Things to talk about:

• What is it like to be loved by God?
• Which of the 10 commandments is most challenging to you?
• The Holy Spirit is called our Advocate. Discuss why this is an appropriate name for the Spirit.
• In this Gospel, Jesus promises the Holy Spirit will come, but that the world doesn’t know him yet and can’t see him. Is that still the case today? Why or why not?

Things to do:

• A common symbol for the Holy Spirit is a dove. Look around church to see if you can find an image of a dove. (Hint: Look above the baptismal font. Why is this a good space for this image?)
• Learn the Fruits of the Spirit by watching this fun video: https://youtu.be/Rezg4jYFoj0?si=umR4csx5ovdgowbP
• Think of who demonstrates one or more of the gifts or fruits of the Holy Spirit. These people show us the presence of the Holy Spirit. These are the people who with the Holy Spirit, will renew the face of the earth. Write the names of these people next to the gift or fruit. Choose one or a few people and write them a note or send a text thanking that person for his or her good example and your hope to follow in their footsteps.
  
   
   

Closing Prayer

Prayer to the Holy Spirit

Creator Spirit, Come and bless us with your heavenly grace.
You are called by the names of Paraclete, Gift of God Most High, Spring of Life, Fire, Love, and the Soul’s Anointing. You are the finger of the Father’s right hand. You are the clear promise of the Father. Give our human tongues the grace of inspired speech. Kindle your Light in our minds, pour Your Love into our hearts, and uphold with Your Unfailing Strength the frailty of our human nature. Drive our enemy far from us and give us your gift of peace. Ever guiding us, may we be always the stewards of Your Love. Grant that through You, Most Holy Spirit, we may know the Father and the Son, and our faith professing, God Three in One. Holy Spirit of Love, teach us that stewardship is the disciple’s response. Amen.

Adapted from the International Catholic Stewardship Council 2006 Conference Prayer

Name anyone who needs prayer, reply, “Lord, hear our prayers.”  Close with the Sign of the Cross.     

Catholic Insight

This Gospel is a continuation of last Sunday’s Gospel and takes place during the Last Supper. Jesus offers encouragement to his disciples, who will soon see him crucified. He reassures them that even though he will leave them, he will not abandon them. He will send them the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, who will remain with the disciples.

Jesus uses the term Advocate to describe the Holy Spirit. An advocate is one who always pleads for us and works to bring justice and peace. Another word used to describe the Holy Spirit is Paraclete, a legal term meaning “one who offers defense for another.” Jesus’ love extends beyond his presence among us. Let us give thanks for the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Through the gift of the Holy Spirit, the disciples will know the unity of the Son and the Father. They will also understand that they too participate in the communion between the Father and the Son: “On that day you will realize that I am in my Father and you are in me and I in you” (John 14:20).

We must always remember to ask the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Truth, the Advocate to help us and remain strong. Come Holy Sprit.

Did you know?...the Hebrew word for spirit is ruah, which means “breath.” In the Old Testament, the breath of God gave life to the world and to the first human. It can also mean “wind.” We cannot see breath or wind, yet can feel their presence and power.

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Resources adapted from 52Sundays.com, Celebrating the Lectionary, At Home with the Word, Celebrating Families, Sunday Connection