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Transcript of Spirit Day Retreat Manual - archchicago.orgdnn7.archchicago.org/Portals/64/Spirit Day Retreat...
Thanks to the OFCYM staff, DRE’s, CRE’s,
CYM’s and Pastors who contributed to the
content of this manual.
Prepared by Jesus “Chuy” Deleon
Office for Catechesis and Youth Ministry
Archdiocese of Chicago
Copyright@2012, Permission needed for
Copy. Revised: 06/28/2013
Spirit Day Retreat Manual
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Table of Contents
Section 1: General Introduction of Spirit Day Pages Included
Goals and Objectives 2
Methodology Description 3-4
Spirit Day Retreat Experience 5
Spirit Day Community 6
Spirit Day Year Cycle 7
Planning Meetings Overview 8
Coordinating Roles Overview 9-10
General Parish Responsibilities 11
Section 2: Spirit Day Retreat Experience
First Ceremony Instructions and Guide 12-15
Welcoming and Community Building 16-17
“Don’t Miss the Boat” Instructions and Narrative 18-19
Group Skits Instructions and Skits 20-23
Witness Talk Presentation Instructions 24
Catechetical Presentation Instructions 25
Second Ceremony: Profession of Faith in Worship 26
Reflection: “Put Away Your Old Self” Instructions 27
Third Ceremony: Blessing and Thanksgiving 29-31
Section 3: Roles/Responsibilities for Spirit Day
OFCYM Contact Role Description and Checklist 32-37
Site Coordinator Role Description 38
Program Coordinator Role Description and Checklist 39-42
Food Coordinator Guide 43-45
Secretary/Registration Coordinator Role Description and
Checklist
46-51
Prayer/Worship Coordinator Role Description and Checklist 52-56
Floor Coordinator Role Description and Checklist 56-59
Section 4: Handouts and Resources Segment
Appendix A: Handout Forms A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H 61-101
Appendix B: Resources
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General Introduction: Goals and Objectives
Brief Description of Spirit Day:
Spirit Day is a multi-parish one-day retreat for teens who are about to
celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation.
Main Goal of Spirit Day:
Through the power of the Holy Spirit and the faith of the parish
community, the goal of Spirit Day Confirmation Retreat is to provide an
opportunity for Confirmation candidates to experience an inner spiritual
awakening that will inspire them to strengthen their commitment to a relationship with
Christ and His Church.
Main Objectives of Spirit Day:
- Realize the presence of Christ among us using evangelization and
catechesis through media, storytelling, witness talks and catechetical presentation.
- Awaken the Presence of the Holy Spirit within us through prayer/ worship,
singing and praising.
- Commit to a relationship with God in the power of the Eucharist and the life
and service of the church community
Methodology:
Using the wisdom and power of the New Evangelization, Spirit Day Confirmation Retreat
organizes a spiritual experience that connects us to our baptismal journey. This
experience is organized in three major stages: Evangelization/Catechesis Stage,
Prayer/Worship Stage, and Commitment/Service Stage.
I C O N K E Y
Handout
Take Note
Check List
Resource
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General Introduction: Methodology Description
The Spirit Day Retreat Experience is divided into three stages (symbolizing the Trinity)
and three ceremonies. The three stages of the Spirit Day Retreat Experience are the
following:
Evangelization/Catechesis Stage:
Using media, storytelling, witness talks and catechesis, one of Spirit
Day’s objectives is to help the participants realize the presence of the
Living Christ in their lives and the importance of opening their minds and
hearts to Jesus in the present moment. Why the focus on Christ and not
the Holy Spirit, being that the retreat is titled “Spirit Day”? The purpose of
the retreat is not to offer a day of catechesis on the Holy Spirit, for this is already done in
the parish Confirmation programs. The purpose of the retreat is to awaken the Holy Spirit
within our young participants for it is the Spirit of the risen Christ, the ever-flowing water of
baptism running constantly in search of God, which will move the individual to say a
genuine “Yes” when celebrating the sacrament of Confirmation.
In order for teens to say “Yes” to Christ and commit to a life in the Church, they
need to be re-immersed again in the Holy Spirit. But we cannot awaken the Spirit of
salvation within them without its source, which is the glorified Lord.1 The Gospel of John
tells us that, “we receive the Spirit by drawing near to the Son – within reach of his breath
– and then allowing ourselves to be breathed upon by Jesus (John 20:19-23).
Pope Benedict the XVI explained this to us very clearly when he wrote, “The Spirit
does not allow itself to be seen when we depart from the Son. On the contrary he allows
himself to be seen when we are with the Son.”2 This is why it is important that we begin
our retreat with the effort of leading our teens towards Christ and to realize how He has
been committed to their lives, for it is only through this realization that they will be willing
to open the doors of their hearts and accept Christ into their present experience. It is after
accepting Christ into their present experience that the Holy Spirit is awakened and fired
up.
1 Rahner, “Content of Faith.” 1992. Pg 356
2 Ratzinger, “The God of Jesus Christ”, 1979, Pg. 101.
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General Introduction: Methodology (Cont.)
Prayer/Worship Stage:
Through prayer, worship, singing and praising, the next objective of the
retreat is to “FIRE UP” the Holy Spirit that has been awakened by the
presence of Christ. It is our love for Christ that the Spirit moves and it is
through prayer, worship, singing and praising that our love for Christ is
fed. The Spirit is the “principle of prayer: He prays in us so that our
prayer acquires an almost infinite range and a divine depth. The New Testament keeps
telling us again and again to pray in the Holy Spirit.”3 The more we pray, the more fired up
the Spirit becomes!
Service/Commitment Stage:
The end result of Spirit Day must be a spiritual experience and a union between the
participant, the Divine Trinity and the greater Church; all which are important for the
fulfillment of not only the Sacrament of Confirmation but a committed life in service. It is
the fired up Spirit that will glue all these elements together. The Holy Spirit, “leads us to
the Son, and through the Son he leads us to the Father.”4 It is the engine that moves
God’s economy (oiconomia): God moves towards us so that we may serve one another
and thereby return to God once again. The day ends with a blessing for both participants
and adult volunteers as they commit their service to Christ and His Church; followed by
thanks-giving, which brings us into communion with each other; finalizing with the
climactic journey of our sacramental life: our liturgical celebration of the Eucharist.
Ceremonies:
Each stage of the Spirit Day Retreat Experience is divided into ceremonial rituals filled
with symbolism, creativity, reflection and prayer. The purpose of these ceremonial rituals
are not just to make a clear transition from one stage to the other, but also to embody the
living Christ among us who is in constant movement through the Love, Hope and Faith of
His Church, guiding the teen participants in their own experience of the Paschal Mystery
of life, death and resurrection in Him. Parishes participating in the retreat each take
responsibility of organizing one of these ceremonies together with their teen participants
before the retreat.
3 Ibid. Rahner, Pg. 358
4 Ibid, Ratzinger. Pg 101
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General Introduction: Spirit Day Retreat Experience
Time: Segment Title Segment Brief Description
10 Min The Welcoming The Church welcomes the participants to this experience with Love,
Hope and Faith.
10 Min Community Building:
Icebreaker #1
Begin to motivate interest in the experience of the day with fun group
activities that are rooted in the Gospel. The Gospel will be our guide.
15 Min Storytelling:
“Don’t Miss the Boat”
By using the power of storytelling, teens are inspired to prepare and
open their minds to all the possibilities that Spirit Day has to offer.
15 Min First Ceremony:
Opening Prayer
The Church presents the gifts of the Holy Spirit and the Lord’s Prayer
to the participants, reconnecting them to their baptism.
30 Min Group Skits:
“Story of St. Paul”
Participants reflect on St. Paul’s own experience of conversion by
having the groups discuss among themselves and prepare to present
their skit to the rest of the assembly.
50 Min Witness Talks By observing the skit presentations, listening to witness talks, and in
personal journal writing, participants reflect on their own life in Christ
and process of conversion.
20 Min Catechetical Session:
Jesus Among Us
Through catechesis, the participants are able to connect Scripture and
their present day experience in order to realize that Christ has been, is
and will always be present and committed in their lives.
25 Min Second Ceremony:
Profession of Faith in
Worship
Through a creative worship experience, teens are moved and inspired
to publically announce their love to Christ and reaffirm their baptismal
promise; celebrating their realization that Christ lives in their lives.
15 Min Community Building: Continue to build community among the young people.
20 Min Reflection:
Put Away Your Old Self
Through videos and ritual action, participants reflect on Christ’s love for
us as he carries our sins in the cross; taking with Him our old selves.
50 Min Third Ceremony:
Blessing and
Thanksgiving
Through symbolism and ritual action, participants experience the
movement of the Holy Spirit, opening their hearts to each other and
Christ.
15 Min Reflection:
Letters to Christ
Renewed in the Spirit, participants open their minds and hearts to
Christ by offering their life to him in the form of a letter.
1:30
Total:
6:05
Mass Celebration
Be Renewed in the Spirit
The celebration of the Mass seals the experience of Spirit Day
sending forth the participants to a life in service to Christ and
their commitment to His Church.
Se
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ta
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P
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Eva
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ta
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General Introduction: Spirit Day Community
Help prepare for
the Spirit Day
Ceremonies
Local choirs, MCs,
technicians,
facilitators,
businesses and
Site Coordinators
available to help
Catechists,
Youth Ministers,
Pastors facilitate
the retreat
Parish Youth
already
confirmed help
animate the
retreat
DRE’s, CRE’s,
Pastors, CYM’s
organize the
retreat
VYMCs and
VCMCs together
administrate the
retreat
Spirit Day
Community Spirit Day Cooperative
Spirit Day Planning
Committees
Parish Youth
Ministries
Retreat Teen
Participants
Office for Catechesis and
Youth Ministry (OFCYM)
Parish Religious Ed
Programs
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General Introduction: Spirit Day Year Cycle
Period One: (January – April) This is the period that most Spirit Day Retreats take
place in time.
Period Two: (May-August) Evaluation of the Spirit Day Retreats that took place in
Period One usually happens in this period. OFCYM begins to prepare for new fiscal
year’s Spirit Day Planning.
Period Three: (September – October) Initial preparation meetings usually take place
during this period within the Spirit Day Planning Committees and Spirit Day Coop.
Period Four: (January – April) Planning meetings, trainings, and activities are taking
place during this period throughout the Spirit Day Community.
September -
October
October -
January
January –
April
May -
August
Period 1
Period 2
Period 3
Period 4
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General Introduction: Planning Meetings Overview
Initial Meeting: Introductions and responsibilities Date/Place/Time:_ ______
Objectives:
Introduction of Parish Representatives Introduction of Spirit Day (Mission and Objectives) Introduction of Planning Process. Establish dates for the Planning Process Introduction and assigning of roles and responsibilities of Coordinators Give Parish Registration Forms
Meeting #1: Establishing Assignments Date/Place/Time:__ _____
Objectives:
Review assignments for each Coordinator. Begin to fill out the Action Plans. Begin to organize Action Plans Update on registration
Meeting #2: Present Action Plans for OFCYM Approval Date/Place/Time:_ ____
Objectives:
Receive Group Registration Forms Present and complete drafts of Action Plans for:
o Food, Floor, Prayer/Worship, Registration and Program
Meeting #3: Final Updates and Preparation of Logistic Date/Place/Time:__ ____
Objectives:
Assign Volunteers to Retreat Roles Final updates on each of the Action Plans Prepare for the Volunteer Meeting and Evaluation Meeting
SPIRIT DAY LEADERSHIP INTENSIVE: Date/Place/Time:__ ____
VOLUNTEER MEETING: Date/Place/Time:__ ____
RETREAT DATE: Date/Place/Time:__ ____
RETREAT EVALUATION MEETING: Date/Place/Time:__ ____
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L.3 Time
commitment level:
1) Lowest
2) Mid-level
3) Highest
General Introduction: Coordinating Roles Overview
Site Coordinator: Name: __________________ Parish: _____________________
This person is an adult parish staff/volunteer nominated from among the
participating parishes, who is willing to facilitate the organizing process for the
planning committee. Some of the responsibilities include: 1) facilitate the
planning meetings, making sure the objectives are met, 2) remind
Coordinators of their responsibilities between meetings, 3) make sure any
gaps of roles and responsibilities are filled, 4) communicate any issues, questions or
suggestions to the OFCYM contact.
Food Coordinator: Name: __________________ Parish: _____________________
This person is an adult parish staff/volunteer nominated from among the participating
parishes, who is willing to facilitate the organization and implementation procedure for the
food. Some of the responsibilities include: 1) complete the Food Action Plan, 2) help in
the purchase of food, 3) receive any food items being delivered before the retreat, 4)
prepare Food Team at Spirit Day Volunteer Meeting as well as the food table, 5) serve
food and clean food area at Spirit Day.
Program Coordinator: Name: __________________ Parish: _____________________
This person is an adult parish staff/volunteer nominated from among the participating
parishes, who is willing to facilitate the organization and implementation procedure for the
Spirit Day program experience. Some of the responsibilities include: 1) complete the
Program Action Plan, 2) help in recruiting for speakers and choir for the retreat, 3) help
organize the Retreat’s agenda, 4) responsible for the Volunteer Meeting and the flow of
the agenda on the day of the retreat.
Floor Coordinator: Name: __________________ Parish: _____________________
This person is an adult parish staff/volunteer nominated from among the participating
parishes, who is willing to facilitate the reservation and preparation of the space and
materials needed for Spirit Day. Some of the responsibilities include: 1) complete the
Floor Action Plan, 2) help find the space for the retreat, 3) prepare the floor team at the
Volunteer Meeting, 4) responsible for picking up and returning Spirit Day Materials from
the Vicariate Office, and 5) prepare and clean-up the space for the retreat.
L.2
L.2
L.1
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General Introduction: Coordinating Roles (cont.)
Secretary/Registration Coordinator: Name: _______________ Parish: _____________
This person is an adult parish staff/volunteer nominated from among the participating
parishes, who is willing to facilitate the registration process before and at the retreat.
Some of the responsibilities include: 1) complete the Registration Action Plan, 2) make
sure the registration forms and payments are submitted on time by participating parishes,
3) prepare Registration Team at the Volunteer Meeting, 4) prepare and clean-up the
registration tables and area on the day of the retreat.
Prayer/Worship Coordinator: Name: ________________ Parish: _____________________
This person is an adult parish staff/volunteer nominated from among the participating
parishes, who is willing to organize and facilitate the Prayer/Worship experience of the
retreat. Some of the responsibilities include: 1) complete the Prayer/Worship Action Plan,
2) prepare the retreat’s First Ceremony and closing Mass celebration as well as the
volunteers and supplies needed, 3) responsible for preparing the Prayer/Worship Team at
the Volunteer Meeting, 4) responsible for facilitating the setup for the First Ceremony and
Mass celebration at the retreat.
Security Coordinator: Name: ________________ Parish: _____________________
This person is an adult parish staff/volunteer nominated from among the participating
parishes, who is willing to facilitate the security plan for the retreat: 1) complete the
Security Action Plan, 2) responsible for the security team’s materials and supplies, 3)
make sure the security volunteers are in compliance with the Archdiocese, 4) prepare the
Security Team at the Volunteer Meeting, 5) manage the Security Team and implement
the Security Plan at the retreat.
L.1
L.2
L.1
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General Introduction: General Parish Responsibilities
To best prepare for the retreat, Spirit Day recommends each parish take
on the following responsibilities. These responsibilities are aside from
the specific responsibilities assigned to each retreat coordinator. Each
parish needs to make sure these general parish responsibilities are met.
1. Must have parish catechists, youth ministers and youth ministry teens available to help at the
retreat and attend the Volunteer Meeting.
2. Must complete the parish registration form by Meeting #2.
3. Should offer some of the Confirmation students to participate in the readings for the Mass
4. Each parish is responsible for their own name tags for their retreat participants and volunteers.
Please use name tag labels that stick, without plastic holders. This is helpful as they will stick their
names to a wooden cross in the Third Ceremony.
5. Must have a parish representative attend all Planning Meetings. It must be the same
representative at all meetings.
6. Using creative art, have your students prepare a visual of a Gift or Gifts (depending on the
agreement with the committee) of the Holy Spirit for the First Ceremony.
PREPARING THE PARTICIPANTS:
1. Have your participants learn this prayer in your class sessions until they memorize their response:
Leader: Come Holy Spirit; fill the hearts of your faithful… All: Enkindle in them the fire of your love. Leader: Send forth your Spirit… All: And you will renew the face of the earth. Leader: Let us pray. Lord, by the light of the Holy Spirit, you have taught the hearts of the faithful. In the same spirit, help us to relish what is right and always rejoice in your consolation. We ask this through Christ our lord. All: Amen
2. Have your participants learn the theme song by singing it at some of your class sessions. Have
your students practice yelling loud when their parish name is introduced.
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