CATECHIST PREPARATION SESSION 3
Witnesses to the Faith 3-Minute Retreat Before you prepare the session, pause and be still. Take three deep breaths and be aware of the loving presence of God, who is with you on this journey.
Knowing and Sharing Your Faith in Session 3 Consider how Scripture and Tradition can deepen your understanding of session content.
Scripture Acts of the Apostles 7:59–60 As they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he fell to his knees and cried out in a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them”; and when he said this, he fell asleep.
Reflection Stephen was the first of the Christian martyrs, a witness to Jesus Christ. Stephen follows Jesus’ example in Luke 23:34 by forgiving those who persecuted him. This was an act of grace for Stephen, whose eyes were focused only on the Lord. Stephen is an example for us all to pray for the grace of forgiveness for all those who hurt us in any way.
Questions Whom in my life do I need to forgive? How willing am I to pray for the grace to forgive?
Concluding Prayer
Speak to God, using the words of this prayer or one of your own. Lord Jesus, model of forgiveness, help me pray for the forgiveness of others who have hurt me. Saint Stephen, intercede for me so that I may follow your example.
Acts of the Apostles 7:60 describes the death of Stephen, the first Christian martyr.
Tradition In the early Church, Stephen, a deacon, was the first Christian martyr (Acts of the Apostles 7:54–60). A martyr is someone who witnesses to the truth that is revealed in Jesus Christ, even in face of danger and death. During the first few centuries of the Church, there were times when it was extremely dangerous to be a Christian. Thousands of Christians gave up their lives rather than compromise their faith and morality. Rather than destroying the Church, however, the martyrdom of the early Christians strengthened and built the Church. Through the practice of prayers of intercession to these martyrs, the Church teaches us that we all belong to the Communion of Saints.
Catholic Social Teaching In this session the integrated Catholic social teaching themes are Call to Family, Community, and Participation; Rights and Responsibilities; and Solidarity. See pages 272–274 for an explanation of these themes.
Window on the Catechism The teaching on martyrs is found in CCC 957, 1173, 2113, and 2473–2474. The Communion of Saints is found in CCC 946–962.
General Directory for Catechesis The witness of the martyrs is found in GDC 82.
UNIT 1 • S ession 3
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