Before the session…
In this video, Fr Casey outlines what he most loves about the Catholic Church. There’s a lot of info packed into this video, but – as you watch it – just try and pick out some things that he takes to be a positive of being part of our international catholic community.
Session 2 is based on Chapters 9 and 10 of your YouCat Confirmation Book. Before the Session, please do read those chapters – Chapter 9 (p.78-85) and Chapter 10 (p.86-95)
Please read the full passage:
1 Corinthians 12: 12-27
Questions to consider:
- what are my giftings that I can share with others?
- How can I be an inspiration to others?
- How would I describe Mass in my own words?
- How do I personally feel about going to Mass?
During the session…
At the last session we asked ourselves some questions about the importance of the church community and of attending Mass. Here’s a review of the three starter questions we asked ourselves… and apologies to those who couldn’t fully participate!
- Think about all the things are needed for the good functioning of an object or all the things that go together to make something complete. In the same way, the church is made up of many parts – each one being very important!
- So what is your gift? What is a skill or talent you have that you can use for the benefit of others?
After the session…
A few reflective questions for you to consider…
The word, “Church” comes from a Greek word “Kyriake” (meaning “belonging to the Lord”) – in other words it includes all those who belong to Jesus. We have different roles and ministries within the Church, but we all belong equally and are invited to play our part. In the YouCat chapter on the church, we are also reminded that the church is NOT A CLUB FOR THE PERFECT! If that were the case, she would be very empty! Instead it is a place for the “slow transformation of quite ordinary people” (Bernhard Meuser – “Christianity for Beginners”).
Take some quiet time to think for yourself…
- Have you always felt part of the church? If not, why not?
- Who do you know who goes to your church? Which person at your church inspires you and why?
Read this short story and have a think about what it is saying to you….
Story of the day: why go to church?
One day someone wrote to the editor of a newspaper about why go to church every Sunday.
He said: “I have been going to church for almost 30 years. In those years I listened to 3,000 Masses. But in my whole life, I don’t remember none of the masses I went to. I think I wasted my time and the people are wasting their time too.” This letter made a big argument & the editor loved that because everyone started to buy the newspaper. The argument was going on for weeks until someone replied with such wise and firm words.
A Stranger Replied:
I have been married for 30 years. Through this time my wife cooked 32,000 meals. But in my whole life I couldn’t make a list of one of those meals she did.
But I know one thing: all of her meals fed me, gave me energy, & the strength that I needed to live & work. If my wife never served me with those meals, my body would have been dead by now. And it’s exactly the same if I didn’t go to church to feed my soul, I would have been spiritually dead by now.
“Saviour King”
by One Hope Project
The link is made between the sacrifice that Jesus made for us and what we remember each time we go to Mass. It is his death on the cross that “bridged the gap” between us and God.
Here, Fr Stephen, explains what exactly happens during Mass and describes the power of presence of Jesus in Holy Communion.
Challenge of the Month….
…to be intentional about getting involved in Mass
Often we head to Mass without too much thought, as if it were the same as heading down to the shops or going to the cinema. We should not be going as passive consumers when we head to Mass. We should be going to church as an active worshipper! This month, why not choose one or two things from the list that should help you get more out of Mass:
- Think about what you choose to wear, before you head to Mass. Maybe you will choose to dress up a bit more smartly than usual. Think about whether what you are wearing is too revealing or too scuffy?
- Read the readings for that Sunday ahead of time. This will really help you hear them properly when you go on Sunday, because you will be familiar with them, rather straining to hear or wonder what they are saying. You can do this by finding your Sunday Missal or look them up online.
- Take time for some self-reflection. As we do when we are preparing for reconciliation, taking time to think about where we have gone wrong helps us to ready ourselves to get right with God during Mass. There is an examination of conscience here
- Make a prayer list – Mass is a wonderful opportunity to bring to mind all those you know who need your prayers. Take a post-it note or little card and use it to jot down the names of those family or friends who are ill or experiencing difficulties. Also, write down the names of people in your life who need to know more of God’s love. Keep the list in your pocket or inside your missal and commit each name to God during the bidding prayers.
- Take time to pray for yourself. If there is a worry on your heart, bring it to God and take that intention to Mass with you.
