Introduction to the Sacrament of Reconciliation for Parents/Carers

There are 9 Home Sessions for Parents/Carers: You are the first educators of your children…

In Home Sessions 1-5 children are helped to recognise that they are created in love by God and that they are full of goodness, as they are made in the image and likeness of God.

Home Session 1: Made in the image and likeness of God… It was you who created my inmost self, and put me together in my mother’s womb, for all these mysteries,I thank you: for the wonder of myself, for the wonder of your works. - Psalm 139

Home Session 2: Called by name… “Do not be afraid, for I have redeemed you, I have called you by your name, you are mine. Isaiah 43:1

Home Session 3: Friendship with God and one another. “A faithful friend is a sure shelter, whoever has found one has found a rare treasure.” - Ecclesiasticus 6:14

Home Session 4: Be humble like a little child… “Whoever becomes like a little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.” - Matthew 18:4

Home Session 5: Listening to God’s voice… “The sheep that belong to me listen to my voice, I know them and they follow me.” - John: 10:27

In Home Sessions 6,7 and 8 children are helped to understand that whilst they are full of goodness, But, at times, because of the way they behave, they do not show their goodness to others.

To help them think about and judge their behaviour, the children hear the story of Zacchaeus. ( Luke’s Gospel Chapter 19 v 1-10)

Home Session 6: God’s forgiveness… “Today God’s saving love has come to this house.” - Luke:19:9

Home Session 7: Be friends with one another and kind. “Never have grudges against one another, or lose your temper, or raise your voice to anybody, or call each other names, or allow any sort of spitefulness. Be friends with one another and kind, forgiving each other as readily as God forgave you in Christ” - Ephesians:4:32

Home Session 8: Living a good life… “We are God’s work of art, created in Jesus Christ to live the good life from the beginning as he has meant us to live it. ” - Ephesians 2:10

Home Session 9: Your Child is almost ready to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time.

During this period of sacramental preparation the children have learned: God loves them so much that He wants them to become as good as they can be.

During this period of sacramental preparation the children have learned: When we say sorry, God always forgives.

When your child receives the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time, they will tell God that they are sorry fo the times when they have not shown their goodness, and they will celebrate the love and forgiveness of God.

In the Sacrament of Reconciliation, God’s love is like Mum’s or Dad’s arms wrapped gently around them.

In this last session you are invited to play a game with your child. Other family member could also join in.

Thank you for accompanying your child on this important part of their Faith Journey.