Home Based Liturgy and Sacraments

Each lesson will direct students to read various selections of the Catechism of the Catholic Church as well as scripture. While reading, participants will journal their answers to the questions for each lesson. In addition to reading and journaling, students should complete the hands-on component. CCC 44, 747, 774-776, 1076, 1131. 1. Describe a symbol that means a lot to you, spiritually. It could be sacred or secular. 2. Name a word or song that means a lot you, spiritually. Explain why. 3. Explain a tradition or activity that means a lot to you, spiritually. ________________________________________________________________________ Romans 12:1. CCC 1066-1071, 1110-1112. What are the family rituals, traditions, or symbols that mean the most to you? Which ones point you to God? ________________________________________________________________________ Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 2:38; 1 Corinthians 12:13; 2 Corinthians 5:17; 1 Peter 2:5, 9. CCC 985, 12751280. Ask family members how their relationships with God and others are different because they are baptized Catholics. After Baptism, what does the Church offer me? Because of my Baptism, what do I offer the Church? ________________________________________________________________________ Acts 8:14-17; Romans 5:5; 2 Corinthians 1:21-22; Ephesians 1:13-14; 1 Peter 1:3-4. CCC 1295-1296, 1302-1305, 1316-1317. "Which Gift of the Holy Spirit do I most need now?" Read the text aloud. Share about a Gift of the Holy Spirit you most need now. How can you be Christ-like in the world? How can you more closely live in the Spirit? What do you need to stop doing, keep doing, start doing, or do differently in your life so that it reflects your spiritual commitment? ________________________________________________________________________

Matthew 5:23-24; Luke 22:24-30; John 13:1-17; Acts 2:42-46; 2 Corinthians 5:18-20. CCC 1391-1398, 1416. Make a list of what provides food for their souls. Ask them, "What helps you keep your spiritual life going?" Talk about it! Share stories about the First Communions of family members. Pull out mementos from your First Communion and listen to each other's stories about what they remember. Talk about how receiving Communion makes a difference in your lives. Act on it! One of the fruits of Holy Communion is a commitment to work on behalf of those who are poor and in need. Find a way to offer something simple yet significant to someone in need in your community. ________________________________________________________________________ Psalm 18:21-29; John 20:1-18; Acts 2:42-46. CCC 1166-1167, 1193, 2174-2178, 2189-2195. How does your family observe Sunday? What are some of the challenges in today's culture to keeping Sunday as a day of worship and rest? What are some things you would like to do to honor Sunday? ________________________________________________________________________ CCC 1163-1165, 1168-1171, 1194, 1195. Ask your family members, "What is your favorite Church season and why?" How does the liturgical year help you live as a disciple? During what season of the Church year do you find yourself most immersed into the mystery of Christ? Why do you think this is? ________________________________________________________________________ Luke 24:13-35; John 21:1-19; Acts 4:32-35; 1 Corinthians 15:14, 17-19. CCC 639, 641-642, 654-655, 1647, 1165-1170. 1. How do you seek out Christ's presence in your daily life? 2. How do you seek out Christ's presence through relationships with those you know? With those most in need? 3. What is one way you are a sign of Christ's presence? 4. How can you be open to Christ's presence calling you to something new in life? ________________________________________________________________________

Luke 1:26-56; John 19:25-27; Acts 1:14. CCC 495, 509, 973, 974, 1172-1173, 1195. What are the things in your life right now that God is calling you to say yes to? What kind of support do you need from others in order to answer God's call to say yes? What do you fear most about making a spiritual commitment? Why? ________________________________________________________________________ Mary says yes to God. As you read the Scripture, think about these questions: Who are the messengers of God's invitation to you? How often do you ponder and reflect on God's messages to you? What are you called to say yes to? Read Luke 1:26-38. ________________________________________________________________________ Mary's humility. As you read the Scripture, consider this question: How has God surprised you or stretched you? Read Luke 1:48. ________________________________________________________________________ Mary's generous service. As you read the Scripture, consider this question: How capable are you of seeing others' needs when your own needs seem large or overwhelming? Read Luke 1:39-56. ________________________________________________________________________ Mary's wisdom and ability to reflect. As you read the Scripture, consider these questions: Where and when do you pause to reflect on the experiences of your life? Do you stop and reflect on your day? Do you pause after spending time with another to consider the gift he or she is in your life? Read Luke 2:19. ________________________________________________________________________ Mary's respect for religious customs. As you read the Scripture, consider this question: How faithful are you to the rites and rituals of your faith and your faith community? Read Luke 2:21-24. ________________________________________________________________________ Mary's strength in exile. Think about times in your life that you have been in a foreign or strange place. As you read the Scripture, consider this question: How was your faith strength for you at that time? Read Matthew 2:13-23.