Session 9: The Saints

Download the 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 confidence 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 one of our Top Ten Reasons to be Catholic!

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 5:1-12
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew.
When he saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him. He began to teach them, saying: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land. Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satised. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you [falsely] because of me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven. Thus they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

The Gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

Opening Song Suggestions:
Holy, Holy by Jacob and Matthew Band

OR

Every Day by Jacob and Matthew Band

Video # 1: Why Care About the Saints? Rev. James Martin S.J.

Discussion Questions:

1. How has a saint befriended you?
2. When have you witnessed heroic virtue in a living saint?
3. Which beatitude do you see being lived out most in this living saint?
4. How is God calling you—right now—to grow in holiness (which Beatitude is most challenging for you)?

Video #2: Rev. Scott Bullock, Pastor in the Archdiocese of Dubuque

Discussion Questions:

1. Who was your favorite saint growing up? Why? Who is your favorite saint now?
2. How has a canonized saint challenged, encouraged, or helped you along the way?
3. Who is your patron saint?

Video #3: Anastasia Nicklaus Schmelzer, Former Director of Campus Ministry at Clarke University in Dubuque, IA.

Discussion Questions:

1. How have you experienced the Communion of Saints? How has your relationship changed with someone who has died and become a member of the great cloud of witnesses?
2. What does the phrase, “love lasts” mean to you?
3. How can the Communion of Saints help us to fight the feeling of loneliness?

Conclusion:

• What did you learn about the saints?
• What did you like best about the session?
• What is one thing you will share with someone at home or in your sphere of influence?
• What difference does it make in one’s life to believe in the saints and the Communion of Saints?

Litany of Saints:
Create a litany of the saints or use a traditional litany of the saints:
http://www.catholic.org/prayers/prayer.php?p=254

OR
Play one of these beautiful YouTube videos:
Litany of the Saints

Modern Litany of the Saints by Matt Maher

Home by Phillip Phillips

Closing Prayer:
Prayer For Sainthood
Loving God, you have called each of us to be holy. 

Thank you for the saints who show us the pathway to holiness.

Grant us a deep desire for sainthood.

Help us to be men and women of prayer, humility, love, and service.

Give us the strength and courage to live the beatitudes. 

Mary, and all the saints in Heaven, intercedes 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.