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.


"Receiving the Holy Spirit" Prayer Celebration Notes

Focus		Recognizing the Holy Spirit as gift
Materials		Prayer table, Bible, candle, music, index cards, closed box with slit opening at top
Reading		Acts 8:14-25; Psalm 25: 4-10
Music		"We Are Called," "Gloria" Chant, Blest Are We Music CD 7-8, "They’ll Know We Are Christians," FEL Publications; "Psalm 25: To you O Lord," Scott Soper, OCP Publications; "Send Down the Fire," Marty Haugen, GIA Publications
Preparation		Print out and photocopy the liturgy, "Receiving the Holy Spirit" for each participant. Determine sides for the antiphonal reading. Discuss the responsibility of Christians to give witness to others. Provide examples such as: having a cheerful attitude, showing kindness, being inclusive, treating others fairly. Provide time for participants to select one example they will promise to develop into a habit in their lives. Give each a folded index card. On one half of the card, the participant is to complete the sentence, "I promise to ________." and repeat it on the other half. They are to keep one to remind them of their promise and present the other during the Liturgy Ritual.
Adaptation		This liturgy could be used in preparation for those about to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. Celebrate the liturgy in church. Invite family members and sponsors to attend.
Additional Materials		For a full year of liturgies, from which this one was adapted, see Prayer Celebrations, Middle School Call RCL Benziger at 1-877-ASK-4-RCL (1-877-275-4725). ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-30570-1 Blest Are We Music CD, Levels 7 & 8 Call RCL Benziger at 1-877-ASK-4-RCL (1-877-275-4725). ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-36394-9 Blest Are We Audio Cassette, Levels 7 & 8 Call RCL Benziger at 1-877-ASK-4-RCL (1-877-275-4725). ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-364534-6 Blest Are We Song Book for Grades 1-8, School Edition Words and melody for students; contains music for grades 1-6 (school) and 7-8 (parish and school) Call RCL Benziger at 1-877-ASK-4-RCL (1-877-275-4725). ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-36617-4 Blest Are We Accompaniment Book for Grades 1-8, School Edition Contains accompaniment music for grades 1-6 (school) and 7-8 (parish and school) Call RCL Benziger at 1-877-ASK-4-RCL (1-877-275-4725). ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-36618-2