the exaltation of the holy cross - teamrcia · jesus came to give his life for the ransom of many...

By Janet Miller. Copyright © 2014, TeamRCIA.com. All rights reserved.

CATECHIST’S NOTES

The Exaltation of the Holy Cross Years A, B, C

Children’s RCIA Resource

HOW TO USE THIS RESOURCE

Dismissal Session

The Dismissal Session is for catechumens only who are dismissed from

worship before the Creed (RCIA #75.3). The Dismissal Session group may

gather for the Catechetical Session at another time during the week.

Catechetical Session

When the Dismissal Session is immediately followed by the Catechetical

Session, parents or other sponsors join the group after Eucharist. Baptized

children preparing for confirmation and Eucharist also may join in the

Catechetical Session (RCIA #254; Appendix III, 19). Select options and adapt

the session to fit your time frame.

NOTES FOR THIS SUNDAY

Sunday’s readings

Numbers 21:4b-9

Psalm 78:1bc-2, 34-35, 36-37, 38

Philippians 2:6-11

John 3:13-17

Doctrine correlations

The Cross is the unique sacrifice of Christ; united to each

person, Christ offers the possibility of being made partners in

the paschal mystery and calls disciples to take up their cross

and follow (CCC #618).

Jesus came to give his life for the ransom of many without

exception, which never is restrictive, and there is not, never

has been, and never will be a single human being for whom

Christ did not suffer (CCC #605).

RCIA team notes

Plan to recall with the catechumens that during the Rite of Acceptance

into the Order of Catechumens they were marked with the Cross of

Christ (RCIA #54).

Children with special needs

Be aware of any members who are personally grieving and grappling

with the meaning of death.

GETTING READY FOR THE SESSION

Items to prepare

check-in sheet and nametag materials

poster paper or white board, erasers, and erasable markers

red cloth on table or counter space for prayer, instrument

Bibles, one set to John 3

crucifix, candle in a heat-proof holder, matches

construction paper, chalk, hair spray

Sharing Faith questions, copies of “Faith at Home”

mural paper, e-devices, printer, paper, scissors, glue, mounting

supplies

Gathering Prayer Ritual

Place a Bible, candle, and a crucifix and on a red cloth.

Singing option

Use music from your faith community resources. The suggestion is a

guide available in Gather Comprehensive from GIA Publications, Inc., or

online at sweetslyrics.com. Bring songbooks or printed words and

recorded music in a player.

Building Community

Plan to tell a personal story or someone’s experience about encountering

snakes.

Snack option

Send a reminder to the sponsor providing the snack this week.

Engaging the Word

Bring black construction paper, white or color chalk, and hair spray.

Sharing Faith groups

Put the Scripture citation with the questions on cards for group leaders.

Crossing the Ages Activity option: Cross Photo Op

Lay out mural paper. Arrange with sponsors to bring photo-capable

digital devices with connectors as needed. Bring a digital photo printer

(and computer if needed), glue, and mounting supplies. Arrange to

display the mural in a faith community gathering area.

CATECHIST’S NOTES

Friends on the Way - The Exaltation of the Holy Cross, Years A, B, C 2

DISMISSAL SESSION

GATHERING (15 MINUTES)

Catechumens, having heard the Sunday proclamation of word, are dismissed from the Mass. Greet the catechumens

as they arrive. Have everyone check in and put on nametags. For anyone new provide nametag materials.

GATHERING PRAYER RITUAL

Chime a percussion instrument as a call to prayer. Gather in a circle around a displayed crucifix. Point out that a

crucifix displays the crucified body of Jesus called a corpus. Ask a volunteer to point out on the corpus Jesus’ five

wounds: each hand, foot, and his side. Mention that the red cloth reminds us that Jesus died for us.

(†) Light a candle. Offer the crucifix to one member. Explain that the person holding the crucifix will repeat the line

of a Prayer Before the Crucifix and then hand it to the next member. Any person receiving the crucifix who wishes

not to speak passes it to the next person. Say lines of the following prayer as the crucifix is passed.

Soul of Christ, sanctify me.

Body of Christ, save me.

Blood of Christ, fill me.

Water from the side of Christ, wash me.

Passion of Christ, strengthen me.

O good Jesus, listen to me.

In your wounds I abide,

never be parted from your side.

From all evil, guard me.

At my final hour, call me,

and bid me come to sing with your saints in glory

for ever and ever. Amen.

Place the crucifix near the Bible. Invite everyone, when you lift a hand, to respond, “Hearken, my people, to my

teaching.” Prayerfully say the following verses inspired by Psalm 78.

Incline your ear to my words;

I will open my mouth in parable. (response)

They inquired after God again,

remembering that God was their rock. (response)

The Most High God, their merciful redeemer,

forgave their sin. (response)

Song Suggestion: “Take Up Your Cross” or a setting of the “Lamb of God”

Extinguish the candle flame.


CONNECTING WITH ONE ANOTHER

Invite everyone to sit in a circle. Introduce anyone new. Invite sharing about their experiences with the

“Faith at Home” pages from the previous session.

BUILDING COMMUNITY

Encountering Snakes: Invite sharing about times the catechumens encountered a snake, or share a

story about your own snake encounter. Ask:

What are your feelings about snakes?

Why do so many people fear snakes?

Why did God create snakes, and what good do they do?

Mention:

The Book of Numbers tells a story about the ancient Hebrew people encountering

snakes and how they reacted.

RECALLING THE WORD (10 MINUTES)

Have everyone sit with Bibles in a circle. Use the following as a guide. For information, refer to “Insight

for the Catechist” and the reflections on the “Faith at Home” page. Always affirm the catechumens’

responses, adding comments to aid their understanding.

Help the catechumens find Numbers 21:4b-9. Explain:

The event told here happened thousands of years ago. It made such an impression

that the people retold the story for generations. At that time, the people had spent

many years seeking a homeland. They fought enemies while wandering in the

desert. Then, they had to deal with deadly snakes. Moses made a bronze snake as a

sign of God’s salvation.

What is the people’s complaint?

What do you think about this story that tells of God saving the people who were

sorry for their sins?

Have the catechumens find Philippians 2:6-11. Explain:

Using this ancient hymn, early Christians sang what they believed about Jesus.

What in this hymn says what you believe about Jesus?

Which hymns that we sing today express what you believe about Jesus?


Have the catechumens find John 3:13-17. Clarify the setting as follows:

This passage is part of a story about Nicodemus, a very important man in the

Jewish community. He goes to Jesus at night because he wants to learn without

being seen by those who do not believe. Jesus teaches Nicodemus about salvation.

What does Jesus say to Nicodemus?

Affirm the members’ comments. Summarize:

Nicodemus comes to Jesus to find the truth and learns that all who believe shall

not perish but will have eternal life. Through the Cross, Jesus triumphs over death

and reigns in glory. The Cross of Christ is a powerful symbol that endures even

now.

PRAYING INTERCESSIONS (5 MINUTES)

We offer prayers for everyone’s salvation. When I lift my hand, please respond,

“Saving God, hear our prayer.”

Lead sinners to repentance that all may know love and mercy. (Lift a hand for

the response.)

Help us to be humble of heart and to follow the Cross with other believers.

(Lift a hand for the response.)

May we spread mercy and compassion that more people may come to

believe and gain eternal life. (Lift a hand for the response.)

Invite the members to contribute intercessions. Conclude:

O God, you sent Jesus not to condemn the world

but that the world might be saved.

We ask for all things according to your will.

We pray in the unity of the Holy Spirit

and through Christ Jesus,

who died so that we might share in glory,

for ever and ever.

All: Amen.

Option: Break for a snack or social time. If the group disperses now and meets for catechesis later in the

week, collect nametags.


By Janet Miller. Copyright © 2014, TeamRCIA.com. All rights reserved.

The Catechetical Session follows the Dismissal Session either immediately or at

another time during the week. The catechetical session is designed for catechumens

and parents or sponsors to grow in faith together. The status of the catechumens

never is to be confused with that of baptized children preparing for confirmation

or Eucharist, who may join in this catechesis as supportive companions (RCIA,

Appendix III, #19).

GATHERING FOR CATECHESIS (5 MINUTES)

Welcome the catechumens, parents, sponsors, and any baptized children arriving

from liturgy. If this Catechetical Session is not following the Dismissal Session,

allow an additional ten minutes and begin with the Gathering segment in the

Dismissal Session. Have those arriving check in and put on nametags.

PRAYING Invite everyone to stand around the prayer focal point. Use the (†) prayer

from the Gathering Prayer Ritual in the Dismissal Session, another prayer,

or sing a gathering song from liturgy.

ENGAGING THE WORD (20 MINUTES)

Distribute Bibles. Have everyone find John 3:13-17. Discuss:

Remembering that Nicodemus visited Jesus under the

cover of night, where might they have met to talk?

(possibly, hiding behind a tree, at a table with an oil lamp, on a

flat rooftop, sitting with backs against a wall)

Invite everyone to close their eyes and imagine. Pausing often, say:

Imagine Jesus and Nicodemus meeting a night. (Pause.)

See them together talking. (Pause.)

Notice the night shadows. (Pause.)

Hear Jesus comparing himself to the serpent lifted up in the

desert for the salvation of the people. (Pause.)

See the expression on Nicodemus’ face, who knew the stories

told in ancient Scripture. (Pause.)

Feel with Nicodemus as Jesus says, “For God who so loved

the world….” (Pause.)

Invite everyone to open their eyes. Distribute black construction paper and

white or color chalk. Ask them to draw the night scene showing Jesus and

Nicodemus as they imagine it. Suggest they include a cross shape

somewhere in the scene. As they finish, set the chalk by misting the paper

with hair spray. Invite them to show one another their scenes.

CATECHETICAL SESSION

THE EXALTATION OF THE

HOLY CROSS

YEARS A, B, C

Numbers 21:4b-9

Psalm 78:1bc-2, 34-35,

36-37, 38

Philippians 2:6-11

John 3:13-17

Insight for the Catechist

The ancient Hebrews

discover that despite their

rebellion, God is merciful

and compassionate. God

initiates the offer of salvation

and calls for the people’s

response. Those who trust in

God live.

The evangelist John views

the Cross as the triumphant

beginning of Christ’s glory.

As a member of the

Sanhedrin, Nicodemus

comes to Jesus under the

cover of night to seek the

truth. In a reversal common

with Jesus, that which is

feared, the dark of night,

becomes an instrument of

salvation. God brings hope

out of fear, life out of death,

and salvation out of

condemnation.

Love’s response is love. Jesus

did not come to condemn but

to show the way. All who see

God in the person of Jesus

are invited to eternal life.

Salvation comes to those

who set their feet upon the

path of righteousness with

God.

6

SHARING FAITH (10 MINUTES)

Form mixed-age groups of four to six with Bibles. (If there are only a few participants, lead the

discussion as a whole group.) Print the questions on large paper or marker board, or distribute questions

on cards for an adult to lead. Circulate to offer support as needed.

CONVERSING ABOUT JOHN 3:13-17

What do you think Nicodemus asked Jesus?

Why did Jesus compare himself to the serpent lifted on a staff by Moses?

What is Jesus teaching Nicodemus and us?

What does the Cross mean to each of us?

With the whole group conclude:

The Cross is the unique sacrifice of Christ, the one mediator for all humanity.

Jesus is united in some divine way to each human person. We are offered the

possibility of being made partners through Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection.

Christ calls disciples to take up their cross and follow.

CARRYING OUT THE WORD (5 MINUTES)

SUMMING UP

Invite everyone to gather around the prayer focal point. Encourage them to offer insights from this

week’s session. Summarize:

Jesus came to give his life for the ransom of many without exception, with no

limitations. There is not, never has been, and never will be a single human being

for whom Christ did not suffer.

CLOSING PRAYER

We will pray to Jesus Christ, the Crucified One. Many people recite this prayer

while kneeling in contemplation before a crucifix.

Hold up the crucifix. (Option: Invite those who wish to kneel.) Ask everyone to repeat each phrase.

Pausing, pray as follows:

Good and kind Jesus, (Pause) I kneel here in reverence for you, (Pause)

as I ask you with repentance (Pause) for my sins (Pause)

to set deep within my heart (Pause) the virtues of faith, hope, and love. (Pause)

Grant me a firm desire (Pause) to amend my wrong ways, (Pause)

while I meditate upon your five wounds (Pause) with love and compassion. (Pause)

I see that the prophetic words (Pause) of your ancestor David are yours: (Pause)

“They pierced my hands and my feet. (Pause)

They have counted all my bones.” (Pause) Amen.

After some moments of reflection, have everyone stand.



Go forth from this place knowing you are saved through the cross of Christ.

And may the ever-living God bless us,

(Make the Sign of the Cross on yourself as a model for everyone.)

protect us from all evil, and bring us to everlasting life.

All: Amen.

Distribute the “Faith t Home” page. Collect the nametags.

Crossing the Ages Activity

(Optional activity for children and adults together: 20 minutes)

Cross Photo Op (The catechumens were marked with the

Cross of Christ, RCIA #54.)

Say:

Suffering from evil, Jesus triumphed on the

Cross by remaining faithful to God’s loving

forgivingness. The Cross of Christ is not an

ancient artifact but a living symbol that for

2,000 years has endured as a universal sign of

salvation. During the Rite of Acceptance into

the Order of Catechumens, each of you

catechumens was marked with the Cross of

Christ.

Assign small groups of children and adults with devices to take

digital photos. Ask them to return within ten minutes with

photos of crosses in nature and architecture. Encourage them to

be creative. Set up a printer (and computer if needed). Print the

photos as groups return. Have the members glue the photos,

collage style, onto mural paper. Tell them where the mural will

be displayed and encourage them to show it to others.

At a convenient time for the family, gather around a dining table or in the living room. Silence all

electronics. Place a Bible opened to Luke 5 in the center. Begin with a moment of quiet.

REFLECTING ON NUMBERS 21:4B-9

Instead of giving thanks to God for a battle victory, the Hebrews complain to Moses. They fear a

shortage of food and water and claim slavery in Egypt was better. The people repent when they

attribute a plague of venomous snakes to God’s wrath regarding their attitude. Moses intercedes and

does as he believes God commands. The people obey and live.

When have we or others we know unjustly blamed God for something, only

to later realize God’s goodness and mercy?

Take a moment of quiet to reflect together about repentance. Assure that all electronics are silenced.

Sit in a circle around a lighted candle. Silently call to mind something for which you need to repent.

Decide what God would want you to do as an act of repentance. Those who wish might share with the

family. Each person might offer a spontaneous prayer of repentance expressing sorrow for wrongs

done. Conclude by promising to try to live in a new way.

REFLECTING ON PHILIPPIANS 2:6-11

The words of this ancient hymn tell us that Christ Jesus, while in the form of God, emptied himself to

become one with humanity. Jesus modeled that equality with God is not the goal. Rather, he

demonstrated being humble to the point of death on the Cross. Christ is exalted by his total self-

giving.

Which modern hymns express what we believe about Jesus?

Together as a family, choose a well-known tune and write words to the tune that tells about Jesus.

By Janet Miller. Copyright © 2014, TeamRCIA.com. All rights reserved. Permission is given to reproduce this handout for family home use.

Faith at Home The Exaltation of the Holy Cross, Years A, B, C

Remember Sunday’s Word

Numbers 21:4b-9

Psalm 78:1bc-2, 34-35,

36-37, 38

Philippians 2:6-11

John 3:13-17

REFLECTING ON JOHN 3:13-17

Faith in Jesus brings goodness out of all things. While night shadows often cause fear, the night becomes a

source of salvation for Nicodemus as Jesus helps him see the way to eternal life. The Cross, a means of death,

triumphs as a sign of new life for the world. The only thing we need to do is believe in Jesus.

What does belief in Jesus lead us to do?

The Exaltation of the Holy Cross, Years A, B, C TeamRCIA.com

The Cross of Our Salvation

During the Middle Ages Christians designed crosses to express various faith meanings. Decorate the crosses

below, and discuss the various meanings of each type of cross. If you could design your own cross, what

would it look like and what meaning would it have for your faith?

The Moline Cross has each arm split and turned back.

The tips remind us of the eight beatitudes.

The Crosslet reminds us that the Gospel was spread to the

ends of the earth through the four Evangelists.

The Jerusalem Cross reminds us of where Christ died,

rose, and the church was born. The smaller crosses show

the four corners of the earth.

The Anchor Cross shows that Christians are anchored in

Christ as a ship’s anchor keeps it from drifting.

the exaltation of the holy cross - teamrcia · jesus came to give his life for the ransom of many...

Documents