Take Out Leaders Guide December/Advent 2009

Advent Evening of Reflection

Advent is a perfect time to gather the whole parish for an evening of reflection and preparation for the coming of Emmanuel, God-with-us. Invite everyone in the parish – families, singles, grandmas and grandpas and celebrate the season as a parish family. Choose a theme that is appropriate for all ages. This year, utilize your December issue of Take Out as a catechetical tool and draw upon the Peacemaking theme.

Opening Celebration

Begin in the Church with a brief prayer ritual. A perfect opening reading would be Isaiah 11, foretelling a time of peace when the Lion will lay down with the Lamb. Be sure to include the Prayer of St. Francis, Let There Be Peace on Earth or other songs that promote peace this Advent.

After the prayer service, ask parishioners to break out into age-appropriate groups (children, teens and adults). Using the "Faith in Action" article by Anne Neuberger on page 6 of the Advent issue of Take Out, talk about Peace and Peacemaking in each of the groups.

Children

What does the word “peace” mean?
How can I help make peace in my family?

Children learn best through activity. With safety scissors, have the children cut out the Nativity Scene figurines at the bottom of page 5 in Take Out. Glue them on a piece of paper and draw the manger scene around the figures (help children to remember to include a starry night, sheep and other animals, etc.) Talk about how each person in the Nativity Scene seem to be at peace. Baby Jesus brings peace into the world.

Teens

Peacemaking is more than just the absence of conflict. How can I be a real peacemaker at school? Is there someone who is left out of the group that could be included?
Who are some peacemakers today?
Is there anyone in my life with whom I need to make peace?

Adults

External preparations are often the focus of Advent; this season, how might I stop and take the time to prepare internally for Christ?
How might I promote peace among my family, friends and in the workplace?
How might I promote peace in my prayer life? Do I take seriously Christ’s call to “love my enemies?”

Break for Refreshments

Star-shaped cookies for Advent along with coffee and juice is a perfect treat for this time of year.

Closing Celebration

At the end of the discussion time, gather everyone together in the Church for a brief closing prayer service. Ask everyone to say the "Peace Pledge" found on page 2 of the Advent issue of Take Out.

A Peace Pledge

I am a peacemaker.
I treat myself and others with respect.
I listen. I share.
I care for all of God’s creation.
I am important to this very big world.
I know that “Peace begins with me.”

Amen.

Visit out Advent & Christmas pages, and our Teaching Catholic Kids pages for more Advent and Christmas resources.