 11:45–54]. However, Jesus was not discouraged by their threats. Instead, he:• gave his life, rather than disobey God the Father [Luke 23:44–46]• refused to run away, even though he experienced deep fear [Luke 22:41–46]• continued to teach, even though he lost his popularity and people stopped following him [John 6:59–66]• went without physical comforts to teach his message to people in many places [Matthew 8:20].Jesus also showed love by caring for people in difficult situations. He overcame his sufferings to make sure that Mary, his mother, was provided for [John 19:25–27].

Jesus came to make the world a better place. He taught his followers to live as God wants, and to try and persuade others to do the same thing. As the number of those living as God wants grows, the world changes. People reflect:• love, not selfishness• respect for human dignity, not people’s rights ignored• compassion for those who are suffering, not indifference • special care for those in need, not attitudes that suggest them to be burdens• justice, not injustice.

However, Christians find it hard to live always as God wants. Also, it can be hard persuading others to do so as well. Then there are risks of being rejected by others if we do not go along with them. There is the fear of ridicule and being laughed at. Christians need the heroic strength of Jesus at times.

Ways in which Jesus showed heroic spiritual strength.

Recall Gospel stories of times Jesus, being filled with the Spirit, showed heroic spiritual strength to overcome temptations and/or difficulties in order to obey his Father.Which human feelings and weaknesses do they teach us Jesus was free from?

The students could list these stories and write about the temptations Jesus overcame. (suggested stories are shown in bold in the paragraph above)

Suggested StrategiesUsing one of the Scripture stories from the suggested stories (in bold in the paragraph above), the students create a comic strip that depicts Jesus drawing upon inner spiritual strength to obey his Father.

OR

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Students write a newspaper article describing an event from one of the suggested stories, describing the qualities Jesus showed and a statement of how the world would look if others reflected this gift in their life.

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Focus on the story of Pentecost Focus on the promise Jesus made to his followers

Discuss with the students that those who receive the Holy Spirit have the potential to live as Jesus did.

Help students to connect what Jesus was able to do by drawing on the gifts of the Holy Spirit Identify the temptations Jesus was able to overcome with the things they can do and the

temptations they can overcome by drawing on the strength of the Holy Spirit. Select activities from the suggested strategies to help students understand Pentecost and the

Gifts the Holy Spirit offers to people.

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Pentecost Jesus promised the Holy Spirit to all who follow him. This Spirit would help them to develop the kind of heroic strength that Jesus showed. He promised [Luke 24:49]: ‘And now I am sending upon you what the Father has promised … the power from on high.’ This promise was fulfilled at Pentecost when the Holy Spirit came down on the Apostles, appearing as tongues of fire resting over them [Acts 2:3]. The Spirit then gave them the special spiritual power that they needed to understand the Christian message, and to have the courage to teach it to others [e.g. Acts 2:5–47].

Read Luke 24:48-49 and Acts 1:5, 8.

Recall with the students the story of Pentecost [Acts 2:1-13] (The Pentecost Story Resource Sheet from Spirit of Truth may be helpful see pg 22-24)Focus Questions- Why were the Apostles gathered in one place?- How did the Apostles know they had received the Holy Spirit?- What was the sign that the Apostles had received the Holy Spirit?- What change occurred in the Apostles after they had received the Holy Spirit?

Discuss with the students that Jesus promised the Holy Spirit to all who follow him. This Spirit will help them to develop the kind of heroic strength that Jesus showed. Read Luke 24:49 and Acts 1:5, 8.

Suggested StrategiesInvite the students to read and recall the events at Pentecost [Acts 2:1-13]. The students imagine that they are travelling through Jerusalem and witness the events described in the Pentecost story. The students write a postcard home describing what they experienced or a newspaper article describing what has happened.

OR

Find three or four depictions of Pentecost (http://www.textweek.com/art/pentecost.htm) from different artists and eras. What aspect of the experience does each capture? Which do you find reflects the moment most effectively?

OR

You are Matthew (or one of the other apostles). Write about how you experienced Jesus among you in the locked room, during the evening of Easter day (John 20:19-23). Don’t forget to include both what happened and your reactions; what the others were doing and how you felt and especially what your focus became when Jesus breathed his Spirit into you. OR

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http://www.textweek.com/art/pentecost.htm

http://www.textweek.com/art/pentecost.htm

Compare John’s account of Jesus breathing his Spirit into the disciples (John 20:19-23) with Luke’s account of the events on the feast of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-11). What are some similarities? What are the differences?

http://www.ceo.melb.catholic.edu.au/ReSource - Confirmation

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http://www.ceo.melb.catholic.edu.au/

People Who Drew on the Gifts of the Spirit(Empowered By The Spirit – Year Six (C1))

Focus on; Mary the Mother of JesusJohn the Baptist

Saint PeterSaint Paul

Stephen the first Martyr

Take note in the Teacher Information of the information students need to be able to recall

Select strategies which will enable students to understand how Mary the Mother of Jesus, John the Baptist, Saint Peter, Saint Paul and Stephen the first Martyr were strengthened by

the Holy Spirit.

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People Who Drew on the Gifts of the Spirit(Empowered By The Spirit – Year Six (C1))

The special strength of the Holy Spirit continues to be received today through the Sacrament of Confirmation. With this strength, the Holy Spirit helps those who have received Confirmation: • to live as Jesus taught • to tell others about Christ’s teachings. Followers of Jesus have been specially strengthened by the Holy Spirit from the time of Pentecost onwards..

Recall: Mary the mother of Jesus Recall stories of Mary being strengthened by the Holy Spirit to live as God wanted her to. The main stories of Mary being helped by the Holy Spirit are: • having the strength to say ‘yes’ to the angel Gabriel’s request from God that Mary become the mother of Jesus [Luke 1:26–38] • being strengthened to go to her cousin Elizabeth who was also expecting her baby, later called John the Baptist [Luke 1:39–56] • being strengthened to care for Jesus, born in difficult conditions in a stable [Luke 2:1–7] • being strengthened to continue to care for Jesus, even though Simeon prophesied that she herself would experience suffering (‘… a sword will pierce your soul too…’ v. 35) [Luke 2:33–35] • being strengthened to face the difficult journey with her baby to Egypt, so he would be safe from Herod [Matthew 2:13–18] • being strengthened to bring up Jesus as God, his real Father, wanted him brought up [Luke 2:51–52] • being strengthened to stand by Jesus when he was dying on the cross [John 19:25–27].

Recall: John the Baptist Students need to be able to recall, of all the Gospel references, the following three stories of John the Baptist, showing he was filled with Spirit: • when Mary, with Jesus in her womb, visited John’s mother, Elizabeth [Luke 1:39–41] • he showed he was strong enough to encourage his followers to follow Jesus because he knew that Jesus was more important than he was [John 1:19–39] • he showed his strength by continuing to preach to the King that he should stop breaking God’s law. This led to his imprisonment and the King’s wife planning John’s death [Luke 3:19–20].

Recall: Saint Peter Jesus appointed Peter as leader of the Apostles and the first Pope when Peter was appointed the ‘rock’ upon which Jesus would found the Church after being the first to recognise who Jesus is [Matthew 16:17–20]. Peter, however, was not a strong character before being filled with the Holy Spirit. He: • tried to stop Jesus going to Jerusalem to suffer and to die [Mark 8:27–32] • denied knowing Jesus after Jesus was arrested and placed on trial [Mark 14:66–72].

It is particularly important that students be able to recall the following stories:• the calling of Peter• the denial of Peter

• PentecostThey need to be able to point to the change in Peter after Pentecost

The promise of Jesus came true at Pentecost. Then, like all the other Apostles, Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit. After this, the previously weak Peter, was strengthened: • to defend the Apostles in front of the crowd against the accusation of being drunk, so great was the change in them after Pentecost [Acts 2:14–15, 22–24, 37–41] • to preach before the crowds [Acts 3:12–26] • to preach, despite the risk of arrest [Acts 12:1–9] • to preach, reassured as he was by miracles that Christ was with him [Acts 9:32–35, 36–43].

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Recall: Saint Paul

Again, students need simply to recognise ways Paul showed he was strengthened by the Spirit in the face of persecution. Story details are not the main emphasis here.

St Paul at first persecuted Christians. However his life changed when Jesus appeared to him in a vision on the road to Damascus [Acts 9:1–9]. After being filled with the Spirit, Paul was strengthened to preach the Gospel despite: • being stoned [Acts 14:19–20] • floggings [Acts 16:20–24] • threats [Acts 17:13] • knowing the Jewish leaders were plotting his death [Acts 20:17–19, 22–24, 36–38].

Students need to be able to recall: • the conversion of Paul

• that Paul was strengthened against personal persecution.

Recall: Stephen, the first Christian martyrThis heading begins to introduce the strengthening of martyrs by the Holy Spirit. The stories ofStephen are relatively brief, though very important.

Students need to be able to recall Stephen as the first Christian martyr. The Stephen stories should be used to introduce ‘other Christian heroes’.

Stephen was the first person martyred for being a Christian. He was one of the first deaconsordained by the Apostles [Acts 6:1–7]. (Deacons preached and were concerned for the materialwelfare of the first Christians).Jewish leaders did not like him preaching about Jesus, whom they had killed around four yearsearlier. They made false accusations against Stephen [Acts 6:11–15].Before the court, Stephen was strengthened by the Spirit:• to tell the court about Jesus, rather than be silenced by fear [Acts 7:1–54]• to tell the court of a vision he was having during his trial of Jesus the Son of God in heaven[Acts 7:55–56]• to call out to Jesus as he was stoned to death [Acts 7:57–59]• to forgive those who where stoning him to death [Acts 7:60].

Students need to focus upon how they might have felt in Stephen’s situation.Would they have been afraid?

Would they remain faithful to Jesus despite the pressures to stop being a Christian?

In this way, students can be led to appreciate what being strengthened by the Holy Spirit actually means.

Teachers should make it plain to students, however, that this is the experience only of those who draw close to Jesus, especially by:• trying to live his teachings• receiving spiritual nourishment in Holy Communion• prayer.

Students should never be misled into thinking that every confirmed person has such experiences of the Spirit automatically.

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Suggested Strategies to Focus on Those Who Have Drawn on the Strength of the Holy Spirit

Other Christian heroesOver the past two thousand years, millions of Christians have been strengthened by the Spiritto overcome opposition and obstacles to teaching about Christ and his message.

Present major stories of followers of Jesus being strengthened by the Holy Spirit.Invite the students to choose, from the list below,a follower of Jesus:• Mary the mother of Jesus• John the Baptist• Saint Peter• Saint Paul• Saint Stephen.

OR

Using the Scripture quotes from the Christian heroes above, the students recall Gospel stories that illustrate how that person was strengthened by the Holy Spirit. In groups of five (each member representing a different follower of Jesus) the students explain, in their own words, the Gospel stories that show how the person they chose was strengthened by the Holy Spirit.

The students form small groups and choose a follower of Jesus from the list below:• Mary the mother of Jesus• John the Baptist• Saint Peter• Saint Paul• Saint Stephen.

OR

Using the Scripture quotes suggested above, the students form groups and play ‘Face the Music’.Face the Music1. Each group member reads the Scripture stories concerning their follower of Jesus. 2. The group talks about the stories, making sure they are familiar with their follower. In turn, each group then ‘faces the music’. 3. The group is asked to sit at the front of class and respond to questions/statements related to their follower. 4. The rest of the class pose questions/statements which will allow the group facing the music to disclose the details of their follower. Encourage open ended rather than closed questions/ statements, for example: - Tell us about the early life of your follower. - How and when was your follower strengthened by the Spirit? - How was your character changed because of the Spirit? 5. Any of the group members ‘facing the music’ can answer on behalf of the group

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Using ‘Christian Heroes’, tell the stories of Paul Miki, Damien of Molokai, the Korean Martyrs,Mary MacKillop and Maximilian Kolbe. The students, in pairs, then write an introduction for each of the heroes that could be used at a school assembly.

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Saint ResearchEmpowered By The Spirit – Year Six (A1)

Read the teacher Information

Teach about Saints and Blesseds

From the suggested strategies enable students to research and present a chosen Saint or Blessed.

Students need to:• learn, where possible, the basic biographical details of their Saint or Blessed

• identify how they demonstrated heroic goodness• present their findings to the general class.

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Saint ResearchEmpowered By The Spirit – Year Six (A1)

Teacher Note‘Through Baptism our names are made holy but there has been a tradition in the Australian Church that Confirmation candidates choose a saint’s name for Confirmation. To show the link with Baptism, candidates are encouraged to use their Baptismal name if this is the name of a saint.’ (Celebrating the Gift of the Spirit Liturgical Guidelines for Confirmation in the Archdiocese of Perth p.5). The personal choice of a Saint or Blessed to serve as a model for life is an important one. This is the Saint or Blessed whose prayers will be sought at times when living the Christian life is difficult. This is the Saint or Blessed whose name is selected for Confirmation. Name selection should never be made on superficial grounds. Students who are to be confirmed need to select the Saint or Blessed whose name they are choosing for their Confirmation name.

The students need to be able to answer the question: ‘What do you most admire, and hope to imitate in your Christian life, in your saint?’

The student should never choose a Confirmation name without: • knowing basic details of the chosen Saint or Blessed • being able to state how they hope to be strengthened like the Saint or Blessed • suggesting the kinds of difficult times in life when they will pray to the Saint or Blessed for help.

To broaden the students’ knowledge of Saints, it is important for them:• to learn, where possible, the basic biographical details of their Saint or Blessed• to identify how they demonstrated heroic goodness• to present their findings to the general class.

Students should be encouraged to identify examples of ways their chosen Saint or Blessedreflected God’s attributes. The attribute examples given below are limited for practical reasons; teachers should not feel inhibited if they feel other examples are more appropriate.

to love to forgive to be compassionate to be just to be tender to be peacemakers.

Suggested Activities for Researching A SaintEach student researches a Saint or Blessed whose name they are taking for Confirmation,and identifies examples of how the influence of the Holy Spirit can be seen in the life-eventsand words of that Saint or Blessed. The student writes a short summary of their Saint orBlessed, incorporating these examples. Compile the summaries into a class book ‘SaintsStrengthened by the Holy Spirit’.

OR

Each student researches a Saint or Blessed whose name they are taking for Confirmation,and identifies examples of how the influence of the Holy Spirit can be seen in the life-eventsand words of that Saint or Blessed. The student could present their research as:• written as a mini project• oral presentation• slide presentation on the computer• composing a song or a poem.

Create a class display using the Saint or Blessed researched. Displays could also be set up in the Library, school office and Church Foyer

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Or

Saints ResearchAn online research module for Year 6 students preparing for Confirmation.

Saints Saints were people who accepted the challenge of loving God and others, sometimes at much cost to themselves. They are offered as models to us on our Faith Journey.

Congratulations!

You have been appointed on a panel to select the ten greatest saints of all time.

Task 1

Your first task is to find out what is a saint. Present your facts as a two minute speech to the class.

http://www.catholic.org/saints/

Task 2

Australia will soon have its very own saint, the Blessed Mary MacKillop. Look at the following websites and complete a timeline of her life . With a partner, list the reasons why you believe she would make a good Saint.

http://www.freenet.com.au/MaryMacKillop/default.htm

http://members.ozemail.com.au/~fliranre/mackillop.htm

http://abc.net.au/btn/australians/mackillo.htm

Task 3

Blessed Mary MacKillop is in the process of becoming a saint. Investigate the following website to write down and illustrate the steps needed . Print out and design a flow chart around the 'Steps to Canonisation' heading.

http://www.catholic.org/saints/faq.shtml

Task 4

Choose 20 saints from the following website and classify them according to the following criteria.

50% women and 50% men at least five different countries 50% canonised before 1900 and 50% after

http://www.catholic.org/saints/patron.php

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http://www.catholic.org/saints/patron.php

http://www.catholic.org/saints/faq.shtml

http://abc.net.au/btn/australians/mackillo.htm

http://members.ozemail.com.au/~fliranre/mackillop.htm

http://www.freenet.com.au/MaryMacKillop/default.htm

http://www.sfa.cg.catholic.edu.au/timeline.html


Using the website below, make a pie-graph of the saints based on their country of origin. Compare your graph to others in the class.

http://nces.ed.gov/nceskids/Graphing

Task 5

List ten qualities that you believe a Saint would have. Choose a person that you know who would have these qualities. Design your own interview questionnaire.

Task 6

Investigate present day Australian heroes. Who do you believe could possibly be a Saint for the future? Prepare a persuasive argument stating your case. Include the following:

background information heroic deeds/mission qualities that make them special.

The following websites may help you.

Fred Hollows Weary Dunlop John Flynn - Royal Flying Doctor Service Caroline Chisholm Nancy Wake Doctor Victor Chang

To investigate other Australian heroes go to the ABC Australians website.

Other websites that may assist you.

Index of Saints Blessed Mary Mackillop learning object Theology Library - Saints The Vatican (the Holy See) Lives of the Saints Saints, Martyrs and other Holy Persons Saints pages Saints and Candidates for Sainthood Patron Saints Indexed list at above address

http://www.sfa.cg.catholic.edu.au/copyright/Karen Keys ICT Co-ordinator


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http://www.sfa.cg.catholic.edu.au/copyright/

http://www.catholic-forum.com/saints/patron02.htm

http://www.catholic-forum.com/saints/indexsnt.htm

http://www.catholic.net/RCC/Indices/subs/saints.html


http://www.cin.org/saints.html

http://www.ocf.org/OrthodoxPage/reading/St.Pachomius/Saints/index.html

http://www.vatican.va/

http://www.mcgill.pvt.k12.al.us/jerryd/cm/saints2.htm

http://vision.cangoul.catholic.edu.au/TMP/Mackillop/index.html

http://www.erols.com/saintpat/ss/ss-index.htm

http://www.abc.net.au/btn/austs.htm

http://www.abc.net.au/btn/australians/chang.htm

http://www.abc.net.au/btn/australians/wake.htm

http://www.abc.net.au/btn/australians/chisholm.htm

http://www.abc.net.au/btn/australians/flynn.htm

http://www.abc.net.au/btn/australians/dunlop.htm

http://www.abc.net.au/btn/australians/hollows.htm%20

http://nces.ed.gov/nceskids/Graphing/PieChart.asp

The Beatitudes(Empowered By The Spirit – Year 6 (C3))

Use the Teacher Information to teach students the Nine Beatitudes and their meaning.

Help students to identify where the Beatitudes are being lived out in the world today.

Help students to Indentify where people fail to live The Beatitudes.

Use some of the suggested strategies to help students develop and apply their understanding of the Beatitudes to the world today.

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The Beatitudes(Empowered By The Spirit – Year 6 (C3))

(‘The Beatitudes … respond to the desire for happiness that God has placed in the human heart. ‘(They) teach us the final end to which God calls us … .’ – Catechism 1725, 1726). The word ‘beatitude’ means a special kind of happiness – the happiness of being with God. This is the happiness of heaven. However, God wants people to begin experiencing this happiness now. They can do so by living what are called ‘the Beatitudes’. As they do so, followers of Jesus open themselves more to experiences of the Holy Spirit, especially spiritual strengthening.

Discuss with the students how every human gift needs to be developed, and that the special strength of the Spirit received through Confirmation can be developed further through the Beatitudes.

The nine Beatitudes [Matthew 5:3–12]

Students need to be able to recall the nine Beatitudes. However, they need to study the Beatitudes in concrete ways. One way could be to divide the Beatitudes among groups in the class, and each group to find examples of people living or not living a particular Beatitude by drawing on examples from the media.

The Teacher Background Material below presents the Beatitudes as written in the Catechismof the Catholic Church [1716].

Blessed are the poor in spiritThe first need, if people are to grow happier and to be strengthened by the Spirit, is ‘poverty ofspirit’. This means:• developing habits of turning to God for everything they need• not being greedy or ambitious, or worrying too much about becoming wealthy in terms ofmaterial possessions and comforts.People are not ‘poor in spirit’ when they:• forget their need for God, and so become too busy to worship and pray• become greedy and over-ambitious.People who are not ‘poor in spirit’ do not have their hearts open enough to the Holy Spirit todevelop the deep spiritual strength that the Holy Spirit gives.

Can we see examples of how some people today live in ways that show they are ‘poor in spirit’ – or the opposite?

Blessed are those who mournPeople who mourn are sad. In this Beatitude, Jesus is referring to those who mourn because ofthe sin and the evil they see in society, as well as the wider world,. Their hearts express thesame sadness as that of God. Those trying to live this Beatitude will feel sad when they:• give into temptations to do what they know to be wrong• see others rejecting Christian life and teaching• see consequences of human wrong-doing in society (homeless young people, crimes, etc.)• see selfishness, injustice, lack of compassion and mercy, and indifference to those in need.

What are some examples of evils in society we feel sad about as a class? Can we think of examples from the media of people expressing sadness and concern?People who do not care about wrong and evil cannot grow closer to God or experience God’sblessings. They cannot develop the special strength given them by the Holy Spirit. They findit hard to live as Christ taught, especially by teaching his Gospel to others by actions and

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words.Blessed are the meekMeek people are gentle, are slow to express anger, and then only in positive ways. They arelike God, for they do not oppress others, do not take advantage of others, do not take revengeor behave violently. So those who try to be meek grow closer to God.However, people who pressure or manipulate others for their own ends, hold grudges, behaveviolently or quickly express anger in hurtful ways, find it difficult to grow closer to God or toexperience the special strength of the Holy Spirit.

Can we think of examples from the media, or our favourite TV shows or novels, of people who are meek and others who are not meek?Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for justiceGod created the earth and its resources to provide for the needs of all. All have been given theright by God to what they need for life (food, shelter, warmth, medicine, adequate education –see Catechism 2288). Those who ‘hunger and thirst for justice’ want to see that everyone’s basicGod-given rights are provided for. The same is true for those who do what they can to ensurethat the needs of those lacking the basic necessities of life are met by governments andvoluntary organisations.However, people who do not care, or who do not share from their own resources to help others(such as through Project Compassion) find it hard to grow closer to God or to experience thespecial strength of the Holy Spirit.

Can we think of media examples of those who do and do not ‘hunger and thirst for justice’?

Blessed are the mercifulMerciful people, like God, are forgiving, kind, slow to criticise and never take revenge. Themore Jesus’ followers try to be merciful, the closer to God they become and the more fully thespecial strength of the Holy Spirit develops within them.The same is not true of people who are unmerciful. Their lack of mercy is the opposite to theattitude of God, and they find it hard to grow closer to God or to experience the Spirit’sspecial strength.

Can we think of media examples, or examples of people in stories we have read or movies we have seen, who show mercy or the lack of it?

Blessed are the pure in heartPeople who are ‘pure in heart’ are basically concerned first and foremost with drawing closer toGod as friends. Those who are not give God second place to other motives, such as wealth andsocial stature.Secondly, people who are ‘pure in heart’ are sincere, honest and always have good intentions.They will try to be good friends of Jesus, always trying to live as he taught.However, those not ‘pure in heart’, are insincere, dishonest or have wrong motives. They findit difficult to grow closer to God or to experience the special strength of the Holy Spirit.

Teacher NoteStudents need to see concrete examples of purity of heart – making God the first priority in lifeas well as being sincere, honest and well-intentioned. Media examples will be hard to identify,so perhaps the Saint or Blessed students have chosen for Confirmation or, for those not beingconfirmed, the Saint or Blessed they researched in could be better examples.

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Blessed are the peace-makersPeace-making means encouraging enemies to become friends, and trying to help peopleunderstand each other. It means trying to help family members get on, and to be peaceful andcooperative at home. It also means helping people to express their anger, frustration and hurtby listening to them, rather than leaving them to express these in destructive ways.Peace-making also means trying to remove all that leads to wars – injustices, poverty, racismand jealousies.God wants peace between everyone, so people not interested in making peace do not shareGod’s wish. They will find it hard to grow closer to God as a result and therefore to experiencethe special strength of the Holy Spirit.

Can we think of media or other examples of peace makers or those whose behaviour is the opposite of making peace?

Teacher NoteA famous contemporary example of a peace-maker would be Mother Teresa of Calcutta http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eH7lz9wcHHsor Martin Luther King.

Visit the website http://www.salsa.net/peace/faces/Students could be divided into small groups to read about a peacemaker and to introduce their given peacemaker to the class with a brief summary of who they are and what they did.

Blessed are those who are persecuted for the sake of justiceObviously those who want justice share God’s concern that the basic needs of all people willbe provided for. However, even greater concern is reflected in those willing to risk evenpersecution for the sake of justice.Persecution can take violent or non violent forms (ridicule, rejection, discrimination). Thehearts of people who suffer these experiences are closer to God and, as they follow their hearts,they will grow closer to God still, and experience the special strength of the Holy Spiritdeveloping within them.However, those who do not stand up for what is just for fear of peer pressures, social rejection,ridicule or being called ‘old fashioned’, find it difficult to grow closer to God — or toexperience the special strength of the Holy Spirit.

School examples of injustices because of fear include:• joining in acts of bullying• rejecting someone peers reject• joining in gossip about other students.

Brainstorm ways we can actively seek justice for others and the world. As a class select an action which will enable them to be

seekers of Justice.Blessed are you when people ridicule, persecute and speak all kinds of evil against you falsely for my sakeAs Jesus’ life showed, many people reject one or more of his teachings. Many too feel guilty andangry when they see others trying to live or teach them the message of Jesus. The persecutions

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http://www.salsa.net/peace/faces/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eH7lz9wcHHs

experienced by Peter, Paul, Stephen and others in the early Church have been continued indifferent places ever since, so that, even today, many are persecuted for following Jesus.Today too it is common for those trying to live the Christian message to suffer ridicule, unfaircriticism and false accusations. They can experience this from peers as well as the media.Yet those who suffer in this way have the same experience as Jesus, and will find themselvesgrowing closer to God. They will experience the special strength of the Holy Spirit developingwithin them provided they remain faithful to the Christian life. Though unpleasant at first, such experiences lead to greater personal happiness.

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“Don't let anyone look down on youbecause you are young,

but set an example for the believersin speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.”

1 Timothy 4:12

You have been gifted and called to make a difference in the world.

How they would like to make a difference in the world?

Use this page of the following page to write about what you would like to do to make the world a wonderful place in the future.

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JournalJournal PagePage

Jesus said, “You are the Light of the World.”

What does he mean? How can you be a light in the world?

Think about the person you would like to be. Spend some time writing about what you would like to be and do in the future. You can be anything at all ....

How would you like the world to be in the future?

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What are you going to do or be to help the world be all you hope it will be?

“Be the change you wish to see in the world”Gandhi

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Suggested strategies for Focussing on the BeatitudesDivide the nine Beatitudes among teams in the class. Each team finds examples of people living or not living the Beatitude by selecting newspaper/magazine articles from the media. Teams present their examples to the rest of the class.

OR

Discuss with the students how every human gift needs to be developed, and that the specialstrength of the Spirit received through Confirmation can be developed further throughthe Beatitudes. small groups select a Beatitude and design a ‘Snakes and Ladders’ game (a ladder being an example of living that Beatitude, a snake being an example of not living that Beatitude).

OR

Create a collage of images depicting each of the Beatitudes being lived in the world today.

Or

Research and report on those who live the Beatitudes. Individually or in pairs, ask students to research the life of one of these people and place a picture or drawing along with a few lines about the important things they did and place them on a coloured foam brick.

The completed bricks could be used to build a classroom display wall which could be the focus for a prayer ritual using Oscar Romero’s words.

Have students also prepare a brick with a picture and a few words about someone in the local community who is doing something to care for the weak and the vulnerable around them. Less famous lives can be just as instructive and make the task of taking action seem more achievable.

This activity may be followed up by offering students some opportunities to find out about and support Church organisations which are working for change in the lives of disadvantaged people. Some suitable organisations would include Caritas Australia, Catholic Social Services Australia, Jesuit Refugee Services, Mercy Family Services or your local diocesan Justice and Peace Commission or Social Justice Committee.

Name AddressOscar Romero kellogg.nd.edu/romero/pdfs/Biography.pdfMary Mackillop www.sosj.org.au/mary/mary.htmlTed Kennedy www.smh.com.au/news/Obituaries/A-father-to-the-poor-and-

dispossessed/2005/05/18/1116361614895.html

Caroline Chisholm www.trinity.wa.edu.au/plduffyrc/subjects/sose/austhist/chisholm.htmIrene McCormack www.sosj.org.au/about/western_australia/i_mccormack.htmlSt Vincent de Paul www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=326Frederic Ozanam www.vincenter.org/tree/svdp/stoz/bio.htmlMother Teresa www.americancatholic.org/features/teresa/WhoWasTeresa.aspJean Vanier www.larche.ca/en/jean_vanier/biography/Dorothy Day www.catholicworker.com/Helen Prejean www.spiritus-temporis.com/helen-prejean/Chiara Lubich www.rc.net/focolare/chiara.htmFranz Jagerstatter www.c3.hu/~bocs/jager-a.htm

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http://www.c3.hu/~bocs/jager-a.htm

http://www.rc.net/focolare/chiara.htm

http://www.spiritus-temporis.com/helen-prejean/

http://www.catholicworker.com/

http://www.larche.ca/en/jean_vanier/biography/

http://www.americancatholic.org/features/teresa/WhoWasTeresa.asp

http://www.vincenter.org/tree/svdp/stoz/bio.html

http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=326

http://www.sosj.org.au/about/western_australia/i_mccormack.html

http://www.trinity.wa.edu.au/plduffyrc/subjects/sose/austhist/chisholm.htm

http://www.smh.com.au/news/Obituaries/A-father-to-the-poor-and-dispossessed/2005/05/18/1116361614895.html

http://www.smh.com.au/news/Obituaries/A-father-to-the-poor-and-dispossessed/2005/05/18/1116361614895.html

http://www.sosj.org.au/mary/mary.html

http://kellogg.nd.edu/romero/pdfs/Biography.pdf

Martin Luther King Jr www.stanford.edu/group/King/about_king/biography/

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http://www.stanford.edu/group/King/about_king/biography/

Gifts of the Spirit(Gifted By The Spirit – Year Seven (C1))

Read the Teacher Information on the Gifts of the Spirit

Teach the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit using the guide on page 67

Help students to recall how Jesus showed each gift in his life.

Identify how a Christian can show each gift in their own life.

Use some of the suggested strategies to help students develop a deep understanding of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit.

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Gifts of the Spirit(Gifted By The Spirit – Year Seven (C1))

Before the anointing, the celebrant prays on behalf of the Church community that thosebeing confirmed will be filled with the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit:

… Send your Holy Spirit upon themto be their Helper and Guide.

Give them the spirit of wisdom and understanding,the spirit of right judgement and courage,

the spirit of knowledge and reverence.Fill them with the spirit of wonder and awe in your presence.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

The Spirit of WisdomThe Wisdom the Holy Spirit gives is the ability to see everything as God sees, just as Jesusshowed. The Spirit shares the Wisdom of God with the Christian.

The Spirit of Wisdom shown by JesusOne example of Jesus seeing things as God sees, not as human beings see, is the story of hissermon at Nazareth at the beginning of his ministry [Luke 4:16–22].Unlike his hearers, Jesus could see that, in himself, God the Father was already fulfilling theprophesy of Isaiah [Luke 4:21]. Jesus himself was bringing Good News to the poor, etc.

A second example was when he corrected those who thought he should reject the womanwho was anointing his feet with expensive oil. Jesus could see that this woman was showingsorrow for her many sins, whereas no one else could see this [Luke 7:36–50].A third example is when Jesus could see into the heart of the widow who gave her two smallcoins to the Temple collection [Luke 21:1–4].

The Spirit of Wisdom shown by the ChristianA Christian who worships, prays and tries to live in the other ways Jesus taught begins, likeJesus, to be moved by the Spirit to see everything increasingly as God does. For example, theSpirit will move them to see increasingly:• God’s influence in the world today– good coming out of evil, such as people rallying to help those experiencing somedisaster or good emerging gradually from tragedy– evil being replaced by good, such as unjust discriminations replaced by justice, racismby reconciliation• God’s influence within people, such as human behaviours that reflect the human potentiallikeness to God – love in families, acts of mercy, forgiveness, compassion.

The Spirit of UnderstandingThis gift is the ability to understand, as Jesus did, the meaning of God’s actions. Those with this gift are helped to understand what God is doing in their own lives.

The Spirit of Understanding in JesusThe first two stories about Jesus telling his Apostles what would happen to him when hewent to Jerusalem reflect his understanding and their lack of understanding [Mark 8:31–33;9:30–32]. In the first Peter objected, and in the second, what Jesus said simply was beyondthem. Later, the Apostles understood what Jesus was showing them.

Students need to hear the first story, focussing upon its three sub parts:• what Jesus understood and foretold [Mark 8:31]• Peter’s reaction [Mark 8:32]• the rebuke of Peter by Jesus, who identified Peter’s problem (‘you are thinking not as Godthinks …’) [Mark 8:33].The sub parts in the second story are:• what Jesus understood and foretold [Mark 9:30–31]

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• Mark’s conclusion about the Apostles [Mark 9:32].

Another example is the story of Jesus joining his disciples on the Journey to Emmaus after hisResurrection. They could not understand the meaning of his suffering and death, so Jesusexplained it to them [Luke 24:13–35].Jesus showed that he understood the meanings of his experiences, and explained them to theApostles. Three examples are:• only if he died could he rise from the dead, showing he is the Son of God [John 10:17–18]• only by suffering and dying could Jesus show that God’s love for human beings is strongereven than death [cf. John 15:13 and 10:11, 15]• only by suffering, dying and rising from the dead could Jesus show that, to achieve truefulfilment, people need to do what they may not like at times [e.g. Matthew 10:39].

The Spirit of Understanding shown by the ChristianChristians who try to understand the meaning of God’s actions by studying the scriptures, ortheir own and others’ human experiences, will find the Spirit leading them to learn manylessons. They become more like Jesus as they do so. For example, they will grow inunderstanding of:• God’s love through their personal experience of being loved by others God has placed intheir lives (parents, grand parents, others who have cared for or helped them, friends, etc.)• God’s support for them, as they reflect on those God has given to support them in times ofchallenge, suffering and difficulty (friends, parents, doctors, etc.)• God’s loving concern for the sick, as they study stories of Jesus’ care for the sick inthe Gospels• God’s desire to forgive every sin, no matter how great or embarrassing, through theSacrament of Reconciliation.

The Spirit of Right JudgementThis is the spiritual gift of being able to judge the true value of everything as Jesus did, in thelight of God’s desire that all people reach heaven after they die. It protects the Christian whodevelops this gift from building his or her life on mistaken values and priorities.

The Spirit of Right Judgement shown by JesusJesus could judge the true value of everything. He warned others who could not do so of theirneed to change. Five stories that show this are:• the parable of the man hoarding possessions [Luke 12:13–21]• the warning of Jesus to those who do not try to live as he taught [Luke 6:46–49]• the three parables about being ready for death by– remaining prepared [Matthew 25:1–13]– developing one’s own talents, given by God [Matthew 25:14–30]– caring for those in need [Matthew 25:31–46].

The Spirit of Right Judgement shown by the ChristianConfirmed Christians who respond to the Holy Spirit will find the Holy Spirit inspiring themto make right judgements about:• what to do when they leave school• whether or not to marry• whether the person they are attracted to is the person they ought to marry• whether they should become a priest or a religious• the priorities in their lives.

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The Spirit of CourageThis gift of the Holy Spirit empowers a Christian to do what God wants when it is difficult to doso as Jesus did.The Holy Spirit gives them inner strength so that they can overcome all fear.The Spirit of Courage shown by JesusJesus showed the Spirit of Courage on many occasions.One of these occasions was when he continued to teach the truth from God, even though heknew many were rejecting him, complaining and walking away [John 6:22–66].Another, and the greatest example of the Spirit of Courage in Jesus was in his Agony in theGarden. Jesus continued his mission, even though he was so terrified of the sufferings anddeath ahead that he sweated drops of blood (a physiological symptom of extreme fear)[Luke 22:39–44].A third example of Jesus showing the spirit of courage is his forgiveness of the repentant thiefas God wanted, despite his own agony on the cross [Luke 23:39–43].

The Spirit of Courage shown by the ChristianChristians who develop this spirit are helped by the Holy Spirit to live like Jesus, remainingfaithful to God, despite great pressures. There are millions who have been, and continue tobe, helped by the Holy Spirit to:• overcome daily difficulties as they try to live as God wants• resist peer and social pressures to do wrong• die as martyrs, rather than deny their Christian faith• have faith in God, despite great illness, sufferings and disappointments• resist temptations to disobey God’s laws.The students need to suggest examples of Christian teachings that can be hard to live todayand reasons for this. Teachers need to ensure that both peer and social pressures as well astemptations, are identified as difficulties.

The students need to be clear that the Spirit of Courage is not that shown by courageousathletes and others. The objective of the Spirit of courage is to live and do as God teaches.

The Spirit of KnowledgeThrough this gift, the Holy Spirit leads the confirmed to know God better, and to learn newlessons about God.

The Spirit of Knowledge shown by JesusAs Son of God, Jesus knew his Father fully. Human beings can never know God fully, for thefinite human mind can never grasp fully what is infinite. However, with this gift of the Spirit,they can always grow towards greater knowledge of God.Jesus showed he knew his Father from lessons he taught. For example, he taught that:• God provides people with all that God knows they need (though this may be differentfrom what they think they need) [Matthew 6:25–34]• God forgives generously, and expects human beings to do the same [Matthew 18:23–35]• God cares for those in need, and anyone who ignores others in serious need cannot beclose to God [Luke 16:19–31].

The Spirit of Knowledge in the ChristianThe Christian who develops this spiritual gift will learn lessons about God from the HolySpirit by studying the Scriptures, and reflecting on their own experiences. As they do so, theywill learn also how to relate personally with God.As they do so, they will come to know God better. For example, as people learn that:• God provides, they can come to know God better by praying for their own and others’needs, and experience these needs being granted (if God sees that this is for their good)• God forgives, they can come to know God better by asking God for forgiveness of theirsins each night before they go to bed• God cares for those in need, they can come to know God better as they do the same andexperience the growing inner peace and joy that God gives as they continue to care.

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The Spirit of ReverenceThis is the gift through which the Holy Spirit helps confirmed Christians, firstly to becomemore aware of God’s closeness and love. It is the gift through which the Spirit deepens personalawareness that God loves us in a way that is far beyond that possible for any human fatherand mother.

The Spirit of Reverence shown by JesusJesus showed this spirit on many occasions. For example, he turned to his loving Father when he:• praised his Father for helping people understand Jesus’ teachings [Luke 10:21–22]• turned to his Father before raising Lazarus from the dead [John 11:1–44, especiallyverses 41 & 42]• prayed for the forgiveness of those who crucified him [Luke 23:33–34].The most important example perhaps is when his disciples saw how close Jesus was with hisFather by the way he prayed, and asked to be taught how to pray. He then taught them theLord’s Prayer (Our Father) [Luke 11:1–6].

The Spirit of Reverence shown by the ChristianChristians who develop this gift of the Spirit find the Holy Spirit making them more awarethat God is close to them and that God loves them. They realise that they can never bealone, even if every family member and friend were to disown them. As a result, they findthey can pray in ways that reflect the closeness of Jesus to God the Father.

The Spirit of Wonder and Awe in God’s presenceThis is the spirit that moves Christians to love God as fully as they can in return for all God’sgifts to them. It follows the gift of reverence and all the other gifts of the Holy Spirit.

The Spirit of Wonder and Awe shown by JesusAs Son of God, Jesus knew the love of God the Father for him. His love for the Father wasshown in basic statements about why he came [John 5:30, John 4:34 and John 6:38]:… I have come from heaven,not to do my own will,but to do the will of him who sent me.Jesus showed his love for God the Father in his actions. For example, when he:• accepted baptism from John the Baptist, not because he had sinned, but to show that hehad come to save sinners as his Father wanted [Matthew 3:13–15, especially verse 15]• made certain he had done everything his Father wanted before dying [John 19:28–30].

The Spirit of Wonder and Awe shown by the ChristianChristians who are developing this gift find themselves wanting increasingly to love God,particularly by living as God wants, just as Jesus did. The Holy Spirit moves them to loveGod in response to God’s love for them. They are people who try hard, out of love for God:• to work out their life callings or vocations from God

• to keep the commandments.

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Focus on the Gifts of the Spirit

List all seven gifts on the board.

Offer some background information on these seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit.

• Wisdom; comes from the Greek “to see clearly.” This gift helps us see that there’s more to life than meets the eye; it enables us to see ourselves and others as God sees us.

• Understanding helps us to get the point of what we believe; it also helps us accept others as they are without judgment.

• Right Judgment helps us to discern the meaning of God’s action in our lives and to choose the best way to respond to it. This gift helps us recognize possible consequences of our actions and so to make good decisions.

• Courage helps us to choose and act for someone or something beyond ourselves and to follow through on our choice; as a bonus, courage also gives us hope, enabling to trust that God will act on our behalf.

• Knowledge in the scriptures means “being one with or intimate with.” This gift helps us become one with, more intimate with, God and God’s activity in all creation.

Reverence is the gift that enables us both to recognize that God is the source of all life and love and to respect all that comes from God—that is, all life.

• Wonder and Awe allow us to marvel that the totally “other” all-powerful God is intimately one with us.

Use questions like the following to discuss the Spirit’s Gifts:• Who is someone you admire that exhibits one or more of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit? Explain.

• Which of the Gifts is most important to you? Why?

• Which Gift do you feel might be the hardest to live out?

• Contrast the world’s understanding of gifts and talents with the Christian understanding. Explain that the world too often sees gifts as things we have earned that give us certain privileges (e.g., the way we treat movie stars or professional athletes). Christians, however, recognize that God has entrusted us with abilities so that we might use them to do God’s will and to act as the Body of Christ in the world.

Students need to be able to describe:

• the meaning of each of the Seven Gifts of the Spirit• ways in which Jesus showed each of the seven gifts in his own life• how Christians today show each of the seven

gifts in their lives.94

Suggested Strategies To Focus on the Gifts of the SpiritStudents complete Activity Sheets 4a-4g.This could be done in groups or individually.

OR

Using the Teacher Background Material, pp.17-25, the students, in groups, design posters for eachof the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit. Each poster should reflect the information contained in the teacher material.

OR

Students write acrostic poems for each of the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit.

OR

Students write a job advertisement requesting someone who reflects the Gifts of the Spirit describing what attributes this person will reflect if they possess these Gifts.

OR

Spread a number of Photo Language images around the room so that students can walk around and in between the images.Encourage students, in silence, to spend time looking at the pictures on the floor.Pose the question“Which images speaks to you of some Gifts/Fruits of the Holy Spirit?”Invite students to choose one or two images – and spend 2-3 minutes in silence reflecting on the image/s they have chosen.Invites students to share their image/s and thoughts with the group.Eg. I chose this picture because it reminds me of the gift of Reverence … of treating others with gentleness and kindnessWhat does that picture say about the Holy Spirit?

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Witnesses forWitnesses for ChristChrist

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The Church recognises people whose lives were truly witnesses for Christ.Select seven Saints or Blessed. Think about the lives of the people you have chosen and of how each of these gave witness to Jesus. Identify one of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit with each person. Write the person’s name in the flame.Explain why you matched that person to that gift.

Wisdom

Understanding

Right Judgement

Knowledge

Courage

Reverence

Wonder & Awe

Sealed with theGift of the Holy Spirit

At Confirmation we are sealed with the Gifts of the Holy Spirit

Before the anointing, the celebrant prays on behalf of the Church community that those being confirmed will be filled with the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit:

… Send your Holy Spirit upon themto be their Helper and Guide.

Give them the spirit of wisdom and understanding,the spirit of right judgement and courage,

the spirit of knowledge and reverence.Fill them with the spirit of wonder and awe in your

presence.We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Read and reflect on the description of the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit. Choose one of the Gifts. Write about or illustrate a situation in the three panels that shows how that gift might enable a young person to live their faith.

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The Spirit of Wisdom helps Jesus’

followers to sense what is true and

right, and discover answers to personal

questions and difficulties.

The Spirit of Understanding is the ability to understand

what God hasrevealed through Jesus and what is good and right in living a Christian

life.

The Spirit of Knowledge is the

ability to know Jesus’ teachings, and to

put them into practice when making choices

in each situation a person

encounters.

The Spirit of Right Judgement is the

ability to make decisions that

are consistent with the teachings of

Jesus.

The Spirit of Reverence is the

desire to do God’s will as Jesus did by

showing respect and honour to God.

The Spirit of Courage is the ability to resist temptations

and pressuresfrom others and

follow the teachings of Jesus.

Wonder and Awe is the ability to sense

God’s presence with in oneself, especially

through creation.

Fruits of the Spirit(Gifted By The Spirit – Year Seven (C2))

Read the Teacher Information on the Fruits of the Spirit

Teach the nine Fruits of the Holy Spirit

Help students to recall how Jesus showed each of the Fruits of the Spirit in his life.

Identify how a Christian can show each Fruit of the Spirit in their own life.

Use some of the suggested strategies to help students develop a deep understanding of the Fruits of the Holy Spirit.

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Fruits of the Spirit(Gifted By The Spirit – Year Seven (C2))

The Nine Fruits of the Holy Spirit(‘The fruits of the Spirit are perfections that the Holy Spirit forms in us as the first fruits of eternal glory.’ – Catechism 1832)

As fruit grows when trees have matured sufficiently, confirmed people change as the gifts ofthe Holy Spirit mature in them. They are changed in nine special ways, so that they come tothink, speak and behave more like Jesus.

These nine ways are called the nine ‘Fruits of the Holy Spirit’. They are [Galatians 5:22–23]:• love, joy and peace• patience, kindness and goodness• trustfulness, gentleness and self–control.

LoveJesus loved heroically. He died for the sake of humanity. He said [John 15:13]:No one can have greater love than to lay down his life for his friends.This fruit of the Spirit promises the confirmed Christian a spiritual love that is so strong thatnothing will destroy it – betrayal, hurt or any other wrong. If confirmed people work to maturethe seven Gifts in them, they develop a love that:• sustains commitment in relationships• strengthens true friendships• endures, no matter what comes.

JoyJesus experienced joy in his life because he could always see the action of God, particularlywhen people came to believe in him [Luke 10:21a]:Just at this time, filled with joy by the Holy Spirit, he said, ‘I bless you, Father, Lord of heaven and of earth, for hiding these things from the learned and the clever and revealing them to little children.Confirmed Christians who work to mature the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit find joy growingin their lives. They have a basic happiness and optimism that means they are never overcome when things go wrong, even tragically. Though they experience moments of sadness, they neverdespair.

PeaceSpiritual peace means an inner sense of harmony and well–being. There is harmony betweenideals, thoughts, and emotions: emotions do not dominate, nor is there conflict within. Jesushas this peace, and promised it to his followers [John 14:27]:

Peace I bequeath to you, my own peace I give you,a peace which the world cannot give, this is my gift to you.Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.

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The inner peace of Jesus made him strong when he was threatened, even by death. Thoughhe was afraid, this fear at no stage dominated or held him back from his resolve to do what wasright. The confirmed Christian who matures the gifts of the Holy Spirit in him or herself willfind the same peace growing within.They will experience dominating emotions and the sense of being inwardly divided graduallydeclining. Nor will they experience the deep unhappiness that leads so many to seek relief indrugs, alcohol and other kinds of psychological anaesthetics.

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PatiencePatience is the spiritual ability to endure. Jesus showed patience on many occasions. One waswhen he continued trying to help his followers understand, even after they failed to realisewhat he had showed through his miracles of multiplying the loaves [Mark 8:17–18]:Why are you talking about having no bread? Do you still not understand, still not realise? Are your minds closed? Have you eyes and do not see, ears and do not hear? Or do you not remember?

The greatest example of the patience of Jesus was his sufferings and death. He knew beforethe Last Supper what his enemies planned, yet he continued his course of action, enduring allthat came.

The confirmed person who works to mature the gifts of the Spirit will also develop Christ–likepatience. Increasingly, they will be able to endure in their Christian life:• disappointments• difficult challenges• illness• stresses and tensions.They will be able to remain committed to promises and responsibilities.

KindnessThe kindness of Jesus attracted many people to follow him. He was moved by people’sdifficulties. For example, he was moved by:• the disabled person who could never reach the pool to be healed [John 5:1–9]• the widow whose only son had died [Luke 7:13–17]• the woman whom others condemned [Luke 7:36–50].

Confirmed people who work to mature the gifts of the Spirit find themselves becoming morekind, as was Jesus. They become more understanding of people, and less inclined to condemnharshly.

GoodnessAs Son of God, Jesus never sinned. He was always good. This is what drew a rich young manto him who called him [Mark 10:17]:‘Good master …’.

The goodness of Jesus posed a problem for those plotting his death, for they could find nothing against Jesus to use in his trial [Mark 14:55–56]:

The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for evidence againstJesus in order to have him executed. But they could not find any. Several,indeed, brought false witness against him, but their evidence was conflicting.

Confirmed people who work to mature the gifts of the Holy Spirit find their inner potential forgoodness growing stronger. They find it easier to resist temptations as well as peer pressures todo wrong.

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TrustfulnessTrustfulness means that we can be trusted to fulfil responsibilities and promises. Jesus fulfilled his responsibilities by remaining faithful to his mission from God the Father despite:• temptations from the Devil [Matthew 4:1–11]• those who opposed him, the Pharisees, scribes and other Jewish leaders [e.g. Mark 11:27; 12:12, 18].Jesus showed his trustfulness to his friends by:• giving Peter a look of forgiveness after Peter had denied knowing him [Luke 22:61]• forgiving his Apostles before they could even say ‘sorry’ for having run away when he wasarrested [John 20:19–20].

Jesus fulfilled his promises. One of the greatest was to send the Holy Spirit on the Apostles‘… the power from on high’ [Luke 24:49]. This was fulfilled at Pentecost.

Confirmed people who work to mature the gifts of the Holy Spirit are also changed into trustful people. They are faithful to:• promises• friends• family members• their responsibilities.

GentlenessAmong the many stories that show the gentleness of Jesus in the Gospels, two are hisgentleness towards:• children [Mark 10:13–16]• the woman others wanted to condemn to death [John 8:1–11].

Confirmed people who work to mature the gifts of the Holy Spirit become increasingly gentle. They become sensitive to those who are sick or in any kind of need, especially those rejected by others. They try to help and show compassion.

Self–controlSelf–control is the ability to direct thoughts, feelings and emotions so that they never cause us todo wrong. Jesus, for example, showed self control when his disciples continuallymisunderstood him. He never rejected them, but continued to try to help them understand:• he tried to the end to save Judas from the sin of betraying him, first at the Last Supper andthen when the soldiers came to arrest Jesus [Luke 22:21–23 and 47–48]• he kept explaining to the Apostles about who he is, even though he felt frustrated enoughto say to Philip [John 14:9]: ‘Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and you still donot know me?’Confirmed people who work to mature the gifts of the Holy Spirit develop self control.Increasingly, their thoughts and emotions are turned to what is good.

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As with the Seven Gifts of the Spirit, the students need to understand the fruits as those shown first by Jesus, and how they relate to daily living.

As an extension activity, students may wish to explore how the Saint or Blessed they have researched in Year Six, or for those being confirmed, how the Saint or Blessed they have chosen for their Confirmation name displayed the fruits of the

Holy Spirit.

Suggested Strategies To Focus on the Fruits of the Spirit

Divide the class into nine groups. Provide each group with information on one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit from the Teacher Background Material, pp.26-29. Each group decides on the most appropriate way for their group to help others in the class understand Jesus showing the fruit in his life and how the fruit relates to daily living.

OR

Using the information on the Nine Fruits of the Holy Spirit , the students create a PowerPoint reflection that show the fruits as those shown first by Jesus and how the fruits relate to daily living.

Or

Students create a PowerPoint reflection of images to reflect each of the Fruits of the Spirit. On each slide students add a sentence to pray for that Fruit of the Spirit. E.g. Fill us with kindness to reach out to others ..... Fill us with joy so that we may know that life IS good ..... etc

OR

List many of the actions of various groups in the Church. Match them to a list of the fruits of theSpirit.

OR

Invite students to write a prayer asking God to help them to grow the fruits of the Spirit in their lives.

OR

Design a crossword puzzle, writing a clue for each of the Fruits (& Gifts) of the Spirit using reflections from the teacher material.

OR

Write a recipe using the Fruits of the Spirit

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Praying to the Holy Spirit

Write a prayer to the Holy Spirit.Ask the Holy Spirit to help you develop the Fruits of the Spirit in your life.

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The Holy Spirit in Society

Read the Teacher Information on The Holy Spirit in Society

Talk with the students about how the Holy Spirit stirs the conscience of people in society to work for justice and

reconciliation.

Help students to identify situations which express something of the Holy Spirit at work through others. E.g. Make Poverty History organisation (Bono) the work of the Red Cross in Melbourne in the aftermath of the

fires, the generosity of people stirred to donate help those who lost homes, the work of people like Ryan Hreljak http://www.ryanswell.ca/

(Ryan’s well) Fred Hollows http://www.abc.net.au/schoolstv/australians/hollows.htm

Use some of the suggested strategies to help students develop awareness of the Holy Spirit strengthening and moving people to work for

justice and Reconciliation.

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http://www.abc.net.au/schoolstv/australians/hollows.htm

http://www.ryanswell.ca/

The Holy Spirit in SocietyWhen Christians call on the Holy Spirit to renew the earth it is not just the physical features of the planet they care about. It is our social world, its historical development, political systems, economic order that concerns us too. Honest governments, just laws, good schools, loving families are examples of social structures where the Spirit of God is manifest. However the Holy Spirit is also encountered in situations which cry out for justice, in people deprived of a livelihood, where rights are ignored and violence and abuse challenge human decency. In these circumstances the Holy Spirit acts within human conscience provoking responses that lead people of good will to work justice and reconciliation.

Suggested Strategies for Helping Students to Identify Where the Holy Spirit is Strengthening People in Society Today

Find a newspaper article that expresses for you something of the presence of the Holy Spirit in society. Compare your choice with the choices of others.

What situations rouse (stir) the Holy Spirit within you?

The Holy Spirit acts within human conscience to provoke responses that lead people (not necessarily Christians) to work for justice and the good of all. Identify and present the stories of some of these men and women.

Research people who have made a difference. Identify the Gifts and Fruits of the Spirit in their lives and explain how they have witnessed to these gifts in their lives.

http://cap.nsw.edu.au/bb_site_intro/Stage3_Modules/Heroes/australian_heroes.htm

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http://cap.nsw.edu.au/bb_site_intro/Stage3_Modules/Heroes/australian_heroes.htm

http://www.argobooks.org/berman/holy-spirit.html

Virtues of Faith, Hope and Charity(Spirit of Truth – Year Seven (C3))

Read the Teacher Information on the Virtues of Faith, Hope and Charity.

Teach the Virtues of Faith, Hope and Charity.

Help students to Identify how a Christian can live the Virtues of Faith, Hope and Charity.

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Virtues of Faith, Hope and Charity(Spirit of Truth – Year Seven (C3))

Teachers need to ensure that students can recall the following Commandments.

The following content comes from Catechism [2084–2132].

Jesus called his followers to love God. He said [Luke 10:27]:… You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with allyour strength, and with all your mind… .

One way they must do this is by trying to live the First of the Ten Commandments as Jesusdid. The Holy Spirit strengthens our efforts to do so. The First Commandment is:

I am the Lord, your God:you shall not have strange gods before me.

(What are some of the things people put before God?)

God’s Vision

Christians live the first of the Ten Commandments by living faith, hope and charity.

FaithPeople love God when they show faith in God. They do so when they believe in:• God, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit• all that Jesus, the Son of God, has taught• all Jesus’ promises.

HopePeople show this faith when they hope in all the promises of Jesus:• that God will love them always• that God will help them to live as Jesus taught• that God will bring good out of every situation, no matter how evil it might be• that God will lead them to heaven if they live as God calls.

CharityThe Catechism defines charity as [Catechism 1822]:Charity is the theological virtue by which we love God above all things for his own sake, andour neighbour as ourselves for the love of God.

Charity means living the Two Great Commandments of Jesus – to love God and to love ourneighbour.

Charity towards God is shown whenever people [cf. Catechism 2094]:• give thanks for all God gives• try to respond to God’s love, especially through worship and prayer.

Charity towards others is shown through any way we love our neighbour – that is, we try todo what is for our neighbour’s good (which may not always be what they want).

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Students need to recall and explain the meaning of the Christian virtues of Faith, Hope & Charity and identify ways

people live or fail to live faith, hope and charity.

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Suggested Strategies To Focus on Christian VirtuesStudents brainstorm and locate definitions for the words Faith, Hope and Charity. Discuss the meanings of the words before talking about their Christian meaning.Identify times Jesus showed these virtues in his life.

Then:

Using newspaper/magazine articles and pictures the students create and label collages whichinclude examples of people living the virtues of faith, hope and charity.

Or

In small groups, the students create comic strips or narratives, each with two different endings. The first ending shows the character(s) making choices that reflect faith, hope and charity. The alternative ending shows characters deliberately choosing not to reflect faith, hope and charity.

Or

The continued value of children’s literature again offers us a most effective and practical doorway into focusing on hope. Many stories provide rich stimuli to capture children’s interest in this area, but one story, Circles of Hope written by Karen Williams and illustrated by Linda Saport is particularly significant. This is Facile’s story. This young boy planted a mango tree as his gift to his new baby sister on her birth. The planting of this tree and Facile’s commitment to its growth inspired others to also plant trees and after some time the island which was once bare, was covered in mango trees. Some ideas to assist young children to become aware of the value of being both hope-filled and hope-active include:

Circles of Hope is a book of hope, faith and perseverance to share with students during the Easter season. Set in Haiti, which shares a small island in the Caribbean with the Dominican Republic, this is young Facile’s story. On the birth of his baby sister, Lucia, Facile decides to plant a tree as a gift to her. His father had done

the same for him when he was born. Facile gets great joy from being able to climb his tree and seeing everything. It is his tree and the only tree in Haiti. However, the first seed he plants is eaten, the second is

washed away and the third is burnt. Facile, is not deterred and is determined to be successful.

At last, after many attempts and adjustments one of his seeds survives and grows into a tall tree for Lucia to climb and play in. Both Facile and Lucia continued to plant more mango seeds and eventually the

mountainsides of Haiti became covered with trees, circles of hope.

Read the story and ask students why Facile was sad as he watched everyone bring gifts for his baby sister. What was his problem?

Focus their attention on his response – he himself decided what he could do; he did not expect anyone else to solve his problem. What did Facile decide to do?

Nonetheless, things did not go smoothly for him so how did he respond to all the different set-backs? Ask students to actually name what he did. They could choose one of each of the set-backs and draw or write the story about it. Ask the question: what kept him going? Why was he so persistent? He was filled with hope that this tree would indeed grow.

But being hope-filled was not going to be enough. He needed to do more. Have them name each of the actions Facile had to take to ensure the tree’s survival.

How did his actions affect his sister? How did they affect the community? How had their future been changed? Emphasise the two key aspects of Facile’s eventual success: he was always hopeful and he was active.

OrHave children select a piece of literature or a modern day song which reflects the Christian virtues of Faith and/or Hope and or Charity. Students review, present and promote their selection to their own class and to other classes in the school. E.g. Xavier Rudd Better People http://www.contactmusic.com/videos.nsf/stream/xavier-rudd-better-people

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http://www.contactmusic.com/videos.nsf/stream/xavier-rudd-better-people

http://www.contactmusic.com/videos.nsf/stream/xavier-rudd-better-people


Use the activity ‘Values – Choosing Them Day by Day’, lead students to reflect on how living the values of Jesus can contribute to building a better community and world.

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Teacher note: Students will need access to Bibles in order to complete the following activities.

Making a moral decision, one that is true to our values is not always easy. Sometimes we have to sacrifice what we’d like to do in favour of what we ought to do. As Christians we can turn to Jesus for guidance in deciding what is right, and in helping us to cultivate Christian ideals for living our lives.

Activity 1 Each of the following Bible passages contains important teachings about Christian values. Read each passage carefully and write a short description for each in your book about the value it is describing.

Matthew 22:34-40 Luke 5:17-20 John 16:7-15 1 Corinthians 13 Galatians 5:22-26

Activity 2

In the Beatitudes, Jesus invites us to live our lives as virtuous people. The Beatitudes offer guidelines for Christian living that help give us direction when we are faced with making moral decisions. In recognising these guidelines we can learn to express them in a positive way in our lives.

Read the Beatitudes at Matthew 5:1-12 and complete these tasks: Make a list of the virtues that Jesus identifies, e.g. peace. Give one example for each virtue of how we can apply this to our own lives. The Beatitudes were recorded in Scripture nearly 2000 years ago. Can you re-write them

for 2009? What words would you use to help people understand the virtues Jesus taught?

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Pillars of Faith(Spirit of Truth – Year Seven (C2))

Read the Teacher Information on the Pillars of faith.Teach the Pillars of Faith using the suggested strategy on page 93

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Pillars of Faith(Spirit of Truth – Year Seven (C2))

To experience the Spirit of Truth and all the other experiences of God promised by Jesus, hisfollowers need to live all his basic teachings. Jesus taught his followers all that they need toknow to relate closely with God. He gave:• teachings• religious rituals• instructions on how to live• the Lord’s Prayer.These have come to be called the ‘Pillars of Christian Faith’. Jesus entrusted them to theApostles.

Ever since the time of the Apostles, generations of Christians have been called to believe allthat is contained in the ‘Four Pillars of Christian Faith’. Believing these basic summaries ofthe religious truths revealed by Jesus, they have then received the Sacraments of Initiation.

Handing on the Church’s growing understanding of the teachings of Jesus summarised in the‘Four Pillars of Christian Faith’, under the Holy Spirit’s guidance, is called Tradition (from theLatin word for ‘handing on’).

The Creed

The Apostles’ Creed is the most suitable for summarising the basic teachings of Jesus simply. However, the Nicene Creed is the one students hear most frequently.For reasons of simplicity, the elements of the Apostles’ Creed are explained below.

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The First Pillar: The Apostles’ Creed

BELIEFS TEACHINGS OF JESUSI believe in God, There is one God who:

• loves us more than any human parent ever could• wants to forgive us when we do wrong.

the Father almighty, God the Father:• is the first Person of the Trinity• loves us more than could the most loving of

human parents• wants to give us all the blessings and gifts we

need for our lives• is more powerful than any other person or force

in the universe, including Satan or the ‘Devil’.

creator of heaven and earth. God created from nothing:• heaven, the dwelling of God• spiritual beings, called angels, who live with God

in heaven (God has assigned an angel to every human person to help them recognise God’s guidance and to accept God’s help)

• the galaxies of the universe• the earth and all living creatures• human beings in God’s own image and likeness,

giving each a soul that will never die• human beings share equal dignity, regardless of

gender, race, religion, disability, poverty or any other circumstance

• angels, who were created good, but who rejected friendship with God (they are called the Devil and demons).

I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord,

Jesus Christ is:• the Son of God, the second Person of the Trinity• the Saviour, the one who came to save human

beings from all the wrong doing or sins that keep them from God

• the Messiah, the one ‘filled’ with the Holy Spirit, and sent by God the Father for this purpose

• called ‘Lord’.

who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary,

Jesus Christ, the Son of God: • is a human being as well as Son of God• was conceived in the womb of the Virgin Mary,

his mother, by the power of the Holy Spirit• did not have a human father for God is the Father• gave Mary, who remained a virgin always, as a

mother for all his followers.

suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried;

Jesus Christ:• taught the human race about God’s love for the

whole human race• refused to stop teaching about God, even though

he knew that some wanted to kill him• was scourged and condemned to death by Pontius

Pilate, the Roman governor• was crucified like a criminal• was buried in a tomb.

he descended to the dead.On the third day he rose again; Jesus Christ, after his death:

• rose again to life three days later• appeared to hundreds of people, including his

closest followers, called his Apostles.

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he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father,

After his resurrection, the last appearance of Jesus was of him returning to heaven, the place of God.

and he will come Jesus will return again at the end of the world.

to judge the living and the dead. On his return, Jesus will: • recognise all who are friends of God• take all friends of God into heaven

I believe in the Holy Spirit, The Holy Spirit is:• the Third Person of the Trinity• sent into people’s hearts by the Father and the

Son through Baptism• the One who guides and strengthens Christ’s

followers to love and to do good.

the holy catholic Church, The Holy Spirit:• is shared by Jesus with all his followers• draws the followers of Jesus into the special

community he called his Church• gives this community many spiritual gifts• gives special powers to those Jesus calls to lead

this community, the Pope, bishops and priests.

the communion of saints, The Holy Spirit:• unites all who follow Christ, be they alive or dead• gives Jesus’ followers special gifts, especially

through the seven sacraments Jesus gave his Church.

the forgiveness of sins, Jesus Christ gave the leaders of his Church:• his power to forgive sins • the Sacraments of Baptism and Reconciliation for

the forgiveness of people’s sins.

the resurrection of the body, The Holy Spirit, with Jesus, will: • raise all the dead to life again at the end of the

earth• give to all the dead, bodies like that of Jesus after

his resurrection.

and the life everlasting.Amen.

When human beings die, Jesus:• judges whether or not they are friends with God

by the lives they have led• admits all who are friends with God, and without

fault, into heaven• purifies in purgatory friends of God of faults they

had when they died, so they can enter heaven• condemns all whose sin(s) during their lives

showed they did not want to be friends of God, and who did not ask for God’s forgiveness before they died, to hell.

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The Second Pillar: The Seven Sacraments

Sacrament Examples of gifts received

Baptism • The Holy Spirit makes a home in the baptised person.

• God frees from original sin.• God the Father relates with baptised

people in a closer way.• Baptised people become brothers or sisters of Jesus.

• The baptised person becomes a member of God’s family.

Confirmation • The Holy Spirit helps the person to live a good and happy life.

• The Holy Spirit gives special inner strength to help the baptised and confirmed person overcome all temptations and pressures to do wrong, and so would damage their relationship with God.

• The baptised and confirmed person receives the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit needed for guidance and strength in daily life.

Eucharist • Believers are drawn closer to Jesus, and so to God the Father and the Holy Spirit.

• All the spiritual gifts received through the other sacraments are nourished and strengthened.• The ability to love like Jesus grows stronger.

• Believers are strengthened against temptations to do wrong.

Reconciliation • All sins are forgiven.• The baptised person’s relationship with

God is restored fully.

Anointing

Holy Orders

Matrimony

These Sacraments are studied in the Year 8 –12 Religious Education units.

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The Third Pillar: The Life in Christ

Jesus makes those who believe in him, and who receive his sacraments, capable of living as he did.

Through the sacraments, Catholics receive the spiritual strength that they need to live the two great Commandments of Jesus [Luke 10:27; Matthew 22:39]:

… You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength and with all your mind ….

… You must love your neighbour as yourself.

Jesus also taught the Ten Commandments, given by God to Moses and the people of Israel at Sinai, in a way that gave them new meaning. Now they point to God’s vision of how we can live in close relationship with God, and teach us what to avoid, to keep that relationship.

COMMANDMENT GOD’S VISION OF HOW TO LIVE IN CLOSE RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD…(VISION)

WHAT TO AVOID TO KEEP THE RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD…(PEOPLE CAN DO WRONG)

First [Communicate with God to reflect God who communicates to human beings]

Actions and gestures of prayer.

Disrespectful actions and gestures in a church.

Second [Show respect towards God to reflect God who, though Creator, respects every human person]

Speaking of God, the name of Jesus and the names of holy people only with respect.

Using words such as ‘God’, ‘Jesus’, ‘Christ’ or ‘Mary’ to swear or in other disrespectful ways.

Third [Draw closer to God to reflect God who wants a deeper personal relationship with every human being]

Worshipping God at Sunday Mass.

Resting and relaxing on Sundays.

Doing unnecessary work on Sunday.

Fourth[Love parents and family members to reflect God who loves each of those people]

Showing respect to parents.

Speaking rudely to parents.

Obeying parents and those in whose care they have placed us.

Acts of deliberate disobedience.

Cooperating within the family.

Refusing to do chores.

Caring for family members who have special needs, especially the those who are young, old, sick or disabled.

Refusing to help family members in need.

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Fifth[Care for human life to reflect God who gives and cares for human life]

Taking care of personal health.

Defending someone under attack by an aggressor.

Taking unnecessary risks that could lead to death.BullyingFightingKilling another person deliberately.

Sixth[Respect male and female ways of expressing goodness]

Treating others with respect regardless of whether they are male or female.

Treating others disrespectfully because they are male or female.

Seventh[Be just to reflect God who is always just]

Respecting what belongs to others.

Stealing.

Returning lost or borrowed property.

Cheating people of what they own.

Eighth[Be truthful to reflect God who always reveals what is true]

Telling the truth. Telling deliberate lies.

Keeping others’ secrets, except when they plan to harm others.

Making up untrue stories about others.

Respecting the right of others to a good reputation.

Gossip.

Ninth[Respect the sexuality of others to reflect God who gives dignity to human beings]

Respecting others’ sexuality.

Being unfriendly to someone because they are a male or female.

Tenth[Reflect God who is generous]

Trust God to provide everything that is truly necessary.

Behaving in greedy ways.

Thinking about how to steal what belongs to someone else.

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The Fourth Pillar: The Lord’s Prayer

The Lord’s Prayer

(‘It is called “the Lord’s Prayer” because it comes to us from the Lord Jesus, the master and model of our prayer.’ – Catechism 2775)

Our Father, Jesus is Son of God. He shares his Father (God the Father) with us. One way he does so is by teaching us to begin this prayer with these words. We turn to God, then, as to someone who loves us dearly.

who art in heaven, With these words, Jesus teaches us that the Father, who is in heaven, hears us whenever and wherever we pray.

hallowed be thy name; ‘Hallowed’ (or recognised as holy) is a special greeting of love and respect to God the Father. When we pray these words, we are promising to show God our love and respect. We are praying also that the whole human race will come to acknowledge God as God.

thy kingdom come; These words mean that we welcome everything God gives to help us to be loving and good, and to provide for our needs.We are asking also that God’s power to change everything into good will grow in the world.

thy will be done on earth

as it is in heaven.

This is a promise to keep trying to live as God wants, especially by obeying the Ten Commandments. It is a promise also to live as Jesus taught.With these words, we are praying further that the whole world live according to the laws of God.

Give us this day our daily bread;

In praying for daily food, we mention our most basic need. However, food is just one example of all that we need. By praying these words, really we are asking God for all our needs.

and forgive us ourtrespasses

Trespasses are any words or actions that disobey a law of God. Here we ask God to forgive these.

as we forgive those who trespass against us;

We promise to forgive everyone who offends us, just as we want God to forgive us.

and lead us not into temptation,

We ask to be protected from trials and temptations that will be too great for us.

but deliver us from evil. We ask to be rescued whenever the Devil threatens or tries to harm us with evils such as hunger, poverty and despair.

Amen. We emphasise that we really mean all that we have prayed in this prayer.

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Suggested Strategy For Focusing on the Pillars of Faith

Introduce the notion of “Pillar” with photos of buildings built using ‘pillars’ e.g. Ancient Rome or Athens or any items which rely on pillars e.g. wedding cakes.Invite students to describe what they see.

Focus Questions:What is a pillar?What does a pillar do?If you are using pillar to describe a person, what sort of person would they be? E.g. ‘Pillar of community,’ ‘Pillar of faith’.

Lead to the understanding that pillars hold things up and make them strong.

Brainstorm the things that are important for the Church to be successful and to live as God wants ...

Debate or lead students to identify the four most important.Teachings (summarised in The Creed), religious rituals (Sacraments), instructions/rules on how to live (Commandments) and the Lord’s Prayer (to pray with the intention and attitude of Jesus)

Distribute the resource sheets for each Pillar of Faith. In groups students write a summary statement to explain each Pillar of Faith. Present these summaries in interesting ways. E.g.

Four ‘Pillows’ of Faith – each pillow states the name of the Pillar; a definition of what that pillar does and decorate with images/symbols to enhance its meaning. Distribute sets of pillow to class room reading corners.

Or

Use ready made pillars made from foam, label each one as a Pillar of Faith and attach each group’s definition to its corresponding pillar. Place in the four corners of the room.

Or

Locate four pillars around the school or around the church and attach definitions to each pillar – class moves from pillar to pillar to read the summaries. (Check with the Parish Priest before attaching material to church pillars.)

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RITES & RITUALS(Empowered By The Spirit – Year Six (C2))

(Spirit of Truth – Year Seven (C1))

Read the Teacher Information on the Rites and Rituals of Confirmation page 109-110

Teach the Essential Rite of Confirmation to the students see page 111

Discuss the Words and Actions which will be used during the Essential Rite.

Use some of the suggested strategies to help students understand what happens during the Rite.

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RITES & RITUALS(Empowered By The Spirit – Year Six (C2))

(Spirit of Truth – Year Seven (C1))In the Old Testament, those filled with the Holy Spirit usually received a special anointing.They were said to be ‘anointed’ by the Holy Spirit. (This will be explained more fully in Jesus Year 7).When giving Moses instructions on how the Jews were to live the Sinai

Covenant (Bible Year 4), God instructed Moses to make sacred oil for the consecration of people and things for God.To do so, Moses was to mix olive oil and perfumes [Exodus 30:22–33].

The consecration of Chrism(‘The consecration of the sacred chrism is an important action that precedes

the celebration of Confirmation, but is in a certain way a part of it.’ – Catechism 1297)Today, we call this consecrated oil ‘Chrism’. It is made by the Bishop of the diocese, the leaderof the local Church. The Bishop mixes balsam (a perfume) and olive oil, and consecrates thenew Chrism to God.

The 3 Holy Oils

The Church has three holy oils. They are distinguished by their blessing. The most solemn of the three blessings is the one for the oil called Holy Chrism. Holy Chrism is the oil used in the Sacrament of Confirmation; it is also used in the Sacrament of Holy Orders to ordain priests (presbyters and bishops), and in the dedication of church buildings and other solemn blessings.

The other two holy oils are the Oil of the Sick which is used in the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick to bring healing and strength, and the Oil of Catechumens which is used to strengthen and purify those preparing for Baptism. The three oils are often kept in the baptismal area of the parish church in a case or cabinet called an ambry.

The Mass during which these oils are solemnly blessed by the bishop is called the "Chrism Mass." It is usually celebrated during the final days of Lent so that the oils are available and fresh for the Sacraments of Initiation during the Solemn Easter Vigil.

Thomas Richstatter, O.F.M., Th.D.

The Rite of Confirmation(‘The essential rite … of Confirmation is … ‘through the anointing of chrism on the forehead, which is done by the laying on of the hand, and through the words: “Be sealed with the Gift of the HolySpirit”.’ – Catechism 1300)The Sacrament of Confirmation is conferred by the Bishop (or a specially appointed delegate) who:• places his hand on the head of the candidate• anoints the candidate’s head with Chrism in the sign of a cross• while saying: ‘Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit’.

The Presentation of the CandidatesAfter the Gospel, the Parish Priest presents the candidates to the celebrant for Confirmation.The Parish Priest informs the celebrant that all candidates have been suitably prepared bytheir parents and teachers, and are ready to be confirmed.

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The renewal of baptismal promisesA Christian receives all the basic spiritual gifts needed to relate with God and to live as Jesus taught through Baptism and Confirmation. The two sacraments, therefore, are linked. The promises made during Baptism, therefore, are repeated during Confirmation to make the link between these Sacraments clear. The baptismal promises are:

• Do you reject Satan and all his works and all his empty promises?• Do you believe in God the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth?• Do you believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was born of the Virgin Mary,

was crucified, died, and was buried, rose from the dead, and is now seated at the righthand of the Father?

• Do you believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who came upon the apostlesat Pentecost and today is given to you sacramentally in Confirmation?

• Do you believe in the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness ofsins, the resurrection of the body and life everlasting?

In Confirmation, candidates make these promises for themselves, whereas if they werebaptised as babies, these promises were made on their behalf by their parents and god-parents.

The Laying on of HandsThe third element in the Rite of Confirmation is the Laying on of Hands. Here, thecelebrant:• holds his hands over those to be confirmed• prays that they will receive the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit.

The Apostles conferred Confirmation by the laying on of the hand on those wanting tobecome members of the Church Jesus began [Acts 8:17; 19:6]. This action was modified whenthe ancient practice of anointing was introduced.‘Be sealed’(‘This seal of the Holy Spirit marks our total belonging to Christ, our enrolment in his service forever, as well as the promise of divine protection in the great eschatological trial.’ – Catechism 1296)

In earlier Christian times, seals were of great importance. They were marks left by a stamp ofownership. The seal was the symbol of the owner, and was stamped on:• the forehead of a personal soldier or a slave• a letter or legal document.Confirmed members of the Church of Jesus are sealed (or ‘stamped’) with a cross, marked onthe forehead with the Chrism.

Eventually the cross made with Chrism goes. However, the seal of Confirmation remains inthe person’s soul.God sees this seal. It means that the confirmed person now belongs fully to Christ. They willalways enjoy Christ’s protection and help. The Spirit will always give them the strength tokeep the Commandments of Jesus, provided they continue:• to receive Jesus in Holy Communion• to pray daily, particularly asking the Holy Spirit for the strength to live as Jesus taught.

The Sign of PeaceThe Confirmation Rite concludes with the Sign of Peace. This symbolises that the newlyinitiated Catholic is united by the Spirit with the whole Church community and its leader,the bishop.The Bishop touches the cheek of the newly confirmed as a sign of peace. The bishop says:Peace be with you.

The newly confirmed responds: And also with you.

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Suggested Strategies for Teaching the Rites & Symbols of Confirmation

Teach The Essential Rite

The essential rite of Confirmation (the Rite of Anointing) comprises three simultaneousactions. The celebrant:

• lays his hand on the head of the candidate

• anoints the candidate’s forehead by marking a cross with the sacred oil called ‘Chrism’

• proclaims the words: ‘Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit.’

Each of these actions has special meaning. The celebrant:

• lays his hand on the candidate’s head to continue the practice of the Apostles[e.g. Acts 8:15–17; 19:5–6; Hebrews 6:2]

• anoints with the oil of Chrism because the candidate is being ‘anointed’ or ‘filled’ with theHoly Spirit, as were the Apostles at Pentecost

• uses Chrism, because it is the sacred oil of consecration to God. Chrism is– made of olive oil and the perfume, balsam, following the instructions God gave first to

Moses about how consecration oil must be mixed [Exodus 30:22–25]– consecrated by the Bishop each year during Holy Week

• marks the Sign of the Cross– because a confirmed person belongs to Christ himself

– because the confirmed person receives the spiritual seal of Christ.

Discuss the action and words of Confirmation .

Suggested StrategiesThe students then design a poster or chart showing the action and words used in the Confirmation ceremony.

OR

Discuss the words and action used at Confirmation. The students then complete ‘Confirmation- The Action and Words’. Pages 101-102

OR

The teacher and students enact the words and actions of Confirmation. The Parish Priestcould be invited to assist in this activity and speak to the students about the Sacrament of Confirmation Students could interview the priest about how the Holy Spirit strengthens him in his life. The students then complete ‘Confirmation - the Action and Words’.

OR

Create a pamphlet for a young person explaining the Confirmation Rite. Student might use the title “What Will Happen in the Ceremony”

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Symbols of Confirmation

Brainstorm with students symbols that are associated with Confirmation.

Invite students to create an artwork using symbols associated with Confirmation

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Symbols of ConfirmationThe cross, under which all Christians gather to live and pray

Water, by which the new member is brought into the life of the community

Light, which provides direction to one’s life in the communityWord of God, which forms every Christian gathering for prayer, and

Chrism, the holy oil which speaks of the fragrant presence of the Spirit of God

Dove/flames, symbolic of the Holy Spirit

You have been invited to submit a design for the Holy Spirit Chapel window in your parish church. Using the symbols of Confirmation create an artwork which reflects elements of Confirmation.

Students might title their work “Come Holy Spirit” or Come Spirit of .... (insert the name of a Gift of the Spirit)

See Graphics & Prayers by Tricia Walsh for examples of using symbols in pencil drawings. Available through the CEO library.

http://images.google.com.au/imgres?imgurl=http://www.sainti.org/church/stainedglass/StMark.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.sainti.org/church/stainedglass/index.htm&usg=__aF5TCifUqP-

VAjr5VLpkBYWLXhQ=&h=303&w=218&sz=45&hl=en&start=6&um=1&tbnid=NcZAaY4seF6C3M:&tbnh=116&tbnw=83&prev=/images%3Fq%3DStained%2Bglass%2BMark%2BLion%26um

%3D1%26hl%3DenThis site containing the ‘The Stained Glass Windows of Ignatius Loyola’ may also give you some

ideas.http://www.fisheaters.com/symbols.html

Christian Symbols and their meaning

151 Trisha Walsh

http://www.fisheaters.com/symbols.html

http://images.google.com.au/imgres?imgurl=http://www.sainti.org/church/stainedglass/StMark.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.sainti.org/church/stainedglass/index.htm&usg=__aF5TCifUqP-VAjr5VLpkBYWLXhQ=&h=303&w=218&sz=45&hl=en&start=6&um=1&tbnid=NcZAaY4seF6C3M:&tbnh=116&tbnw=83&prev=/images%3Fq%3DStained%2Bglass%2BMark%2BLion%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den



Catechesis Prayers

& Liturgies

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Ignatian ExamenIgnatian ExamenThe Awareness Examen is a prayer, which helps us to become more aware of God’s presence in our day. During it we reflect upon our experiences of the day, and ask for

the Grace to be able to recognise God in them.

The Daily Awareness ExamenFor a moment, take in your surroundings …Feel the warmth of the sun …. (Adjust the wording here according to where you are reflecting)Hear the sounds around you …Feel the breath within you ….Imagine yourself in the presence of the Most Holy Trinity …Imagine the three present … here with you, beside you, before you …

Imagine yourself turning to God …

I turn to you, God my Father

I thank you Father for the gift of my life; “It is good to be alive.”I thank you Father for today – another day of life,I think about all that has been today and I thank you for ……….

Give me light Father, to see my day as you see it And to see myself as You see me.

Now I turn to you, Jesus Where today did you walk with me?For what moment today am I most grateful?Where today did I block your presence?For what moment today am I least grateful?

Now I turn to you, God the SpiritMost Holy Spirit be with me for tomorrow,Help me to be open to your guidance and to know your presence with me.

Glory be to you God, Father, Son and Spirit. Now and forever. Amen

(Adapted from The Examen written by John XXIII College, Perth)

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Gifts of the SpiritMaterials:• Eight candles, one larger than the other seven• Religious Education book• Bible• Reflective music

GatherGather the students around the eight candles. As the large candle is lit, the chorus of ‘Enviatu Espiritu’or ‘God Has Chosen Me’ [B2.2] or another suitable song could be sung. The Bible could then beappropriately enthroned next to the candles.

FocusReader 1: Our work in Religious Education over the past five weeks has focussed on the gift of

conscience and the gifts and fruits of Confirmation.Reader 2: Conscience stirs us from within to love, to do good and to avoid what is wrong.Reader 3: As we wonder at the gift of our consciences and how, within conscience, we experience God calling us to love and do good, we also remember Jesus doing what was good.Reader 4: (stands, proceeds to Bible then proclaims John 8:1-12)

ORGuided Meditation ‘Jesus Sends the Spirit’ (see B2.1).

ReflectReader 5: Let us spend a few minutes reflecting on the stories we have just heard.

• What was Jesus trying to teach us about God in these examples?• How might students our age respond to God?

(The students, after personal reflection time, could write their thoughts in their REbook and then be invited to share these thoughts with a partner.)

Respond

Reader 6: In our response, let us pray to the Holy Spirit that each of the Seven Gifts will help to change us from within, strengthening us to love and do good.

Reader 7: We pray for the Spirit of Wisdom (one of the remaining candles is lit).

Reader 8: To see God’s influence in the world today so that:• we can make a difference• we are confident in God’s goodness• we are confident in our potential and others’ potential to do good• we are encouraged by seeing God’s action and influence in the world.

All: Lord, send out your Spirit of Wisdom and renew the face of the earth.

Reader 7: We pray for the Spirit of Understanding (one of the remaining candles is lit).

Reader 9: To understand:• God’s love for us and the love of others God has placed in our lives

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• God’s support of us in times of challenge, suffering and difficulties• God’s loving concern for those who are sick• God’s desire to forgive sin.

All: Lord, send out your Spirit of Understanding and renew the face of the earth.

Reader 7: Let us pray for the Spirit of Right Judgement (one of the remaining candles is lit).

Reader 10: To make right judgements about:• important decisions in our lives• the true value of things rather than judgements based solely on money

or status.

All: Lord, send out your Spirit of Right Judgement and renew the face of the earth.

Reader 7: Let us pray for the Spirit of Courage (one of the remaining candles is lit).

Reader 11: For the courage to:• overcome daily difficulties and live as God wants• resist peer and social pressure to do wrong• have faith in God despite illness, suffering or disappointment.

All: Lord, send out your Spirit of Courage and renew the face of the earth.

Reader 7: Let us pray for the Spirit of Knowledge (one of the remaining candles is lit).

Reader 12: To know God better by:• praying for our own needs and the needs of others• asking God for forgiveness of our sins• caring for those in need and growing in inner peace and joy as we do so.

All: Lord, send out your Spirit of Knowledge and renew the face of the earth.

Reader 7: We pray for the Spirit of Reverence (one of the remaining candles is lit).

Reader 13: To be more aware of:• God’s closeness to us• God’s love for us• Our need to pray to God as Jesus did.

All: Lord, send out your Spirit of Reverence and renew the face of the earth.

Reader 7: We pray for the Spirit of Wonder and Awe in God’s Presence (the remaining candle is lit).

Reader 14: To respond to God’s love by:• working out our life callings or vocations from God• living the Commandments out of love rather than fear.

All: Lord, send out your Spirit of Wonder and Awe and renew the face of the earth.

(The chorus of the song ‘Enviatu Espiritu’ or ‘God Has Chosen Me’, or another appropriate song, could also be used as a group response at the end of the gifts.)

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Reader 7: God our Father, we pray that, through the Sacrament of Confirmation your Spirit will

fill us as the Spirit filled the Apostles at Pentecost. We pray that the Seven Gifts of the Spirit help us to know you better and help us in our daily lives to love and to do good. We ask this through Jesus your Son, who shows us the human qualities you created in us so that we can love and do good.

All: Amen.

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A Celebration of theSecond Rite of Reconciliation

Song An appropriate song from the unit or another appropriate song.

Introduction We come together to celebrate the Sacrament of Penance to givethanks to God our loving Father and to members of God’s family. Also,we ask forgiveness for the times we have failed to live as God wants inthe communities to which we belong.

Greeting and welcome

Opening Prayer God, our loving Father, you have given us Jesus, your Son, to be anexample of how to live.Through the power of your Holy Spirit give us the courage to admit

oursins and the wisdom to turn to you for forgiveness so that we may

growdeeper in your love. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

First Reading Galatians 5:22-26

Responsorial Psalm *A psalm may be chosen from the following suggestions or an alternativeor Song may be selected.

Psalm 32Psalm 90Psalm 143

Gospel *A reading may be chosen from the following suggestions or an alternative may be selected.

Matthew 5:1-12 The BeatitudesLuke 15:4-7 The Lost SheepLuke 15:11-32 The Lost Son (the Prodigal) and the Dutiful SonLuke 19:1-10 Zacchaeus

Homily

Examination of conscience Questions from the following page could be used for the examination of conscience.

Say a prayer of sorrow:Lord Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinnerorO my God, I am very sorrythat I have sinned against you,because you are so good,and with the help of your graceI will not sin again.

Act of Repentance (The Confiteor)I confess …

The Lord’s Prayer

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Individual Confession and Absolution

Song of Thanksgiving Select a song from the unit or another appropriate song.

Final Blessing Loving Father,Thank you for the gifts of your forgiveness and love which we havereceived through the Sacrament of Penance.May we be faithful witnesses to your love by our thoughts, words

andactions in the communities to which we belong.May almighty God bless you, the Father, and the Son, and the HolySpirit. Amen.

Final Song Select an appropriate song.

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Empowered by the Spirit …(Liturgy of the Word)

Create a sacred space in the room where the Scriptures are to be placed.

Gathering Song: ‘Spirit of Life’ from Children of the Light by M Mangan or

another suitable song.

Penitential Rite:

Leader: You call us to believe in you as ‘the Truth’.Lord have mercy.

All: Lord have mercy.

Leader: You share with your followers the Holy Spirit.Christ have mercy.

All: Christ have mercy.

Leader: You strengthen us by sharing with us the fullness of the HolySpirit through ConfirmationLord have mercy.

All: Lord have mercy.

Opening Prayer: Lord, Our God,We thank you for the gift of the Spirit in our lives. Help us to

listen to and respond to your Word so that we will be empowered to love, discover truth and to live lives of faith, hope and charity. We ask this through our friend, Jesus.All: Amen.

First Reading: Acts 8:17; 19:6

Response: Sing ‘Trinity Song’ from Eagles Wings by F Andersen.

Gospel Acclamation: Alleluia, alleluia!I will ask the Father and he will give you the Spirit of Truth.Alleluia!

Gospel: John 14:16, 26; 16:12-14

Homily: Just as the Apostles, strengthened by the Spirit, spread the Christian message, we are called to spread the Christian message to the communities to which we belong. Let us reflect for a moment on one way at school, at home or in the community we can spread the Christian message by responding to the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit.

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The teacher could then invite the students to place their hands on another’s shoulders.As they do so they say:

Dismissal: Share the Spirit of Truth in the communities to which you

belong. In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of theHoly Spirit.

All: Amen.

Missioning Song: ‘God of My Life’ from God of My Life by M Brown or another

appropriate song.

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SAINT MEDITATION

http://www.cyberfaith.com/spirituality/sr102499.html

To Parents and Catechists: This meditation will help the youngsters to identify with the saints whose faith rests on the strong foundation of Jesus. Have rocks for each person, markers, paints and brushes. Display pictures of holy people past and present.

Built on a Rock—All Saints

If you were going to interview your favourite saint (someone you have read about or have known), what do you think that person would say in answer to the following: What made you strong in faith?

Listen to God's Word There is no protector like our God, there is no rock like our God. From 1

Samuel 2:2

A Rock Contemplation As a future saint, take a rock and hold it. Touch it; feel it; weigh it in the palm of your hand.

Do you ever think of God as your "Rock"? Many of the saints did. Imagine some things about the rock or stone you are holding that might "speak" to you of God. Maybe some of those things are its strength, its solidity, or the fact that it lasts.

Continue to examine the rock as you reflect on these qualities.

Listen to God's Word Jesus said, "Anyone who hears these words of mine and obeys them is like a wise man who built his house on a rock. The rain poured down, the rivers flooded it, and the wind blew hard against the house. But it did not fall, because it was built on rock." Matthew 7:24-25

Built on a Rock Saints are people who build their faith on a firm foundation. That foundation is Jesus Christ. They know he will not let them down. They rely on him as their strength and their protection.

Do you feel that way about Jesus? Maybe you would like to paint a word or a symbol on your rock to remind you to build your life, as the saints did, on Christ. Keep the rock in a place where you will see it often.

My Prayer Goes On Saints of God, pray for me.

Copyright ? 2004William H. Sadlier, Inc.All rights reserved.

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http://www.cyberfaith.com/spirituality/sr102499.html

http://www.sadlier.com/main.htm

Journal PrayerThe students divide a page in their journal into three sections.

Label the sections faith, hope and charity. Invite the students to write to God about each of the virtues;

questions they have about them, ways they try to live them out, etc.

Faith, Hope & CharityChristians live out the Two Great Commandments of Jesus by living faith, hope andcharity. The Holy Spirit strengthens their efforts to try and do so.

FaithPeople love God by having faith in God. They do so when they believe in:• God, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit• all that Jesus, the Son of God, has taught• all his promises.

HopePeople show hope when they believe all the promises of Jesus, that God will:• love them always• help them to live as Jesus taught• bring good out of every situation, no matter how evil it might be• lead them to heaven if they live as God calls.

CharityCharity means living the Two Great Commandments of Jesus: to love God and to loveour neighbour.Charity towards God is shown whenever people:• give thanks for all God gives• try to respond to God’s love, especially through worship and prayer.

Charity towards others is shown through any way we love our neighbour, that is, we tryto do what is for our neighbour’s good (which may not always be what they want).

Some examples of Christians living faith, hope and charity include:• worshipping and praying (faith and charity)• trying to live as Jesus taught (faith)• trusting in God’s love and care for them (hope)• showing optimism that God will always bring some good from evil (hope)• showing concern for their eternal destiny (hope)• showing love and concern for other people (charity).

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Prayer to the Holy SpiritCreate a prayer focus with a cloth and a large white candle in the centre.

Use seven red candles to represent the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit and several smaller different coloured candles to represent the Fruits of the Holy Spirit.

Invite the students to place a candle on the prayer focus near the white candle and to pray a prayer of petition for the Gift or Fruit in their own lives.

Conclude with the Prayer to the Holy Spirit.

Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful

R: And kindle in them the fire of your love.

Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created.R: And you will renew the face of the earth.

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Litany …Let us pray to the Holy Spirit,that we may be filledwith the Seven Gifts of the Spirit

All: Come, Spirit of the Lord!

Spirit of WisdomSpirit of UnderstandingAll: Come, Spirit of the Lord!

Spirit of KnowledgeSpirit of CourageAll: Come, Spirit of the Lord!

Spirit of ReverenceSpirit of Right JudgementAll: Come, Spirit of the Lord!

Spirit of WonderSpirit of AweAll: Come, Spirit of the Lord!

Holy Spirit of God, pour into our hearts the fullness of your loveso that we may love you and others.We ask this through Jesus our Lord.

All: Amen.

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Jigsaw PrayerPresent the following categories to the students. They select a number of phrases or words from the categories below to compose a prayer to the Holy Spirit.

1.Spirit of Truth …Spirit promised by Jesus …Spirit of Truth who guides us…Holy Spirit …Spirit who filled the Apostles …

2.this frightened …this lonely …this ecstatic …this grateful …this overjoyed …this angry …this confused …this confident …this questioning …

3.friend …girl …boy …creature …

4.thanks you for :asks you for …pleads for …hopes for …searches for …

5.truthhelphappinessan answer to my questionsunderstandingmemorycuriosityloveforgiveness

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EXAMINATION OF CONSCIENCETEACHER NOTEFor New Evangelisation, like Catholic moral teachings, an examination of conscience needs to focus upon the person God’s grace makes Catholics capable of becoming [see Catechism 1454]. It needs to reflect the New Law of Christ [Catechism 1965-1974]. The bracketed numbers below denote to which of the Ten Commandments the question is related.

Jesus wants to help me to live as he taught. When have I not let him help me by acting in ways that are selfish or wrong?

You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all yoursoul, with all your strength, and with all your mind [Luke 10:27].(1) Instead of praying each day like Jesus, have there been days when I have not prayed?(2) Instead of letting Jesus draw me closer to God, have I used the names of God, Jesus or Marydisrespectfully?(3) Instead of letting Jesus draw me closer to God, have there been times when I have beentalkative or uncooperative during Mass?(3) Instead of letting Jesus draw me closer to God, have I tried to get out of going to Mass with myparents or family members?(3) Instead of letting Jesus draw me closer to God, have there been times when I have notparticipated fully in the Mass? Complained about going to Mass with my parents or otherfamily members?You must love your neighbour as yourself [Matthew 22:39].(4) Instead of loving my parents as Jesus did, and other family members, have I been disrespectful?Been uncooperative in the family, or had angry arguments or fights?(4) Instead of obeying rules like Jesus, have I disobeyed rules made by my parents? School rules?Public signs?(4) Instead of helping or cooperating with other family members, have I refused to help or tocooperate with them?(4) Instead of helping out in my family, and doing my chores, have I caused arguments or not donemy share of work in the family?(5) Instead of being friendly to all, like Jesus, have I called others names? Not let them join ingames? Made fun of anyone who looks or sounds different?(5) Instead of forgiving others like Jesus, am I holding a grudge or wanting to get even?(5) Instead of caring for other’s lives and health like Jesus, have I punched or fought others?

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(6) Instead of respecting males and females equally like Jesus, have I not treated males or femalesequally, rejected them or not been equally friendly to both?(7) Instead of respecting what belongs to others, have I stolen or not returned what is not mine?(7) Instead of caring for God’s creation and creatures, have I caused deliberate damage or cruelty to creatures?(8) Instead of telling the truth always like Jesus, have I told lies or made up stories about others?(8) Instead of being honest always like Jesus, have I ever cheated?(8) Instead of always doing what is right like Jesus, have I gone along with others in doing wrong?(8) Instead of encouraging others to live as God wants, have I ever made fun of others because they pray or do not want to do wrong?(10) Instead of being generous and sharing like Jesus, have I been greedy or jealous about whatothers have?

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Sample Commitment for Enrolment in the Sacrament of

ConfirmationRITE OF ENROLMENTParents and children are invited to pray a prayer of commitment to the Sacrament of Confirmationprogram.

Prayer of Commitment:Celebrant: Candidates for the Sacrament of Confirmation, are you fully aware that you

are beginning a program which we hope will lead you to a deepercommitment to Christ in his Church?

Candidates: Yes we are.

Celebrant: Are you willing to participate and to cooperate in this preparation program

for the Sacrament of Confirmation?


Celebrant: Are you aware that the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit are to be used forthe service of others?


Celebrant to Parents, are you prepared to support your child in his or her preparation forParents: the Sacrament of Confirmation by word and example, as well as by

participating in parent meetings and other activities that are offered?

Parents: Yes we are.

Celebrant: Parents, please present your child with his or her enrolment form.

Reflective music could be played as candidates, together with their parents, comeforward and sign the cards, which have previously been completed. Cards arehanded to the celebrant, then candidates return to their places.

Celebrant: On behalf of our parish community, I accept your enrolment as a candidate

for Confirmation. I know the members of our parish community join with me

in praying for you during this time of preparation.

Parents’ Prayer: Lord, we have witnessed our child’s desire for enrolment inthis Sacrament of Confirmation program. We pray that we may

give our childencouragement and support through our example and our witness,

particularly through our participation in the program. We ask this prayer through Christ Our Lord.

All: Amen.

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OR

After the Renewal of Baptismal Promises or the Apostles’ Creed, the candidates could present an outline of a symbol of Confirmation (flame, dove, etc.) on which they have written their commitment. This symbol could be placed on a prepared banner which could remain in the church as a reminder to the Church community for prayers at this special time.

Sample commitment by Candidates: I commit myself to join as fully as possible in preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation. May the Spirit of God be with me and all those who help me to prepare to receive Confirmation. Final

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Journal PageSpend some time reflecting on the people who help and guide you in

life.

Write down the names of these people

Who do you most look up to and admire.... what is it about that person that you really respect or like .... what qualities do they have?

What ‘Fruits of the Spirit’ and qualities would you like to develop in your life…

What would you like people to say about you?

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http://www.fotosearch.se/comp/EYW/EYW124/ei00252.jpg

When admiring good qualities in others, we are experiencing God calling us from within to

develop these qualities or ideals ourselves. This call grows stronger within as we try to

develop these qualities ourselves, and regret times when we have behaved in ways that are

the opposite to these ideals.Reflecting on One Who Drew On The Strength of the Spirit

Mary the Risk-taker (Rina Wintour)Note to leaders: The following reflection and prayer focus on Mary, the mother of Jesus. Traditionally she has been presented as a woman of great faith and virtue. But is that the whole picture? Often there is a tendency to overlook the real humanity of Mary. Quite possibly, she faced her fortunes with fear and trepidation. Her life, most probably, was marked by uncertainty and confusion. Yet she remains for all, an inspiration. She lived on the margins of acceptability; she became a refugee and a displaced person. She faced possible death and in so doing became a real risk-taker.

This prayer reflection requires the following readers:o Narrator 1o Narrator 2o Maryo Angelo Reader (one or more)o Chorus refers to the rest of the gathered group

Narrator 1: An angel came to Mary with a difficult question.

Angel: Will you agree to be the mother of God?

Chorus: The mother of God, the mother of God - God's very own mother!

Narrator 2: Mary became afraid. She didn't know what to do. She had no one to talk to.

Mary: What would happen to me if I said YES?

Chorus: Go on, risk it!

Mary: What would happen to me if people found out that I wasn't married?

Chorus: Would you really care?

Mary: What would happen if I dared to take a risk?


Narrator 2: An angel came to Mary with a difficult question.

Angel: Will you agree to be the mother of God?

Chorus: The mother of God, the mother of God - God's very own mother!

Mary: They would talk about me….

Chorus: Gossip, gossip, gossip!

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Mary: They would avoid me…

Chorus: Stay away from her! Stay away, stay right away!

Mary: They might even stone me to death!

Chorus: She's broken the law, get rid of her…


Narrator 1: Mary reflected and prayed and then she took a risk and said …

Mary: "I'll do it! Yes, I'll do it!"

Narrator 1: Mary gave life to Jesus; she brought him into the world. She nurtured him, fed him, clothed him, looked after him and protected him. But it wasn't always easy.

Narrator 2: Throughout her life she continued to be a risk-taker!

Let us pray:

Reader: Mary, you listened to God, and you took a risk.

All: Help us to do what God wants of us, even when it seems difficult.

Reader : Mary, you always found time to reflect and pray about important decisions.

All: Give us patience and teach us to pray.

Reader: Mary, you took a risk telling Joseph about God's message.

All: Help us to be honest with our family and friends.

Reader: Mary, you became a refugee, travelling to Egypt to escape Herod's anger.

All: Help us to understand the needs of those who come to our country looking for safety and protection.

Reader: Mary, you visited your cousin Elizabeth who was also going to have a baby, even though she was an older woman.

All: Teach us to think of the needs of other people.

Reader: Mary, you watched your son Jesus grow into a man. Many followed him, listening to his preaching and learning from him.

All: Help us as we try to listen to Jesus and learn about God.

Reader: Mary, you were with Jesus on that dreadful journey to Calvary. You saw him whipped and felt his pain. You heard him mocked and insulted and you could do nothing to protect him.

All: Show us the way to reach out to others who may be suffering or just in need of a true friend.

Reader: Mary, you stood at the foot of the Cross, mourning the death of your son Jesus.

All: Give us courage to be with our friends when they need us the most.

Leader: Loving God, we thank you for the gift of Mary. May she inspire us to become

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risk-takers and faithful followers of Jesus.

Blessing (all): May God, the Source of all being, Jesus, the Son of Mary, and the Spirit who empowered Mary to be a risk-taker, bless and protect each one of us, now and forever. Amen!

“Mary the Risk-taker” by Rina WintourTaken from Echoing the Word Volume 2, No. 2, 2003



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Gifts of the Holy Spirit Journal Page

The Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit …The Spirit of Wisdom helps Jesus’ followers to sense what is true

andright, and discover answers to personal questions and difficulties.

The Spirit of Understanding is the ability to understand what God has

revealed through Jesus and what is good and right in living a Christian life.

The Spirit of Knowledge is the ability to know Jesus’ teachings, and to

put them into practice when making choices in each situation a person encounters.

The Spirit of Right Judgement is the ability to make decisions thatare consistent with the teachings of Jesus.

The Spirit of Courage is the ability to resist temptations and pressures

from others and follow the teachings of Jesus.The Spirit of Reverence is the desire to do God’s will as Jesus did

byshowing respect and honour to God.

Wonder and Awe is the ability to sense God’s presence with inoneself, especially through creation.

Knowledge – What do I know about Jesus and his teachings?

Understanding – What does God want of me? How does God want me to live my life?

Right Judgement - When have I chosen to do something because I knew it was right and what

Jesus teaches is right?

Wisdom – What are the questions I have about life? How can Jesus help me?

Courage – What has been the hardest thing I’ve had to do in my life so far?

What has been a difficult teaching of Jesus to follow?

Reverence – What are all the things that are good about me and life?

How do I show respect for God?178

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Wonder & Awe – What do I wonder about?What is my favourite thing in creation?

Where do I feel/sense God?

Our Gifts Are Needed Prayer

Provide a jigsaw puzzle with at least twice as many pieces as there are students. Arrange the pieces face down. Have each student choose two or three pieces and write on the back of each a “gift” or talent he or she has (something he or she enjoys and/or is good at). If possible, see to it that every puzzle piece gets a “gift” written on it. Iinvite students to share the gifts they have written on their pieces.

Afterward, ask: What happens to a puzzle when a piece is missing?

Finally, give the students’ time to put the puzzle together by laying it out on a sheet of plexiglass. Once finished, cover with more plexiglass, then flip the puzzle to reveal a “body of gifts” unique to your group.

Remind students that when a gift (a piece) is missing the picture is not complete. So it is for the Church. When someone’s gifts are missing the Church is also diminished.

Lord,You have created me for a special task.

You have chosen me.

Help me to remember that my gifts are needed.

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Fill me with Knowledge and Understanding,Wisdom and Courage,

Reverence,Right Judgement, Wonder and Awe.

Help me to treat people as you would and to do what I can

to make the world a better place for everyone.

Amen

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It is Good to Give Thanks!Give thanks to the LORD … God’s love endures forever (Psalm 136:10)

Often it is easy to grumble about life. There are disappointments that we all have to deal with. Sometimes our lives will be touched by deep sadness. At other times we just wish we could have things that other people seem to have. Indeed, human beings are strange creatures in that they often focus on the negative aspects of everyday life and miss all the good things that happen along the way. Creating a GRATITUDE JOURNAL is one way of making sure this doesn’t happen and that everyday you can ‘give thanks’ for the good things that bless your life. Here’s how you do it:

Your Gratitude Journal does not have to be a special or expensive book – an exercise book will do. To make it more personal you can design the cover to reflect the things that have meaning for you at this stage of life.

It is important that you enter your thoughts in the book EVERY day. The best time to do this is at night when you can think back over the day. Your teacher may get you started by spending some time in class working on your journal. When you get the idea you can keep going at home. Finishing the day with positive thoughts is good for getting a peaceful night’s sleep.

THE MOST IMPORTANT THING –NO NEGATIVES!

1. List 5 things that happened in the day that were good. These don’t have to be ‘big’ things. They can be as simple as someone passing and saying hello in the corridor, not having too much homework, having an enjoyable meal, getting a phone call from a friend, being praised by someone for something you have done.

2. Read over your list and think about why you chose to include these things. How do they make you feel?

3. Write a short prayer of thanks for your day. Just a sentence will do.4. When you feel the need to grumble or when you are going through a difficult

time, stop and think about the things you have written in your journal. It can be a real lifeline to remind you that God is present in the ups and downs of life.

Anne Frank was a young Jewish girl who with her family spent time in hiding from the German army during World War II. Despite the hardship of her life, she remained positive, always noting the goodness she found in people and in her restricted life. She recorded her thoughts in the now famous Diary of Anne Frank. Anne died in a prisoner of war camp but her message of hope is one we can all learn from:‘Nobody need wait a single moment before

starting to improve the world’

What message of hope could the world learn from your Gratitude Journal?

“It is Good to Give Thanks!” by Helen SmithTaken from Echoing The Word Volume 3, No 1, 2004



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Four beads for four hopes you have for the world

“Lord help me to shine your hope to the world”

Three beads for three things that have been hard for me or that

have challenged me ….For …. For …. For ….

Help me Lord, to use these gifts to help others

Three beads for three gifts you bring to the worldFor the gifts of …. For the gift of …. For the gift of …. I thank you Lord

Nine beads for nine people who have enriched your life and helped you to become the

person that you are“For each of these people Lord,

I thank you

Nine beads for the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit“Strengthen me Lord to use these gifts to make

a difference in the world”

Create a Beaded Prayer CrossExplain to the students that each bead on their cross will remind them of a gift or quality that is or will become part of their life. The cross shape reminds them that life sometimes has things that will be hard for

them to do, but like Jesus they have the ability to rise above them and

develop strengths through them. In silence allow students to place on beads as they ask God or thank God for each gift. Encourage students to keep their cross and incorporate it into regular prayer experiences.

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Nine beads for nine points of an Examination of Conscience

“If today I have wounded another ... myself ... the world, forgive me. Lord help me to

live like you.”

Those who respond to the Holy Spirit find the ‘fruits of the Holy Spirit’ growing within them

People who respond to the Holy Spirit find themselves changed in other ways as well.They find the ‘fruits of the Holy Spirit’ gradually growing within them:

• love overcomes selfishness• joy replaces sadness and feelings of negativity• peace replaces inner conflicts and stress• patience overcomes impatience• kindness replaces indifference to the needs of others• goodness replaces vices and the seven deadly sins• trustfulness replaces the desire for excessive control• gentleness replaces insensitivity• self control overcomes personal weaknesses.

o Give me love to overcome any selfishnesso Give me joy to overcome my sadnesso Give me peace when I am stressedo Give me kindness that I may not be indifferent to the needs of otherso Give me goodness to overcome evilo Give me trustfulness so I will not seek to control otherso Give me gentleness that I may be sensitive to the needs of otherso Give me self control to overcome my weakness and make a difference in

the world.Steps For Cross making

20 gauge wire cut at 8cm lengthsBeadsLong nose pliers

To make the cross

1. Hold the two pieces of wire in the shape of a cross

2. Loop/wind the horizontal wire twice around the vertical wire3. (The wire will slide up and down until the beads are all in place)

4. Place 4 beads on top part of the cross and make a small loop at the top of the wire to hold the beads in place

5. Repeat Step 4 with each side of the cross until the cross is complete.

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I have people who love me

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Four beads for four people who

you love“Lord thank you

for the people who love me”

Three beads for three things that have sometimes been hard for me

or that have challenged me ….For …. For …. For ….

Help me Lord, to use these gifts to help others

Three beads for three gifts you bring to the worldFor the gifts of …. For the gift of …. For the gift of …. I thank you Lord

Nine beads for the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit

“Lord, help me to develop these qualities in my life”

I have gifts that make me unique I have challenges that make me stronger

I can make a difference

Echoing the Word 2003-09-01Vol. 2 No. 4, 2003 Wonder Social Justice

Our Creative GodMargaret Carswell

If we believe that God is present in creation then we must instill in our young people not only a duty of care for the created world, but a sense of what it teaches us about God. This simple activity is suggested for inclusion in a unit on creation. In particular, it provides them with an opportunity to explore their own understanding of our creative God. This activity requires the use of a digital camera – if your school does not have one try approaching your local secondary school to see if you could use theirs. They may even be able to provide a couple of students studying photography to help. If you cannot get a camera, ask students to cut out pictures from magazines and ‘frame them’ as if they were photos. (See Part 5.)

ACTIVITY

Part 1: Ask students to imagine that a photographer from the local paper is coming to take photos of their classroom. The photos need to show that the students in this class co-operate and work together. Brainstorm on the board what the photographer could take pictures of to demonstrate this. (Some examples might include students working together, displays, class rules, shared activities etc.) Discuss how, when you take photos of things, you have to be sure they ‘capture’ or ‘say’, without words, the message you want to express.

Part 2: Explain that just as photos can be used to say something about a class, they can also be used to say something about God. Brainstorm and record what students know or believe about God. E.g. God is strong; God is gentle; God is warm; God is cool; God is compassionate. The picture story book Old Turtle may be used to prompt discussion and reflection.

Part 3: Put each statement about God onto a large sheet of paper and ask students to write under it ideas for photos that would express the characteristic named. At this stage do not limit suggestions to those from nature.

Part 4: Look at the list and discuss the suggestions made by students. Do students experience God more in people and relationships or in natural features? Sometimes we focus our attention on the people in our lives and forget that creation also speaks of God. Explain that for this exercise, only aspects of nature will be used. If ‘creation’ photos are not present among the suggestions given, draw these out of the students.

Part 5: Use a digital camera and have students move around the school and take photos of aspects of creation in the school ground or community that tell us about God.

Part 6: Place all the collected photos onto a powerpoint presentation with the ‘God is…’ statement under them.

Part 7: Watch the powerpoint programme to recall what the class ahs expressed about God.

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Part 8: Invite students to make their own ‘creative God’ artwork. Have them choose an aspect of nature and draw or make it, writing what it says about God.

Part 9: Use the powerpoint presentation and Grandad’s Prayers of the Earth, as the basis for prayer to conclude with.

Useful picture story books:

1. Dyer, S. Five Little Fiends. Bloomsbury Publishing: London, 2001Tells the story of five fiends who ‘take’ aspects of creation only to realise their error and put them back.

2. Engebretson, K. Earth – Maker. Desbooks: Northcote, 1987Written for teachers, this book tells creation stories from a variety of nations and suggests activities.

3. Marsden, J. Prayer for the twenty-first century. Lothian: Melbourne, 1997A prayer written to celebrate the new millennium.

4. Pow, T. Who is the world For? Walker Books: London, 2000Makes the point that creation is for all creatures not just humans.

5. Pugh, D & Dunkle, M. Secrets of the rainforest. Highland House: Melbourne, 1994A story of the son of a logger who discovers what awaits in a rainforest.

6. Rosen, M J. The dog who walked with God. Walker Books: London, 1998‘The Great Traveller’ creates the world accompanied by his dog.

7. Sohn Swartz, N. In our image: God’s first creatures. Jewish Lights Publishing: Vermont, 1998

8. Stewart, M. Creation myths. Macmillan: South Melbourne, 1987Graeme Base has illustrated a number of creation stories from around the world.

9. Wood, D. Grandad’s prayers of the earth. Walker Books; London, 2000A story of how the earth prays through nature.

10. Wood, D. Old Turtle. Pfeifer-Hamilton Publishers Michigan: 1992All the animals describe how they know god. When they argue about who is right, Old Turtle reminds them that they are all right.

"Our Creative God" by Margaret CarswellTaken from Echoing the Word Volume 2, No. 4, 2003


Used with permission.

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You might like to explore with your class creative ways for using this A-Z of Mission!

A: ACTS OF THE APOSTLESThe Acts of the Apostles is an account of the earliest times of the mission of the Church. The Church began at Pentecost when the Holy Spirit came upon the community of disciples gathered in Jerusalem. Acts tells us how the original members of the Church, led by the Apostles, spread the Good News of Jesus Christ across many areas of the ancient world.

B: BAPTISMWe are welcomed into the community and mission of the Church when we are baptised. At baptism, we receive the Holy Spirit present in the Church since Pentecost. Through the Holy Spirit, we are united with Jesus Christ and with each other.

C: CHURCH COMMUNITYThe Church community today has its origins in that first Pentecost community of 2000 years ago. The work and life of the Church now includes prayer, liturgy and Sacraments, pastoral care and community life, education and social justice, just as it did in the community in the Acts of the Apostles.

The Church is a community of people, but a special kind of community. It is a community whose life, meaning and purpose come from the presence of the Holy Spirit within it. The Church exists for the good of the world, for the Reign of God.

D: DISCIPLESHIPMary is the model. Mary, the mother of Jesus, is first among the disciples and the model for discipleship for Christians in every age. Mary’s faith and trust in God, her understanding that God’s love is at the heart of all that is good, her prayerfulness, her deep awareness of God’s justice, her care for the well-being of others, and her unselfish goodness offer the light to guide the way of all disciples.

E: EUCHARISTThe Eucharist is at the centre of the mission of the Church. When we celebrate Eucharist, we make Jesus Christ, our risen Lord, truly present with us. Jesus Christ is really present in the Word, in the consecrated Bread and Wine, in the congregation of the people of faith gathered to celebrate the liturgy, and in the person of the priest who presides.

At the end of Mass we are ‘sent’ to take the presence of Jesus Christ into our world, and to be living signs of the presence of Jesus Christ to others, in what we say and do in our everyday lives.

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F: FOREIGN MISSIONSSince the earliest days of the Church there have been people who have travelled to far countries to bring the Good News of the Gospel. Missionaries work with local people in education, health care, community development, social justice and human rights, economic development, self-help projects, and pastoral and spiritual care. G: GOSPELSThe Gospels teach us how to go about the mission of the Church. In the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, we learn that everyone is precious to God, and that God’s love is for all people, and that all are invited to live in God’s love and friendship forever.

Jesus’ words and actions in the Gospels teach us to pray, to love and forgive, to be compassionate and just, to be inclusive of all, to have respect and concern for the worth and well-being of all, especially the poor and vulnerable, and to stand up for what is right whatever the cost. This is Jesus’ blueprint for our mission.

H: HOLY SPIRITIt is through the Holy Spirit that God’s love and presence have been experienced in our human world, since the beginning of time.

God’s Holy Spirit came upon Jesus at his baptism by John the Baptist, and enabled Jesus to act as God would act. Jesus was the sign and presence of God’s peace, God’s justice, God’s reconciliation and God’s compassion in our world.

The Holy Spirit, promised by Jesus, came upon the community at Pentecost, and is still present in the Church. This enables the Church to be the sign and presence of Jesus Christ, our risen Lord, in our world, by acting as Jesus would act.

I: INITIATIONBaptism, Confirmation and Eucharist are Sacraments of Initiation through which we enter into the mission of the Church to be the presence in the world of the love, peace and justice of Jesus Christ. Through these Sacraments, we enter into full belonging in the Church, and we continue to enter more deeply into the life and mission of the Church each time we celebrate Eucharist.

J: JESUSThe mission of Jesus was to bring God’s salvation to our world. The salvation that Jesus came to bring did not only mean life after death in heaven. Jesus, in his words and actions, showed that God’s concern is also for justice and peace, well-being and dignity in this life for all, especially the poor, the powerless and the oppressed. Jesus wanted all people to know how to be truly happy, now and forever. Jesus’ way of living gave people a preview glimpse of life in the fullness of God’s love.

K: KINDNESSLove, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control are the fruit of the Holy Spirit. When people display these qualities, they are showing that the Holy Spirit is really present in their lives, guiding and inspiring them. We bring the Good News by who we are and how we relate with others, as much as by what we do.

L: LOVELove must always be the absolute foundation of every part of the mission of the Church.

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M: MISSION The word ‘mission’ comes from a Latin word meaning ‘to send’. The Holy Spirit has come upon the Church and we have been ‘sent’ on a mission to bring good news to the poor. To accomplish this mission, the Church is empowered by the Holy Spirit

- to bring hope and healing, compassion and reconciliation to the brokenness and suffering of our world,

- to speak and act to end injustice, poverty and oppression,- to protect and safeguard the sacredness, dignity and well-being of all human life and all

creation, - to work for the wholeness, happiness and peace for all

for the good of the world, for the Reign of God.

N: NATURE / CREATIONAll creation is an expression of God’s creative love poured out into our world. We are created by God to live in an interconnected web of life with all God’s creatures and all that God has created. Care for our earth is part of the mission of the Church.

O: ORDERS (RELIGIOUS ORDERS)Religious communities of Religious Sisters, Brothers and priests have played a big role in the mission of the Church. Members of Religious Orders work in parish and pastoral work, in Church leadership, in schools and universities, in the care of the aged, sick and dying, in the media and publishing, in social justice and social welfare ministries, in missions, and in prayer ministry.

P: PEOPLE OF THE CHURCHAll the people of the Church have a role in its mission. The structure of the Church means that the Pope, Cardinals, Archbishops, Bishops, priests, deacons, religious and lay people have different roles and responsibilities. All baptised people have been gifted with the Holy Spirit, and are called to full discipleship in their own circumstances.

Q: QUALITY OF LIFEJesus’ vision for our world was for a quality of life where all could live free from what de-humanizes exploits, excludes and oppresses people, and where love, justice and right relationship are present.

R: REIGN OF GODThe central focus of Jesus’ life and ministry was the Reign of God. The Reign of God will be fully present when all humanity and all creation come into wholeness and fullness of life in God at the end of time. The Reign of God is 'of God', and is beyond the limits of our human grasp.

Jesus offered an experience of the Reign of God in his life and in his ministry with the poor, sinners, the social outcasts, the diseased and disabled. His words and actions restored their wholeness and their sense of worth. There are signs of its presence in our world when people strive for justice, peace, reconciliation and right relationship.

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S: SAINTSSaints matter in our tradition. There are many official, canonized saints. There are differences between them in their lives and deaths, their work and ministry, but they have some things in common. They are acknowledged as saintly, because of their faith and holiness, their love and good works, and what they have given to the mission of the Church.

There are, too, many unofficial, unrecognized saints in our Church story – all the ordinary people of God who have lived good, loving and holy lives in their own family and community.

T: TRADITIONThe tradition of the Church has enabled the Gospel to be handed down from generation to generation for 2000 years. The story, beliefs, teachings and practices of the Church are part of a living tradition that underpins the mission of the Church.

From time to time, some teachings and practices need to be expressed in a different way so that they will have meaning for the people of the time. Changes in knowledge and understanding can also lead to changes in Church teaching and practice. This helps to keep Church tradition alive and relevant.

U: UNIVERSALThe mission of the Church is for the whole world, to bring the peace of Christ to all people. The word ‘catholic’ means universal.

V: VOCATIONEach baptised person is called to be part of the mission of the Church within the way of life that is most authentic for themselves. A Christian vocation may be to life as a priest, as a Religious Brother or Sister, as a single person, or to marriage and family.

W: WORLDThe mission of the Church is to be part of the life of the world, and not separate from it. The mission includes becoming involved and active in issues and events in the world, especially those that concern justice, human freedom and dignity, and the well-being of all people and all creation.

X: EXAMPLEJesus is the light to lead the way. His way of living and being in the world, his words and actions provide the best example to follow.

Y: YOUNG PEOPLEYoung people are very important to the Church. Many young people are actively involved in the life and work of the Church, in liturgy social justice, community development, and pastoral care.In July 2008, Pope Benedict XVI will be in Sydney for World Youth Day which will involve huge numbers of young people from Australia and countries all over the world.

Z: ZEST FOR LIFEThe mission of the Church is best supported by people of hope who have enthusiasm, dedication and zest for life.

Clare Horan Echoing the Word

Vol. 6 No. 4, 2007 A Missionary ChurchUsed with permission

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A One Day Retreat at Schoolfor middle primary classes

This introductory school-day retreat for middle primary students- can use school facilities with simple modifications to your usual classroom, or other

purpose rooms which can be set up for this particular purpose on the day; - is in tabloid format, consisting of eight 30 minute discrete segments, each with its own

leader for the day;- allows time for whole-group gatherings at the beginning and end of the day, and a 5-10

minute changeover between segments;- works best with groups of about 15 students, where possible;- requires that each segment be prepared in such a way that materials used can be

distributed and where necessary, reserved quietly and gently.

Formed in God’s LovePrepare two separate areas: one for students to sit and listen to a reflection, the

other for a clay modelling activity as a response to the reflection, with quiet music playing in the background.Part 1: ReflectionSit gently and quietly, and be at peace.Keep you back straight, and relax your hands in your lap.Breathe slowly in… out… in… out…Close your eyes gently, and listen carefully to these words that are for you:Do you know what a unique, extraordinary and infinitely valuable person you are? Do you know how much you matter to God, to your family and friends, and all who care about you, and to our world? Do you how much you are loved? Do you know that your story is a story of love? Your story is part of a wonderful human story, a story that has its beginning back in the mists of time, a story that has grown over thousands of years, a story that has been built, piece by piece, out of love – God’s love. God’s love has always been at the heart of your story.Let us think about that story, your story, now.Long, long ago before time began, there was only God, and God’s love. Nothing else; just God and God’s love. There was so much love, and God wanted to share it, and so God brought our world into being so that God could share all that love with everyone and everything God created.

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From the very beginning of time, God’s love was waiting for you. When the sky and the stars and the sun and the moon and the earth were being formed, God’s love was waiting for you. When the sea and the clouds and rivers and the mountains were being formed, God’s love was waiting for you. When the trees and the flowers and the animals and the birds were being formed, God’s love was waiting for you. When the first people began to live on our earth and began to be friends with God, God’s love was waiting for you. When people first began to live as families, and to share God’s love with each other, to care for each other, and to help each other to grow and to be happy, God’s love was waiting for you. Your life came into being because your parents loved each other, and chose to become a family so they could share their love with others. God’s love was with them. God’s love, which had been waiting for you since before the beginning of time, was with you from the first moment of conception, the first moment of your life. Before anyone else knew about you, God knew you were there and God loved you. Your family loved you as they waited for you to come into the world. When you were born, they were filled with total happiness as they came face to face with the miracle and mystery and gift of your life, the wonder of the newborn baby who was you. They loved you with all their hearts. When the people who loved you, saw you for the first time, they knew God’s love was there with them. They remembered how much God loved them. They realised how much they loved their family. They could see how precious and wonderful life is. They understood how precious the people we love are. They thought about how important love is in our world. As you have grown to become the person you are today, the circle of people who know you and love you has grown, as you have made friends and built relationships. There are so many ways in which God’s love is present in your life.Each year you move to a new stage in your life and your growing up; with new challenges, new responsibilities, new opportunities, new understandings. As you grow, know that there are many people to support you and care about you, and that their love is with you in all the ups and downs of your life. Know that you matter; you matter absolutely, to your family and friends, to our world. You are precious to God; God’s love will be with you every step of your way through your life.

Part 2: Clay modellingInvite students to work individually with modelling clay to express this reflection in their own way. Play suitable quiet music in the background.

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Photo-story Prayer

In this ICT segment students are asked to prepare short photo- story prayers or reflections for use in class or in assembly. Suitable base texts may include Francis of Assisi’s Canticle of Creation, the Golden Rule (Matthew 7:12), the Prayer of St Francis, a verse or chorus from an appropriate song, reflection from a children’s prayer book, selected verses from a Psalm such as Psalm 104, or another appropriate text.

At the Heart of Life

Prepare a selection of copies of mandala-type patterns and colouring pencils. Quiet music should be played as a background to this activity.After some introductory discussion, students are invited to add colour to these patterns to express their perception of God’s loving presence at the heart of our lives and our world. A later opportunity for individuals to discuss how they have gone about this may be helpful.

Liturgical Movement

This segment needs a CD of an appropriate reflective religious song, the words of the song displayed, and a selection of simple symbolic movements. Step 1: Students sit quietly and listen to the song.Step 2: Explain principles of liturgical dance and movement, and how these may differ

from other dance expressions. Step 3: Outline, demonstrate and rehearse a selection of symbolic movements.Step 4: Using displayed song words, discuss which symbolic movements might

express particular word sets.Step 5: ‘Walk’ through the song using movements as chosen above.Step 6: Perform the movements as the song is played. Repeat.Step 7: If time allows, small groups may like to apply the movements to create a more

individual expression of the song.

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Myself: A reflection

Prepare paper and pencils for a follow-up expression of the reflection. Play quiet background music. Pause as appropriate while reading the reflection.

To prepare for this reflection, sit with your back straight, your hands resting on your lap, and your eyes closed gently. Take note of your breathing, as you breathe slowly and easily. Let go of what you have been doing, saying, thinking about. Just be in this moment. God is with you. God’s love is wrapped around you. You are totally loved. Feel God’s presence and love with you now.

Think about the person you are, with your own special gifts and qualities and ways of doing things. Name some of those qualities for yourself. Now take your time to choose one quality, one part of being yourself that enables you to act in a way that is loving and life-giving for yourself and for others. Let your mind go back to a particular time when you acted this way, and brought good to the world.

In the quiet of your heart, talk to God about that time. Tell God how you felt then, and how you feel now. Give thanks to God for that time, and for the gifts that enabled you to act in that way at that time.

Think about what you can do to help this loving, life-giving quality to grow within you, and shape how you act. Ask God to help you with this. God listens to you with love.Now, in your heart, talk to God about one aspect of your way of being in which you would like to be more loving and more life-giving, towards yourself and towards others. Choose just one. Think of a time when you did not speak or act as you would like to have done. Think of how you might do things differently another time. Talk quietly to God about how you would like to change this part of your behaviour, and grow in love and happiness. Ask God to help you. God listens to you with love.

Think about how you would like to be all the time. Tell God what you are thinking. Ask God to help you. Entrust your hopes and dreams to God, who has given you the gift of your life, and the gift of your special qualities.

Be aware of God’s loving presence, and of your own goodness which is a gift from God, as your mind comes back into this space, when you are ready.

Peace be with you.

Students are then invited to write, illustrate or express in their own way their thoughts and reactions to this reflection time.

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Keeping Things in Perspective

Prepare a set of flashcards, each displaying one of the following words: CATASTROPHE, DISASTER, TRAGEDY, CAUSE OF GREAT ANXIETY, SETBACK, SERIOUS ISSUE, DIFFICULTY, DISAPPOINTMENT, UPSET, PROBLEM, INCONVENIENCE, IRRITATION, TRIVIAL ISSUE and any other words that might belong along this continuum.

Prepare a second set of flashcards, and five to six sets of identical small cards, each printed with one of the following: One million refugees in Darfur region in Sudan; football team loses final; 80 die, 10 000 homeless following earthquake; young person misses friend’s birthday party because of chickenpox; millions poor and hungry; drought causes water crisis; young person teased and bullied by others for length of time; young person not allowed to watch favourite TV program for week as behaviour consequence; two members of local community die in road smash; child diagnosed with life-threatening illness; Olympic Gold Medal hopeful withdraws injured; home badly damaged in fire; mobile phone stolen; student makes mean remark to another student; weather causes class to miss turn on play equipment for a few weeks; tsunami kills 300 000; student placed in different workgroup from friends; group of students regularly exclude others from playground games; child loses new set of pencils; plus others as appropriate. Brainstorm events, issues etc. that upset or annoy students. List these without discussion, and reserve the list for later use.

Shuffle the first set of flashcards and spread them out. If necessary, invite students to clarify their meanings. As a group exercise, list these in order of their seriousness. Invite suggestions for possible examples of each.

Arrange students into groups of three or four and give each group a copy of the second set of cards. Ask the groups to arrange the cards in order from the most to the least serious, as their group members see it. It may be appropriate to follow this exercise with some class discussion. Invite students to reflect on what they can learn about dealing with the everyday stuff of their lives, within the context of life in the whole world. Have students prepare a short prayer or reflection about this to share with the whole group.

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Our Earth: Our ResponsibilityIn preparation, select 10-15 minutes of viewing from a DVD such as Planet Earth, Earth From Above etc.

After viewing the DVD segment, ask students brainstorm and list the environmental issues now challenging our world. Discuss how global, community and personal attitudes and behaviours interact to affect the wellbeing of our earth for better or for worse.

Under the heading, “The only behaviour I can change is my own”, create a new list of actions and decisions through which young people can meet their own responsibilities to save our earth. Canvass a wide range of possibilities, including litter and waste issues such as container use, walking and taking public transport with their families, their use of water and power (such as personal TVs etc), avoiding damage etc. Where possible, connect these details to the earlier list of issues.

Conclude this segment with a prayer for a change within our own hearts.

We Pray for our WorldHave a display consisting of posters, newspaper and magazine headlines and articles, kits such a Photo-language etc. ready for students to view. Prepare pages with interesting borders, together with pencils etc. for writing prayers on.

Students are invited to take a few minutes to examine a display of a variety of images illustrating the human condition in our world today.

Each student is asked to select three different images which will form the basis of a group discussion about the human issues facing our world. This is followed by a quiet time in which students are asked to write three prayers related to the images they have chosen onto one of the prepared sheets of paper. These sheets of paper should be collected and made into books which can be used for later class prayer.

A One Day Retreat at School Clare Horan

Echoing the WordVol. 7 No. 2, 2008 Retreats-Nourishing the Spirit


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Hymns and MusicA Song Of Praise (Monica Brown – Praise & Blessings)

Celebrate (Monica Brown – Praise & Blessings)

Celebrating the Spirit (John Burland – Celebrating The Sacraments)

Children Of Our Time (Ray Paxton – As One Voice For Kids)

Come Holy Spirit (Michael Mangan – Sing Jubilee)

Come Holy Spirit (Monica Brown – Special Collection Revised Edition)

Come Holy Spirit (Hilary Raimondo – As One voice For Kids)

Come Sacred Spirit (Monica Brown – Praise & Blessings)

Come Spirit Come (Tim Bolton & Min Flipo – As One Voice For Kids)

Cosmic Hymn of Praise (Michael Mangan – Setting Hearts On Fire)

The Face of God (Andrew Chinn - These Hands)

God Has Chosen Me (Bernadette Farrell – As One Voice/Vol & Gather Australia)

Go Now In Peace (Monica Brown – Praise & Blessings)

I’ll Sing Your Song (Erica Marshall- As One Voice/Vol 1)

In Your Spirit (Monica Brown – Quiet My Soul)

Holy Is The Spirit Of The Lord (Carey Landry – A Wonderful Song Of Joy)

Holy Sacred Spirit (Monica Brown – Holy Ground)

Holy Spirit Come (Hillsong – The Stone’s Been Rolled Away)

Holy Spirit Of Fire (Michael Mangan – Setting Hearts On Fire)

Holy Spirit Live In Us (John Burland – Celebrating The Sacraments)

One For Others (Trish Watts & Monica O’Brien – As One Voice For Kids)

Send Forth Your Spirit O Lord (C. Walker – As One Voice/Vol 1 & Gather

Australia)

Send Down The Fire (Marty Haugen – As One Voice/Vol1)

Spirit Come Transform (G. Norbett- As One Voice/Vol 1 & Gather Australia)

Spirit of God (Andrew Chinn - This Day)

Spirit Of Life (M. Mangan – As One Voice/Vol2)

That All May Be One (A. Chinn - Let Your Light Shine)

The Great Southland (G. Bullock – As One Voice/Vol 2)

The Song Of Creation (Monica Brown – Praise & Blessings)

The Gifts Of The Spirit (John Burland – Sacred Moments)

Warm Our Hearts (Erica Marshall – As One Voice/Vol 1)

Weave One Heart (Marty Haugen – As One Voice For Kids)

You Are Mine (David Haas – As One Voice/Vol 2 & Gather Australia)

© 2008 Emmaus Productions

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INFORMATION WHICH CAN BE USED WITH PARENTS

AS THE TEACHING AND LEARNING PROGRAM

PROGRESSES AND/OR

AS NEWSLETTER RESOURCESAND/OR

MATERIAL FOR PARENT INFORMATION EVENINGS

IDEAS FOR PARENTS Help nurture the faith of your child during this year by:

• Encouraging them to reflect on times they have experienced inner strength to do what is right and good. Encourage them to use their conscience in decision making.

• Inviting your child to share with you examples of Christian heroes they have learned about in class who were strengthened by the Spirit to show heroic love. Talk to them about the Saint or Blessed whose name has been chosen as your child’s Confirmation name. Spend some time researching or reading about the lives of Saints and other Christian heroes.

• Sharing with them memories, photos, certificates from your own Confirmation or the Confirmation of other family members, friends, etc.

• Sharing Gospel stories about Jesus. Reflect on the way Jesus drew on his inner spiritual strength, to stand up for others and to do things which were difficult.

• Joining in parish celebrations of the Eucharist to help your child to know that the parish community is a place where they will always be welcomed and accepted as they are. That in the parish community they will be strengthened and encouraged on their life journey and also challenged to be the very best they can be.

• Inviting your child to explain their understanding of the gifts of the Spirit, and life situations

to which these gifts apply, encouraging them to ask questions and helping them determine the best, most accurate way of finding truthful answers

• Praying .... with and for your child .... your family .... the world.These sites might be helpful: http://sacredspace.ie/

http://churchresources.info/pray/

You might like to use the prayer the celebrant will pray over your child as a prayer you pray for them throughout their lives.

God of Love“Send your Holy Spirit upon them to be their Helper and Guide.Give them the spirit of wisdom and understanding,the spirit of right judgment and courage,the spirit of knowledge and reverence.Fill them with the spirit of wonder and awe in your presence.Amen.”

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http://churchresources.info/pray/

http://sacredspace.ie/

The History of Confirmation

Some of the current confusion about the sacrament results from the separation between Baptism and Confirmation after the 6th century. In the early Church, the bishop laid hands on the newly baptised and anointed them as part of the baptismal rite. The joining of the water bath and anointing was meant to show the link between Jesus’ baptism and the outpouring of the Spirit on his mission.

As Christianity spread, however, it became difficult for the bishop to anoint numerous converts. This part of the rite was deferred to a later time when he could visit the parish. Gradually, the post-baptismal anointing became known as “Confirmation” and the candidates, rather than being newly baptised, were people who had been baptised years before.

In the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, the original practice has been restored. Now in this rite, regardless of age, people receive all three sacraments of initiation at once: Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. In the Eastern Church, where the anointing was not reserved to the bishop and could be done by the priest, no separation between sacraments occurred; all are celebrated together.

Parents should remember that this is not the first outpouring of the Spirit upon their child. That happened in Baptism. Confirmation candidates have lived in the faith of the Church for some time. On their 25th anniversary, a couple may repeat the same marriage vows, but they say them in a different context than when they were first married. With all the weight of experience behind them, the vows may be even more meaningful.

So Confirmation celebrates the Spirit who has always been present in the young person’s life, making him/her more like Christ, strengthening him/her to continue God’s work.

Symbols of Confirmation

In liturgy we use religious symbols to remind us of the presence of God. It is hard for any parent to put love for a child or spouse into language; how much harder it is to name God’s presence among us. Bread torn reminds us of God’s longing to nourish us, oil smeared reminds us that God strengthens us for the journey and anoints us with a special task in life, wine poured reminds us of a God who pours life and love into the world. These symbols remind us that God’s love is working to transform our world into a place were all are accepted and all are valued and our call to participate in bringing about that transformation.

In Confirmation these concrete symbols and actions, call us to remember that God is among us. Through the laying on of hands, the anointing with chrism and the words; ‘Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit’, we receive the same Spirit that Jesus received at his baptism and that the apostles received at Pentecost. We join the same Spirit-filled community to which great saints belonged: Catherine of Siena, Thomas More, Teresa of Avila.

Let’s reflect, then, on the symbols of Confirmation:

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http://www.americancatholic.org/Messenger/May2002/Feature2.asp#top%23top

http://www.americancatholic.org/Messenger/May2002/Feature2.asp#top%23top

Laying on of Hands. Remember how often Jesus touched the people he healed? See, for instance, the cure of Jairus’ sick daughter (Mark 5:21-24, 35-43). Elsewhere in Scripture, the laying on of hands brought the Spirit’s life-giving power for service and ministry (see Acts 6:6 and 13:3). Through the ritual gesture, our children are blessed and empowered to bring their unique gifts to the people of God.

Anointing With Chrism. The word chrism is related to the word Christ, which means “anointed.” The ancient Hebrews anointed kings and priests, marking that person as sacred. Later, Christians called Jesus the Christ, the Messiah, the anointed one. When the bishop blesses the oil during Holy Week, he invokes the Spirit so that those to be anointed will share in Christ’s “royal, priestly and prophetic honour.”

When our children are anointed, then, they share in Jesus’ mission. In the Confirmation rite the anointing strengthens them to become more like Christ.

Signing With the Cross. Our children are familiar with insignia which mark one a member of a certain fraternity, sorority or military branch. Gang colours identify their members, as uniforms do theirs. What does it mean to be marked with the sign of the cross? It grounds our life firmly in Jesus’ life and empowers us to remain faithful in adversity.

Marking our children with the cross at Confirmation, as they were marked at Baptism, reminds them of their Christian identity, their call to mission and their invitation to be the presence of Jesus in the world. Young people who seek heroes can identify here with the greatest hero who ever lived. Jesus in turn calls them to love the difficult and to live out the adage that youth was made for heroism.

Gift of Peace. The exchange of peace is an ancient ritual that transcends divisions in the community. It points to an underlying unity that comes from the Spirit. Our children belong to the Body of Christ, (the Church), which tries to live as a community which welcomes and accepts all people.

Sponsors. The support of the entire community is focused in the sponsors chosen by the person being confirmed. The Rite of Confirmation states that a sponsor must be spiritually fit to take on the responsibility and need to have the following qualities:

Be members of the catholic Church and have undergone their own Christian initiation through Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation.

Be free from any impediment of canonical law (be living as the Church asks) so as to fulfil the office of sponsor.

Be at least sixteen years of age. Where possible be a sponsor from Baptism so as to show the link between

Baptism and Confirmation.

Parents may not be sponsors for their child, but may in exceptional circumstances present their child for Confirmation as a proxy for the baptismal godparents or absent sponsors.

Rite of Conf #6, #5, CCL 893, CCL 874

How One Becomes A Saint

The official process for declaring someone a saint is called canonization.Today the process proceeds as follows: When a person dies who has "fame of sanctity" or "fame of martyrdom," the Bishop of the Diocese usually initiates the investigation. One element is whether any special favour or miracle has been granted through this

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candidate saint's intercession. All of this information is gathered, and then a transumptum, a faithful copy, duly authenticated and sealed, is submitted to the Congregation for the Causes of the Saints.

Once the cause is accepted by the Congregation, further investigation is conducted. If the candidate was a martyr, the Congregation determines whether he died for the faith and truly offered his life in a sacrifice of love for Christ and the Church. In other cases, the congregation examines to see if the candidate was motivated by a profound charity towards his neighbour, and practiced the virtues in an exemplary manner and with heroism. Throughout this investigation the "general promoter of the faith," or devil's advocate, raises objections and doubts which must be resolved. Once a candidate is declared to have lived life with heroic virtue, he/she may be declared Venerable.

The next step is beatification. A martyr may be beatified and declared "Blessed" by virtue of martyrdom itself. Otherwise, the candidate must be credited with a miracle. In verifying the miracle, the Church looks at whether God truly performed a miracle and whether the miracle was in response to the intercession of the candidate saint.

Once beatified, the candidate saint may be venerated but with restriction to a city, diocese, region, or religious family. After beatification, another miracle is needed for canonization and the formal declaration of sainthood.

Through Baptism our names are made holy but there has been a tradition in the Australian Church for Confirmation candidates to choose a saint’s name for Confirmation. To show the link with Baptism, the candidates are encouraged to use their baptismal name if this is the name of a saint. If in their journey towards Confirmation the person being confirmed is inspired by the life of another saint or blessed (different to their Baptism name) they may choose this saints name. This saint or blessed is a role-model for living a Christian life and a saint to pray for and with the confirmed person throughout their life.

The sacrament of Confirmation celebrated at church is only the beginning. It continues the journey which began at Baptism when with all the love and hopes you as parents have for your children stirred you to bring them forward to be baptised into a community of faith and to know the presence of God in their lives. Confirmation is another reminder of the love God has for each person and the desire of God for these young people to be filled with the Gifts of wisdom, understanding, right judgement, courage, reverence and wonder and awe so that they might be guided and helped throughout their lives to grow to their fullest potential and strengthening them to bring hope to the world.

You might like to use the prayer the celebrant will pray over your child as a prayer you pray for them throughout their lives.

God of Love“Send your Holy Spirit upon them to be their Helper and Guide.Give them the spirit of wisdom and understanding,the spirit of right judgment and courage,the spirit of knowledge and reverence.Fill them with the spirit

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of wonder and awe in your presence.Amen.”The ideas in this article are drawn from Confirmation: Anointed and Sealed With the Spirit, by Thomas Morris and Kathy

Coffey, published by Living the Good News (phone 800-824-1813).

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FOR PARENTSThe Church proclaims that parents are the first educators of their children — whether it be teaching them how to walk and talk, how to ride a bike, how to play with their friends or how to experience their faith. As people of God, it is one of our responsibilities to share our faith with our children. This is not always an easy thing to do and so we, as a Parish community, are on this journey with you. During this time of Confirmation, it is our goal to support you in preparing your child for the Sacrament of Confirmation. Confirmation is a sacrament through which we receive the Holy Spirit to make us stronger. It is a sacrament of our initiation which began in Baptism and continues in the Eucharist. Children need to have been baptised in a Catholic Church and to have received Eucharist to receive this Sacrament.

As parents, you are on the ground floor of the faith formation of your young person. You have given them a strong foundation already, and now you have another opportunity to encourage them to grow in their faith. Even though it may seem like they are not listening to you (middle school seems to have the effect), they are most definitely watching. The way that you interact with other, how you set your priorities and the way that you put away dishes are all ways they learn how to live and make sense of this world. With this there are a couple of things that your parish family is asking of you during this confirmation program.

Keep your young person in your prayers. Pray that God may help them to grow to live lives that contribute to making the world a better place and that God will strengthen them to overcome all the temptations that life has to offer. Ask God to help them to know their worth and the value of their life. Try to find time in your own life where you can pause to think about where God is in your life and in the every day moments of life .... the magnificent sunset ... the cooling breeze of the afternoon .... the hand of a friend ... the opening of a flower. Parenting is a gift that God offers us, it comes wrapped in many layers of wrapping and God wants to be there with us through the tearing of all the paper.

Try to make Confirmation a focus. There are things that jockey for position in your hectic schedule and then there are emergencies that come up too, but try to attend all meetings and enrolment ceremonies and to talk to your child often about how much you are looking forward to them taking this step in their life. Being together at meetings connects us as a community and gives you an opportunity to reflect on the really important things in life. The witness you give to the value of this step in your child’s life speaks powerfully to your young person. Children value what their parents’ value. Confirmation is an opportunity to think about what you really want for your child and the type of person you want them to grow to be and how the Church can support them in the future.

Confirmation is not an end; it’s a new beginning. It is a pause along the journey where we refocus our lives on our Christian call. Every Confirmation offers us an opportunity to remember that we were sealed with the Gifts of the Holy Spirit to live like Christ. May this time of preparation remind you of the God who loves you, of Christ who journeys with you and of the Spirit who strengthens you. Amen

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GLOSSARYBeatitude The Greek makarios meaning blessed or happy. It is the promise Jesus gave to those who develop the basic attitudes he identified as necessary to experience God [Matthew 5:3–12].

Cannonization The official process for declaring someone a saint is called canonization.Today the process proceeds as follows: When a person dies who has "fame of sanctity" or "fame of martyrdom," the Bishop of the Diocese usually initiates the investigation. One element is whether any special favour or miracle has been granted through this candidate saint's intercession. All of this information is gathered, and then a transumptum, a faithful copy, duly authenticated and sealed, is submitted to the Congregation for the Causes of the Saints.

Once the cause is accepted by the Congregation, further investigation is conducted. If the candidate was a martyr, the Congregation determines whether he died for the faith and truly offered his life in a sacrifice of love for Christ and the Church. In other cases, the congregation examines to see if the candidate was motivated by a profound charity towards his neighbour, and practiced the virtues in an exemplary manner and with heroism. Throughout this investigation the "general promoter of the faith," or devil's advocate, raises objections and doubts which must be resolved. Once a candidate is declared to have lived life with heroic virtue, he/she may be declared Venerable.

The next step is beatification. A martyr may be beatified and declared "Blessed" by virtue of martyrdom itself. Otherwise, the candidate must be credited with a miracle. In verifying the miracle, the Church looks at whether God truly performed a miracle and whether the miracle was in response to the intercession of the candidate saint.

Once beatified, the candidate saint may be venerated but with restriction to a city, diocese, region, or religious family. After beatification, another miracle is needed for canonization and the formal declaration of sainthood.

Commandments More properly known as the Ten Words (or Decalogue) [e.g. Deuteronomy4:13]; the ten sayings that summarise the laws of God, given as part of theSinai Covenant around 1250 BC. Known as the Old Law, they formed thefirst stage of revealed Divine Law. Their purpose was to prescribe the basichuman behaviour required for a relationship with God who is pure loveand goodness [Catechism 1961-1964, 2059].

Confirmation The second of the three Sacraments of Initiation, the other two being Baptism and the Eucharist. Confirmation strengthens the spiritual gifts received through Baptism, and gives the special strength of the Holy Spirit to spread and defend the Christian faith through action and words. The purpose of this Sacrament is to strengthen people in their faith. During the ceremony, the celebrant, usually a bishop, while placing his hand on the head of the candidate, anoints their forehead with the oil of Chrism, saying ‘Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit.’

Chrism A mixture of olive oil and balsam, which is blessed by the Bishop during the Mass of the Chrism during Holy Week. Chrism was first mixed at God’s command as part of the Sinai Covenant [Exodus 30:22–33]. Chrism is used today in conferring Confirmation. It is used also as a symbol during celebrations of Baptism and Holy Orders. The word chrism is related to the word Christ, which means “anointed”.

Deacon A minister ordained within the Church to assist a bishop by proclaiming the Word of God, and serving in the worship and governance of the Church. A deacon is empowered to do this through the Sacrament of Holy Orders [Catechism 1596].

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Martyr One who has been killed because of her or his faith in Christ and the Gospel message.

Pentecost The Jewish Festival of Weeks, held annually fifty days after the feast of the Passover. Originally this feast marked the end of the wheat harvest. Later it came to commemorate as well the appearance of God to the People of Israel at Mount Sinai [Exodus 19:16–25]. The significance of Pentecost for Christians is that the Holy Spirit came upon the Apostles when they gathered to celebrate this Jewish feast after the resurrection of Jesus. Pentecost today is the conclusion of the Easter season.

Sacrament of Initiation One of the three Sacraments instituted by Jesus so that believers canreceive all the spiritual gifts needed to live the Christian life. There arethree Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist.Baptism must be received before any of the other Sacraments can havetheir effects.

Soul The life spirit of a person, created personally by God and which lives forever.

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Essential Resource for Schools

“Celebrating the Gift of the Spirit”Liturgical Guidelines for Confirmation in the

Archdiocese of Perth

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