RENEWED: SECTION 5.2

BEFORE YOU BEGIN, make sure to have paper, pen or a wipe-off board and a marker. 

Family Time:

Today we will look at why the Sacrament of Reconciliation is so important for us. The sacrament teaches us about God and his mercy. It returns us to him. It cleans our heart so that we are ready to receive Jesus in Holy Communion. 

Before prayer, Parents, showing your great love for your child, make a list of things that you want for your child for now and for the rest of their lives. Students, make a list of things that you want to do for your parents to show gratitude for them. 

Students, read your list to your parents! (Parents do not read your list yet). 

Opening Prayer:

(Together, make the sign of the Cross) In the name of the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Parent: God, may Your light guide our days, and your spirit bring us peace. 

All: Amen.

Student: God, may our Lenten sacrifice, (what we gave up during Lent) remind us of our dependence on You for all the blessings we enjoy. 

All: Amen.

Parent: May we stand in solidarity today with all our brothers and sisters around the world who are suffering. May we be united in your love, and may we work to build your kingdom here on earth.

All: Amen. 

Student: Heavenly Father, we are truly sorry for the moments where we miss the mark. We ask for your forgiveness and the strength to better follow Your call tomorrow. 

All: Amen.

Parent: God, we lift up (name of the person you’d like to pray for) today. we ask that you bless them abundantly today and throughout Lent. 

All: Amen.

All: Oh Jesus, I surrender myself to you, take care of everything. Amen!

Families, together read through pages 145-149 together before watching the video. Questions at the end of each page are to be shared in the discussion questions portion below.

As a family, watch video 5.2. CLICK HERE for the video. 

After reading pages 145-149 and watching the video, together answer the "Check Your Understanding" questions in the book on pages 150-151. 

Discussion Questions: 

1. What did the father do when he saw his son coming home? 
2. What are we telling God when we say our Act of Contrition? 
3. What happens to us when the priest absolves us? 
4. How does Reconciliation help us get ready for Holy Communion? 

Activity: 

As a family, complete the activity, “What do I do in Confession” on page 144.  (Parents, together with your child, try to put the five things in order, if you need help, refer to page 135). 

Closing Prayer:

Parents - for closing prayer, read the list you wrote for your child at the beginning of the lesson. As your child stays seated, you stand and lay your hands on their head or shoulders as you pray the following prayer: 

(Remember to do the Sign of the Cross before beginning to read the prayer and then again at the end). 

Prayer for my Child - 

Dear Lord, thank you for the gift of my children, (name each child).*

Each one is a gift from You to me.

I know that they are Your children whom You have entrusted into my care.

Please help me to teach them well, set a good example, and watch out for them as best as I humanly can.

I ask You to guide them, protect them, watch over them, and walk beside them in their lives.

May You keep them safe from harm-both physical and spiritual.

May they grow in love for You and know Your strength inside of themselves.

May they always have faith, hope, and trust in You.

We ask all these prayers through Christ our Lord, AMEN! 

End the gathering by offering a sign of peace (& a hug) to one another. 

DON’T FORGET to fill out the Family Gathering Form below with a photo of the family working on the lesson. Completing the form is mandatory and counts towards your attendance.