Background Notes

Jesus knew that unless the Father sent the Holy Spirit to the first Christians, his teachings and memory would soon fade. Only God’s Spirit would be able to keep the Gospel message burning in the hearts of Jesus’ followers. The Holy Spirit filled the hearts of the disciples and enabled them to teach and preach with great courage about Jesus of Nazareth and all that took place through his life, death, and Resurrection. The Holy Spirit fills our hearts with the same fervor.


"Gifts of the Holy Spirit" Prayer Celebration Notes

Focus		Becoming aware of the gifts of the Spirit
Materials Needed		Prayer table, Bible, candle, music, heavy construction paper, markers
Reading		Acts 2: 1–4
Music		"O Breathe on Me, O Breath of God," Blest Are We Music CD 4; "I Will Extol You, O God," "Bread to Share" Gifts for a Lifetime Music CD
Preparation		Print out and photocopy the liturgy, "Gifts of the Holy Spirit," for each child. With the children’s help, prepare seven cards, each identifying a gift of the Holy Spirit. [See Liturgy.] When a gift is mentioned during the liturgy, have a child hold up the matching card. Select seven children to be the cardholders. Prepare your role as leader.
Adaptation		Children could wrap seven boxes and place the name of a gift of the Holy Spirit on each. These could be presented during the liturgy.
Additional Materials		"We Are One" Blest Are We Music CD 3 Call RCL Benziger at 1-877-ASK-4-RCL (1-877-275-4725). ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-36654-9 Blest Are We Song Book Words and melody for children; contains music for levels 1-8 ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-36617-4 Blest Are We Accompaniment Book Contains accompaniment music for levels 1-8 ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-36618-2 "I Will Extol You, O God," "Bread to Share" Gifts for a Lifetime Music CD ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-36113-X Gifts for a Lifetime Song Book ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-36103-2 Gifts for a Lifetime Accompaniment Book ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-36104-0