| For it is
now, in this life, that we are offered the choice between life and death,
and it is only by the road of conversion that we can enter the Kingdom... |
| Catechism of the Catholic Church #1718 |
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| Each of our children
attended the required parish classes to help them prepare for the
Sacrament of Reconciliation. We quickly realized, during the preparation of
our first child 5 year ago, that these classes were only worthwhile if the
parents did much more preparation at home. Unfortunately, parents were given
no instructions in how to prepare their children for this vital sacrament.
We used the following to not only prepare our children for
the Sacrament of Reconciliation, but also to teach them to love and
appreciate the graces they received by participating in the sacrament of
Reconciliation frequently. Kindergarten is not too early to begin these
lessons, but they can be incorporated into family discussions and reading
any time.
We hope these suggestions work for you, too!
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Materials List:
FYI - If you decide to buy any materials (even non-Catholic) from
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link!
This credit helps us to obtain technological support and reference material
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1.
New Catholic Picture Bible -
has great (and short) versions of the important Bible stories, just perfect
for young learners. |
2. The New American Bible for Catholics: With Revised New Testament and Revised Book of Psalms - It's always important to go to the source! |
3. Seven Lonely Places, Seven Warm Places: The Vices and Virtues for Children -
A wonderful synopsis of the effects of the deadly sins and the joys of the
human and theological virtues. |
4. Catechism of the Catholic Church - lots of info on every aspect of the sacrament! |
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| Suggested Preparation: |
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1. Discuss the stories of creation. Emphasize that God made
everything good (Genesis ch 1) and that man chose of his own free will to
disobey God (Gn 2). |
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2. Discuss the story of Moses (Exodus through receiving 10
commandments) - God gave us the the commandments to teach us how to be
good people. They are easy to do and are not a burden. |
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3. Learn the 10 commandments by heart. Make sure they
understand them, too!
Click here for 10 Commandments poem. |
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4. Understand the Golden Rule and its
relationship to the 10 Commandments (1st 3 commandments = Love God; last 7
commandments - Love neighbor) |
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5. Learn the deadly sins and how the virtues help overcome
them. (I recommend the book Seven Lonely Places, Seven Warm Places) |
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6. Discuss the parables "The Good Samaritan" (do what is
right) and "The Prodigal Son" (God is always ready to forgive us). |
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7. Discuss The Lord's Prayer. Point out that it says
"forgives us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us."
It is Important to realize that we need to forgive as well as be forgiven. |
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8. Learn the Act of Contrition. (Click
here to learn this classic version) We say this as part of our bedtime
prayer routine. I point out "avoiding the near occasions of sin" is very
important. That involves choice of friends, activities, school behaviors,
etc. |
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9. Read the Gospel passages in which Jesus gives the
Apostles the authority to forgive sin (Lk 24:46-47; Jn 20:19-23). Explain
Jesus gave us this gift to keep us close to God and on the path to heaven. |
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10. Take your kids to confession with you at least once
prior to the big day. Let them know it isn't scary. |
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| 11.
We also have an activity which our priest showed the kids.
Click here for to read activity directions. |
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Good luck! Every time we try to teach these lessons we end up learning more than
ever before. It just keeps getting better! |
