He Sends Us His Spirit - The Sacrament of Confirmation
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Lesson 1; Lesson 2; Lesson 3; Lesson 4;
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Lesson 10; Lesson 11; Lesson 12; Lesson 13
Lesson 14; Lesson 15; Lesson 16; Lesson 17; Lesson 18
LESSON 1:
His Promise To You – The Holy Spirit
I – The Holy Spirit – With Christ… With You!
a. He is the Third Person of the Trinity.
b. He assisted Jesus in fulfilling His MESSIANIC Mission.
i. What does the word, MESSIANIC mean to us.
2. It comes from the word MESSIAH, which is Hebrew for ANNOINTED. MESSIAH is translated in the Greek language as CHRISTOS, which we get the word CHRIST.
3. The MESSIANIC Mission is to Proclaim the GOOD NEWS – God is with us, and brings us freedom from Sin.
4. We as CHRISTIANS – followers of CHRIST, share in His ANNOINTING through BAPTISM. Later, we are given strength beyond our imagination, through the Sacrament of Confirmation.
c. When Jesus received the Holy Spirit through the Baptism of John, He was lead to do this Mission. (Gospel of John 1:19-34)
i. This was told by the Prophets of Old, written in the Hebrew Old Testament, which was translated in Greek, for Jewish People who lived in the Greek Cities, and Culture were under Roman Empire rule.
ii. Jesus proclaims a reading from the Prophet Isaiah, telling the people it is Him who was sent to fulfill the MESSIANIC MISSION. (Gospel of Luke 4:16-30)
d. Just like the Holy Spirit guided Jesus, He would guide us as well. (The Gospel of John 16:5-15) How?
i. Giving us the courage to tell people what Jesus has done for you!
ii. To stand up to folks who may scare you from sharing what Jesus done in you.
e. Jesus promised His disciples that He would send them the Holy Spirit to continue His MESSIANIC Mission – You have been called to continue sharing His Messianic Mission as well. This is why you received Confirmation. Now, it is your turn to speak about what Jesus has done for you, can do through you, can do in you, and your World.
II – His Spirit will ANOINT US – (2nd Letter to the Corinthians 1:21-22)
1. You have heard it, and studied it before: the Holy Spirit is the Third Person of the Trinity.
2. There are 2 points in the Sacred Scriptures (BIBLE), which mention Jesus sending us the Holy Spirit
a. 1st – When Jesus breathed on His Disciples (Gospel of St. John 20:19-23)
b. 2nd – The Most famous scene – Where the Disciples waited for the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost, which we celebrate at the end of May or around June – depending on the Calendar. (Acts of the Apostles 2:1-11)
i. Pentecost is the Hebrew Feast of the First Fruits – where our Jewish Brothers and Sisters offer to God the First Gifts they received: Birth of the First Born, First Born Animals, or First Production.(Leviticus 23:15-22)
ii. On this feast, which we call Pentecost, Jesus offers His Disciples up to the Holy Spirit as His First Fruits – Baptized CHRISTIANS - anointed to be Him in the World. Here, they are fully aware of their Mission as Apostles – Ones who have a Message to share with the World. There is only one passage in the Old Testament, where we find the word APOSTLE, which describes their role in proclaiming an important message. (1st Book of Kings 14:6)
3. The Holy Spirit is sent to us, His Church, to guide and protect us along this Spiritual Journey. The Holy Spirit lives in the Church and gives life to us all.
4. The Holy Spirit is the one who makes us Saints. Another word for saints is HOLY. The Old English word for Holy is HALLOW. Here, the Holy Spirit gives us Grace to be Awesome.
5. The Holy Spirit is given to you by way of your Baptism, where your parents brought you to God, and promised to give you the Gospel Message, so that you may live it.
6. The Holy Spirit lives in us by way of Sanctifying Grace – this is through the Sacrament of Penance and Communion, which continuously transforms us to be more like Jesus, who is Holy.
7. The Sacrament of Confirmation, which you have received, was given to you by Christ, so that you may understand and live a special life, destined for God.
Homework 1:
I. Read Chapter 1 & 2 of Acts of the Apostles. Answer the following question.
1. Who would be the Person giving instructions to the Apostles?
2. What did the Angel tell the Apostles after Jesus left them?
3. What did the First Community do when they stayed in the Upper Room?
4. Who was the Successor of Judas?
5. Which people were “astounded” by the Apostles proclamation of the Good news?
6. St. Peter quoted the Prophet Joel – What did Joel write in Chapter 2 verse 17?
II. In the short clip – X-Men First Class, what was Young Professor Xavier teaching his friend to do? What did it require for him to respond to Young Professor Xavier?
III. Who do you think needs a word of encouragement from you? Name that person, and why do they need it?
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LESSON 2:
His Strength Is All You Need - Confirmation
When was the last time you bought new shoes?
I – Just as my Body Grows, my Spiritual Life Grows
1. Every year, your parents celebrate the day of your birth. It is a constant reminder for you that you are getting older and maturing physically and also spiritually.
a. Baptism reminds you of this constant renewal of life
b. Communion reminds you that God is always their to take care of you physically and spiritually
c. In Confirmation, God is going strengthen you with His Love and Blessing.
2. Confirmation goes hand and hand with your maturing in life.
a. Just as your body needs nourishment for strength, your soul needs the Eucharist for spiritual and physical strength to face the challenges in life.
b. God will always remind you that He will be by your side. How?
II – Jesus made a promise to His friends, the Disciples. He will send the Holy Spirit
1. Remember, we believe in One God, in Three Persons – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
2. The Holy Spirit is the Third Person of the Trinity
3. Why do we need the Spirit?
a. When a human being is not moving, it is believed that his or her spirit has left them?
b. God gives us our own spirit, to live.
c. Just as Christ has a Body, we have a body - together, we make up what is called the Church. As we need a spirit, the Church needs the Spirit. The Holy Spirit is what moves the Church.
d. We need the Holy Spirit to help us come closer to God. We also need the Holy Spirit to help us to believe “We are children of God”. This is why we call God our Father. We also need the Holy Spirit to give us Strength to be like Jesus, who was not afraid to tell people about His Father’s Plan of Salvation.
4. Here are some Bible verses to look at about the Holy Spirit giving strength to Jesus:
a. Jesus receives Baptism and sees the Holy Spirit: (pg 84, # 14) Matthew 3:13-17
b. Jesus is lead by the Spirit to help people: (pg 86, #16) John 1:19-34
c. He relied on the Spirit of God to help Him (pg 206-207, #127) John 14:15-21
d. He also acknowledged that the Spirit was the one who strengthen Him: John 14:15-21
5. Knowing the Spirit of God – Jesus promised His friends that the Holy Spirit will help them in times of trials and sufferings. He will strengthen their faith.
6. Before, and after His death, Jesus promised the Disciples the Holy Spirit - where He will stay with them forever. This meant that the Holy Spirit will stay with you too!
7. He would give to His Disciples Strength to face obstacles in their lives and in the lives of others, as they will give hope to people – This is the same Spirit that God wants to give to you.
REMINDER: Memorize the Apostles Creed, the Our Father, the Hail Mary, and Glory Be. Click here!
Memorize HOW TO FIND YOUR WAY THROUGH THE BIBLE - Click here!
1. Memorize the Notes, and Prayers: the Apostles Creed, the Our Father, the Hail Mary, and Glory Be.
2. Memorize HOW TO FIND YOUR WAY THROUGH THE BIBLE.
3. See the Vid by Chris, and answer this question: Name the Obstacle you Struggle with, and Name 1 Strength that you want the Holy Spirit to give to you to overcome this Obstacle. Post your answer in the COMMENT SECTION of this page.
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LESSON 3:
The History of Confirmation - How It All Happened
Scripture tells of the day when the Disciples received the Power of the Holy Spirit. It says, When the time for Pentecost was fulfilled, they were all in one place together. And suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind, and it filled the entire house in which they were then there appeared to them tongues as of fire, which parted and came to rest on each one of them. And they were all filled with the holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim. Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven staying in Jerusalem.
At this sound, they gathered in a large crowd, but they were confused because each one heard them speaking in his own language. They were astounded, and in amazement they asked, “Are not all these people who are speaking Galileans? Then how does each of us hear them in his own native language?
We are Parthians, Medes, and Elamites, inhabitants of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the districts of Libya near Cyrene, as well as travelers from Rome, both Jews and converts to Judaism, Cretans and Arabs, yet we hear them speaking in our own tongues of the mighty acts of God. They were all astounded and bewildered, and said to one another, “What does this mean?” (Acts of the Apostles 2:1-12)
I – The Feast of Pentecost:
1. Otherwise known as the Feast of First Fruits – A Jewish Celebration where the People of God offer their First Born, First Grown, First Live Stocks and Sacrifices to the Lord, in honor of His Blessings.
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| Jesus, the First Born. |
3. As we have read, PENTECOST is the Feast that the Apostles and Mary were preparing, right after Jesus ASCENDED into Heaven. The Apostles committed themselves to Prayer and Fellowship for Nine Days, to prepare in receiving the Holy Spirit for their Mission. We call this type of Nine Day prayer, a NOVENA. Click on this link to the NOVENA TO THE HOLY SPIRIT, which we will start Nine Days before candidates receive the Sacrament of Confirmation on Pentecost.
a. The Ascension is the belief that Jesus, by His own Power, goes to His Father in Heaven. It should not be confused with the RESURRECTION. The ASCENSION was after the Resurrection, where Jesus showed His Disciples that Death had no Power over Him. (Acts 1:1-27)
4. On this day, the Disciples of Jesus were given the strength to Proclaim the Mighty works of the Lord in their lives. This is why Disciples are called APOSTLES – they had an important Message of Hope to tell the world.
a. Saint Peter describes his experience of receiving the Power of the Holy Spirit as the first sign of Jesus ushering the MESSIANIC AGE.
b. Those who were moved by Saint Peter’s words, were moved to receive Baptism. This is why your Parents and Godparents did for you when you were babies.
c. The Disciples of Jesus later would LAY HANDS on the Baptized Christians, giving them the same Power of the Holy Spirit, which we call CONFIRMATION.
d. The Disciples considered this a completion of Baptism.
e. For 2,000 Years, the Disciples have passed this Catholic Tradition to their Successors: Bishops, and Priests, so that the Church can be ONE with God’s Mission.
i. Water is used for Baptism, while CHRISM is used for Confirmation – CHRISM is Perfumed Olive Oil that is used for anointing a Christian on the forehead. It is also used for those young men who have been called to the PRIESTHOOD.
ii. Water is used for Purification (Sin is taken away), and the sign that one has entered into the Life of Christ and His Church. The CHRISM is the sign that one is Sealed with Eternal Life – this means that the Spirit of God will lead you towards Heaven. This is what Christ promised us.
II – What is the Sacrament of Confirmation?
1. CONFIRMATION means making strong or strengthening. In other words, Jesus, by the Power of the Holy Spirit, gives you His strength. Christ is the one who gives us this Sacrament, which shows us an outward Sign of His Grace.
a. The signs of Grace are 1) Laying Hands 2) The Sign of the Cross 3) The CHRISM. Click on this link WHAT IS HOLY OIL? and THE CHRISM MASS EXPLAINED
Here is a video on the Blessing of Oils
2. In the Gospels, Jesus often talked with His Disciples about sending us the Holy Spirit to guide us. The Book of Acts of the Apostles describes the experience of receiving the Holy Spirit, and how He guides them to proclaim Jesus to the World.
3. Passing on this authority of giving the Sacrament, the Successors to the Apostles, the Bishops of the Catholic Church, together with the Pope, continue this beautiful tradition.
a. It is important to remember that the Bishop is the only one that celebrates the Rite of Confirmation, but when in great need of help, he can give the authority to your Pastor or Priests. This can only happen when a person is about to die, or there are too many people who are receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation.
b. When the Bishop or Priest his thumb into the CHRISM, he will make the Sign of the Cross on your forehead and say your name (Saint Name) “Be Sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit.” Our response is, “Amen”
c. The Sign of the Cross means that 1) Our sins have been taken away, restoring our life to God. 2) That we share in the suffering of Christ, while at the same time, Jesus gives us strength to stand up to sin, by the Power of His Cross.
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Homework #3:
Read Acts of the Apostles - Chapters 3 & 4 and Answer these Questions
1. What did St. Peter do to the Crippled Beggar? What name did he use?
2. In Chapter 3: 24-26, summarize in your own words what St. Peter said to the people?
3. What was the reaction of Caiaphas to Peter, when the Apostles were brought before the Sanhedrin?
4. What happened during the Prayer time with the Community (Chapter 4:23-31)?
5. What did the Apostles and Disciples of Jesus do for the community (Chap 4:32-37)
LESSON 4:
Your Initiation: Called to Stand for Christ – (PT1)
Did you know that as Catholics, we have a West and East type
of Spirituality?
I – In the Beginning… The East, then came the West.
1. We, as Catholics in the United States, are part of the Western Church. It is described as the “Latin Rite”, which points towards the language used in Ancient Rome. But the Romans also have a strong heritage with the East, and spoke Greek. We called this the “Eastern Rite”, which has Christian Spirituality rooted in Egyptian, Jewish, or Semitic Cultures that were in Africa, and lastly in the far Northeast (around the areas of Russia).
a. Eastern Catholic Celebrations of the Mass and the Sacraments have similarities, but differ with custom, language, and local traditions.
2. For us as the "Western Church”, the celebration of Confirmation has always remained the same celebration, with just a slight difference – language, wording, and expression. Check out this video on a brief explanation of the Eastern Rite and Western Rite celebration of the Mass.
3. Now, getting back to the Celebration of the Sacrament of
Confirmation in the West, the celebrant will always be the Bishop of the
Diocese or Archbishop ‘/ Cardinal of the Archdiocese.
a. When he is in need of help, Auxilary Bishops are called to celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation.
b. In extreme circumstances, or when we are celebrating Easter, the Pastor is given authority to celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation. It can also be given to the Vicar, under the Pastor, when a Pastor is unable to celebrate the Mass due to extreme circumstances.
c. The Sacrament of the Confirmation is done within the celebration of the Mass. It is called the RITE of Confirmation, which comes before receiving Holy Communion. A RITE (In Latin: RĪTUS) is a formal or ceremonial act or procedure prescribed or customary in religious or other solemn use.
Before the Sacrament of Confirmation is celebrated, all
Confirmandi’s are asked to stand and renew their BAPTISMAL PROMISES.
a. When you were Baptized, your Parents and Godparents were the ones who said the BAPTISMAL PROMISES to the God, the Priest, and to their families. It was a promise made to God, so that you will know Him during your Spiritual Journey – your maturing.
II – Strength to face anything…
1. As we learned about the word CONFIRMATION, it means:
a. Making Strong
b. Strengthening of your will to face odds
c. Courage
d. Bravery
e. Valor
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HOMEWORK # 4
1. On the Video on the Eastern Catholics, explain the difference of the Garment worn by the Bishop of the Eastern Rite and the Western Rite?
2. Looking at the 5 Videos under the meaning of Confirmation on "II", choose one video that speaks to you. What is it about the word that inspires you?
3. Read Acts of the Apostles Chapter 5 & 6
A.What happened to Ananias and Sapphira? Why did St. Peter confirm what would happen?
B. In what way did St. Peter heal the sick?
C. Who was the Priest that defended the Apostles before the Sanhedrin?
D. How many helpers did the Twelve Apostles need to support them in the Community of believers?
E. Who was St Stephen, and what did he do to provoke the crowd?
Your Initiation: Called to Stand for Christ – (PT2)
I - The Pope and the Sacrament of Confirmation
Click On Here 1. In 1971, Pope Paul VI encouraged the Church to make adjustments in showing the value of the Celebration for Confirmation. The Sacred Oil used for the celebration was highlighted for the Community find value in the precious and natural - this Sacred Oil was called CHRISM and a mixture of Olive Oil and Balsam. Presented at the Cathedral Holy Thursday Mass, the Cardinal, Archbishop, or Bishop consecrates the Sacred Oils and then distributes it in bottles for Pastors to bring back to their Parish.
2. Pope Paul VI also wanted to bring meaning to the action of LAYING ON OF HANDS and the updating of the formula of prayer used for Confirmation.
3. When the Cardinal, Archbishop, or Bishop confers, he anoints our forehead with the Sign of the Cross, saying Receive the seal of the Gift of the Holy Spirit. We reply, AMEN.
a. Now, the words that are said by the Cardinal, Archbishop, or Bishop is, "[YOUR SAINT NAME], be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit." The Church that the anointing is crucial to receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation.
4. The Church believes and teaches that when we celebrate Confirmation with LAYING OF HANDS and the ANOINTING of the forehead, along with words - we show the transmission of the Holy Spirit, going back to Pentecost. It's our Spiritual Genealogy, which shows us the Gift that God gives to us as the Church.
II - How do you and I grow in the Divine Life of Grace?
1. We believe that we grow in the Divine Life of Grace through the Sacraments, Prayer, Hearing the Word of God, and Service to others in need. In other words, to be Christ in your world.
- Love of Neighbor - Read Matthew 5:38-48
- Almsgiving & Prayer - Read Matthew 6:1-15
- The Twofold Way & False Leadership - Read Matthew 7:1-5
- The House Built on a Rock - Read Matthew 7:24-29
- Persevering Prayer - Read Luke 11:5-17
- The Last Judgement - Read Matthew 25:31-46
- Asking In Christ's Name - Read John 16:23-27
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HOMEWORK # 5
1. Click on the Picture of Pope Paul VI - Who is this man? What do you think is his gift to the world?
2. In "II", choose 1 THEME that is bold and write about your Calling in Life in connection to the Scripture?
3. Read Acts of the Apostles Chapter 7 & 8 - Answer these Questions
1. Name the 7 people that St. Stephen mentioned in his discourse? Include a brief summary of their actions next to their name.
2. Who was the young man who witnessed the stoning of St. Stephen?
3. What did St. Philip do in Samaria? What was the reaction of the people?
4. What was Simon the Magician’s final reply to St. Peter?
5. St. Philip explained the Prophet’s Message to the Eunuch – who was the person that the message was addressing?
LESSON 6:
You Are His Alone: Our Response to God in the Sacrament of Confirmation
One of the best things to remember is that you are never alone. St. Joseph was told by the Angel, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.’ All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: ‘Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,’ which means 'God is with us'. Matthew 1:20- 23
God will continue to remind us that He is with us. An example: During Advent, we continue the Journey as a practice to help us put our attention on Christ. He is the Reason for this Season. When we think of this passage from Matthew and the Season, we are reminded that in every moment Christ is with us. Our Confirmation strengthens our commitment, our desire, and our awareness of His presence.
As we learn about the Sacrament of Confirmation, it is important to prepare for the Rite of Confirmation and know how to respond.
I - What is a RITE?
1. It comes from the Latin word, Rītus, which means a Religious Ceremony.
2. The Rite of Confirmation is usually celebrated during the Mass. When the Bishop or Priest (Usually the Pastor) concludes with the Homily, he will invite the candidates to stand.
3. As a Candidate in receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation, the Bishop or Priest will ask you to respond to your Baptism Promises. These promises were made by your parents and godparents at the day of your Baptism. Our response is I DO
Click on the video to see details of the Confirmation Rite celebrated at Queen of Angels Church. Also, click on this link to follow what the Bishop/Priest says, and our response: Baptismal Promises
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HOMEWORK # 6
1. Click on the video for the Rite of Confirmation - Who is the main Celebrant of the Sacrament of Confirmation? Who steps in for the celebrant of the Sacrament of Confirmation when the Ordinary Person is unavailable?
2. What is the Candidate's response when making his or her Baptismal Promises?
3. What is the name of the sacred oil used when the Celebrant blesses the forehead of the Candidate?
Read Acts of the Apostles Chapter 9
& 10 - Answer these Questions
1. Who spoke to Saul when he was lying on the ground? What did the Voice say?
2. What was the street called that Ananias had to go to? Why?
3. What did the people say of Saul when he was preaching in the Synagogue in Damascus?
4. What did Saul’s disciples do for him when he knew that the Jews were plotting to kill him?
5. What did the churches of Judea, Galilee, and Samaria, experience?
6. Who was Aeneas?
7. What did St. Peter do for Tabitha?
8. Who was Cornelius? What did he want?
9. What was St. Peter’s Vision?
10. In Chapter 10:42-43, what did St. Peter say to Cornelius’ Family? Who were astounded by the Holy Spirit’s actions with Cornelius’ Family yet they were not Baptized?
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LESSON 7:
This is my desire - To be One with You
1. It makes of you a more open vessel in receiving the Life of God, and gives ACTUAL GRACES to live your vocation to the fullest.
2. Like BAPTISM, CONFIRMATION leaves an INDELIBLE mark on your soul, and spiritually regenerates you or cleans you spiritually. CONFIRMATION leaves also a mark on your soul.
a. INDELIBLE means a “mark that can never be erased.
3. When you receive Confirmation, your life and experience grows closer to God in Spiritual Friendship. Like any other relationship, you have to work at through prayer, sacrifice, knowing and learning who God is in your life, will draw to holiness.
4. We receive SANCTIFYING GRACE, which God gives us His supernatural strength to face spiritual and physical dangers, making us aware or alert of those things that can, and will threaten our spiritual journey to be one with God.
a. We receive other strengths called VIRTUES, which are infused into our soul, as well as gifts from the Holy Spirit that makes us strong enough to face obstacles that threaten our relationship with God. Our relationship with God is salvific.
5. We are given ACTUAL GRACE, which illuminates or inspires us to reach God and to live a spiritual life. In other words, with ACTUAL GRACE, God gives you the spiritual strengths needed to live your faith without fear of any obstacles in your way. This strength is assured by God and while in need of Him, God will respond to our needs.
a. As interior aids for your spiritual journey, God will continue to give you what you need.
b. There are exterior graces that God provides as well - like person (family, sponsors, friends, etc), places, even things - to protect you along your journey. For God, your vocation to Him is important.
II - The Way to Divine Life
1. To be one with God, and to grow in His Divine Life of Grace, we need the Sacraments, Prayer, hearing and reading of the Word of God, and a commitment to serving others, as Christ would do.
The Example
The Sacrament at the Service of Communion
a. We are called by God to Love our Enemies - Matt 5:38-48
b. We are called by God to share our gifts and to pray - Matt 6:1-8
c. In prayer, Jesus teaches us to call God “Our Father...” – Matt 6:9-15
d. Our Lord cautions us about our choice that can lead us to Death or Life, and to be aware of false prophets - Matt 7:13-23
e. How we should build our foundation - Matt 7:24-29
f. To persevere in prayer - Don’t Stop! Even if we do not know the outcome - Luke 11:5-13
g. To know and serve Christ through those in need - Matt 25:31-46
h. To ask always in Christ’s Name - John 16:23-26
LET US PRAY:
God Holy Spirit, infinite Love of the Father and the Son, through the pure hands of Mary, your Immaculate Spouse, I place myself this day, and all the days of my life your chosen altar, the Divine Heart of Jesus, as a sacrifice to you, consuming Fire, being firmly resolved now more than ever to hear your voice, and to do in all things your most holy and adorable will. Amen
Our Father...
Hail Mary...
Glory Be...
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HOMEWORK # 7
1. On the video, find an example of Sanctifying Grace, and Actual Grace.
2. Choose from (II: From A-H), a Gospel Passage that stands out for you? Write 3 sentences of what it means to you.
Read Acts of the Apostles Chapter 11 & 12 - Answer these Questions
1. What did the voice say to Peter about eating unclean animals?
2. Which of the two Saints were at the Church at Antioch?
3. What did the disciples do when the prophet Agabus announced a famine during the period of Emperor Claudius’ Reign?
4. Who freed St. Peter from prison? How did he escape?
5. Who struck down King Herod?
6. Who is the man that joins Barnabas and Saul? What was his second name?
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LESSON 8
This Is My Desire - To Listen To You
What does it mean to LISTEN?
Describe what is needed to LISTEN - use examples, tools, actions that help us to understand the importance of LISTENING.
First Example: Moses' Encounter with God
Use this Video and explain your Encounter with your Father,
Mom, Teacher,
or a Sponsor.
I - The Special Sacramental Grace of Confirmation.
1. GRACE is a gift from God. There are 2 types of Grace that we discussed in later classes:
a. SANCTIFYING GRACE is a gift from God which gives to my soul a new life, a sharing in the life and love of God Himself. This makes my soul holy and pleasing to God; it makes me a child of God and an heir of heaven. (John 15:1-6 - Jesus is the Vine)
b. ACTUAL GRACE is the help which the Holy Spirit gives me to know what I must do too please God and to want to do good. (Matthew 11:25-30 - Jesus invites all)
2. The Sacrament of Confirmation completes the effects of the Sacrament of Baptism. There are Five Effects:
a. Baptism takes away our Sin. We call this Purification.
b. Baptism renews you. You become a new creation.
c. Baptism incorporates us into the Body of Christ, and the Church. We become Him in the World.
d. Baptism brings us together with all Christians who have received Baptism. All who have received Baptism in the Trinity, are our Brother and Sister.
e. Baptism leaves an indelible mark. This Baptism can never be erased, changed, or forgotten.
3. The Sacrament of Confirmation will make you as a Holy Christian, strengthening the 5 Effects of Baptism, so you can face your fear in light of your Faith in Christ.
4. Confirmation will help you to live up to the Life and Teachings of Jesus, pick up your Cross even when you are faced with criticism.
II - Your Soul will Listen to His Voice
August believes that listening to sounds will lead him to his Parents. When we are LISTENING through Faith, we will be lead to God.
August encounters his Father by way of Sound and Music. His Faith was real, but he could not see the reality. Sound brought him to his father. God uses Faith to bring you to Himself.
1. For our Soul to respond to God's Voice, prayer is needed. Like your Body needs Good Food, and Exercise to stay strong, you must allow God to build you up through Grace. God needs us to continue His work.
a. John 3:1-18 - Jesus teaches Nicodemas about Baptism, and its Effects.
b. John 14:7-14 - Jesus teaches us that He is Divine.
c. Matthew 28:16-20 - Jesus gives His Disciples His Missionary Command.
Let Us Pray:
Light of the intellect, enlighten me.
Divine Fire of hearts, inflame me.
Fullness of souls, fill me.
Lord of grace and life, vivify me.
In this vale of suffering, guide me.
In my weakness, strengthen me.
From stumbles and falls, deliver me.
With your Divine Gifts, enrich me.
With your presence, console me.
By your Divine operations, sanctify me.
My Jesus, transform me,
that having been faithful upon earth,
I may be eternally happy in heaven,
in the perfect reflection of your love.
Amen
Our Father...
Hail Mary...
Glory Be...
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HOMEWORK # 8
1. Watching the videos, compare the Encounter of Moses with the Encounter of August Rush - What are the similarities or connections to their Encounter with God?
Read Acts of the Apostles Chapter 13 & 14 - Answer these Questions
1. Where did Paul & Barnabas go on their First Mission?
2. Who was Elymas?
3. What happened to the people when they heard Paul’s preaching in the Synagogue? What happened when Paul & Barnabas spoke to the Gentiles the next day?
4. What happened to Paul & Barnabas at Lystra? What did they people think of Paul & Barnabas?
5. What was the reaction of the Jews from Antioch?
6. At the end of their Mission, what did Paul & Barnabas say and do at Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch? Why did Paul say it was necessary for them to go through hardship?
LESSON 9:
This Is My Desire - To Be Used By You
We studied about the SEAL that marks us as followers of Christ. We learned that this SEAL confirms that your soul has been imprinted with His mark as a follower of Christ. We call this an INDELIBLE mark.
1. The word INDELIBLE means a mark like an "embossed stamp", used to show authenticity of the sender. It could be an Government Official on a Important Matter or an agreement between to parties - See pic for detail.
a. It can have a figure, symbol, word or letter, to show its authenticity.
b. The item used to make this seal can be a medallion, a ring, a stamp that can be pressed on wax, paper, lead, or anything that will show the engraved mark.
This INDELIBLE mark or IMPRINT cannot be removed from the paper. The same can be said for our Body and Soul, when we receive the IMPRINT of Christ at Baptism, and later at Confirmation. Also, the Sacrament of Holy Orders leaves an INDELIBLE mark on the man who chooses to answer Christ's Call to be a Priest (Matthew 3:13-17). Christ gave the authority to the Church, through Bishops and Priests, to IMPRINT us with that SEAL. This IMPRINT makes His Name, His Body & Blood, His teachings, His Mission, all that is His, present as we continue His work.
I - Confirmation IMPRINTS a character on our souls.
1. This character means that we are one with Christ as Priest, Prophet (Teacher), and King.
a. As Priest, we have the strength to journey with Christ in His suffering, and the courage to let go of things that take us away from our Spiritual Journey with Him. To LET GO means that I sacrifice these pleasures for gain of His strength.b. As Prophet, or shall we say Teacher, we allow the Spirit to move us towards learning. By our studies, and practice of the Christian Faith, we can be strong in facing obstacles against our beliefs, to discern the Truth, and the Wisdom to communicate it with all.
c. As King, our knowledge, wisdom, and practice of our faith in Christ, help us in taking the role of Leader in areas where family, friends, and neighbors need us the most. Christ will shine through you, and that light will be a bridge for a person to want to know the Lord, who fills you with His Joy and Purpose. Here, the Christian can also deal with the problem of BAD EXAMPLES, forgive them, understand them, even provide ways for change. A person who hates Christianity, or who hates you for being a Christian, may be moved by you to know Jesus, when you least expect it.
II - How does the New Testament authors write about Christ's Teaching on this INDELIBLE mark?
we've learned that through the Sacrament of Confirmation, Christ gives us Sanctifying Grace. The INDELIBLE mark is on my soul and shows through my actions - like an embossed mark visible on paper. The Holy Spirit moves me with Strength to speak about what Christ has done in my life - here is where I share the Catholic faith with family, friends, neighbors, and all those who may be against Christ.
a. Christ compares the Disciples to Salt and Light: Matthew 5:13-16
b. Christ Invites All to Himself - He can use you to bring people to Him: Matthew 11:25-30
c. Christ calls us to Love Him and Keep His Commandments: John 14:15-21
d. Christ is the Vine - We are His Branches: John 15:1-6
e. The Christian who loves Christ, must love their neighbor: John 15:12-17
f. The Holy Spirit will move you to act and speak: John16:5-15
2. When we receive the Sacrament of Confirmation, we receive what is called a CHARACTER, which means:
a. We have the Courage to be Witnesses to Christ & His helpers to bring Holiness to the World.
b. We are joined into image and sacrifices of His Priesthood.
i. The Apostles is a Witness: John 15:26-27
ii. St. Paul's Mission is inspired by the Holy Spirit: Acts13:2-6
iii. St. Paul is protected by the Holy Spirit: Acts 20:22-28
Let Us Pray:
Light of the intellect, enlighten me.
Divine Fire of hearts, inflame me.
Fullness of souls, fill me.
Lord of grace and life, vivify me.
In this vale of suffering, guide me.
In my weakness, strengthen me.
From stumbles and falls, deliver me.
With your Divine Gifts, enrich me.
With your presence, console me.
By your Divine operations, sanctify me.
My Jesus, transform me,
that having been faithful upon earth,
I may be eternally happy in heaven,
in the perfect reflection of your love.
Amen
Our Father...
Hail Mary...
Glory Be...
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HOMEWORK # 9
I - Reflection Question
1. Using the notes (I:1 - Priest, Prophet, and King), name one thing you need to sacrifice in order to be a better person. Why?
II - Read Acts of the Apostles Chapter 17 & 18 - Answer these questions
1. Whose house did
the mob march on? Why?
2. Who began the commotion during St. Paul’s visit?
3. Who did Paul debate with in Athens?
4. When Paul spoke to the philosophers and believers at the Areopagus, he mentions an altar that was inscribed – what was inscribed on that Altar?
5. Who was the person who ordered the Jews to leave Rome? Who is he? (Use the Internet)
6. Who was the speaker who was a native of Alexandria?
III - Choosing Saint Name & Sponsor.
In the 2nd Year of Confirmation, we ask the Confirmandi to choose their Patron Saint. Some take a different one in the 1st Year. Other Confirmandi like to write a little bit more about their Saint or the new Saint they are choosing. Read carefully
1. What is the name of your Saint? What year was your Saint born, and died? What was the cause of death?
2. Give 3 to 5 reasons why you are choosing this Saint.
3. Is there a prayer or prayers for this Saint? Please post it.
4. Is there a Church in the 5 Boroughs of New York named after this Saint?
5. Is this Saint a Patron? Please tell us what this Saint is the Patron of?
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LESSON 10:
Be Sealed. The Gift of the Holy Spirit.
"Be
SEALED with the Gift of the Holy Spirit" are the words the Bishop or
Priest would say when you receive Confirmation.
A SEAL is an embossed emblem, figure, symbol, word, or letter used as attestation or evidence of authenticity. Jesus teaches us what our SEAL means for us as His followers.
Judas, not the Iscariot, said to him, “Master, [then] what happened that you will reveal yourself to us and not to the world?” Jesus answered and said to him,
“Whoever
loves me will keep my word,
and my
Father will love him,
and we will
come to him and make our dwelling with him.
"Whoever
does not love me does not keep my words;
yet the word
you hear is not mine but that of the Father who sent me.
“I have told you this while I am with you.
“The Advocate, the holy Spirit that the Father will send in my name—he will teach you everything and remind you of all that [I] told you.” John 14:22-26
1. Using the Chrism Oil, the Bishop or Priest makes the Sign of the Cross on your forehead, saying these words, which means that:
a. You have the assurance that God has redeemed you by His Grace through by the death of Christ on the Cross.
b. You are joined to the Suffering, and Passion of Christ, to help you in fighting sin.
c. This SEAL confirms that your soul has been imprinted with His mark as a follower of Christ. We call this an INDELIBLE mark.
2. How do we see this SEAL work in our lives? How do we see God's power manifest in us?
The Making of Captain America - Connects to the Holy Spirit makes us different, yet we remain the same person.
When we receive the SEAL, God gives us a fearless attitude to face and stop sin. Batman puts on his suit as a SEAL for his Vocation, but a symbol that brings fear to his enemies. This SEAL helps him to be courageous.
Young people are inspired by courageous people in their lives. That's why we choose a saint to watch over us. Here, Mikey mentions Chester Copperpot, who inspired him to find One Eye Willie's lost treasure. For us, the treasure is Christ.
Tony Hawk shows his courage in facing his great challenge - the highest obstacle he ever beat as a skateboarder. He overcomes this obstacle, which hurt him. Like Tony, we have to face similar obstacles, some of which will bring us terror. God puts in our spirit the courage to face these challenges.
To have this SEAL makes us an Authentic Follower of Christ. It confirms we are Children of God, and that nothing, no matter how great it is, can scare us from reaching our potential!
LET US PRAY
Light of the
intellect, enlighten me.
Divine Fire
of hearts, inflame me.
Fullness of
souls, fill me.
Lord of
grace and life, vivify me.
In this vale
of suffering, guide me.
In my
weakness, strengthen me.
From
stumbles and falls, deliver me.
With your
Divine Gifts, enrich me.
With your
presence, console me.
By your
Divine operations, sanctify me.
My Jesus,
transform me
that having
been faithful upon earth,
I may be
eternally happy in heaven,
in the
perfect reflection of your love.
Amen
Our
Father...
Hail Mary...
Glory Be...
-----------------------
HOMEWORK # 10
1. In point #2, choose 1 video that inspires you to be COURAGEOUS? Explain why.
Read Acts of
the Apostles Chapter 15 & 16
1. What did the Disciples of Jesus debate about at the Council of Jerusalem
2. What was James' final judgment about the Gentiles?
3. Who did they send to Antioch with Paul & Barnabas?
4. Why did Paul and Barnabas separate on their journey?
5. Who joined Paul in his Journey to Lycaonia? What did the author mention about this person's family background?
6. Why was Paul sent to Prison?
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LESSON 11:
This Is My Desire: To Be You
What does it mean to be a WITNESS?
The word WITNESS comes from the Latin word Testimonium, which means to see, hear, or know by personal presence or my perception. To be present at an event, a spectator or bystander. From a religious perspective, it is towards a person, or an event(s) of where and what that person did that has affected your life. We call this a MARTYR.
A MARTYR is a WITNESS who surrenders his or her life, like Christ did on the Cross. The Latin word for MARTYR is Martyris For the MARTYR, if "Christ died to save me, I will do the same out of love, for Him." We've read an example of a Martyr named St. Stephen, who is the First Martyr of the Church. (Acts of the Apostles Chapter 6, & Chapter 7)
I - Confirmation Makes You A Witness.
1. When we receive Confirmation, the sacrament IMPRINTS on us the power of Christ to speak about your reason for following Him, to our family, our friends, our neighbors, community, our Church, and the world; of how He has made you AWESOME. Your attitude, your feelings, the way you look at life and live it, will make a deep impression on those around you.
a. You become fearless in your journey to live your vocation in Christ.
b. Your loyalty to Him is not out of force, but out of a genuine love for Him who made you a different person. Click on this link: OUR RESPONSIBILITY AS CATHOLICS
c. You Trust in Him out of love, and you are more willing to know Him, learn from Him, and His teachings, by way of the Scriptures, through the lives of the Saints, through preaching of the Priests or Deacons at Mass, your spiritual formation, and continual formation for the journey.
2. You are not in this alone - your classmates are in this Journey with you - as
you bond together through prayer and service, your spirituality will deepen with Christ.
a. Confirmation is a Catholic Action - A choice you make that will transform your life and the lives you serve.
b. In Baptism, the Spirit of God will bless you as His child. In Confirmation, the Spirit of God confirms your Mission to bring others to Christ. You have His Power to make this world a better place.
II - The Sacraments of Initiation Strengthen Your Desire To Be Like Him
1. Before my Confirmation, I renew my Baptismal Promises - the ones my Parents and Godparents said for me. Why? Because it is my choice to live for Christ, and I urged by Him to grown in His Divine Strength.
2. Like our bodies need food, water, exercise, air, the sun, contact with people - you need spirituality: the sacraments, prayer, hearing the word of God, studying His teachings, the practice of your faith in the service of others.
3. Our Lord gives us the Eucharist - His Body and Blood on Sunday, and everyday - to give us strength to talk about Him.
4. Other strengths He gives us:
a. Praying for people.
b. Being a good example - Imitating Christ in your Life.
c. To suffer bravely when you have to.
d. By doing works of kindness (Works of Mercy)
e. Helping in the Mission of Christ.
f. Encourage Life Vocations (Single Life, Marriage, Diaconate, the Priesthood, Religious Life.)
g. Joining in the Apostolic work of the Parish.
h. Receiving the Body of Christ on Sunday, and possibly daily, as well as going to Confession.
5. One does not need Confirmation to make it to Heaven, but it can give tremendous strength to us to reach for God in Heaven.
a. If you received Baptism, you should receive Confirmation.
b. Like Communion, we must be in a state of grace. So we need to Make a Good Confession, like the one we did before receiving our Communion. Click on the video.
6. To help you along your Spiritual Journey in receiving a Confirmation and living it, you need a Sponsor. He or she must have
a. Received Baptism, Communion, and Confirmation
b. Be 16 years or older
c. Be a practicing Catholic (Going to Sunday Mass, and able to receive Communion)
d. Can be Single, or Married by Church
This is a great example of a Sponsor who helps a teen in their struggle to grow. As part of the Journey, he calls the Teen's father to participate in this Spiritual Journey.
NOTE: You
can pick your Sponsor from Baptism to be your Sponsor for Confirmation.
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HOMEWORK # 11
I - Reflection Question
1. What stands out about this image of Superman? In your Journey with Christ, what do you think Christ is asking from you?
II - Read Acts of the Apostles Chapter 19 & 20 - Answer these questions
Chapter 19 & 20
1. St. Paul encountered people who baptized differently – who baptized them? What did St. Paul do to these people?
2. St. Paul did mighty works in the hands of the Lord; what were the two of things that touched Paul’s skin and were used to heal people?
3. What happened to a Jewish High Priest who tried to use the name of Jesus in an exorcism?
4. What was the issue with the Silversmiths? Who stopped the riot?
5. When St. Paul was about to set sail to Syria, who tried to get plot against him?
6. Who fell asleep while St. Paul was speaking? What did St. Paul do?
7. Why was St. Paul hurrying to Jerusalem? What was that feast day about? (See notes – History of Confirmation)
8. In Paul’s farewell speech, why did the Christian’s cried and hugged St. Paul? In your own words, what did Paul tell them?
LET US PRAY
Light of the intellect, enlighten me.
Divine Fire of hearts, inflame me.
Fullness of souls, fill me.
Lord of grace and life, vivify me.
In this vale of suffering, guide me.
In my weakness, strengthen me.
From stumbles and falls, deliver me.
With your Divine Gifts, enrich me.
With your presence, console me.
By your Divine operations, sanctify me.
My Jesus, transform me
that having been faithful upon earth,
I may be eternally happy in heaven,
in the perfect reflection of your love.
Amen
Our Father...
Hail Mary...
Glory Be...
-------------------------------------------------------------
LESSON 12:
I Believe -
The Gift of Faith
1. In your spiriual journey towards receiving Confirmation, Our Father and Our Lord have sent us the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit lives within us, like He lives in the Church.
a. The Holy Spirit is the one that makes me Holy. The word Holy comes from the Latin word "Sanctus", which means "set apart". It is God's Grace in your life that makes you Holy. We call this Sanctifying Grace. Think of it like a electricity flowing through wires to activate a light fixture, or to charge your devices through an outlet. Once plugged into the outlet, the device responds to the electricity.
b. The Holy Spirit came to us during our Baptism, when your parents brought you to the Trinity. Your parents spoke for you, and made a promise with your sponsors to walk with you in your spiritual journey. Here begins your personal journey to FAITH.
I - What is Faith?
1. We experience FAITH in ordinary ways. Imagine: You are asked to do a task - Let's say at home: Like a chore you are given every week to do. - You are reminded of doing the chore each week, until you remember doing it, and practicing it. When you have memorized the time, and practice of it, you do it without being told. It comes natural, meaning, "I do it because I am helping out my family maintain the house."
a. FAITH comes in - you know that the good you do will be recognized,
acknowledged, and possibly rewarded. By experience, your parent, or a family member will respond to your work.
i. FAITH goes as far as how you interact with your teachers, your employer, or your mentors.
ii. It is what we call a Human Faith, which comes from this Spiritual FAITH that helps us to trust in God, and those He has sent to help us.
2. FAITH is the divine VIRTUE by which we firmly believe, on the word of God, all the truths He has made known.
In Sacred Scripture we learn about FAITH:
- Our Lord Walks on Water. (Matthew 14:22-33)
- Our Lord calls us to believe. (John 6:60-71)
- Jesus cures a little girl through the pleading of her mother (Matthew 15:21-28)
- Jesus cures the man who cannot hear and speak. (Mark 7:31-37)
- St. Peter cures a man who wants to walk (Act 3:1-10)
a. A VIRTUE is a habit which comes with God's grace and helps us to do good, more easily, because we have practiced them through maturing.
Jesus tell us how the Holy Spirit will Act in us. (John 16:5-15)
i. The word VIRTUE comes from the Latin word VIRTŪS which means, "Maleness, & worth". In other words, it means STRENGTH.
ii. This STRENGTH is spiritual, which God blesses you through SANCTIFYING GRACE. God gives you new life. With this life, you share in the life and love of God. You also have His STRENGTH to 'Make it in life". Spiritual FAITH means you have Trust in Him.
b. There are three important VIRTUES that He gives to us for our Holiness - FAITH, HOPE, and LOVE (which we sometimes call CHARITY). Note: Did you know there was a St. Faith?
i. CHARITY is love that is shown to others, or we say, Love in Action.
Let us pray to the Holy Spirit...
COME, O Creator Spirit blest, And in our souls take up Your rest, Come with Your grace and Heavenly aid, And fill the hearts which You have made. Great Paraclete! To You we cry, O highest gift of God most high! O fount of life! O fire of love! And sweet anointing from above. You in Your Sevenfold gifts are known, The finger of God's hand we own; The promise of the Father, You! Who do the tongue with power endow. Kindle our senses from above, And make our hearts overflow with love; with patience firm and virtue high, the weakness of our flesh supply. Far from us drive the foe we dread, And grant us Your true peace instead; So shall we not, with You for guide, Turn from the path of life aside. Oh, may Your grace on us bestow the Father and the Son to know, and You through endless times confessed of both the Eternal Spirit blest. All glory while the ages run, be to the Father and the Son, who rose from death; and glory, too, O Holy Spirit, given to me. Amen.
Send us your Spirit and we will be created. And you will renew the face of the earth.
The Act of Faith...
O my God, I firmly believe all the truths that the holy Catholic Church believes and teaches; I believe these truths, O Lord, because of You, the infallible Truth, have revealed them to her; in this faith I am resolved to live and die. Amen
Our
Father...
Hail Mary...
Glory Be...
Queen of Angels, pray for us.
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HOMEWORK #
12
I - Reflection Question
1. In Line #2; Which of the 5 Scripture Passages represents your experience today? Which character in the passage reminds you of yourself? Why?
II - Read Acts of the Apostles Chapter 21 & 22 - Answer these questions
1. Who told Paul not to go to the City of Jerusalem?
2. Paul went to the House of Philip - what did the author mean that Philip was "one of the seven"? What was the gift that Philip's daughters have?
3. Who came to visit Paul during his time with Philip? What did Philip tell and show Paul, if he went to Jerusalem? What was Paul's response to the people?
4. When Paul was arrested. what did he say to the Commander that convinced him to grant permission to speak before the Jewish crowd?
5. Who did Paul mention as his teacher of the law and his zeal for God?
6. What did Paul say to the Commander when he threatened to scourge him (Acts 22:24-29)?
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1. HOPE is the second divine virtue:
a. It is part of God's strength, which He gives to you in Baptism. This VIRTUE grows during your Spiritual Journey in Confirmation, till you receive the Sacrament. Think of it like Neo in the Matrix:
Neo is given the ability to defend himself through a software download of Martial Arts. It is similar to how God puts in us His Grace, and Virtues, like HOPE, into our very being. Afterwards, Neo is tested. He needs to practice with Morphius, to learn how this gift works within his life. Here, Confirmation is the SEAL that marks you with HOPE, and continues to strengthen you. In the video, Morphius explains the rules of the environment, but Neo cannot see past the program of the Matrix. He has to control his gifts within the Matrix, like we have to learn & exercise our spiritual gift of HOPE through life. Morphius finishes the lesson with, "Is that air you're breathing?" In the mind of Neo, he believes that the Matrix controls his very being. In Truth, God does control our destiny, but at the same it is mystery that God allows us to learn it, explore it, and experience it.
b. God gives us this gift of HOPE, so that we may know Him as our True Eternal Happiness.
c. In times of struggle, hardship, or doubt, God will remind us about our HOPE in HIM, which will draw us to God for what we truly need. Read the Gospel of St Matthew 1:18-25, St Joseph is given HOPE by the message of an Angel.)
Note: Did you know there was a St. Hope?
II - What does Scripture tell us about HOPE?
1. Jesus heals the son of an Official who HOPES - Gospel of St.John 4:46-54
2. A woman's HOPE saves her from suffering - Gospel of St Luke8:42-48
3. The HOPE to see - Gospel of St. Matthew 9:27-31
4. HOPE to all that Christ will liberate us from evil - Gospel ofSt. Mark 9:14-29
5. Ask Our Father in the Name of Jesus - Gospel of St John 14:7-14
6. Our experience living in the Love of Christ - Gospel of St.John 15:7-11
Let us pray to the Holy Spirit...
COME, O Creator Spirit blest,
And in our souls take up Your rest,
Come with Your grace and Heavenly aid,
And fill the hearts which You have made.
Great Paraclete! To You we cry,
O highest gift of God most high!
O fount of life! O fire of love!
And sweet anointing from above.
You in Your sevenfold gifts art known,
The finger of God's hand we own;
The promise of the Father, You!
Who dost the tongue with power endow.
Kindle our senses from above,
And make our hearts o'erflow with love;
With patience firm and virtue high,
The weakness of our flesh supply.
Far from us drive the foe we dread,
And grant us, Your true peace instead;
So shall we not, with You for guide,
Turn from the path of life aside.
Oh, may Your grace on us bestow
The Father and the Son to know,
And You through endless times confessed
Of both the Eternal Spirit blest.
All glory while the ages run
Be to the Father and the Son
Who rose from death; the same to You,
O Holy Spirit, eternally. Amen.
Send us your Spirit,
and we will be created.
And you will renew the
face of the earth.
The Act of Hope...
O my God, trusting in your promises, and because you are faithful, powerful, and merciful, I hope, through the merits of Christ, for the pardon of my sins, final perseverance, and the blessed glory of heaven. Amen
Our Father...
Hail Mary...
Glory Be...
Queen of Angels, pray for us.
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HOMEWORK # 13
I - Reflection Question
1. In Line #2, which of the 5 Scripture Passages represents your experience today? Which character are you in the passage? Why?
II - Read Acts of the Apostles Chapter 23 & 24 - Answer these questions
1. Who was St. Paul speaking to at the Sanhedrin when he was confronting the High Priests?
2. What did St. Paul say he was on Trial for?
3. How many people wanted to conspire to kill St. Paul?
4. Who escorted St. Paul to safety?
5. What was the Hope St. Paul was talking about?
6. What city was St. Paul a captive in?
Let Him Be Seen - The Gift of Love
I - The Gift of Love - otherwise known as CHARITY - is a Divine VIRTUE that God gives to us to love Him above all things, and our neighbor as ourselves.
Note: Did you know there was a St. Charity?
1. We believe this to be the Truth. Jesus brings these words to reality by showing us how to love as an important part of our journey to become saints.
2. Jesus begins by teaching a summary of the Commandments to the Scribes. From generation to generation, the Scribes studied these words from Moses. It was a summary of the Ten Commandments, broken down into two sentences, quoting the Book of Deuteronomy 6:4-5. & Leviticus 19:18
“The first is this: ‘Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is Lord alone! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.' The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” (Mark 12:30-31)
II - The authors of Sacred Scripture teach us how the Virtue of CHARITY is seen in action:
1. The action of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37)
2. Christ calls us to live in His Love (John 15:7-11)
3. Jesus also teaches us to Love One Another (John 15:12-17)
III - If you have forgotten the 10 Commandments, here is the full list:
1st - Love of God focuses on these three Commandments: (Exodus 20:1-17)
1. I, the Lord, am your God. You shall not have other gods besides me.
2. You shall not take the name of the Lord, your God, in vain.
3. Remember to keep holy the Sabbath Day.
2nd - Love of Neighbor focuses on these seven Commandments
4. Honor your father and mother.
5. You shall not kill
6. You shall not commit adultery
7. You shall not steal
8. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor
9. You shall not covet your neighbor's wife.
10. You shall not covet anything that belongs to your neighbor.
IV - With this Virtue of Charity, the Holy Spirit gives you graces that strengthen your spiritual journey towards sainthood.
1. He gives to you actual graces to know what you must do, and act with love that will please God. But if you do not know God, and speak to Him, then your connection with God will be a struggle, a turning away, and a rejection of God's Love. It is about the Spiritual Journey in developing your relationship with Him during your preparation for Confirmation.
2. The Holy Spirit, which you have received in Confirmation, will strengthen your mind by giving you the Light of His Understanding, as well as the will power to do good and avoid evil. That includes your personal rejection to not sin. Should you struggle or fall, the Sacrament of Confession will help you to get back to God. He will even give you strength to come to Confession, knowing you need of Him.
a. Actual Grace stays with you all your life, so long as you need it to do good, and to avoid evil.
b. Along with this grace, the Holy Spirit gives to you Seven Gifts that will make you into an amazing person.
Imagine the DC character, Superman. What makes him amazing? The power of the Sun. For us, it's not just the Sun that gives us natural strengths (like Vitamin D), it is the Son who provides the Physical and Spiritual Strength to become Holy.
COME, O Creator Spirit blest,
And in our souls take up Your rest,
Come with Your grace and Heavenly aid,
And fill the hearts which You have made.
Great Paraclete! To You we cry,
O highest gift of God most high!
O fount of life! O fire of love!
And sweet anointing from above.
You in Your sevenfold gifts art known,
The finger of God's hand we own;
The promise of the Father, You!
Who dost the tongue with power endow.
Kindle our senses from above,
And make our hearts o'erflow with love;
With patience firm and virtue high,
The weakness of our flesh supply.
Far from us drive the foe we dread,
And grant us, Your true peace instead;
So shall we not, with You for guide,
Turn from the path of life aside.
Oh, may Your grace on us bestow
The Father and the Son to know,
And You through endless times confessed
Of both the Eternal Spirit blest.
All glory while the ages run
Be to the Father and the Son
Who rose from death; the same to You,
O Holy Spirit, eternally. Amen.
1. Who does St. Paul appeal to?2. Who was the King that wanted to hear from St. Paul? Why?3. What did St. Paul say to the King about the dead?4. WWhen speaking to the King, who did St. Paul mention about imprisoning? Why? What changed his mind?5. In St. Paul’s testimony to the King, what event made him change his ways?6. What were the words of the King about setting St. Paul free? Could he have done it? What did he say?
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On The Seven Gifts Of The Holy Spirit (PT1)
I - God continues to give us gifts through the Sacraments, most especially the Sacrament of Confirmation. There is a set of gifts that the Spirit of God puts into our soul - they are called the SEVEN GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT: Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Fortitude, Knowledge, Piety, and Fear of the Lord. In this lesson, we will discuss four of the gifts, followed by the last three gifts. Let's begin!
1. As we mentioned before, the Holy Spirit gives us ACTUAL GRACE.
a. Along with this Grace, the Holy Spirit gives to you SEVEN powerful GIFTS to help you through the Spiritual Journey.
b. The Gospel of St John teaches us what Jesus intended for these Gifts can, and should do through us. He speaks of it as Love In Action (Click here - Encyclical: Deus Caritas Est by Pope Benedict XVI). Love is what we crave for or we want to see, to give us reason to believe in Him and what He can do in our lives. Jesus says,
If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate to be with you always, the Spirit of truth, which the world cannot accept, because it neither sees nor knows it. But you know it, because it remains with you, and will be in you. I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you. In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me, because I live and you will live. On that day you will realize that I am in my Father and you are in me and I in you. Whoever has my commandments and observes them is the one who loves me. And whoever loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and reveal myself to him. (John 14: 15-21)
2. How does this look when my life is connected to the Holy Spirit?
Imagine Coach in this film - He becomes the Image of God, your Guardian Angel, your Patron Saint, your Parent(s) or Guardian(s), your Mentor, even your Sponsor. The Holy Spirit is our Coach, using the human coach to motivate us to complete tasks or actions that may seem incredibly hard to accomplish. The spirit of the team has been beaten. Listen to how the coach pushes a strong football player to find his strength.
II - The 7 Gifts make us into Saints for many to see and believe in God.
1. The Gift of Wisdom - This Gift helps us to make God the Center of your life. Should we lose our way, should we be distracted with the things in life, or should we be knocked off the Journey, God will make His presence known by urging us to turn to Him in prayer, and to wake us up and to RISE - to get back on that road. Life will trip us up - God knows that, but He's not going to let you stay there. Wisdom will help you to find God, to hear Him even during the painful moments of your life. Like the Coach, He will push you beyond your limits, because God sees your potential when some may not see it. Here, your relationship with God will grow - you will slowly love what He is doing for you, and trust Him.
Judas, not the Iscariot, said to him, “Master, [then] what happened that you will reveal yourself to us and not to the world?” Jesus answered and said to him, “Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words; yet the word you hear is not mine but that of the Father who sent me. I have told you this while I am with you. The Advocate, the holy Spirit that the Father will send in my name—he will teach you everything and remind you of all that [I] told you. (John 14:22-26)
2. The Gift of Understanding - This Gift is given to us so that you can know and love God. He will teach you through faith, so that you can live His teachings and blessing each day. God will strengthen your mind by experience and practice - He will urge you to read and study. This is why you went Faith Formation classes to prepare for the Sacrament of Confirmation. Moved by the Spirit of God, our parents put us in Faith Formation not to receive the Sacrament only, but to understand that God wants a relationship with you. He wants to transform you by this relationship.
a. God wants you to be His Witness - John 15:18-25
b. Our Lord teaches us how the Holy Spirit will Act through you - John 16:5-15
3. The Gift of Counsel - This Gift is given to you for Spiritual Direction, as the Holy Spirit will guide you in all your actions. The Holy Spirit uses this Gift to make sure you know God's will in your life, which is to be HOLY first. This is why you pick a Saint name, so that you stay connected to this person who has lived for God before you. You become an apprentice of the Saint, like an apprentice of the Coach, or a Teacher. He also leads you to people who will mentor you through the Spiritual Journey.
4. The Gift of Fortitude - This Gift strengthens your soul to face tests, or what we call TEMPTATIONS. Remember, we spoke of moments in our lives that can trip us along our Spiritual Journey. It's impossible to avoid these tests, but possible to choose the right over the wrong. This Gift also gives us spiritual confidence in God. If our relationship is strong with God, we can know what God is doing through us. This Gift also helps us to answer for ourselves, whether we have sinned or not. It is very hard to shake a person whose fortitude is strong in God.
1. In the beginning verses, who was kind to St. Paul, allowing him to visit his friends?2. On the second ship that St. Paul boarded, what did he warn the ship's crew? What was their response?3. What did the ship run into during their voyage? What did St. Paul tell the ship's crew when they became scared by their situation at sea?4. Who wanted to abandon the ship? What did St. Paul tell them?5. What verse did St. Paul give thanks to God? What did St. Paul celebrate?6. What happened to the ship after the storm? What were the soldiers going to do to the prisoners?
His Strength Will Make You Different
puts into our soul - they are called the SEVEN GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT: Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Fortitude, Knowledge, Piety, and Fear of the Lord. In this lesson, we will learn about the remaining 3 Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Knowledge, Piety, and Fear of the Lord.
1. The Gift of Knowledge - During our spiritual journey in preparation for Confirmation, you have been studying the teachings of the Church, the Sacred Scriptures (most especially the Book of the Acts of the Apostles), the Lives and writings of the Saints (Your Confirmation Patron Saint), while using your daily experiences, God continues to teach you Good from Evil - Right from Wrong. This gift is to help you do the Good & act on what is Right. The pursuit of knowledge, to better ones judgment of an object, a person, an event - anything that you encounter, show a strong connection you have with God.
a. This gift helps us to discern teachings, and teachers if they are telling the truth. It also urges us to search for the truth in order to protect and defend ourselves from false teachings. (Matthew 7:13-23)b. The lesson of the Rich Young Man calls us to the attention of the use of our knowledge. If I say, "I love God", then it should mean that you have sacrificed some thing or things to deepen that relationship. If you have not, it will show to those who hear your testimony, because your actions do not show this relationship with God is real. (Luke18:8-30)c. When we say, "I love God", it is believed that you follow His Commandments and Teachings, so that you try to put it into practice. (John 14:22-26)
2. The Gift of Piety - Another word for Reverence, which means to show the value or worth to an object, teaching, person, activity, an event, etc. When it comes to God, and His creations as well as inspirations, we are drawn to God by these. There is nothing wrong in acknowledging their value, since we believe they come from God. Piety is shown or exercised by how we place importance - like on a Sunday, I attend Mass not because I am told, but through this urge to be close to God, to learn from God, and to love God. It looks like a PRACTICE, but it turns into a habit, a wanting, an action that comes from my heart and mind. It leads to a desire for Unity with others. Part of our Piety is connected to how we treat our parents, siblings, our teachers, and mentors, and people. It's what we call the COMMUNION OF SAINTS, only that is on earth.
a. Jesus reminds us in the Prayer of the Our Father: God is First, our Neighbor is Second, we should be last, because we think of the other person who needs us. (Matthew 6:9-15)
3. The Gift of the Fear of the Lord - Also known as the experience of Wonder and Awe, helps me to avoid any chances I may have in offending or displeasing God. This extends to those who are close to us: Family, friends, our neighbors (It includes our enemies - are they really?), even life on this world (the pets in your care, the land, our natural surroundings, etc).
a. The Fear of the Lord helps me to recognize the value of our relationship with God and Neighbor. (Matthew 5:27-30)
b. The woman who lived a sinful life, searches for the Lord to change her life. (Luke 7:36-50)
II - Grace and Gifts are needed to know, love, and respond to God.
1. The Grace and Gifts given to us in Confirmation, help us to respond to God, and to His call to service. At the same time, my soul and body are transformed towards Him who saves me. This transformation continues to grow in me by way of my Worship, in other words, you look to Him as worthy for your surrender. In loving surrender, not as a slave who is forced, but one who freely gives God their life. The act of Worship is
a. Our participation and attention to Mass every Sunday, and weekday.
b. When we receive Him in Communion and visit Him at Church before the Tabernacle or Monstrance at Holy Hour.
c. When we come to Him in the Sacrament of Confession - Monthly.
d. By following a structure of daily prayer: Morning, Afternoon, Evening, Night, a Devotion, etc. We must be consistent in your prayer.
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HOMEWORK #16
I - Reflection Question
1. In "II", under letters "A - D", which
one of these do you find easy or hard to practice? Why?
II - Read Acts of the Apostles Chapter 28 - Answer these
questions
1. What island was St. Paul stranded on? How was he welcomed?
2. What happened to St. Paul when he helped the fire for warmth? What did they think of St. Paul when that surprise happened?
3. Who did St. Paul cure on the Island?
4. When St. Paul traveled to Rome, how was he treated along his journey?
5. Who did he speak to in Rome?
6. Where does the story end for St. Paul in the Book of Acts of the Apostles?
What Comes From The Heart
In the Gospel of St. Mark, Jesus teaches us the value of our gifts, and how it comes from our heart. The Author of the Gospel of St. Mark tells us the story from 7:1-15:
‘This people honors me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me; In vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines human precepts.’
You disregard God’s commandment but cling to human tradition. He went on to say, “How well you have set aside the commandment of God in order to uphold your tradition! For Moses said, ‘Honor your father and your mother,’ and ‘Whoever curses father or mother shall die.’ Yet you say, ‘If a person says to father or mother, “Any support you might have had from me is qorban’ (meaning, dedicated to God), you allow him to do nothing more for his father or mother. You nullify the word of God in favor of your tradition that you have handed on. And you do many such things. He summoned the crowd again and said to them, “Hear me, all of you, and understand. Nothing that enters one from outside can defile that person; but the things that come out from within are what defile."
When it comes to the Fruits of the Holy Spirit, how does this passage connect to our ACTS OF VIRTUE, GOOD WORKS, DESIRES, and SENTIMENTS?
I - How do we use the Fruits of the Holy Spirit in our life.
1. We all carry our Parent's teachings, and will soon pass it on to our children.
a. We also carry on the teachings of our Mentors, Authorities, Teachers, Sponsors, and People we admire. It is a good thing to listen and learn from them, but sooner or later, the teaching has to be revised, or modified to fit the Holy Spirit's Will in our lives.
b. When we are disconnected from God, when we are not speaking to Him in prayer, when we have not developed a relationship with Him through devotion, and allowing ourselves to be moved by His Grace through the Sacraments we received, we can easily be mislead, trust with uncertainty, abandon even our personal call (Vocation) for the sake of pleasing the people we consider important in our journey.c. We enter into a false journey - one that leads us into different directions, events, or places that we can get lost. Sometimes it takes years for us to find our way out, years for us to forgive ourselves for past choices, or asking forgiveness for our failures, even forgiving those who hurt us badly. We become so lost that our experience misleads us to believe that God is not with me...
2. The Fruits of the Holy Spirit comes from the 7 Gifts of the Holy Spirit (See HIS STRENGTH WILL MAKE YOU DIFFERENT - Part 1 & Part 2)
a. The Fruits of the Holy Spirit encourage our Spiritual Development towards living out the Beatitudes (See Gospel of St. Matthew 5:1-12). It also helps us to avoid being mislead, even to find our way back to God.
b. Through the Sacraments of Baptism, Communion, and most especially Confirmation, you and I are connected to the Holy Spirit who inspires us to be VIRTUOUS, commit ourselves to GOOD WORKS, to live with the DESIRE to be Holy and Great, and that our THOUGHTS be for the good of others - including ourselves.
c. Jesus teaches us in the Gospel of St Mark that what comes out of persons heart can be evil - He is speaking about our choice to GO AGAINST GOD. But the teachings you receive and experience with time, and your relationship with God will help you to understand What enters your life by way of formation, and experiences, God's has given you His Grace to discern what is GOOD or BAD for you.
II - The 12 Fruits of the Holy Spirit - Valuable to your Spiritual Journey.
1. Imagine a Tree that matures. This Tree represents the 7 Gift of the Holy Spirit. (See HIS STRENGTH WILL MAKE YOU DIFFERENT - Part 1 & Part 2)
a. When the Tree matures, it has the possibility of creating Seed bearing Fruit. The Fruit can be taken for nourishment, or cultivation to plant more Trees.
b. The Church see this as God's plan for the Church, and lives of the Saints.
a. Charity - Also known as Love in Action. This Fruit moves us to act in love for God and His People.
b. Joy - Encourages us to be truly happy and always open to God's infinite goodness.
c. Peace - Born from Joy, and keep tranquil during challenges, and times of suffering.
d. Patience - Gives us endurance during difficult times in life and the suffering of death.
e. Benignity - Kindness and tolerance for all. It from the Fruit of Goodness, which encourage to do Good in word and in action.
f. Goodness - Moves us to do the good for all, without distinction.
LET US PRAY:
What Comes From The Heart
1. We continue with the Gospel of St Mark 7:16-23, as the author writes the event down, giving us a picture of Jesus’ teaching on “What comes out from a person’s heart?”
When he got home away from the crowd his disciples questioned him about the parable. He said to them, “Are even you likewise without understanding? Do you not realize that everything that goes into a person from outside cannot defile, since it enters not the heart but the stomach and passes out into the latrine?” (Thus he declared all foods clean.) But what comes out of a person, that is what defiles. From within people, from their hearts, come evil thoughts, unchastity, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, licentiousness, envy, blasphemy, arrogance, folly. All these evils come from within and they defile.
2. Here, Jesus explains to His Disciples, and to us that ACTS OF VIRTUE, GOOD WORKS, DESIRES, and SENTIMENTS should come from our Heart. The 13 things Jesus mentions go contrary to the 12 Fruits of the Holy Spirit.
3. Like water can turn certain metals into rust, choosing to do wrong things can take us away from our Spiritual Journey from God.
II - The 12 Fruits of the Holy Spirit - Valuable to your Spiritual Journey. (Part 2)
a. Long-Suffering - This fruit helps me by strengthening my patience during a long period of trails or suffering. The Holy Spirit gives it to you, even when you find no encouragement from a family member, a mentor, or a friend.
b. Mildness - Helps you to hold your anger. From moving towards an explosive rage.
c. Faith - One becomes faithful when you deal with family, friend, or neighbor.
d. Modesty - One moderates ones actions and attitudes towards others.
e. Continence - Self control when it comes to sexual temptations.
f. Chastity - Helps you to guard senses, so you will not fall into sin. We see the value of the human person as temples of the Holy Spirit.
1. Keep in mind, Jesus has taught us the value of ourselves and the people around us - how we should treat one another.
a. God brings to us the 10 Commandments: (Exodus 20:1-17)
b. God teaches us how our families must show us the value of the Commandments, summing them up into 2 Commandments. (Deuteronomy 6:4-9; Mark 12:29-34)
c. Jesus teaches us the Beatitudes, which focus on the Commandments of God, and how we should be with others. (Matthew 5:3-12; Matthew 5:17-20)
LET US PRAY:
a. When you walk into a Confessional Room, what are the first words that you say to a Priest?b. Why do we have to do penance?c. What is the reason for making an Act of Contrition?
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