Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time – Year B
July 23, 2006

Intermediate Session
Jeremiah 23:1-6
Mark 6:30-34

Opening Prayer

Let us pray.
Jesus our Shepherd,
Help us to follow you more closely each day.
Give us the courage to serve others in need.
In the name of Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.

Opening Life Reflection

The main theme for today is Pastoral Ministry in the Church. To begin, place materials that represent teachers and health care workers on a table in the center of the room. Divide the children into small groups and invite them to choose a profession to role-play. Have each group role-play a situation for the large group that shows how their profession serves people in need. Discuss:

• How do education and health care professionals help people?
• Why is it important to care for people in need?
• How can you help people who are hurting?

Allow time for discussion. All members of the Church family are called to care for one another. Pastoral Ministry can be described as the kind of service that shows others the shepherding care of God.

Listening to the Word of God

In the first reading from the Old Testament, listen to how God will send a caring shepherd to the people.

Read Jeremiah 23:1-6.
Allow for silence.

Scripture Discussion Starters
• How does God warn the leaders of the people?
• What does God promise the people?
• Why will God send a caring shepherd?

In today's gospel, listen to learn how Jesus cares for his followers.

Read Mark 6:30-34.
Allow for silence.

• Why does Jesus tell the apostles to come away and rest a while?
• Why is the crowd of people like sheep without a shepherd?
• What does Jesus do for the people?

Scripture Background

Provide 2-3 minutes of background information on the readings using the Catechist Background and Preparation section.

In the Old Testament reading, the image of shepherd is used to describe those in leadership positions. Jeremiah warns the leaders of his time because the current king has led God's people astray. In today's passage the prophet foretells a time when the Lord himself will protect and guide his people through a king who will be caring and righteous. The name of this future leader ("The Lord our justice") points out that God's power will be at work in the future Messiah.

In today's gospel, Jesus invites the twelve apostles to come away and rest. This is the first and only time in Mark's gospel that the twelve are called "apostles." The disciples have faithfully done what Jesus told them to do, and so they are given a new title that shows a new relationship with Jesus. When Jesus departs from them, his followers will continue his work on earth. Like Jesus the Good Shepherd, the apostles are to be teachers and loving servants for others.

Questions for Deeper Reflection
• What are the qualities of good leaders?
• How are good leaders like good shepherds?
• What are followers of Jesus called to do?

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

Doctrinal Discussion Starters
Pastoral Ministry in the Church
In the life of the Church, members of the Body of Christ continue the work of shepherding God's people. Pastoral Ministry can be described as the kind of service that shows others the shepherding care of God and is designed to help people recognize and respond to the saving presence of God in this world. God reaches out to us time and again through the Spirit, inviting us to live as children of God, and to truly live as members of the one body of Christ. Involvement in pastoral ministry allows us to live out our baptismal call to serve others.

There are four major forms of pastoral ministry today. First, any activity that attempts to proclaim the Good News of the Gospel is a form of pastoral ministry. Second is any activity of public or communal prayer. A third form of pastoral ministry is any activity that promotes or assists the building up of the Church. And fourth, all actions that serve the needs of others such as counseling, feeding the hungry, finding shelter for the homeless, or any other acts of compassionate service. All these forms of service bring healing and compassion to hurting and sinful people in need of God's grace.

• What is pastoral ministry?
• How is God's love shown to people through all forms of pastoral ministry?
• How can you show others the love and care of God?

Sacrament Connection
In the Sacrament of Matrimony, the Holy Spirit helps married couples to live a life of service to each other and the Church. Marriage is a sign of the faithful and life-giving love of God.

Connecting to Faith First® Legacy Edition
At Home Family Guide, theme 22
Grade 4, chapter 10
Grade 5, chapter 10
Grade 6, chapter 7

Connecting to Faith First®
At Home Family Guide, theme 22
Grade 4, chapter 10
Grade 5, chapter 10
Grade 6, chapter 7

The Gospel in Life
This week ask a married couple that you know how they live a life of service?