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 Service" Prayer Celebration Notes

Focus		The gifts of the Spirit strengthen us to share the good news
Materials Needed		Prayer table, Bible, candle, music, small dish of baby or other oil
Reading		Acts 2: 1–4
Music		"O Breathe on Me, O Breath of God," Blest Are We Music CD 4; "Sing Out, Earth and Skies," Blest Are We Music CD 5
Preparation		Print out and photocopy the liturgy, "Gifts of Service" for each participant. Set out a small dish with baby oil or another light oil to use during the individual blessings. Select three readers and prepare your role as leader.
Adaptation		Have participants choose one of the Spirit’s gifts to accept (wisdom, courage, understanding, right judgment, wonder and awe, knowledge, reverence). On a folded index card they are to write the name of the gift on the outside and their name inside the card. As they come forward for the blessing, have them drop their "gift" card into a basket on the prayer table. A week or so later, return their cards to them so they can check on their practice of developing that gift.
Additional Materials		"O Breathe on Me, O Breath of God" Blest Are We Music CD 4 Call RCL Benziger at 1-877-ASK-4-RCL (1-877-275-4725). ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-36655-7 "Sing Out, Earth and Skies" Blest Are We Music CD 5 ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-36656-5 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