Thirtieth Sunday in
Ordinary Time Year C
HOW TO USE THIS RESOURCE
Dismissal Session
The Dismissal Session is for catechumens only who are dismissed from
worship before the Creed (RCIA #75.3). The Dismissal Session group may
gather for the Catechetical Session at another time during the week.
Children’s RCIA Resource
Catechetical Session
When the Dismissal Session is immediately followed by the Catechetical
Session, parents or other sponsors join the group after Eucharist. Baptized
children preparing for confirmation and Eucharist may also join in the
Catechetical Session (RCIA #254; Appendix III, #19). Select the session
options that fit your time frame.
NOTES FOR THIS SUNDAY
Sunday’s readings
 Sirach 35:12-14, 16-18
 Psalm 34:2-3, 17-18, 19, 23
 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18
 Luke 18:9-14
Doctrine correlations
 Prayer is the raising of one’s heart and mind to God or the
requesting of good things from God, and we pray not from the
height of our pride and will but out of the depths of a humble
and contrite heart (CCC #2559).
 Like the tax collector, the first movement of the prayer of
petition is asking forgiveness: “God, be merciful on me, a
sinner” (CCC #2631).
RCIA team notes
Instruction directs the hearts of the catechumens toward God (RCIA
#78).
Special needs
Some members may have an aversion to drawing on themselves. As an
alternative, make finger puppets by taping one-inch-wide strips of
paper around finger tips.
By Janet Miller. Copyright © 2013, TeamRCIA.com. All rights reserved.
CATECHIST’S NOTES
CATECHIST’S NOTES
GETTING READY FOR THE SESSION
Items to prepare
 check-in sheet, nametag materials
 poster paper or white board, erasers, and erasable markers
 green cloth on table or counter for prayer, percussion instrument
 Bibles, one set to Luke 18, prayer cards
 sign from creation, candle in a heat-proof holder, matches
 posting notes
 fine line markers
 Sharing Faith questions, copies of “Faith at Home”
 palette shapes, crayons or color pencils, dark fine line markers
Gathering Prayer Ritual
Place a Bible, candle, and harvest foods on a green cloth. Print the lines
for readers on separate numbered cards. Plan to collect to reuse.
Singing option
Use music from your faith community resources. The suggestion is a
guide available in Gather Comprehensive, GIA Publications, Inc. or
online at hymnsite.com. Bring songbooks and music in a player.
Building Community
On separate posting notes, print words that are not too challenging for
the ability level of the group and that have common antonyms.
Examples: awake, happy, peaceful, dull.
Snack option
Send a reminder to the sponsor providing the snack this week.
Engaging the Word
Bring fine-line markers.
Sharing Faith groups
Put the Scripture citation with the questions on cards for group leaders.
Crossing the Ages Activity option: Prayer Palettes
Make a prayer forms chart or plan to use a board. Develop examples
according to the experiences of the group. See the illustration, and cut
9” x 12” palette shapes from recycled white cardboard. Bring crayons or
color pencils and dark fine-line markers.
Friends on the Way - Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C
2
DISMISSAL SESSION
(15 MINUTES)
GATHERING
Catechumens, having heard the Sunday proclamation of word, are dismissed from the Mass. Greet the catechumens
as they arrive. Have everyone check in and put on nametags. For anyone new provide nametag materials. Distribute
prayer cards to readers to prepare.
GATHERING PRAYER RITUAL
Chime a percussion instrument as a call to prayer. All stand around the prayer focal point.
(†) Light a candle. Explain that one of our traditional prayers is a litany that focuses on the heart of Jesus.
Ask everyone to respond after each invocation, “Have mercy on us.” Members read the following from cards:
Reader 1:
Reader 2:
Reader 3:
Reader 4:
Reader 5:
Reader 6:
Reader 7:
Reader 8:
Heart of Jesus, ruler and center of all hearts: (response).
Heart of Jesus, vessel of justice and love: (response).
Heart of Jesus, tabernacle of the most high: (response).
Heart of Jesus, holy temple of God: (response).
Heart of Jesus, infinite majesty: (response).
Heart of Jesus, delight of all the saints: (response).
Heart of Jesus, source of hope and reconciliation: (response).
Heart of Jesus, joy of our salvation: (response).
Leader:
Sweet heart of Jesus, make us pure and gentle,
and teach us to do your blessed will,
to follow closely in your footsteps,
and when we fall, sweet heart of Jesus, love us still.
Eternal God, look upon the heart of your Begotten Son
who offers praise and sacrifice in the name of sinners.
Give us a share in glory, as Christ lives and reigns with you
in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
All: Amen.
Invite everyone, when you lift a hand, to respond, “When the just cry out, God hears.” Prayerfully say the following
verses inspired by Psalm 34.
God’s praise shall be in my mouth forever;
the lowly will hear me and be glad. (response)
Those who are crushed in spirit, God saves
and holds the brokenhearted close. (response)
The lives of servants shall be redeemed;
no one incurs guilt who takes divine refuge. (response)
Song Suggestion: “Sing With All the Saints in Glory”
Extinguish the candle flame.
Friends on the Way - Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C
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CONNECTING WITH ONE ANOTHER
Invite everyone to sit in a circle. Introduce anyone new. Invite sharing about their experiences with the
“Faith at Home” pages from the previous session.
BUILDING COMMUNITY
Antonyms: Mention that an antonym is a word that means the opposite of another word. Ask the
members to stand in a line shoulder to shoulder. Ask them not to look back. Go down the back of the
line and stick a prepared posting note on the back of each catechumen. Stand in front of the group and
say:
You each have a word on your back. Help other members guess their own words
by giving one another antonyms. For example, if the word on a person’s back is
“hot,” help them guess their word by giving them an antonym clue, like “cold,” or
“icy.”
Play until they all have guessed their words. Then collect the posting notes and settle the group.
RECALLING THE WORD
(10 MINUTES)
Have everyone sit with Bibles in a circle. Use the following as a guide. For information, refer to “Insight
for the Catechist” and the reflections on the “Faith at Home” page. Always affirm the catechumens’
responses, adding comments to aid their understanding.
Help the catechumens find Sirach 35:12-14, 16-18.
What does Sirach tell us about God? (Possibly, God is just and hears the cries of the
needy.)
Have the catechumens find 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18.
Which of you, if any, has ever felt deserted in your attempts to keep faithful to
Jesus?
Which of you, if any, has ever felt Christ strengthen you as something bad was
about to happen?
Have the catechumens find Luke 18:9-14.
What does this parable seem to be teaching about praying?
Affirm the members’ comments. Summarize:
God’s justice means that the cries of the poor and oppressed will be heard. In our
prayer and deeds, we are attentive to their needs. Sometimes we fail to promote
what is right and good, so we pray for God’s mercy.
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PRAYING INTERCESSIONS
(5 MINUTES)
Aware that God hears cries for justice, we offer prayers. When I lift my hand,
please respond, “God of justice, hear our prayer.”
 Rain down justice for the poor who cry out in their oppression. (Lift a hand for
the response.)
 When we feel deserted, strengthen us to continue the race in faith. (Lift a hand
for the response.)
 May your faithful followers be humble in prayer and never presume to be
superior to others. (Lift a hand for the response.)
Invite the members to contribute intercessions. Conclude:
O God, we humbly place these needs before you
and ask for all things according to your will.
Hear our prayers that we offer,
those spoken and those held in our hearts.
To Christ be glory, for ever and ever.
All: Amen.
Option: Break for a snack or social time. If the group disperses now and meets for catechesis later in the
week, collect nametags.
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CATECHETICAL SESSION
The Catechetical Session follows the Dismissal Session either immediately or
at another time during the week. The catechetical session is designed for
catechumens and parents or sponsors to grow in faith together. The status of
the catechumens never is to be confused with that of baptized children
preparing for confirmation or Eucharist, who may join in this catechesis as
supportive companions (RCIA, Appendix III, #19).
GATHERING FOR CATECHESIS
(5 MINUTES)
Welcome the catechumens, parents, sponsors, and any baptized
children arriving from liturgy. If this Catechetical Session is not
following the Dismissal Session, allow an additional ten minutes and
begin with the Gathering segment in the Dismissal Session. Have those
arriving check in and put on nametags.
PRAYING
Invite everyone to stand around the prayer focal point. Use the (†)
prayer from the Gathering Prayer Ritual in the Dismissal Session,
another prayer, or sing a gathering song from liturgy.
ENGAGING THE WORD
(15 MINUTES)
Distribute Bibles. Have everyone find and look over Luke 18:9-14. Offer
fine-line markers. On one index finger they draw the Pharisee, and on
the other they draw the tax collector. They help one another as desired.
Invite them to use their fingers to show how the two men prayed. For
the Pharisee, they hold the finger as upright as possible. For the tax
collector, they bend the finger to represent standing humbly. Suggest
that they improvise and make up prayers according to each man’s style.
Invite them to show one another how the two men prayed. Make sure
that everyone gets a chance to be observed.
Settle the group, and ask:
In what ways were the Pharisee’s and the tax
collector’s prayers different?
What was Jesus teaching in telling this parable about
how two men prayed?
SHARING FAITH
(15 MINUTES)
Form mixed-age groups of four to six with Bibles. If there are only a few
participants, lead the discussion as a whole group. Print the questions
on large paper or marker board, or distribute questions on cards for an
adult to lead. Circulate to offer support as needed.
By Janet Miller. Copyright © 2013, TeamRCIA.com. All rights reserved.
THIRTIETH SUNDAY IN
ORDINARY TIME, YEAR C
Sirach 35:12-14, 16-18
Psalm 34:2-3, 17-18, 19, 23
2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18
Luke 18:9-14
Insight for the Catechist
A particular Pharisee, with
contempt for other people,
held himself in high regard.
He focused on being ritually
correct and having the
accepted prayer stance.
Mistaking self-righteous
boasting for prayer, he was
preoccupied with the sins of
others.
Although the Pharisee
honestly may have avoided
many of the sins of
humanity, his sin was that of
self-absorption and lack of
an awareness of personal
sinfulness. The tax collector,
on the other hand, was
centered on God and divine
mercy. Praying with
humility, he had no interest
in being the center of
attention.
Our prayer, meditation, and
spiritual reflection needs to
be centered on God and
God’s communication with
us. Even though we might
not brag during our prayer,
we sometimes may be
focused on our own needs
and feelings instead of using
these as a window to the
needs of others.
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CONVERSING ABOUT LUKE 18:9-14
 What was the problem with the Pharisee’s way of addressing God?
 Why was the tax collector’s prayer a proper and just way to pray?
 What types of things do we do to humble ourselves?
 What are some ways we each pray?
With the whole group mention:
When we pray, we raise our hearts and minds to God. We always pray with
humility, recognizing that God has mercy and forgives our sinful ways. In prayer,
we request good things from God. Prayer is never based on our own prideful ways.
CARRYING OUT THE WORD
(5 MINUTES)
SUMMING UP
Invite everyone to gather around the prayer focal point. Encourage them to offer insights from this
week’s session. Conclude:
When we learn to pray from the example of the tax collector, we begin each prayer
with a petition asking for forgiveness, such as, “God, be merciful on me, a sinner.”
All prayer flows from the recognition of God’s merciful love.
CLOSING PRAYER
Invite the members to pray silently. Assist them by saying:
Begin your prayer by mentally saying, “God, be merciful on me, a sinner.” Then
add your own intentions, petitions, and words of thanksgiving and praise.
After a few moments of silence, pray the following aloud.
We praise you, O God, and gives thanks for your infinite mercy.
You truly have made all things wonderfully.
We pray through Jesus Christ, in union with the Holy Spirit,
one God for ever and ever.
All: Amen.
Humbly, go forth from this place.
And may the ever-living God bless us,
(Make the Sign of the Cross on yourself as a model for everyone.)
protect us from all evil,
and bring us to everlasting life.
All: Amen.
Distribute the “Faith at Home” page. Collect the nametags.
Friends on the Way - Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C
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Crossing the Ages Activity
(Optional activity for children and adults together: 20 minutes)
Prayer Palette (Activity directs hearts towards God, RCIA #78.)
Give a presentation about prayer forms. Provide examples, and have volunteers offer prayers using each
form. Display the following on a chart, or print on the board.
 Praise: gives adoration and glory to God
 Blessing: recognizes God as Creator
 Petition: asking things for oneself
 Intercession: asking things for others
 Penitence: expresses sorrow and repentance
 Thanksgiving: offers gratitude to God
THANKSGIVING
PRAISE
PETITION
INTERCESSION
PENITENCE
BLESSING
Distribute light-weight, white cardboard palette shapes. Offer crayons or colored pencils. Ask the members
to create color dabs as on an artist’s palette. Then, they print the name of one prayer form on each of the
dabs. Suggest they place the prayer palette in their prayer area at home. Encourage them to refer to the
palette to vary the ways they pray.
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Remember
Sunday’s Word
Faith at Home
Thirtieth Sunday in
Ordinary Time, Year C
Sirach 35:12-14, 16-18
Psalm 34:2-3, 17-18, 19, 23
2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18
Luke 18:9-14
At a convenient time for the family, gather around a dining table or in the living room. Silence all
electronics. Place a Bible opened to Luke 18 in the center. Begin with a moment of quiet.
REFLECTING ON SIRACH 35:12-14, 16-18
The God of justice knows no favorites but hears the cries of the oppressed and needy. Merciless
oppressors cause tears to pour forth. Wailing prayers will be answered with justice. Right is affirmed.
 Who are the poor crying out in the world today?
 How can we help God’s justice to happen for the needy?
Learn about poverty at povertyusa.org. Find out how to get involved and make a difference.
REFLECTING ON 2 TIMOTHY 4:6-8, 16-18
The writer who is soon to die maintains hope in God. Satisfied to have competed well and kept the
faith, the one who was deserted and suffered holds no animosity but draws strength and assurance
from Christ.
 To what extent can we say that we are competing well as Christians in the race of life?
 To what extent have we felt deserted by others as we have resolved to live a Christian
life?
The “crown of righteousness” is the reward for continually proclaiming faith in Jesus Christ. Draw
names, and make “crowns of righteousness” for one another. Design awards commending one
another for living as a Christian.
REFLECTING ON LUKE 18:9-14
Jesus spoke this parable because certain people were sure of their own righteousness and held
everyone else in contempt. Those not tempted by greed, dishonesty, drug abuse, or adultery may be
tempted to indulge in the intoxication of self-righteousness that clouds spiritual vision. Inward
adoration is not prayer. Instead, give thanks to God for his mercy.
 To what extent do we consider ourselves superior to others who seem sinful to us?
 In what ways might we direct our prayer more towards God?
By Janet Miller. Copyright © 2013, TeamRCIA.com. All rights reserved.
Permission is given to reproduce this handout for family home use.
Different Ways to Pray
Consider the types of prayer described in the chart below, and reflect on these questions together.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
When does the family join in public prayer?
When do family members pray privately?
What formal prayers do family members know?
When do members pray spontaneously?
Which family members prefer vocal prayer, and which prefer silent prayer?
Pray with others,
or alone
WHAT’S YOUR PRAYER STYLE? Use published words,
or use your own
Pray out loud,
or pray without saying anything
Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C
TeamRCIA.com