Junior High Session
Deuteronomy 4:32-34, 39-40
Matthew 28:16-20
Opening Prayer
Let us pray.
God-Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
help us come to know you better each day,
so that we may go out and spread your love to others.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit we pray. Amen.
Opening Life Reflection
The main topic for today is the Holy Trinity. To begin, invite the young people to create a cross collage that represents how people can create a better world. Provide newspapers and magazines, scissors, glue and a large cross cut out of poster board. Invite the young people to find and cut out pictures of people helping to create a better world. Have them come forward and glue the pictures onto the large cross. Discuss:
• What does this cross collage represent?
• How can ordinary people make a difference in the world today?
• How does the Holy Trinity help us to create a better world?
Allow time for discussion. We believe that there is one God in three persons-Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The Holy Trinity is always with us, helping us to make a difference in the world.
Listening to the Word of God
In the Old Testament reading today, listen to find out what great and generous things God has done for the chosen people.
Read Deuteronomy 4:32-34, 39-40.
Allow for silence.
Scripture Discussion Starters
• What has God done for the chosen people?
• How are God's people called to live in the world?
• Why is it important for the people to keep God's commandments?
In the gospel today, listen to Jesus command his disciples to go out and make a difference in the world.
Read Matthew 28:16-20.
Allow for silence.
• Where do the disciples encounter Jesus?
• How does Jesus tell the disciples to go out and make a difference in the world?
• How does Jesus help the disciples understand that they will never be alone?
Scripture Background
Provide 2-3 minutes of background information on the readings using the Catechist Background section.
Today's first reading from the Old Testament reminds the chosen that God is near. The power of God's love has always been with the people of Israel. Today's passage is attributed to Moses. His words help the people recognize the greatness and generosity of God. In response, the people are called to remain faithful to the covenant.
In today's gospel the disciples encounter Jesus on a mountain top. Jesus tells them to go forth and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Jesus commissions his followers to go out and make a difference in the world. He tells them that they are not alone. Jesus will always be with them.
Questions for Deeper Reflection
• Why does Jesus commission the disciples to go out to "all nations?"
• How do followers of Jesus spread his gospel today?
• How is Jesus with us in our daily lives?
[If you are not going to continue with the doctrinal discussion, proceed to the Gospel in Life.]
Doctrinal Discussion Starter
The Holy Trinity
We believe in one God, who is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. At baptism we are baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Catholic teaching describes the Trinity as the central mystery of our Christian faith because it is the mystery of God's very self.
There are important aspects of the teaching on the Trinity. First, the Trinity is One. We do not believe in three Gods, but one God in three persons. Second, we believe that there are three divine Persons--Father, Son, and Holy Spirit-who are whole and complete. The person of the Father is distinct from that of the Son, the Son is distinct from the Father, and the Spirit is distinct from the Father and Son. Third, the divine persons of the Trinity are relative to one another. The relationship between them is so close; it unites them as one God.
• What do we believe about the Holy Trinity?
• Why is the Trinity a mystery of our Christian faith?
• How can we grow in our understanding of the Holy Trinity?
Sacrament Connection
The Church's teaching on the Holy Trinity is so basic to our faith that at baptism we are baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
The Gospel in Life
How can your actions this week reflect the action of God in the world?
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