Intermediate Session
Acts 2:1-11
John 20:19-23
Opening Prayer
Let us pray.
Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful.
And kindle in them the fire of your love.
(Traditional Prayer to the Holy Spirit)
Opening Life Reflection
The topic for today is the Holy Spirit and Confirmation. To begin invite the children to brainstorm what they like best about birthdays. Write down their responses on a chalkboard or sheet of poster paper. Discuss:
• What are some decorations that are used to celebrate birthdays?
• What foods are eaten at birthday celebration?
• Why are gifts given?
Allow time for discussion. On today's feast of Pentecost we celebrate the birthday of the Church. When the Church was born the Holy Spirit gave the people many gifts.
Listening to the Word of God
In the first reading from Acts of the Apostles listen to find out what happens when the gift of the Holy Spirit is given to the disciples on the day of Pentecost.
Read Acts 2:1-11.
Allow for silence.
Scripture Discussion Starters
• What does the gift of the Spirit help the disciples do?
• What do the symbols of wind and fire represent?
• Why do the disciples speak in many languages?
In the gospel today listen to how Jesus gives his disciples the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Read John 20:19-23.
Allow for silence.
• Why are the disciples meeting behind locked doors?
• How does Jesus give his disciples the gift of the Holy Spirit?
• What does Jesus tell his disciples to do?
Scripture Background
Provide 2-3 minutes of background information on the readings using the Catechist Background section.
Today's feast of Pentecost celebrates the coming of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples. On Pentecost the Church celebrates its birth. It is the last Sunday of Easter and brings the Church's Easter Season to a close.
The first reading from Acts tells the story of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit with sounds of rushing wind and with tongues of fire coming to rest on each disciple. The Holy Spirit helps the disciples to go out and courageously proclaim the Good News.
Today's gospel begins with the disciples gathered in fear behind locked doors. Then something drastic happens and their fear turns to joy. The Risen Lord comes to the disciples with a greeting of peace. He commands them to go fourth, giving each of them the gift of the Holy Spirit. Jesus gives the Spirit by breathing on the disciples.
Questions for Deeper Reflection
• What do we celebrate on Pentecost?
• How does the Holy Spirit help the disciples?
• How does the Holy Spirit help us?
[If you are not going to continue with the doctrinal discussion, proceed to the Gospel in Life.]
Doctrinal Discussion Starters
The Holy Spirit and Confirmation
There are many names for the Holy Spirit, such as "Spirit of God," "Paraclete," and "Advocate." All these names tell us something about the third person of the Holy Trinity. Catholics understand that the Holy Spirit shares in the same divine nature as God the Father and God the Son, Jesus Christ.
The Holy Spirit makes Christ present in the Church and in the world. The Spirit kindles in the hearts of believers the fire of faith giving them the courage to tell others about Jesus. The Spirit gives the believing community gifts of healing, unity and love. Because of the gifts of the Spirit, we can live as Christians in the world. By the power of the Holy Spirit the work of Jesus continues in those who follow him.
* What are some names for the Holy Spirit?
* How do the symbols of wind and fire help us understand the Holy Spirit?
* What gifts does the Spirit give to those who follow Jesus?
Sacrament Connection
In the sacrament of Confirmation the Holy Spirit comes to us in a very special way. Confirmation is one of the three sacraments of initiation. Through the gifts of the Spirit in Confirmation, we receive the grace to be true witnesses of Christ in the world.
The Gospel in Life
How can you use your gifts to help the Church to grow this week?
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