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?
Use a piece of quietening music to help come into a space of prayer
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 Pentecost Sunday
Last week, before Jesus returned to heaven, he promised his Father would send a special helper — the Holy Spirit — to live inside of those who follow him. He promised that the Holy Spirit would give them the power to do great and mighty things. Today is the Feast of Pentecost, a very special day when the Holy Spirit comes to the followers of Jesus. We are going to read from the Gospel of John
Read the Gospel John 20:19-23
In the evening of the first day of the week, the doors were closed in the room where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews. Jesus came and stood among them. He said to them, ‘Peace be with you’ and showed them his hands and his side. The disciples were filled with joy when they saw the Lord, and he said to them again, ‘Peace be with you. ‘As the Father sent me, so am I sending you.’ After saying this he breathed on them and said: ‘Receive the Holy Spirit. For those whose sins you forgive, they are forgiven; for those whose sins you retain, they are retained.’
Have a Conversation about the Gospel
Who are the people in this week’s Gospel?
Jesus, the disciples and the Holy Spirit
Why were the disciples afraid?
The disciples were alone and afraid, because their friend Jesus, who they knew was the Son of God, had been put to death.
Suddenly Jesus appeared to them. What did Jesus say to the disciples?
Peace be with you
And how did the disciples feel when they saw Jesus again?
The disciples were filled with joy. And Jesus repeated the words“Peace be with you.”
What happened next?
Jesus breathed on the disciples and gave them the gifts of the Holy Spirit. He told the disciples he was sending them out to spread his word.
The disciples had been sad, lonely and frightened. How do you think they felt after Jesus breathed the Holy Spirit on to them?
The disciples were filled with joy, peace and courage to go out and spread the word of God.
The Holy Spirit that came upon the disciples on the day of Pentecost is the same Spirit that is within each one of us from the moment of our baptism. It enables us to listen to the Word of God; to see goodness all around us, in each other and in the world; to do good works – what will the Holy Spirit guide you to do this week?
End with a prayer
Come Holy Spirit
And fill our hearts with your love.
Work through us to bring Jesus
To those who do not know him,
So that we may share this love with others. Amen.
Short Video of this Gospel story
For younger children:
For older children:
Some Activities
Here are some activities you might like to complete during the coming week as a reminder of this Gospel today.
Breaking Open the Word in Prayer 