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Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. – Mt 6:33

Stephanie V.

Kaitlyn Maddy Alex Hannah Dugan

Ryan Nadine Kyle Ashley Ned Beatrice

Genevieve Zach Haley D. Ainsley James Paige

Ella Stephanie W.

Ciahna Samantha Sunny Symeon

Hailey A. Rachel Nik

Today’s Checklist

Prayer as song – finish partner presentationsField of Dreams recapSymbol vs. signRitual vs. routineRitual group activityOn deck

Guided meditation Journey of faith

The Serenity Prayer

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can;and wisdom to know the difference.

Living one day at a time; Enjoying one moment at a time; Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace; Taking, as He did, this sinful worldas it is, not as I would have it; Trusting that He will make all things rightif I surrender to His Will;That I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with HimForever in the next.Amen.

Field of Dreams recap

Make note of specific examples of the following concepts: Sacramental awareness Sacramental dullness Grace Flesh-and-blood communication God speaking through friendships Listening for God Responding to God

Symbols versus signs

Symbolic signs are much richer types of signs than simple signs

Unlike signs, symbols may have more than one meaning They are multi-dimensional

Powerful response

Symbols speak to us in a more powerful and personal way than do other, simpler signs

Symbols involve us totally; they spark a deep response They touch our hearts as well as our heads

Two kinds of symbols

Cultural symbols Universal symbols-Closely dependent on a specific situation, place, or group -Over time, they evolve to have different meanings

-Clearly recognized throughout the world -They can have complex and even contradictory meanings

The maple leaf represents Canada. It fills us emotionally with pride and a sense of freedom.

Wind is a universal symbol. It can represent refreshment OR destruction (i.e. a hurricane).

Changing symbols

Symbols can change in meaning due to historical events and cultural shifts

The swastika was once a Hindu symbol of peace and good luck It was misused by the Nazis and is now associated

with death and destruction

Ritual as symbol

Rituals are symbolic actions that help us concretely, or physically, express our beliefs, values, and deepest concerns

Ritual expresses the deeper meaning of the sacraments to those who participate in the sacraments of the church

Ritual versus routine

Rituals Routines-Symbolic actions -They carry a deeper meaning and help us concretely, or physically, express our beliefs values and deepest concerns -Example: walking down the street in a procession

-Practical actions-They are performed for specific, practical purposes and have no deeper significance - Example: walking down the street to get to school

-Have a deeper, multilevel meaning -Example: a wink

-Are one dimensional in meaning -Example: a blink

Personal rituals and routines

Brainstorm personal rituals and routines that you perform in your life Rituals Routines- Birthday celebrations - Brushing your teeth - Anniversary celebrations - Setting your alarm - Giving flowers or gifts on occasions such as Valentine’s Day

- Packing your lunch for school

Rituals in the early church

Christians gathered for meals – they broke bread and shared the cup as Jesus had instructed them to do

Examples: Converts to Christianity underwent a ritual washing

to symbolize the change that they felt inside The laying of the hands developed out of the

Apostles’ experiences of receiving the Holy Spirit at Pentecost

Characteristics of rituals

Read the selection and note the eight most important characteristics of rituals a brief description of each criteria

Characteristics of rituals

Characteristics 1) Movements with gestures and meaning 2) Repeated actions3) Symbolic celebrations 4) Important events5) Significant words6) Linkages to the past7) Communal actions 8) Participation, not observation

Group activity – Rituals

Think about special moments that communities or families encounter

Examples The birth of a baby The adoption of a baby A child losing his or her first tooth Retirement Beginning of a new job Relocation – moving from an old house to a new one Vacation

Faith journey

Listen to the lyrics of the song “Learning to Breathe”

How do these lyrics express the journey of faith?

Does the speaker convey a need for God in his life?

Guided meditation

As you listen to the guided meditation, envision your faith journey

You will then chart your faith journey indicating special events, and highs and lows