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The Sacrament of Reconciliation for Second Graders |
St. Michael Religious Education |
As children approach the sacrament of Reconcilliation for the first time, they are in the early stages of their faith development. Family members are privileged to journey with their children as they prepare for the celebration of this sacrament. Parents are involved in sacrament preparation because the Church views the parent's role in the religious formation of their children as both a privilege and an obligation. When a child is presented to the Church for Baptism, parents are reminded that they have the responsibility "of training [the child] in the practice of the faith." (Rite of Baptism of Children 77). This parental obligation and privilege extends to preparation for sacraments. It is important to remember that it has been within the family that children have first come to faith, where they experience love and forgiveness. It is within the family that children will continue to live out faith and witness the daily example of Catholic believers. The at-home text, Making Things Right (Our Sunday Visitor), is designed to help children preprare for their first experience of God's love and mercy. It guides the family in helping the child come to a deeper understanding and appreciation of the sacrament and its place in their lives. The text meets children in their world, builds on their experiences, and helps them come to a better understanding of themselves, their relationship with a loving God and others by following the example of Jesus. Sin and its effects are discussed with sensitivity, and the children are led step-by-step through the reconciliation process. |
Copyright 2009 St. Michael Roman Catholic Church Office of Religious Education 100 Alden Street Cranford, NJ 07016 |
Website Themes by CoffeeCup Software Photograph of the Madonna and Child used with kind permission from Lori Fleissner |
Readiness for Reconciliation |
Through preparation for the sacrament of Reconcilliation, it is reasonable to expect that a child has come to know, in an age-appropriate way: |
The difference between right and wrong Accidents and mistakes are not sins When we deliberately choose to do what is wrong and turn away from God, we sin God is loving and merciful God will always forgive us if we are truly sorry and ask for forgiveness Jesus' sacrifice has given us the sacrament of Reconciliation We must be willing to forgive others just as God forgives us |