‘Christ the Lord has promised us the Holy Spirit: come, let us adore him, alleluia.’ (Invitatory antiphon).
Those who work on the frontline in hospitals and nursing homes at this time of Covid-19, find themselves in vulnerable positions. They fear for their own safety and that of their families. As restrictions are lifted, people live in fear of another outbreak of the virus, while on the other hand, there is also a fear of complacency. The authorities regularly tell citizens that they save peoples’ lives by staying at home. Everyone needs courage, patience and perseverance to do what is right each day.
Today’s Gospel proclaimed by the priest at Mass (Jn 16:29-33) may be heard via the webcam or can be read from the New Testament.
In the Gospel, we hear Jesus give a reassurance to the apostles. Even though they say they believe, Jesus understands that they ‘will have trouble’ as they scatter ‘each one to his home.’ (Jn 16:33). Jesus knows very well that in the world sometimes it is difficult to stand up for what is right. He knows the apostles will need the help of the Holy Spirit, who will give them the gift of Courage to do what is right. When the apostles make the choice to stand up for what is right, they will have the Holy Spirit with them and they will have peace, a fruit of the Holy Spirit.
In relation to this passage of Sacred Scripture, children are taught in the Grow in Love programme as they prepare for the Sacrament of Confirmation about the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit. They know what Jesus taught about love. Jesus said, ‘If you have love for one another, then everyone will know that you are my disciples’. (John 13:35).
Children are taught that the ‘The Holy Spirit’s gift of Courage gives Christians the strength to do God’s will and to stand up for what is right. Sometimes this may not be the popular or easy thing to do. It may often mean being rejected or criticised.’
Children explore how the gifts of the Holy Spirit can make a big difference to a person’s life when the person’s heart is open to receive the Holy Spirit. The children explore the lives of people who allowed the gifts of the Holy Spirit to bear the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, patience and self-control.
Children are taught to pray to the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is always there to help them. They are taught to pray the Sign of the Cross: ‘In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.’
Children and families are invited to pray the Third Glorious Mystery of the Rosary, The Descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.
The account of the coming of the Holy Spirit can be read in the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 2:1-13), or in the Grow in Love e-book.
On line resources, guidance for journal activities and prayers are accessible, including the Children’s Grow in Love e-book, on the VERITAS Grow in Love website with many resources for learning about the Holy Spirit.
Logon: www.veritas.ie
Email: trial@growinlove
Password: growinlove
Pray with Grow in Love/I nGrá Dé
SIGN OF THE CROSS
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
COMHARTHA NA CROISE
In ainm an Athar, agus an Mhic agus an Spioraid Naoimh. Áiméan
PRAYER TO THE HOLY SPIRIT
Holy Spirit, I want to do what is right. Help me.
Holy Spirt, I want to live like Jesus.
Guide me.
Holy Spirit, I want to pray like Jesus.
Teach me.
PAIDIR CHUIG AN SPIORAD NAOMH
A Spioraid Naoimh, ba mhaith liom an rud ceart a dhéanamh.
Cabhraigh liom.
A Spioraid Naoimh, ba mhaith liom maireachtáil mar a mhair Íosa.
Treoraigh mé.
A Spioraid Naoimh, ba mhaith liom
guí mar a ghuigh Íosa. Múin dom é.
COME HOLY SPIRIT
Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful.
Enkindle in us the fire of your love.
Send forth your Spirit and we shall be
created.
And you shall renew the face of the earth.
TAR CHUGAM, A SPIORAID NAOIMH
Tar, a Spioraid Naoimh, líon croíthe
na bhfíréan.
Agus las ionainn tine do ghrá.
Cuir amach uait do Spiorad agus
cruthófar muid,
Agus déanfaidh tú aghaidh na talún a
athnuachan.
THE THIRD GLORIOUS MYSTERY
THE DESCENT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT AT PENTECOST
OUR FATHER X 1
HAIL MARY x 10
GLORY BE TO THE FATHER x 1
‘In the world you have suffering. But have courage: I have conquered the world, alleluia.’(Benedictus antiphon).
‘The Holy Spirit, the Advocate, will remain among you and he will dwell within you, alleluia, (Magnificat antiphon).
‘Sing to God, O kingdoms of the world; sing praises to the Lord.’ (Psalm 67:33)
PRAY:
St Bede, (673-735,) please pray for us.
St Gregory V111, (1028-1085), please pray for us.
St Mary Magdalene de Pazzi, (1566-1607), please pray for us
Sr Anne Neylon