“Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28

The Sacrament of Reconciliation is one of the Catholic Church’s greatest offerings. To be wiped free of sin and granted absolution is truly a gift. Pope Francis reminds us, “Jesus, who waits for us, listens to us, and forgives us, is the center of confession.” If you teach in the primary grades, you may already be familiar with the great resources available for preparing young children to experience their first Reconciliation, usually in second grade, along with preparation for First Eucharist at RCL Benziger Sacraments.
 
As children advance to upper grades, they still benefit from continuing catechesis about the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Little problems may become big issues for young people. It is important to emphasize the healing power of forgiveness, absolution, and the repair of our relationship with God. How important it is that they know that their Loving Father waits for them with open arms!

As children grow, they continue to need to turn back to Jesus with their concerns and problems. In every grade of Blest Are We Faith in Action and Be My Disciples, you will find lessons that lend themselves to revisiting the concept of reconciliation and renewal. Take advantage of the opportunity to reinforce the message of God’s loving forgiveness available in the sacrament.

We can make a difference for young people by increasing their comfort in approaching the sacrament without anxiety. We are aware that confession is a source of anxiety for many Catholics. Despite the new rite and a more relaxed attitude in many parishes, “going to confession” remains, for many young people, an obligation rather than a gift. Most schools wisely schedule opportunities for children to go to confession during a school day. We hope to help them form a lifelong habit of celebrating this sacrament.

Adapting Reconciliation Resources for Intermediate Grades

• The program focuses on the celebration of First Penance, but it could be used with upper grades, too. It explores the meaning of rituals, symbols, gestures, and prayers to promote active participation. This program is designed to touch the heart as well as the head, engaging children using stories, Scripture, doctrine, and prayer. Available for both primary and intermediate levels, in English and Bilingual editions. An audio CD is also available.

About the Author
Dr. Lauri Przybysz specializes in equipping families to live their vocation to be domestic churches and signs of God’s love. Lauri received the Doctor of Ministry from the Catholic University of America, and she has been both a Catholic middle school religion teacher and a faith formation coordinator at the archdiocesan and parish levels. She is the mother of six children and grandmother of 21.

Product Highlight

By Word and Example

By Word & Example: A Bridge to Sacramental Formation for Parents is a unique digital resource for parents who have children in sacramental preparation.

This series helps parents nurture their children in preparing for the celebration and reception of a sacrament in the Catholic Church. In this series, parents will be guided through some basic aspects of the Sacraments and will be provided space to journal about their experiences. Parents will also have opportunities to memorialize their families witnessing the Catholic faith through acts of service to others. The title of the series is inspired by the prayers and promises in the Order of Baptism.

Each session uses a simple three-step spiritual formation process of Encounter, Accompany, and Serve. 
 

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