Intermediate
God’s Gift
Reconciliation and Eucharist
Contents Opening Prayer
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PART 1 Foundational
1
Chapter 1
Jesus Offers Us His Saving Grace
1
Chapter 2
We Are a Sacramental People
7
Chapter 3
The Sacraments of Initiation Welcome Us
PART 2 Reconciliation
13
19
Chapter 4
Baptism Brings Us New Life in Christ
19
Chapter 5
Jesus Forgives Us
23
Chapter 6
Jesus Heals Us
27
Chapter 7
The Holy Spirit Guides Us
31
Chapter 8
God Is Always by Our Side
35
PART 3 Eucharist
39
Chapter 9
We Gather at Mass
39
Chapter 10
We Listen to God’s Word
43
Chapter 11
We Offer Gifts
47
Chapter 12
We Remember Christ’s Passover
51
Chapter 13
Holy Communion Strengthens Us
55
Chapter 14
Jesus Calls Us to Love
59
Chapter Prayers
63
I Live My Faith
77
Glossary 115 Index
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Baptism Brings Us New Life in Christ
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Read God’s Word Read the Acts of the Apostles 9:1–19.
Now continue to read . . .
Paul and Ananias A man named Saul was fiercely against the early Christians and wanted to stop them from spreading the message of salvation through Jesus. Saul dragged them out of their homes and had them arrested. One day, Saul was struck to the ground by a great light. From the light, he heard a voice. “Saul,” it said, “why are you persecuting me?” When he got up, Saul couldn’t see. He was led by hand into the city of Damascus. In a vision, the Lord asked a disciple named Ananias to visit Saul. At first, Ananias said, “No, thanks!” He had heard terrible stories about Saul, but the
Lord explained that he had a plan. He said he had chosen Saul to spread his message, and so Ananias went. Ananias entered the house where Saul was, put his hands on Saul’s head, and blessed him. At that moment, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes. He could see again. Upon receiving the Holy Spirit, Saul was immediately baptized. Upon Baptism, Saul’s soul was marked with a sacramental character, or seal, that can never be removed or repeated. Saul would change his name to Paul. We received the same spiritual sign on our souls when we were baptized. This sign can never be removed or repeated. This helps us do God’s work. Becoming baptized helped Paul do God’s work and spread his Word. What a wonderful gift it is to be baptized!
Prayer Jesus, thank you for the gift of Baptism. Help us always remember that we are marked with the sign of your love. Amen.
Reconciliation
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Baptism Brings Us New Life in Christ Chapter 4
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The Rite of Baptism Like Paul, every Christian is baptized. We believe that Baptism is necessary for our Salvation because it brings us close to God and frees us from Original Sin. When people asked the first Christians in Jerusalem what they needed to do to be saved, Peter answered, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ . . .” (Acts of the Apostles 2:38) Peter was chosen by Jesus to lead his Church. We trust what Peter says. Baptism is celebrated according to a rite, with its own special prayers, objects, and elements. The Rite of Baptism centers on the immersion, or the pouring of water. Water is essential for life. We forget this sometimes because water is more easily available to many people today. The Jews and early Christians in Palestine spent a lot of time in the desert. They knew how precious water was. The Rite of Baptism is usually performed by a bishop, priest, or deacon. However, in extraordinary situations of necessity, anyone can baptize if he or she has the intention of doing what the Church does. He or she must also pour water over the candidate’s head saying, “I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” Like all Catholic rites, the Rite of Baptism opens with the Sign of the Cross. The Gospel is then proclaimed through a reading from Scripture. The priest or deacon anoints the person with oil of catechumens. The baptismal water
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is then blessed, and the person (or the infant’s parents and godparents) renounces Satan and professes the beliefs of our Catholic faith. Next, the essential Rite of Baptism takes place. It is called “essential” because it is the one part of the rite that is necessary for a person to be baptized. The priest or deacon pours water over the person’s head, or he or she is immersed in water. As water flows over the person, the priest or deacon says, “I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” The Rite of Baptism continues with the anointing with holy Chrism. The person is then draped in a white garment to symbolize the “putting on of Christ” and given a white candle to symbolize Christ’s light in the world. Once a person is baptized, he or she carries this light into the world and begins a new life in Christ.
H m m . . .
I Think About This Baptism is birth into the new life in Christ and welcomes us into the Church.
God’s Gift Reconciliation
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The Fruits of Baptism Baptism is necessary for salvation. Salvation is new life in Christ. In Baptism, we become God’s sons and daughters. We become members of Christ’s Body, the Church, and share in its mission. We become temples of the Holy Spirit. When we are baptized—just as when Paul was baptized—a sacramental character, or seal, is imprinted on our soul. This sign, or character, can never be removed. This indelible character gives a positive disposition for grace and a promise of divine protection. It is a divine vocation of divine worship to the Church, and the sacrament can never be repeated.
receive in Baptism helps us resist it. It shows us the way toward closeness with God. Since the earliest times, the Rite of Baptism has been administered to children and infants. Baptism is a grace and gift from God that does not suppose human merit. Therefore, the Church has always baptized infants, giving them entry into Christian life and the prospect of living in true freedom. For children who die without being baptized, the liturgy of the Church invites us to trust in God’s mercy and pray that he draws them near.
Salvation is also freedom from sin. Baptism forgives two types of sin, Original Sin and personal sin. Original Sin is a condition we are born with. It first occurred when Adam and Eve turned away from God. In Baptism, however, we are restored to life with God through Jesus Christ. The other type of sin forgiven in Baptism is personal sin. Personal sins are the choices we make that take us farther from God. Personal sins also harm our relationships with others. Baptism forgives these sins, but it does not remove our tendency to sin. This tendency is called concupiscence. Even though we still experience temptation, the light of Christ that we
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Baptism Brings Us New Life in Christ Chapter 4
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Reflect / Respond
Baptism Is a Gift of Light Every human being is like a candle waiting to be lit with God’s love. In the gift of Baptism, the light of Christ comes alive in us. This light illuminates the path that will take us closer to God. Our light also shines for others to see in the world.
I Share with My Family With your family, name one way each of you shines the light of Christ in the world.
Talk in prayer to God using Being a Child of Light, found on page 66.
Living My Faith I Remember What I Learn 1. Paul was baptized so he could bring to the world the Good News of salvation through Jesus Christ. 2. Baptism is necessary for our salvation. 3. In Baptism, Original Sin is forgiven. 4. In Baptism, we are born to new life in Christ.
I Live What I Learn 1. How can I thank God for the gift of Baptism? 2. How do I share the light of Christ in the world? 3. How can I care for myself as a temple of the Holy Spirit?
I Know These Words concupiscence, p. 115
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rite, p. 118
sacramental character, p. 118
soul, p. 119
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We Gather at Mass
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Read God’s Word Read 2 Samuel 6:12–15.
Now continue to read . . .
King David’s Joyful Welcome The ark of the covenant, an ornate wooden box that contained the stone tablets with the Ten Commandments, was special to the people of Israel. The ark was a sign of God’s presence and love. Two angel sculptures were on top. Wooden poles were attached to the sides for carrying. The Israelites built a tent for the ark. They set it up and took it down as they wandered through the desert. Once they arrived at their destination, they placed the ark inside the tent. King David, a royal ancestor of Jesus, wished to bring the ark of the covenant to Jerusalem. He arranged a grand procession to welcome the ark into the city. People gathered to see the parade. King David
was filled with joy. He and the people danced before the ark of the covenant to praise God. The ark reminded the people of Jerusalem that God loved them and cared for them. We have seen how the Israelites and King David processed before the ark of the covenant. These and other signs and symbols of the Israelites prefigure the liturgical celebration of the sacraments of the new covenant. At Mass, we sing and pray before the altar as we are led by our priest. In celebrating the Mass, we are entering into the Paschal Mystery by which Christ accomplished the work of our salvation. Through the priest, we offer our gifts to God and receive the Body and Blood of Christ in Holy Communion. At the end of Mass, we are called to go forward and proclaim the Gospel.
Prayer Heavenly Father, thank you for helping me recognize your presence. Help me show others your love and joy through my words and actions. Amen.
Eucharist
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We Gather at Mass Chapter 9
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We Gather Together The Old Testament story of David and the ark prefigures our celebration of the Mass. In the Eucharist, however, we celebrate the re-presentation of Christ’s Paschal Mystery and the unique and substantial presence of Christ in the Eucharist. Sunday, the Lord’s Day, replaces the Sabbath as we celebrate the new creation ushered in by Christ’s Resurrection. Sunday is a special day for families to gather, to celebrate how God is working in their lives, and to rest from work. The priest presides at Mass, but everyone participates. The lector proclaims the Word of God. The choir leads us in song. Catechumens are those preparing for full initiation in the Church, including Baptism, Confirmation, and First Eucharist. They are present at the beginning of Mass as they begin to take part in the life of the Church. If possible, they are dismissed after the Liturgy of the Word. The celebration of the Eucharist is a special meal in which the sacrifice of Christ on the Cross is re-presented. The altar is the table upon which this meal is celebrated. God invites us to this special
celebration, which is the source and summit of our faith. When families share meals, we gather together, eat, drink, and share stories. Celebrating Mass is unique in that we gather as God’s family to encounter the re-presentation of the Paschal Mystery of Christ in the Eucharist. We listen to stories from the Old and New Testaments, we pray, and we partake in a sacred banquet of communion with the Lord’s Body and Blood. Eucharist is shared at a special table, the altar. We receive the Body and Blood of Christ in Holy Communion, which preserves, increases, and renews baptismal grace. At Mass we celebrate the Eucharist as the efficacious sign of the communion in the divine life and the unity of the People of God, by which the Church is kept in being. In the Mass, we are united with the Communion of Saints, living and dead. During the Mass, the Holy Spirit works through the priest at the consecration to transform the wheat bread and grape wine into the Body and Blood of Christ. Through the actions of the Holy Spirit, we remember that Christ died for our sins and fulfilled God’s promise of salvation for all of us. When we receive Christ in the Eucharist, we remember that he is present with us and continues to transform us. We receive food for our journey. We are strengthened to tell others about God’s love for us.
When I Celebrate I am part of the procession.
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Introductory Rites With our families, we prepare for special celebrations such as birthdays and anniversaries. We prepare for family and friends to visit. We clear away the clutter and cook special foods. We may even decorate and set a special table. We are filled with anticipation. We are called by the Holy Spirit to gather together as God’s people to celebrate the Mass. The prayers and actions at the beginning of Mass prepare us to hear God’s Word and to celebrate the Eucharist. The Mass begins with the Introductory Rites. The Entrance Chant or song begins. This sacred music helps us worship God. The priest, deacon, lector, altar servers, and extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion form a procession, move into the sanctuary, and bow before the altar. Beginning with these actions, we form a community of prayer and prepare to encounter Christ. After the procession and the Entrance Chant, the priest and the community pray the Sign of the Cross. The celebrant greets the community, and we respond. Together, as the Body of Christ, we acknowledge that we may not have been completely faithful and holy in all our words and actions. During the Penitential Act, we recall our sins and ask for God’s mercy. The priest prays that we receive God’s mercy and that our sins be forgiven. Next we sing or chant the Kyrie. Kyrie eleison is a Greek phrase that means “Lord, have mercy.” We recognize that although we sin, God loves us and will forgive us.
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We thank God for his mercy by singing or saying the Gloria, which is a song of praise to God. When the angels proclaimed the birth of Christ, they said, “Glory to God in the highest!” We recall Christ’s birth and glorify God with this beautiful hymn. During Advent and Lent the Gloria is not sung. Next, we become aware of God’s presence and pray for our own intentions. Then the priest prays the Collect prayer. This prayer gathers all our prayers into one. We confirm our prayers and the prayers of others by praying “Amen.” The preparation is complete. We are now ready to listen to the Word of God.
We Gather at Mass Chapter 9
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Reflect / Respond
Mass Unites Us We gather together at Mass to celebrate and share. We prepare through song, prayer, and praise. We all participate in the Mass to remember the love of God and the salvation he offers us through Christ’s life, Death, Resurrection, and Ascension. Being together helps us draw closer to God and strengthens us to share his love.
I Share with My Family Talk with your family about how you can make Sunday a special day to honor God.
Talk in prayer to God using Bless the Lord, found on page 71.
Living My Faith I Remember What I Learn 1. King David brought the ark of the covenant to Jerusalem to experience the presence of God. 2. We prepare to celebrate Mass with the Introductory Rites. 3. Everyone present at Mass participates in the celebration. 4. Eucharist is the source and summit of our Christian life.
I Live What I Learn 1. Name three things we do during the Introductory Rites. 2. During which part of the Mass do you ask for God’s mercy and forgiveness? 3. Why do we gather at Mass?
I Know These Words
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altar, p. 115
Collect, p. 115
deacon, p. 116
Gloria, p. 116
Introductory Rites, p. 117
Kyrie, p. 117
lector, p. 117
mercy, p. 117
Penitential Act, p. 118
procession, p. 118
God’s Gift Eucharist
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Intermediate
God’s Gift
Reconciliation and Eucharist
Lord’s Prayer Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.
ISBN-13: 978-0-8294-4134-5 ISBN-10: 0-8294-4134-4
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