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Welcome to Session 5 for First Reconciliation!
Please go through the lesson together with your child. It is due Dec 19. You will need the Blessed First Reconciliation book and a pencil.
Don't forget turn in this session by having your child complete the short Google Form at the end of the lesson (scroll down).
- Begin with the Sign of the Cross, and pray the prayer on page 137 together.
Great Moments in Life
- Watch the video together:
- Read pgs 138-139. Life is full of great moments.
- Ask your child to share a great moment in their life. Share one of your own great moments.
The Garden of Your Heart
- Look at the picture on pgs 140-141 together.
- Ask your child to notice anything that stands out in the picture of the beautiful garden. Is there anything that seems out of place? (thornbush)
- Now read the story together. Continue reading on pgs. 142-143.
- Ask your child "who is the gardener of your heart?" (Jesus!)
Preparation Matters
- Why do we prepare for all of life's great moments? Discuss together.
- Watch the next two videos together (or read pgs 144-145):
The Five Steps
- Read the 5 steps of making a great Reconciliation together (pgs. 146-147).
- Watch Episode 4 together (or read pgs. 148-149).
- Read pgs. 150-161 together, which go over the 5 steps in greater detail. (Note: It may be better to spread this reading out over a few sessions with your child.)
- Have your child practice either version of the Act of Contrition on pg. 158. Fr. Peter and Fr. Joe use a different version, and usually pray it with the children ahead of time as a group, but it is good for them to be familiar with this prayer. (Copies are usually available in confessionals, it is not necessary to memorize it.)
"The examination of conscience never induces despair, always hope... because examination of conscience is done in light of God's love."
From the Bible: The Prodigal Son
- The Prodigal Son in one of the most famous stories in the Bible, about how God always rejoices when we return home to Him.
- Watch the next video together:
- Read pages 162-165 together.
- Ask your child how they think the son felt when his father welcomed him home. (Grateful, relieved, happy, excited, etc.)
- Remind your child (and yourself!) that God will always love them, he will always call them back home to himself, and his love is always bigger than any sin!
First, but Not Last
- Ask your child if they think this will be the first and only time they go to reconciliation. (Hopefully not!)
- Watch the next video together:
Your Best Friend
- Ask your child, "who is the best friend you will ever have?"
- Read the story on pg.168.
- If you would like, go through some of the questions on pgs. 170-171, and then have your child journal (pg. 173).
Closing Prayer
- Read page 174 together or watch Episode 7 below.
- Ask your child: “What are some of the most important things you learned in this lesson?” (Possible answers: My first reconciliation is going to be a great moment in my life, preparation is essential for a great experience, God will rejoice every time I come to reconciliation, reconciliation is a lifelong blessing, etc.)
End Session 3 by praying the Glory Be together (pg. 174).