First Reconciliation Session Resources

VIDEOS that go with
Oct. 28th SESSION
are below:

VIDEOS that go with
Nov. 4th SESSION
are below:

VIDEOS that go with
Nov. 18th SESSION
are below:

1. We reviewed Chapter 1 vocabulary words (grace, Original Sin, reconcile, Savior, temptation)
2. We completed Chapter 2.  Focus was on the sacrament of Baptism welcoming us into life with Christ, and that we were all baptized. We also talked about the other sacraments of Initiation (Eucharist, Confirmation).  Introduced the concept of sin.
3. We completed Chapter 3.  The definition of "mortal sin" and "venial sin" are on page 78 of their book.  See if they can give some examples of each type of sin.  (Venial sin - lying, cheating, disobeying, etc.   Mortal sin - the only one they will probably be able to give an example of is murder.)
4. Any videos that might reinforce the lesson are on the left side of this page. They may want to watch them.
5. Any worksheets in their folder can be completed, but do not need to be turned in.  Answers to the worksheets are below.                         

                     
                         


                       (older student group)  
                     1.  The students did Chapter 4 ("Baptism Brings us New Life in Christ"), which discussed baptism,                            and its relationship to forgiveness and salvation.  Important words from this chapter are                                          Sacramental Character, Soul, Concupiscence, and Rite.
                     2. They also completed Chapter 5 ("Jesus Forgives Us"), which stressed the importance of                                        forgiveness, and types of sin.  Important words from this chapter are Moral Choice, Absolution,                              Contrition, Free Will, Mortal Sin, Repentence, Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation, and                               Venial  Sin.
                     3. Any worksheets in their folder can be completed, but do not need to be turned in.  Answers to                            the worksheets are below.   

                                            

1. We completed Chapter 4.  Focus was on the healing that comes from forgiveness.  Important for the children to understand that they have the option of a face-to-face confession, or to use the screen in the Reconciliation room (see page 37).
2. We also completed Chapter 5.  They should know that they all have a conscience - an inner voice - that helps them know good from bad / right from wrong.
3. Take a look at Chapter 5, pages 45 - 47.  The two important vocabulary words in this chapter are "penance" and "absolution".  Definitions are on page 79 of their book.
4. Any videos that might reinforce the lesson are on the left side of this page. They may want to watch them.
5. Any worksheets in their packet can be completed, but do not need to be turned in.  Answers to the worksheets are below.               

                      


           (older student group)

1. The students did Chapter 6 of their book ("Jesus Heals Us"), where the sacrament of Reconciliation is introduced.  Vocabulary words from this chapter are Forgiveness, Confess, Confession, Reconciliation room, Seal of Confession.
2.  The students also did Chapter 7 ("The Holy Spirit Guides Us"), which introduced Examination of Conscience and the act of Confession.  Important words are Conscience, Act of Contrition, Examination of Conscience, Indulgence, Penance, Ten Commandments.
3. Any worksheets in their packet can be completed, but do not need to be turned in.  Answers to the worksheets are below. 

                             

1. We completed the textbook by doing Chapter 6.  The focus was on God searching for and seeking us out, just like the Lost sheep. Reconciliation (confession) strengthens our relationship with God, and helps us on our journey of faith.
2. The children might want to watch the Brother Francis video on Reconciliation called "Forgiven". It's available on Formed.org - St. Andrew's has a subscription, so this is free to you.
3. Even though we finished the chapters, there is still a great resource section in the back of the book on pages 61-75 that would be good to take a look at.
4. Before their Penance Service on December 9th, please review an Examination of Conscience (pages 66-67), and the steps in Individual Confession (pages 68-69).   Also, the Act of Contrition can be found on page 74.  They do need to memorize the Act of Contrition.
5. Any videos that might reinforce the lesson are on the left side of this page. They may want to watch them.  Please note that the "Practice" First Confession video is NOT a real confession. It is a real priest, but the little girl is acting.
6. Any worksheets in their packet can be completed, but do not need to be turned in.  Answers to the worksheets are below.                                                                     

                        


        (older student group)

1.  The students completed the Reconciliation part of their textbook by doing Chapter 8 ("God is Always by Our Side"), where they learned about growing in faith through the sacrament.  Important words from Chapter 8 include Conversion, Sin of Commission, Sin of Omission.
2. Even though we finished the chapters, there is still a great resource section in the back of the book beginning on page 78 that would be good to take a look at.
3. There are some helpful videos on the left side of this page. They may want to watch them.  Please note that the "Practice" First Confession video is NOT a real confession. It is a real priest, but the little girl is acting.
4. Before their Penance Service on December 9th, please review an Examination of Conscience (page 87), and the steps in Individual Confession (pages 88-89).   Also, the Act of Contrition can be found on page 105.  They do need to memorize the Act of Contrition.
5. Remember that they will keep this book, and use it in the Spring for First Communion preparation.

              

Resources for Parents - from orientation meeting:

Discerning Readiness
Textbook objectives
Key points from Chapter 1
Examination of Conscience based on the Ten Commandments (from USCCB)
A Guide to Confession (from Busted Halo)

Resources for Children that accompany textbook:
"What is Sin?" - goes with chapter 2
"Accident, Mistake, or Sin?" - goes with chapter 3
Activity page "E" - goes with Chapter 3
"Act of Contrition" activity - goes with chapter 5
"God forgives" - goes with chapter 5
"Going to confession" - goes with chapter 5



Additional resources for Children:
Examination of Conscience - for children
Meeting the Forgiving Jesus (part 1)
Meeting the Forgiving Jesus (part 2)
Steps to a Good Confession (for children)


 

Access "FORMED" to watch "Forgiven", a Brother Francis video all about the Sacrament of Reconciliation:

(St. Andrew's has a subscription - just enter your email address and choose St. Andrew's Roanoke)

VIDEOS FOR FAMILIES AND CHILDREN: