“Fruits of the Spirit”

Session Overview for Catechists
Catechist Summary * Slides

• Track A: Monday 3/10/2025, 6:45-8:30 p.m, in Mission Hall at the Parish Center
• Track B: Wednesday 3/12/2025 and Thursday 3/13/2025 in 8th Grade Religion class

Gathering Icebreaker (5 min.)

Describe what you like about a kind of fruit.

Opening Prayer (5 min.) for Lent

Litany of Trust

From the belief that I have to earn Your love, Deliver me, Jesus.​
From the fear that I am unlovable, Deliver me, Jesus.​
From the false security that I have what it takes, Deliver me, Jesus.​
From the fear that trusting you will leave me more destitute, Deliver me, Jesus.​
From all suspicion of your words and promises, Deliver me, Jesus.​
From the rebellion against childlike dependency on You, Deliver me, Jesus.​
From refusals and reluctances in accepting Your will, Deliver me, Jesus.​
From anxiety about the future, Deliver me, Jesus.​
From resentment or excessive preoccupation with the past, Deliver me, Jesus.​
From restless self-seeking in the present moment, Deliver me, Jesus.​
From disbelief in Your love and presence, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being asked to give more than I have, ​Deliver me, Jesus.​
From the belief that my life has no meaning or worth, Deliver me, Jesus.​
From the fear of what love demands, Deliver me, Jesus.​
From discouragement, Deliver me, Jesus.​

That You are continually holding me, sustaining me, loving me, ​Jesus, I trust in You.​
That Your love goes deeper than my sins and failings and transforms me, Jesus, I trust in You.​
That not knowing what tomorrow brings is an invitation to lean on You, Jesus, I trust in You.​
That You are with me in my suffering, Jesus, I trust in You.​
That my suffering, united to Your own, will bear fruit in this ​life and the next, Jesus, I trust in You.
That You will not leave me orphan, that You are present ​in Your Church, Jesus, I trust in You.​
That Your plan is better than anything else, Jesus, I trust in You.​
That You always hear me and in Your goodness always respond ​to me, Jesus, I trust in You.​
That You give me the grace to accept forgiveness and to forgive others, Jesus, I trust in You.​
That You give me all the strength I need for what is asked, ​Jesus, I trust in You.​
That my life is a gift, Jesus, I trust in You.​
That You will teach me to trust You, Jesus, I trust in You.​
That You are my Lord and my God, Jesus, I trust in You.​
That I am Your beloved one, Jesus, I trust in You. ​
Amen.​​

Intro to the Fruits of the Spirit (20-25 min)

See slides presented by Ms. Hohner (or Mr. Rosales or Mrs. Medio in Religion during the week).

LOVE (CHARITY) in selfless service to others	JOY which lasts through any trials	PEACE serenity due to deep trust in God​
PATIENCE love which endures all setbacks	KINDNESS Selfless acts of compassion	GOODNESS loving all people without exception
FAITHFULNESS loyalty in your commitments to God & to others	GENTLENESS strength that is kept in check by love for others	SELF-CONTROL ability to stay in charge of your own emotions, desires, words and actions
MODESTY moderation in the ways that you talk & act	CHASTITY being faithful to your physical sexuality and your spiritual dignity	GENEROSITY willingness to give, even at a cost to your own​ needs or wants

Breakout Session: Fruits Exploration (40-50 min)

Prayer Ritual (15 min)

Each breakout group shares & prays their prayers they wrote.

Closing & Dismissal (5 min)

HOMEWORK

• Do textbook pages 76-80 and journal pages 75-76
• Next class session (final regular class!
  • Track A: Monday, March 17 from 6:45 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in Mission Hall at the Parish Center
  • Track B: Wednesday, March 26 and Thurssday, March 27 in 8th Grade Religion Class (different week from Track A due to Spring Break differences between Catholic schools and CPS)