First Reconciliation
The Second Vatican Council called for a revision of the rite and formulae for the sacrament of Penance "so that it more clearly express both the nature and effect of the sacrament."(Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy). The sacrament's purpose, the council's Dogmatic Constitution on the Church declares is to "obtain pardon from the mercy of God" and to be "reconciled with the Church whom (sinners) have wounded by their sin, and who, by its charity, its example and its prayer, collaborates in their conversion."
Generally children celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation during their second grade year, before First Eucharist.
Generally children celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation during their second grade year, before First Eucharist.
Click on the link at left for an array of information about the Sacrament.
A Video on Forgiveness-in LEGOS!!
Activites for children:
Make a Spiritual First-Aid Kit
(as seen on More Than Enough
blog)
JESUS HEALS
The Bandage reminds us that
Jesus heals the wounds of the heart.
The
Cotton Balls remind us that Jesus blots away
our sins.
The Tissue reminds us that Jesus
wipes away our tears.
The Antiseptic Wipes remind us that
Jesus cleanses our hearts.
The Lip Balm
reminds us that Jesus softens our hard, dry hearts.
The Holy
Water reminds us that Jesus blesses us.
(as seen on More Than Enough
blog)
JESUS HEALS
The Bandage reminds us that
Jesus heals the wounds of the heart.
The
Cotton Balls remind us that Jesus blots away
our sins.
The Tissue reminds us that Jesus
wipes away our tears.
The Antiseptic Wipes remind us that
Jesus cleanses our hearts.
The Lip Balm
reminds us that Jesus softens our hard, dry hearts.
The Holy
Water reminds us that Jesus blesses us.
Craft: Soap Cross
Hold up a bar of soap and ask the children what it is used for. Yes, it is
used to clean away the dirt. In today's lesson we learned about asking God to
clean away the sin in our lives so we can live with him in Heaven. This craft
will help to remind us that Jesus died on the cross to cleanse us from our
sins.
What you need: A bar of Ivory Soap for each crafter (other brands do
not work as well), a plastic picnic knife, a toothpick. Have a few extra bars
on hand in case the soap breaks during carving.
What you do: Draw an outline of a cross on the soap. Make the cross
bars approximately 1-1/2" wide. Whittle away the soap a
little bit at a time. DO NOT attempt to cut all the way through at one
time. Cut slowly and carefully, otherwise the soap will break apart. Once the
cross is carved, place it under running water and smooth out the edges. Scrape
the name "Ivory" off the soap. Using a toothpick, carve a heart at the center,
or write, "JESUS" across and down the center. (The middle letter "S" in Jesus
should be placed at the center of the cross.)
Hold up a bar of soap and ask the children what it is used for. Yes, it is
used to clean away the dirt. In today's lesson we learned about asking God to
clean away the sin in our lives so we can live with him in Heaven. This craft
will help to remind us that Jesus died on the cross to cleanse us from our
sins.
What you need: A bar of Ivory Soap for each crafter (other brands do
not work as well), a plastic picnic knife, a toothpick. Have a few extra bars
on hand in case the soap breaks during carving.
What you do: Draw an outline of a cross on the soap. Make the cross
bars approximately 1-1/2" wide. Whittle away the soap a
little bit at a time. DO NOT attempt to cut all the way through at one
time. Cut slowly and carefully, otherwise the soap will break apart. Once the
cross is carved, place it under running water and smooth out the edges. Scrape
the name "Ivory" off the soap. Using a toothpick, carve a heart at the center,
or write, "JESUS" across and down the center. (The middle letter "S" in Jesus
should be placed at the center of the cross.)