I Am With You (The Holy Spirit) Lesson Plan

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

Jesus promises the Holy Spirit in today’s gospel. He also speaks of the Father. It is really impossible to understand any one person of the Trinity as a separate entity. They are completely joined to each other.

The Father is the Creator. Everything flows from Him, including Jesus and the Holy Spirit. This does not make them less than God the Father, but they proceed from Him as a gift to us. The Father is beyond us and our limited human minds cannot comprehend him.

Jesus is the Incarnation of the Father, his creative force manifest in the world. In Jesus, God freely becomes human and is complete solidarity with us. He even dies like us. But because he is completely God, death cannot bind him. Jesus is one of us. And he continues to live among us in the Eucharist.

The Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father and the Son. You can think of the Spirit as the love between the Father and the Son. It is so strong that it is a person of the Trinity. This is the love which made Jesus completely obedient to the Father and able to trust in Him 100% And the Spirit is given to us, so that we can remember what Jesus has told us about the Father.

The Spirit dwells within us. It is a part of each of us. The Holy Spirit is manifested in our unique gifts, talents, characteristics, and even our weaknesses. The Spirit helps us know and understand ourselves, and it turn that helps us know and understand God. The Holy Spirit it God living inside of us and inviting us into the divine life of the Trinity.

While making a home in us, the Spirit teaches us and inspires us. We might feel a nudge sometimes to do the right thing. That is the Holy Spirit. We might feel compelled to try a new type of prayer. That is the Holy Spirit. We might gain new insight from a Scripture reading we have read many times before. That is the Holy Spirit.

So the Holy Spirit teaches us each personally. That is what Jesus promised in the the gospel passage we just read. In every moment of our day, the Spirit is with us, guiding us and showing us how to be disciples of Jesus. We just need to be aware and pay attention.

These reflection questions will help youth explore the themes of the I Am With You lesson plan in a safe and comfortable environment.

• Have you ever experienced a situation where you felt the Holy Spirit nudging you to take a particular action? It’s like that subtle feeling of someone tapping on your shoulder, guiding you in a certain direction. Share your stories and let’s uncover the ways the Holy Spirit works in our lives.
• Think back to a time when the Holy Spirit provided you with new insights or perspectives on a familiar situation. It’s like suddenly seeing a well-known path in a brand-new light. How did that shift in perspective impact your understanding of the situation and your choices?
• What steps can we take to be more attentive to the Holy Spirit in our everyday lives? Life can get pretty noisy, but the Holy Spirit often speaks in whispers. How can we create space amidst the chaos to tune in to its guidance and wisdom?
• Can you recall a moment when you were faced with a challenging decision and turned to the Holy Spirit for guidance? Sometimes we’re at crossroads, and having a reliable compass can make all the difference. Share how leaning on the Holy Spirit’s guidance influenced your decision-making.
• In what ways can we foster a deeper connection with the Holy Spirit on a daily basis? It’s like nurturing a friendship – investing time and effort. How can we cultivate this relationship so that the Holy Spirit becomes a constant companion in our journey?
• When you look at your unique gifts, talents, and even weaknesses, how do you see the Holy Spirit’s influence? It’s like that secret ingredient that makes you, well, you. Let’s explore how the Holy Spirit shapes and molds us, turning our imperfections into strengths.

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. 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 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. 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.