Primary Session
John 14:15-21

Opening Prayer
Let us pray.
O God, send us your spirit to be our helper and our guide.
In the name of Jesus Christ we pray.
Amen.

The theme for today is the Sacrament of Confirmation. To begin, write the word “Holy Spirit” vertically on a large sheet of paper or chalkboard. Invite the children to look at the word, and for each letter think of a way that God’s Spirit helps us throughout our daily lives. Write down their responses after the appropriate letter. Discuss:
• How does the Holy Spirit help us to live as God’s children?
• Who are the three persons of the Holy Trinity?
• What symbols help you think of the Holy Spirit?

Allow time for discussion. Jesus promised to ask God to send the Holy Spirit to his followers. The Holy Spirit helps us to live as God’s children.

Listen to the Word of God
In the gospel today listen to Jesus promise to send the Holy Spirit to help us.

Read John 14:15-21.
Allow for silence.

Scripture Discussion Starters
• Who does Jesus promise God will send to help his followers?
• What will the Holy Spirit come to do?
• How do Jesus’ followers show their love for him?

Scripture Background
Provide 2-3 minutes of background information on the gospel using the Catechist Background section.

In the gospel today, Jesus promises to send the Holy Spirit to those who love him. Followers of Jesus show that they love him by keeping his commandments. Jesus understands that sometimes it is hard to follow him. He tells his friends that he will ask God to send the Holy Spirit as a helper. The disciples do not want Jesus to leave them. Jesus loves his disciples and he promises never to leave them alone. Jesus tells his followers that the Holy Spirit will always be with them as a teacher and a guide.

Questions for Deeper Reflection
• How does Jesus show his love for his followers?
• Why does Jesus send the Holy Spirit?
• What does the Holy Spirit help us to do?

[If you are not going to continue with the doctrinal discussion, proceed to the Gospel in Life.]

Doctrinal Discussion Starters
The Sacrament of Confirmation
The Church teaches that the gift of the Holy Spirit is present in our lives in many ways. First, the whole Church is a community of people brought together by the Spirit of God. Second, the Spirit is at work at Mass and when we celebrate the sacraments. Finally, we receive the gift of the Spirit through the sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation.

Confirmation is one of the sacraments of Initiation. The sacraments of Initiation are Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist. The sacraments of Initiation welcome new members into the Catholic Church. The sacrament of Confirmation completes Baptism and it celebrates the gift of the Holy Spirit. The sacrament of Confirmation strengthens us to live as followers of Jesus. Usually the minister of the sacrament of Confirmation is a bishop. The sign of Confirmation is the laying on of hands and the anointing with chrism, a special perfumed oil. The minister of the sacrament of Confirmation makes the sign of the cross on the candidate’s forehead with the chrism while praying, “Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit.” The Holy Spirit is God’s gift to help us live as followers of Jesus.

• How do we become members of the Catholic Church?
• How do we prepare to celebrate the sacraments of Initiation?
• How does the sacrament of Confirmation give us strength to follow Jesus?

The Gospel in Life
How can you call on the Holy Spirit to help you this week?

Connecting to Faith First® Legacy Edition
At Home Family Guide, theme 16
Kindergarten, chapter 16
Grade 1, chapter 11 and page 277 parish and page 381 school
Grade 2, chapter 12 and page 277 parish and page 381 school
Grade 3, chapter 12 and page 277 parish and page 381 school

Connecting to Faith First® Original Edition
At Home Family Guide, theme 16
Kindergarten, chapter 16
Grade 1, chapter 11 and page 264
Grade 2, chapter 12 and page 316
Grade 3, chapter 11 and page 316