Formation Lesson - Reconciliation

Reconciliation (Penance, Confession)
Faith Talk Coming Soon
- Lesson 9 in the Parent Guide
  
  The Keys of Saint Peter -- GRACE PERSON -- Everyone does this activity -- p. 180
  
  You will add the crossed keys of St. Peter, a symbol of the Pope, the Catholic Church, and the Sacrament of Reconciliation to your grace person. These can be found on p. 97 in the Children's Activity Book !
  
  What is the Sacrament of Reconciliation? (p. 160) -- Family Discussion
  
  This activity is a discussion that will help show your kids that Confession is a way to say "sorry" to God
  
  God's Love and Compassion (p. 163) -- Bible and Art Reflection
  
  This activity is about the Prodigal Son, which is the Bible Story we read together at the Parent Session. Read the story of the Prodigal Son to your children. Then, show them the art on page 164 in the Parent Guide (or Google "Return of the Prodigal Son by Bartolome Esteban Murillo) and use this art and the text from the Bible to discuss the story with your kids
  
  **Bonus Activity** The Prodigal Son in Sacred Art (p. 167) -- Google "Return of the Prodigal Son" by Rembrandt. This is a different piece of art depiciting the same story. Compare and contrast this piece of art to "Return of the Prodigal Son" by Bartolome Esteban Murillo
  
  The Power to Forgive (p. 166) -- Bible Reading Activity
  
  You will read the part of the Bible, after Jesus has risen from the dead, when Jesus established the Sacrament of Reconciliation and discuss it together.
  
  **Bonus Activity** Your Sins Are Forgiven (p. 168) -- Writing Activity
  
  With your older children, you may choose to follow up "The Power to Forgive" activity with this bonus activity
  
  Jesus Welcomes Sinners Who Ask Forgiveness (p. 169) -- Bible Verse Activity
  
  Your children will look up the Bible Verses on p 87 in the Children's Activity Book and record these. Afterwards, you will discuss how Jesus always welcomes us, even when we sin
  
  Two Kinds of Sins (p. 171) -- Writing Activity
  
  There are two types of sins -- venial (minor) sins and mortal (serious) sins. For a sin to be mortal, it must meet three conditions which are outlined on p. 171 in the parent guide. You will go through a list of sins in the Children's Activity Book with your kids and help them evaluate whether the sin met the three conditions to be mortal (answers found on p. 172 in the parent guide). Emphasize God can forgive ALL sins, even mortal sins, but that we must go to Confession for our mortal sins.
  
  **Bonus Activity** Making the Right Choice (p. 172) -- Discussion or Writing Activity
  
  Expands further upon how to make the right choices that help us to avoid sin
  
  The Sacrament of God's Forgiveness (p. 173) -- Craft
  
  In Confession, there is an action on our end and an action on God's end -- We bring ourselves before God and God forgives. You will discuss this with your kids and then have them color pictures on p. 90 in the Children's Activity Book that potray these two actions
  
  **Bonus Activity** Confession Sketchpad Video (p. 174) - Video and Discussion
  
  This video teaches your children about the Sacrament of Reconciliation
  
  Steps to a Good Confession (p. 175) -- Prayer and Direct Instruction
  
  You will discuss how to make a good Confession with your children. Both the Parent Guide and Children's Activity Books break these down for you.
  
  **Bonus Activity** What is Absolution? (p. 178) -- Catechism Activity
  
  Saint of the Month - St. Mary Magdalene (p. 179) -- Instruction and Coloring
  
  Learn about a female saint from the Bible!
- Helpful Tips
  
  Make sure to read over all the "What you need to know before you begin" paragraphs before beginning your activities. Read all of these, even if you don't intend to do a given activity! These will recap what we covered at the Parent Session and help you feel confident in your formation! They are located on p. 160, 163, 166, 169, 173, 175, 180.
  
  A recap of the key takeaways from the February lessons can be found on p. 182.
  
  If you are having trouble choosing activities, the following would be my suggestions:
  
  The Keys of Saint Peter Grace Person Activity -- Everyone does the Grace Person Activities!!
  
  God's Love and Compassion
  
  I highly recommend this activity. Our ultimate goal is to show our children that our God is a God of endless love and mercy and compassion
  
  Two Kinds of Sins
  
  This is a good activity because it is important to be mindful of the two types of sin. Though frequent Confession is important for building virtue, making sure to go when we have committed a mortal sin helps us to progress in our spiritual lives
  
  IF YOU HAVE KIDS WHO HAVE ALREADY RECEIVED THEIR 1ST RECONCILIATION: Steps to a Good Confession
  
  I highly reccomend this activity to review how the Sacrament works
  
  If your kids have not yet received their 1st Reconciliation: Jesus Welcomes Sinners Who Ask Forgiveness
  
  This is ideal because it focuses on Jesus' mercy overall