Session 4: Apostolic

Download Leader’s Guide: Going Deeper


Opening Prayer:
Loving God, send your Spirit to open our hearts to Jesus.
Guide us to a deeper conversion.
Grant us a greater appreciation of the beauty and truth of our Catholic faith.
Give us the courage and condence to joyfully share our faith with others.
May your Church be a beacon of light for all who seek your loving presence.
Be with us now as we explore the gift of Apostolic Tradition.
Mary, faithful Mother of God, intercede for us.
We make this prayer through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
One God, forever and ever. Amen.


Scripture: 
Matthew 16: 13-19
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew.
When Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter said in reply, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Jesus said to him in reply, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father. And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you
loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”

The Gospel of the Lord:
Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ.
 

Suggested Opening Song:
Rosary Musical: Who do you say that I am?

1. Many of the faithful of the Archdiocese of Dubuque gave witness to their favorite pope. Who is your favorite pope? What attributes do you admire in him?
2. When we speak of Apostolic Tradition, we naturally think of Apostolic Succession, with the importance of Peter, and thus the Church, being given the keys to the kingdom. What value do you see in this? What real difference does this make for us as Catholics?
3.  Imagine Christianity without a pope; how would our faith, and our world, be different?

1. What connection do you see between your parish, the diocese, and Rome?
2. What makes certain Church rituals and traditions important and valuable? 
3. What are some rituals that are misunderstood or unnecessary today (for instance, the ritual of wearing of red shoes by the pope to symbolize the blood of the martyrs)?
4. What are some of your favorite Church rituals?

1. When and how have you experienced the care of a priest as a good shepherd?
2. What attributes do you most value in a priest?
3. When have you witnessed incredible service from a priest or deacon?
4. In what specic ways can we support our parish priests to do the work of God?

Conclusion:

• What did you learn about Apostolic Tradition?
• What did you like best about the session?
• What is one thing you will share with someone at home or in your sphere of inuence?
• What difference does it make in one’s faith life to believe in Apostolic Tradition?

Suggested Closing Song:
The Servant Song by Richard Gillard

Prayer in Thanksgiving for the Gift of Apostolic Tradition:
Loving God, you have called each of us to be formed in your image.
Thank you for the gift of your living presence in the leadership of the Church.
May our pope, archbishop, priests, and deacons pour out their lives
in loving service to your people.
Give them the strength to “be for us” and to go “before us” in all ways.
Grant us the grace to respond to the guidance of our good shepherds.
Mary, Blessed Mother of the Word Incarnate, intercede for us.
We make this prayer through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit.
One God, forever and ever. Amen.