Objective:
The goal of this session is to introduce the middle school youth to the concept of heaven as complete joy and communion with God; and to present the salvation of others as the goal of our evangelistic efforts.
Overview:
The concept of heaven is one that can confound and mystify even the most devout of Catholic adults, so it can be a hard idea to teach to today’s youth. The Catholic Church defines heaven as:
This perfect life with the Most Holy Trinity – this communion of life and love with the Trinity, with the Virgin Mary, the angels and all the blessed – is called “heaven.” Heaven is the ultimate end and fulfillment of the deepest human longings, the state of supreme, definitive happiness (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1024).
So, if there is one thing that is clear, it is that heaven is a good place and we should desire to be there one day in full communion with God. The Catechism continues:
By his death and Resurrection, Jesus Christ has “opened” heaven to us. The life of the blessed consists in the full and perfect possession of the fruits of the redemption accomplished by Christ. He makes partners in his heavenly glorification those who have believed in him and remained faithful to his will. Heaven is the blessed community to all who are perfectly incorporated into Christ (1026).