Intermediate Session
Acts 2:1-11
John 20:19-23
Opening Prayer
Let us pray.
Come Holy Spirit,
fill the hearts of you faithful, and kindle in them the fire of your love.
Amen.
Opening Life Reflection
The topic for today is the Holy Spirit. Provide each child with red ribbon, scissors and a pin. Invite the children to create pins by folding the ribbon in a loop and pinning it together. Explain that on the feast of Pentecost we celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit being given to the disciples. The red pins represent the tongues of fire that rested on the heads of Jesus’ disciples. Discuss:
- How is the Holy Spirit like fire?
- What are some other symbols of the Holy Spirit?
- Why did Jesus send the Holy Spirit to his disciples?
Allow time for discussion. On Pentecost the Church celebrates the outpouring of the Holy Spirit through signs of wind and fire.
Listening to the Word of God
In the first reading from Acts of the Apostles, listen to what happens when the Holy Spirit is given to the disciples.
Read Acts 2:1-11.
Allow for silence.
Scripture Discussion Starters
- How is the Holy Spirit given to the disciples?
- What symbols represent the outpouring of the Spirit?
- What does the Holy Spirit help the disciples to do?
In the Gospel today, listen to find out how Jesus gives his disciples the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Read John 20:19-23.
Allow for silence.
- Why are the disciples afraid?
- How does Jesus give the Holy Spirit to his disciples?
- How does the gift of the Spirit change the disciples?
- 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 sending of the Spirit upon the Church. On the fiftieth day of Easter the Church celebrates its birth. On the feast of Pentecost the Easter season comes to a close.
The first reading from Acts tells about the outpouring of the Holy Spirit through signs of wind and fire. All the disciples are gathered together in one place, when suddenly a loud sound like wind fills the room and tongues like fire come to rest on each disciple. The Holy Spirit enables the disciples to speak in languages they never knew before. The crowd understands what the disciples are speaking about the wonders of God. Today’s first reading shows how the gift of the Spirit enables the good news to be proclaimed in such a way that the entire world can understand.
In the Gospel passage we find the disciples gathered in fear behind locked doors. Suddenly, Jesus appears to his friends and breathes new life into them. Jesus gives the Holy Spirit by the action of breathing on the disciples, which recalls God’s act of creation. The gift of the Spirit changes the hearts of the disciples. Their fear is changed to joyful conviction, and they are empowered to go forth and forgive the sins of others.
Questions for Deeper Reflection
- Why do we celebrate Pentecost?
- How does the Holy Spirit change the hearts of Jesus’ disciples?
- How does the Holy Spirit help you?
[If you are not going to continue with the doctrinal discussion, proceed to the Gospel in Life.]
Doctrinal Discussion Starters
The Holy Spirit
The Catholic Church teaches that the Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity. The Holy Spirit in both Hebrew and Christian scriptures is given many names, such as “Spirit of God,” “Breath of God,” “Paraclete,” and “Advocate.” Every Sunday Catholics who gather at Mass declare their belief in the Holy Spirit by proclaiming: “We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord and Giver of Life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son. With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified. He has spoken through the prophets” (Roman Missal, Profession of Faith).
The Holy Spirit was given to the disciples, and God sends the Holy Spirit to us too. The Holy Spirit kindles faith in the hearts of believers. The gift of the Spirit helps us to proclaim the good news of Jesus’ death and resurrection. The Spirit strengthens believers to be good and loving people. The gift of the Holy Spirit helps us to spread the love of God throughout the world.
We believe that the Holy Spirit brings the gifts of healing, unity, and love into the world. We believe that the Spirit is a teacher and advocate who guides those who pray. And yet, the Holy Spirit can be a source of challenge and surprise. Scripture refers to tongues of fire and the driving wind of Pentecost, which shook the apostles and changed them. Some changes and movements in the Church throughout history have claimed a basis in the Holy Spirit.
- How do we show our belief in the Holy Spirit at Mass?
- How is the Holy Spirit at work in the Church today?
- How does the Holy Spirit help you to be a good and loving person?
The Gospel in Life
How can the Holy Spirit help you to live as a follower of Jesus this week?
Connecting to Faith First® Legacy Edition
At Home Family Guide, theme 5
Grade 4, chapter 8 and page 281 parish and page 385 school
Grade 5, chapters 8 and 13 and page 281 parish and page 385 school
Grade 6, chapter 7 and page 281 parish and page 385 school