Session 10

The Last Things: What Happens After We Die?

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Opening Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ, Who willest that no man should perish, and to Whom supplication is never made without the hope of mercy, for Thou said with Thine Own holy and blessed lips: “All things whatsoever ye shall ask in My name, shall be done unto you;” I ask of Thee, O Lord, for Thy holy Name’s sake, to grant me at the hour of my death for consciousness and the power of speech, sincere contrition for my sins, true faith, firm hope and perfect charity, that I may be able to say unto Thee with a clean heart: Into Thy hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit: Thou hast redeemed me, O God of truth, Who art blessed forever and ever. Amen -St. Vincent Ferrer

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Weekly Review

• Share successes
• Address concerns
• Acknowledge celebrations
• Prayer requests

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Scripture Reflection

Listen, I will tell you a mystery! We will not all die, but we will all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For this perishable body must put on imperishability, and this mortal body must put on immortality. When this perishable body puts on imperishability, and this mortal body puts on immortality, then the saying that is written will be fulfilled:

“Death has been swallowed up in victory.”

“Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?”

The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

-1 Corinthians 15:51-57

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Catechesis: Death, Judgement, Heaven and Hell

Death is our entry way to eternal life.

The choices we make today, have eternal consequences.

THIS is the drama of this life.

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Catechesis: Death, Judgement, Heaven and Hell

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At the moment of death, every person receives his eternal reward or his just punishment in his soul.

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Those who have responded to the grace and mercy offered by our Blessed Lord will be with Him in Heaven.

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Those who have rejected or ignored his grace and mercy will suffer the loss of Heaven.

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Catechesis: Death, Judgement, Heaven and Hell

• This is called the Particular Judgement and Jesus has the role as Judge.
• This moment of death defines our whole life.
• We will not be able to change our mind.
• We will receive the consequences for our choices.

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Catechesis: Death, Judgement, Heaven and Hell

Hell:

• No one is “sent to hell,” rather, those in hell have rebelled against God’s mercy and love and rejected God’s grace.
• Separation from God for eternity is what we call “Hell.”

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Is Hell real?

Jesus spoke of Hell more than He spoke of Heaven! He described it in a variety of ways:

• A great chasm that no one may cross (Luke 16)
• Eternal fire (Mark 9)
• Eternal torment (Luke 16)
• A place where people will gnash their teeth in anguish (Matt 13)

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Catechesis: Death, Judgement, Heaven and Hell

Catechesis: Death, Judgement, Heaven and Hell

Is Hell real?

Our Blessed Mother came to the children of Fatima in 1917 and showed the children a vision of hell.

The children were only 7, 9, and 10. God obviously wants us to know that Hell is real and it should be feared and avoided.

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Catechesis: Death, Judgement, Heaven and Hell

Heaven:

• Heaven is friendship with Christ.
• Heaven is a peace of soul, mind, and body.
• Heaven is total satisfaction of any of our longings.
• Heaven is intellectual fulfillment, emotional fulfilment, complete satisfaction, and absence of suffering.
• Heaven is the end for which we were made.

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Catechesis: Death, Judgement, Heaven and Hell

Heaven:

Our finite imaginations cannot fathom the treasure that God has prepared for us.

2 “In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also.” -John 14:2-12

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Catechesis: Death, Judgement, Heaven and Hell

Heaven:

If we do not desire heaven, it is only because we have not taken the time to expand our imaginations and knowledge of what it would mean to be in the Presence of our Creator forever.

We can increase our desire by exposure to sacred music, sacred art, the liturgy, and the Blessed Sacrament.

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Catechesis: Death, Judgement, Heaven and Hell

Why Purgatory?

• Because our relationship with God is imperfect, distracted, half-hearted.
• We need to be purified to be prepared to enter into His Presence.
• This is a state of suffering and separation.
• We have an awareness that we are the cause of our suffering and separation, so we are filled with shame and remorse.

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Catechesis: Death, Judgement, Heaven and Hell

Purgatory:

The pains of purgatory are greater than the pains on earth.

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Catechesis: Death, Judgement, Heaven and Hell

Purgatory:

Purgatory is a purification process from venial sin and any attachments that we still have to those sins.

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Catechesis: Death, Judgement, Heaven and Hell

Prayers for the dead: our intercession helps with the purification of the souls and helps bring them to heaven sooner.

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The greatest prayer that you can offer for the poor souls is the Mass.

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Catechesis: Death, Judgement, Heaven and Hell

St. Joseph, Patron Saint of a Happy Death

St. Joseph experienced what all of us hope to experience at the hour of our death. He passed into Eternal Life with Jesus and Mary at his side. The Church has therefore named him the Patron Saint of a Happy Death.

It is never too early to pray for that special grace.

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Catechesis: Death, Judgement, Heaven and Hell

Indulgences: Small acts of love that we can offer for ourselves and for others who have passed before us.

• Forgiveness of a sin is separate from punishment for the sin. Through sacramental confession we obtain forgiveness, but we aren't let off the hook as far as punishment goes. This punishment may come either in this life, in the form of various sufferings, or in the next life, in purgatory. What we don't get rid of here we suffer there.
• Indulgences are acts of love that serve as reparation for our sins and can help us detach from our sins so that we can receive our eternal rest sooner.

If you would like more information on indulgences, watch Did The Church Ever Sell Indulgences?

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Catechesis: Death, Judgement, Heaven and Hell

How to prepare for death:

• Keep close to the side of our Blessed Lord
• Faithful prayer life
• Frequent confessions
• Nightly examinations of conscience
• Serve God through service to others
• Each day of our lives should be used to prepare for death. This preparation is spiritual, moral, and sacramental.

“Walk with me, Jesus!”

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Catechesis: Death, Judgement, Heaven and Hell

How to prepare for death:

The Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick spiritually strengthens those who are about to die to be open to God’s love during the final moments on earth.

This sacrament is also a treasure for those who are facing a serious illness or surgery.

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Catechesis: Death, Judgement, Heaven and Hell

The Last Judgement:

• Comes at the end of time.
• Christ will come in glory.
• Bodies will be resurrected.
• The truth of every man’s relationship with God will be made known to all.
• Consequences of our actions will be revealed.

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Adult Discussion: Death, Judgement, Heaven and Hell

1. We all have different images of Heaven, but according to the video, what is Heaven?
2. What are some misconceptions about Purgatory? What does the Church really teach about Purgatory? Why can Purgatory be seen, at least in some sense, as something for which we should be grateful?
3. Why is it accurate to state, “God does not send people to Hell.”
4. What are the 3 most interesting points in this lesson that you want to share with your children?

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Death, Judgement, Heaven and Hell

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Teaching Your Children: K-2nd

Highlights from the lesson to share with your children this week:

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• Everyone will die someday.
• Our death is the doorway to our NEW life.
• Our life after death has no end.
• When we die, we may go to Heaven, Hell or Purgatory.
• Jesus is our judge at the end of time.
• Heaven is a perfect friendship with God. We will be happy with Him forever!
• Hell is separation from God, who loves us so much.
• God will never “send” us to Hell. We can choose to go there by what we say, think and do.

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Death, Judgement, Heaven and Hell

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Teaching Your Children: K-2nd (continued)

• If we die with small sins on our soul, God will get us ready for heaven by sending us to Purgatory.
• Purgatory is a sad place because we really, really want to be in Heaven with God, but it is also a hopeful place, because we KNOW we will go to Heaven when we are ready.
• We should pray for people who have already died so that they can leave Purgatory and go to Heaven.

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The Last Things: Death, Judgement, Heaven and Hell

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Applying the Faith: K-2nd

Activities to do at home to reinforce understanding of the lesson:

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• Share this sweet story Heaven Is For Real for Little Ones with your child.
• Do A Home in Heaven activity with your child.
• Use this sacred art piece to teach the truths about heaven and the final judgement. Discuss how Jesus is the judge, some people go to heaven, some people are not allowed in heaven, Mary and the saints ask Jesus to show us mercy, and how people who are separated from God are unhappy.
• Teach your child the Eternal Rest Prayer for the poor souls in purgatory. Pray for family members who have passed.

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December Assessment: K-2nd

Help your child complete the DECEMBER ASSESSMENT (K-2nd).

This should be completed by Friday, December 18.

*there was not a November Assessment

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Death, Judgement, Heaven and Hell

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Sacramental Preparation: First Holy Communion

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1st year Sacramental Prep (1st Grade):

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• Do the Praying for Souls craft provided for Week 10.
• By now your child should know the Glory Be, the Sign of the Cross, the Angel of God prayer and the Hail Mary. Continue to work on the Our Father. Practice the Grace Before Meals prayer.

2nd year Sacramental Prep (2nd Grade):

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• Complete Spirit of Truth (pages 54-59; jump ahead to these pages). These pages will be handed in at the end of the month.
• By now your child should know The Sign of the Cross, the Angel of God, the Glory Be, the Hail Mary, the Our Father, the 10 Commandments, and an Act of Contrition. Keep practicing these every night.
• The Data Form, the Letter of Intent, and a copy of the Baptismal Certificate (for those not baptized at HT) were DUE DEC 1 (forms can be found in your white First Holy Communion folder). Please turn them into your family folders THIS WEEK!

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Death, Judgement, Heaven and Hell

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Teaching Your Children: 3rd-5th

Highlights from the lesson to share with your children this week:

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• Review the slides for this lesson ‘Teaching Your Children: K-2nd.’
• Upon our death we will receive a Particular Judgement by Jesus and we will experience Heaven, Hell or Purgatory.
• Heaven is a real place with unimaginable joy, peace, love, satisfaction, and friendship.
• Hell is real. It is a separation from God for all of eternity. Everyone should have a healthy fear of Hell.
• Purgatory is an act of mercy from God. But it is not pleasant. It is a place where we are cleansed from our sins, and that is going to involve suffering.
• Our prayers for the dead can help those in Purgatory reach salvation more quickly. The Mass is the best prayer we can offer!
• An indulgence is an act of love and sacrifice that we can do while on earth, to make reparation for our sins and shorten our suffering in Purgatory.

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Death, Judgement, Heaven and Hell

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Applying Your Faith: 3rd-5th

Activities to do at home to reinforce understanding of the lesson:

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• Read from The New St. Joseph Baltimore Catechism: Lesson 14, pages 88-92 and Lesson 33, pages 206-208.
• Watch You’re Dead, Now What? with your child. It is a quick summary of the points from this lesson.
• Use this sacred art piece to teach the truths about heaven and the final judgement. Discuss how Jesus is the judge, some people go to heaven, some people are not allowed in heaven, Mary and the saints ask Jesus to show us mercy, and how people who are separated from God are suffering and miserable.
• Use the Death Worksheet and Eternal Life Worksheet to discuss with your child.
• Have your child complete the Unto Everlasting Life Crossword Puzzle and the Unto Everlasting Life Worksheet.

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Death, Judgement, Heaven and Hell

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Applying Your Faith: 3rd-5th (continued)

PRAYERS: Continue to work on memorizing the prayers! Be sure you have memorized:

• Guardian Angel Prayer
• Glory Be
• Our Father
• Hail Mary

Start memorizing the Apostles’ Creed.

Continue memorizing the Act of Contrition. It can be any version that your family prefers.

Continue learning the 10 Commandments.

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December Assessment: 3rd-5th

Help your child complete the DECEMBER ASSESSMENT (3rd-5th).

This should be completed by Friday, December 18.

*there was not a November Assessment

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Death, Judgement, Heaven and Hell

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Teaching Your Children: 6th-8th

Highlights from the lesson to share with your children this week:

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• Review the slides for this lesson ‘Teaching Your Children: 3rd-5th.’ This is IMPORTANT!
• Our souls are immortal and will live forever.
• We will be judged on what we have done, said, thought, and failed to do.
• Every day is an opportunity to grow closer to or away from our life with Christ in Heaven.

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Death, Judgement, Heaven and Hell

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Applying Your Faith: 6th-8th

Activities to do at home to reinforce understanding of the lesson:

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• Read from The New St. Joseph Baltimore Catechism: Lesson 14, pages 88-92 and Lesson 33, pages 206-208.
• Watch Four Last Things with your child. It is a quick summary of the points from this lesson.
• Use this sacred art piece to teach the truths about heaven and the final judgement. Discuss how Jesus is the judge, some people go to heaven, some people are not allowed in heaven, Mary and the saints ask Jesus to show us mercy, and how people who are separated from God are suffering and miserable.
• Review slides 11-13 with your child and talk about the glories of Heaven.
• Use the Death Worksheet and Eternal Life Worksheet to discuss with your child.
• Have your child complete the Unto Everlasting Life Crossword Puzzle and the Unto Everlasting Life Worksheet.

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December Assessment: 6th-8th

Help your child complete the DECEMBER ASSESSMENT (6th-8th).

This should be completed by Friday, December 18.

*there was not a November Assessment

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Death, Judgement, Heaven and Hell

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Sacramental Preparation: Confirmation

1st year Sacramental Prep (7th Grade):

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• Complete the Weekly Saint Form for Week 10.
• Read Prove It God (pages 78-82). Have your child use a highlighter to show information they think is important.
• Continue to practice an Act of Contrition and the Apostles Creed.

2nd year Sacramental Prep (8th Grade):

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• Continue practicing the Apostles’ Creed. Practice your Act of Contrition nightly.
• Read Prove it Prayer (pages 71-79). Have your child use a highlighter to show information they think is important.
• Set up a time to interview your sponsor. The Sponsor Interview is due Jan 11.
• The Data Form and Letter of Intent, a copy of the Baptismal Certificate (for those not baptized at HT) and the Sponsor Eligibility form were DUE DEC 1 (forms can be found in your red Confirmation folder). Please turn them into your family folders THIS WEEK!

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Family Activities For All Ages

• Eat, Pray, Play (refer to Session 1 directions).
• Light two purple candles each day during dinner and say these Advent Wreath Prayers for the SECOND week. Look for ways to make room in your family life for Christ, through music, movies, books, service to others, and prayer.
• Watch Second Sunday of Advent with Father Mike Schimtz (start at 7:35 and watch until 30:00).
• Check out Good Books For Catholic Kids and choose some books to read with your child or give them as a Christmas present.
• Add the picture to your family map to remind you of our goal for eternal life with God in heaven.

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Celebrate the Church!

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December- Dedicated to the Immaculate Conception

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December 8- Feast of the Immaculate Conception

How to celebrate? Try these activities!

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• This feast day is a Holy Day of Obligation.
• It celebrates the moment when Mary was conceived without Original Sin in the womb of St. Anne. This marks a huge date in Salvation History. The Morning Star is on the horizon! Watch The Story of the Immaculate Conception.

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Celebrate the Church!

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December- Dedicated to the Immaculate Conception

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December 12- Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe

How to celebrate? Try these activities!

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Parish Giving Tree 2020

We know that many of our families enjoy the tradition of participating in the Parish Giving Tree. Here is the 2020 COVID Giving Tree Plan that will unfold at the end of November. Please contact Wendy Cox htsocialconcerns@live.com with any questions.

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If your Confirmation candidate wants to help, click here to learn more.

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6th Annual Bethlehem Walk

Invite your neighbors to this FREE drive through Living Nativity on Monday 12/21 and Tuesday 12/22 from 5:30pm-7:30 pm in the Holy Trinity parking lot.

Closing Prayer

My Lord and God Jesus Christ! I adore You and give You thanks for all the graces which You have granted me today. I offer up to You my rest and every moment of this night, and implore You to preserve me from all sin. Therefore I place myself into the wound of Your sacred side and beneath the protecting mantle of my Mother Mary. May Thy holy angels assist me and watch over my peace, and may Your holy blessing remain with me.

-St. Alphonsus Liguori’s Night Prayer

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