Junior High Session
Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14
Luke 2:41-52

Opening Prayer
Let us pray.
Lord God, thank you for the people who love and support us throughout our lives.
Bless and protect our families.
In the name of Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.

Opening Life Reflection
To begin, invite the youngsters to reflect on what family means to them. Provide pencils and paper and ask them to write a few sentences in response to the question, “What does the term family mean to you?”

Divide the large group into small groups of three or four. Allow time for each person to share their response to the question with their group. Discuss with the large group:
• What does the term family mean to you?
• What makes up a family?
• Do all families look the same?
• Can family life be holy?
• Does a family have to be perfect in order to be holy?

On this feast of the Holy Family we call to mind the sacredness of family life. Jesus was born into a family, which makes all families holy. Wherever there is love shared, sacrifices made, and forgiveness given and received, God is present. Although life in a family is often imperfect, it can be a source of holiness for all people.

Listening to the Word of God
In both the Old Testament and the New Testament we hear about family life. Listen to what this first reading from the Old Testament tells us about how to treat our parents.

Read Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14.
Allow for silence.

Scripture Discussion Starters
• According to this reading, how should a father be treated?
• How should a mother be treated?
• What will be granted to those who respect their father and mother?
• Which one of the Ten Commandments does this reading remind you of?

In the gospel today listen to find out about Jesus’ family.

Read Luke 2:41-52.
Allow for silence.

• Where did Jesus go with his parents?
• When did Mary and Joseph notice that Jesus was missing?
• Why did Jesus stay in Jerusalem?
• What was Jesus doing in Jerusalem?
• How did Mary react when she found her son?
• How did Jesus respond to his Mother when he was found?

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

The first reading today is part of a larger section of the Old Testament on family life. Today’s reading has to do with the fourth commandment, to honor thy Father and Mother. Children are encouraged to treat their parents with care and respect. This Old Testament passage suggests that showing reverence for one’s father and mother can provide atonement for one’s sins. This claim gives support to our focus for today, that family life can be source of holiness when lived in keeping with God’s will.

In the gospel reading today, Jesus is missing for a period of time and his family searches for him with great anxiety. The author of today’s gospel is not so much concerned with providing details about the childhood of Jesus, but he tries to convey a truth about Jesus’ identity as Messiah, Son of God and Savior. This is evident in the reading by Jesus’ response when Mary finds him in the Temple and asks him why he stayed behind and worried his family. Jesus responds by telling his Mother that she ought to know that he must be in his Father’s house.

It is not unusual for young people to struggle at times with family relationships. In today’s gospel even Jesus caused some anxiety within his family. However, today’s readings offer family members direction by stressing the primacy of treating one another with honor and respect. Today, on the feast of the Holy Family we recognize the full humanity of Jesus. Therefore, our full human nature -- including the reality of family life -- can be a source of holiness.

Questions for Deeper Reflection
• What are the most common conflicts between young people and their parents?
• When is it most evident to you that family life can be a source of holiness?
• Do you make an effort to treat your parents with honor and respect?

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

Doctrinal Discussion Starters
The family as the domestic Church
On this feast of the Holy Family we focus our attention on the role of the family. The Church teaches that the family molds and shapes individuals as members of society. The love that is given and received in family life nurtures faith and moral values.

The family is the church of the home because it is a community of people who dwell in the love of Christ. The love and support that is experienced within a family gives it strength to open wide its doors to the needs of the larger community and the world.

• How are morals and values passed on through the family?
• How is faith nurtured in the family?
• How can families reach out to the needs of the larger community?

The Gospel in Life
Think about how you honor and respect the members of your family. Make an effort to improve your family relationships. Tell someone in your family what you appreciate about him/her.

Connecting to Faith First® Legacy Edition
At Home Family Guide, theme 25
Junior High, Morality, chapter 9

Connecting to Faith First®
At Home Family Guide, theme 25
Junior High, Creed and Prayer, page 317 and chapter 7
Junior High, Liturgy and Morality, page 317