I Am With You: Lesson Plan on the Holy Spirit

Start this I am With You lesson plan on the Advocate by playing Sculptionary (see the complete instructions). Use some words from today’s gospel. For example: Jesus, Father, love, Holy Spirit, peace, afraid, rejoice. If you think it will be too difficult, you can give them copies of the reading and explain that the words being sculpted are in it.

Follow up with a few questions:

• Which of the words were the easiest to sculpt?
• Which were the most difficult?
• Which member of the Trinity do you have the most difficulty understanding or relating to? Why?

Let’s pause for a moment and take a deep breath. You see, we’ve just emerged from the game, Sculptionary, where we played with words like “Jesus,” “Father,” “love,” and “Holy Spirit.” It’s easy to sculpt words on paper, but sculpting our understanding of the Holy Spirit? That’s a bit like shaping clouds – intriguing, yet somewhat elusive.

Think about it: Jesus walked on this very Earth, just like you and me. We can wrap our heads around that. And hey, parents, we’ve got them too. We can relate to the whole parent-child dynamic. But then there’s the Holy Spirit, this enigmatic force that’s not quite like anything else. It’s like trying to catch a glimpse of wind – you can feel it, but it slips through your fingers.

We’re venturing into the realm of the unknown here, where understanding feels a bit like searching for your keys in the dark. But hey, don’t fret – we’re diving into this challenge together. Let’s keep our curiosity caps on and tackle the intricate puzzle of the Holy Spirit.

John 14:23-29 (Jesus promises the Holy Spirit) – the Gospel Reading for the 6th Sunday of Easter – Year C

Jesus said to his disciples: “Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words; yet the word you hear is not mine but that of the Father who sent me.

“I have told you this while I am with you. The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.

You heard me tell you, ‘I am going away and I will come back to you.’ If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father; for the Father is greater than I. And now I have told you this before it happens, so that when it happens you may believe.”

John 14:23-29

In today’s Gospel, Jesus makes a powerful promise: the gift of the Holy Spirit. He speaks of the Holy Spirit as the Advocate, someone who will remain with us and teach us all that we need to know. Jesus also mentions the Father, and through this passage, we see the interconnectedness of the Trinity—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. This is a mystery that can be hard to understand, but let’s take some time to reflect on it.

The Trinity is three persons in one God. It’s impossible to fully separate them because they are completely joined in their divine nature. God the Father is the Creator. He is the source of everything, the one from whom all things flow. This includes Jesus, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. But just because Jesus and the Holy Spirit come from the Father doesn’t mean they are less than Him. They are all fully God, sharing the same divine essence. The Father is beyond anything we can imagine, and our human minds cannot fully grasp Him. Yet, He reveals Himself to us through Jesus and the Holy Spirit.

Jesus, the Son, is God’s Word made flesh. In Jesus, God chose to become human, taking on everything that comes with being one of us. Jesus lived as we do, feeling joy, sorrow, hunger, and pain. He even faced death, just like we will one day. But because He is fully God, death could not defeat Him. Through His resurrection, Jesus shows us that God’s love and life are stronger than anything, even death itself. And even though Jesus returned to the Father, He remains with us in a special way through the Eucharist, where His presence nourishes us.

Then there is the Holy Spirit, who comes from both the Father and the Son. You might think of the Spirit as the love between the Father and the Son, a love so strong and real that it is a person of the Trinity. The Spirit is the force that empowered Jesus to obey the Father completely, trusting Him even in the face of death. And this same Spirit is given to us. The Holy Spirit helps us remember everything Jesus taught us about the Father and His love for us.

The Holy Spirit is not just with us; the Spirit lives in us. When we were baptized, we received the gift of the Holy Spirit, and it has been dwelling in us ever since. The Spirit helps us understand ourselves—our unique gifts, talents, and even our weaknesses—and through this understanding, we grow closer to God. The Spirit is God within us, calling us into a deeper relationship with Him and inviting us to share in the life of the Trinity.

The Holy Spirit does more than dwell in us. The Spirit teaches, guides, and inspires us every day. Have you ever felt a small push to make the right decision, even when it was hard? That’s the Holy Spirit at work. Have you ever had a moment when a Scripture passage suddenly made sense in a way it hadn’t before? That’s the Holy Spirit teaching you. Or maybe you’ve felt drawn to try a new kind of prayer or reach out to someone in need. That’s the Holy Spirit moving you to grow in your faith.

Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would be our Advocate, walking with us and guiding us in all we do. The Spirit’s guidance is not always dramatic or obvious. Sometimes, it comes as a quiet thought, a feeling of peace, or a sense of direction when we feel lost. The key is to be open and pay attention. The Spirit speaks to us in ways that are personal and unique, just as each of us is unique. The more we listen, the more we will recognize the Spirit’s presence in our lives.

The Holy Spirit helps us to be disciples of Jesus. By teaching us, reminding us of Jesus’ words, and helping us grow in love, the Spirit shows us how to live as followers of Christ. So this week, take some time to be aware of the Spirit in your life. Pay attention to those moments of guidance or inspiration. The Holy Spirit is always with you, just as Jesus promised, leading you closer to God and helping you live your faith each day.

When leading your small group, encourage everyone to share openly and respectfully. Remind participants that this is a safe space where everyone’s thoughts and feelings are valued. Allow time for each person to speak without interruption and ensure that no one feels pressured to share if they are uncomfortable. Use the questions below to guide your discussion, but feel free to let the conversation flow naturally if the group feels inspired to explore related topics.

• What stands out to you the most about Jesus’ promise of “I am with you” in today’s Gospel? Why?
• How do you experience God as Father, Son, or Holy Spirit in your own life?
• The Holy Spirit is described as living within us. How does this idea affect how you see yourself and your relationship with God?
• Have you ever felt the Holy Spirit guiding or nudging you in your decisions? Can you share an example?
• How can we become more aware of the Holy Spirit’s presence in our daily lives?
• What does it mean to you to think of the Holy Spirit as an Advocate or Teacher?
• How can the Holy Spirit help us when we face challenges or difficulties in living out our faith?
• What unique gifts or talents do you feel the Holy Spirit has given you? How can you use these to serve others?
• How do you see the Holy Spirit working in the world around you, in your family, school, or community?
• How can our small group help each other grow in recognizing and responding to the Holy Spirit?

This week, let’s work on building a deeper bond with the Holy Spirit. Each day, take a few moments to talk to the Holy Spirit, just like you would with a close friend. Think of it as a way to refresh your spirit and get ready for the day ahead. During these moments, share your thoughts, worries, and joys. Ask the Holy Spirit for guidance and support. This simple practice can help you feel more connected and peaceful.

The Holy Spirit is always there to help you, especially when you face tough decisions. By setting aside time each day to speak with the Spirit, you’ll find it easier to navigate challenges and make better choices. The Holy Spirit will give you the wisdom and strength you need. Remember, you are not alone. The Holy Spirit is your constant companion, ready to guide and comfort you. This daily practice can make a big difference in your life and help you grow in faith.

To end our lesson, let’s pray the Prayer to the Holy Spirit. This prayer helps us invite the Holy Spirit into our hearts and lives. It is a way to ask for guidance, wisdom, and strength. When we pray, we open ourselves up to the Holy Spirit’s presence and power. This prayer can be a powerful tool to help us feel more connected to God. By praying together, we remind ourselves that the Holy Spirit is always with us, ready to support and guide us every day.

Conclude by praying the Prayer to the Holy Spirit.

Themes for the I Am With You Lesson Plan on the Holy Spirit

• Holy Spirit’s Presence: The Holy Spirit is always with us, offering guidance and comfort. This is a key part of our faith.
• Guidance in Decisions: The Holy Spirit helps us make good choices. This “I Am With You” lesson plan helps us understand that we can ask for help when faced with tough decisions.
• Comfort and Peace: Knowing the Holy Spirit is with us brings peace. This comfort helps us in difficult times.
• The Holy Trinity: The Holy Spirit is part of the Trinity with the Father and the Son. Understanding this helps us know God better.
• Jesus’ Promise Fulfilled: Jesus promised to send the Holy Spirit to us. This promise of “I am with you” shows God’s love and care.
• Daily Prayer Practice: Talking to the Holy Spirit each day strengthens our faith. Prayer connects us more deeply with God.
• Recognizing Gifts: The Holy Spirit gives each of us unique talents. These gifts help us serve God and others.
• Spiritual Growth: The Holy Spirit helps us grow in our faith. This growth brings us closer to God.
• Living by Faith: The Holy Spirit guides us to live according to God’s will. This guidance helps us follow Jesus’ teachings.
• Experiencing Divine Love: The Holy Spirit shows us God’s love. This “I Am With You” lesson plan helps us understand how feeling this love strengthens our relationship with God.
• Understanding Scripture: The Holy Spirit helps us understand the Bible. This deeper understanding enriches our faith.
• Strengthening Community: Recognizing the Holy Spirit in each other builds our faith community. This unity helps us support one another.
• Inner Calm: The Holy Spirit brings a sense of calm and reassurance. This inner peace helps us face life’s challenges.
• Obeying God’s Will: The Holy Spirit guides us to follow God’s plan. This obedience leads to a more faithful life.

Background Material for the I Am With You Lesson Plan on the Holy Spirit

The “I Am With You” lesson plan centers on understanding the Holy Spirit’s role in our lives, deeply rooted in Catholic teaching. This concept is woven throughout the Bible and the Catechism of the Catholic Church, showing the importance of the Holy Spirit in guiding, comforting, and empowering us.

In John 14:23-29, Jesus promises his disciples that the Holy Spirit will come to them after he leaves. He says, “The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you.” This passage highlights that the Holy Spirit is a gift from God, sent to continue Jesus’ work on Earth and ensure that his teachings are remembered and followed.

The Holy Spirit’s presence fulfills Jesus’ promise, “I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). This assurance is central to our faith, showing that we are never alone. The Holy Spirit dwells within us, providing constant support and guidance.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church states, “The Holy Spirit, whom Christ the head pours out on his members, builds, animates, and sanctifies the Church. She is the sacrament of the Holy Trinity’s communion with men” (CCC 747). This means that the Holy Spirit is essential in making the Church a living and active body of Christ, uniting believers with God and with each other.

The Holy Spirit is part of the Holy Trinity, which includes God the Father and Jesus the Son. Understanding the Trinity is key to understanding how the Holy Spirit fits into Catholic teaching. The Father is the Creator, Jesus is the Incarnate Word, and the Holy Spirit is the Advocate who continues to work in the world and in our hearts.

In practical terms, the Holy Spirit helps us make good decisions and understand God’s will. When faced with challenges, we can pray to the Holy Spirit for wisdom and strength. This aligns with the Catechism, which teaches, “By this power of the Spirit, God’s children can bear much fruit” (CCC 736). The Spirit helps us live out our faith through actions and choices that reflect God’s love.

Another important aspect is the gifts of the Holy Spirit, which include wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord. These gifts, mentioned in Isaiah 11:2-3 and reiterated in the Catechism (CCC 1831), are given to us to help us grow in holiness and live as true disciples of Christ. They enable us to navigate life’s complexities with God’s help.

The Holy Spirit also plays a crucial role in the sacraments. For instance, during Confirmation, the Holy Spirit strengthens our faith and helps us witness to Christ. The Catechism explains, “The effect of the sacrament of Confirmation is the special outpouring of the Holy Spirit as once granted to the apostles on the day of Pentecost” (CCC 1302). This connection to Pentecost underscores the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

By focusing on the “I Am With You” lesson plan, we embrace the assurance that the Holy Spirit is always with us. This understanding can bring peace, confidence, and a deeper sense of God’s presence in our daily lives. It helps us realize that through the Holy Spirit, Jesus’ promise to be with us always is fulfilled. This lesson plan aims to deepen our relationship with the Holy Spirit, helping us live more fully in God’s love and grace.

Music Suggestions for the I Am With You Lesson Plan on the Holy Spirit

• Holy Spirit, Living Breath of God by Keith and Kristyn Getty
• Holy Spirit by Francesca Battistelli
• Send Us Your Spirit by David Haas
• Spirit of the Living God by Audrey Assad
• Receive the Power by Guy Sebastian and Gary Pinto
• Send Us Your Spirit by Dan Schutte
• Come Holy Spirit by Matt Maher and Martin Smith

More Youth Ministry Lesson Plans and Reflections

Teachers, youth ministers, and catechists can find more “I Am With You” lesson plans and reflections on our website. These resources are free and designed to help young people grow in their faith. Visit our Youth Ministry Lesson Plans and Reflections to explore a variety of lessons that are easy to use and understand. These materials will support your efforts to guide youth in their spiritual journey and help them feel God’s presence in their lives.