Begin with a few moments of quiet.

Invite all present to sit comfortably.
When sitting comfortably, take three deep breaths, as you breathe in feel your lungs filling all the way up, when they are full slowly release your breath and feel your lungs emptying out fully. Repeat this three times.
Now return to breathing normally.

Opening ourselves to the Presence of God in our lives

Have a conversation, allowing each person present a few moments to think about and to reply to the following.
Thinking back over the week, let us share with one another
What is it that I want to say thank you for?
What is it that want to say I am sorry for?

Now begin with the following prayer:

Dear God,
Thank you that we can celebrate Jesus
Thank you for all He did for us
And all that He continues to do
Help us to trust in you
Even when we don’t understand what’s happening
We know you work things for good
Thank you for your love
We love you, God!
In Jesus name, Amen!

Introduce the Gospel

Today is the Sixth Sunday of Easter

Do you remember last week Jesus told his disciples that they already know the way to the place he was going, even though they have never been there before.

Today we hear the next part of that message form Jesus and he tries to help his followers understand that while he, Jesus, cannot be with them all of the time, his spirit will be with them.

Read the Gospel John 14:16-20

One day Jesus said to his disciples, ‘I will not leave you on your own; I will ask my father to send you a helper who will stay with you always. The spirit of God will be with you and in you, though others will not be able to see him or know that he is there. He will fill you with wisdom and understanding. Soon the world will not see me again, but you will know that I am truly alive.’ 

Have a Conversation about the Gospel

What do you remember about today’s reading? 

If you could have a super power, what would it be? Did you know that Jesus gave us a special helper to enable us to do amazing things? Who is this special helper?

Some people say that the Holy Spirit is like the wind. It cannot be seen, but we can see what it does, by making things move, trees bending and blowing around. We can feel it as it blows against our skin. It can be very gentle or very powerful. 

We cannot see the Holy Spirit, but we can see what the Spirit does through the lives of people around us who allow him to guide their words and actions. 

If you blew all the air out of your body and did not breathe any more in, what would happen? Without breathing you cannot live. The Spirit is the breath of God, who fills us with life and makes us strong.

What can you do this week with the aid of your special helper? Try to practice some loving actions- be kind, help at home, share etc. 

End with a prayer

Dear Jesus, I love you and I know you love me too.
Walk with me always and show me how to be kind and loving. Amen

Some Activities

Here are some activities you might like to complete during the coming week as a reminder of this Gospel today.

A Word Search Puzzle based on the Gospel