E X PLORE Fire reminiscent of the wind that blew over the waters at the beginning of creation. (Genesis 1:2) The wind calls attention to the Holy Spirit breathing life into the Church. (Acts of the Apostles 2:2)
Spirit
Fire symbolizes the transforming energy of the Holy Spirit. John the Baptist proclaimed that Jesus was the one who would baptize with the Holy Spirit and with fire. We also remember the dramatic events of Pentecost in which tongues “as of fire” rested on the disciples. (Acts of the Apostles 2:3)
Dove Think of a dove, a gentle bird, flying to your hand and gently resting on it. In a similar way, the Holy Spirit rested on Jesus when he emerged from the waters of his baptism by John. He also gently rests on us and remains with us. (Matthew 3:16)
after which the disciples proclaimed the Good News; we are called to do the same by our Confirmation. The dove symbolizes the Spirit’s presence with us as we live as confirmed Christians. The wind symbolizes the presence of the Holy Spirit. Just as the wind blows everywhere, we are called to spread the Good News everywhere.
MY TURN
Wind The Holy Spirit is also represented by wind. We cannot see the wind, but we can feel it. Much like God, we can see how the wind affects everyone and everything it touches. The “strong driving wind” that appeared on Pentecost was
MY TURN
Your Image of the Spirit Ask young people to complete the exercise to continue their reflections on what the Holy Spirit might mean to them.
Your Image of the Spirit
1. Based on what you know about the Holy Spirit, which symbol of the Holy Spirit best relates to your life? Why?
2. What is another object, element, or animal that could be a symbol of the Holy Spirit? For you, what is the symbolism?
CHA P T ER 1: Confirmed in the Spirit
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on their bookmark and decorate it. When they haveEditorial finished,_______ ask volunDesign _______
teers to share their bookmarks and to explain why they chose that phrase or passage. Invite young people to memorize their phrase or passage and to use it for personal prayer.
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Getting to Know the Holy Spirit The Apostles were fi lled with the Holy Spirit on the Feast of Pentecost. They went forth spreading the Good News and teaching others about the Holy Spirit. Below are passages from Letters of the New Testament. Imagine that you received a message about the Holy Spirit from one of the leaders of the early Church. Look up each Scripture passage and write what it tells about the Spirit.
1. Romans 8:14
2. Romans 15:13
3. 1 Corinthians 2:10
4. 1 Corinthians 12:4
5. Galatians 5:22–23
6. 1 Thessalonians 1:6
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7. 1 John 5:6–7
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CONFIRMED IN THE SPIRIT
Chapter 1 BLM
Bible Bookmarks Have young people make bookmarks to use throughout the program. Distribute 2 ½” x 8” strips of heavy construction paper and markers. Ask young people to open their Bibles to one of the Gospels and choose a phrase or a passage that speaks to them. Invite them to write the phrase
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Distribute photocopies of this blackline master to help young people learn more about the Holy Spirit through Scripture.
CH A P TER 1
BLM 1: Getting to Know PDF Signoff: Production _______ the Holy Spirit
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FYI Symbols of the Spirit In addition to the symbols mentioned on these pages, more symbols of the Holy Spirit appear in CCC 697–701. These symbols include a cloud and light, the seal, and the hand and finger.
Additional resources are available at www.loyolapress.com/confirmation.
CHAPTER 1: Confirmed in the Spirit
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