Sacrament of penance,reconciliation

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       During last Sunday  lesson they talked about the Sacrament of penance again and went through all ten Commandments trying to give some insight about the possible sins we commit on a daily basis not even realizing it. We all promised to stay away from sin and to be obedient children of God and to participate in family prayers actively.  All we want you to do is to obey your parents and teachers and be close to God.Jesus loved children and understand our situations perfectly. He is not going to judge us for anything we have done so far. As a child himself, he was raised by Joseph and Mary in their home at Nazareth (cf. Mt 2:23). Growing up among relatives and townpeople, Jesus experienced the concerns and problems common to all children.

 

       Jesus’ love for children is clearly affirmed in the Gospels. When his disciples attempted to stop people from bringing children to Jesus for his blessing, he insisted: “let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs” (Mt 19:14)

       Jesus also demonstrated his solicitude for children by healing them and raising them from death. He restored life to Jairus’ daughter and the son of the widow of Nain. He healed an epileptic boy and the demon-possessed daughter of a Greek woman.

   

       His concern was always for the spiritual development of children. Recalling these examples of Jesus’ attention to children sets the proper context for helping children examine the conscience and preparing them for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. This sacrament allows Jesus to express his love for children today. Through it, he continues to influence their lives; he demonstrates his power to heal them, to free them from the bondage of sin, and raise them to new life. In turn, this sacrament allows children to come to know and love Jesus. For these reasons, Jesus still reminds us: “Let the children come to me"

                                       

[dar...@yahoo.com]

In today's class we talked about the forgiving love of God. Mathew and Chris acted out the prodigal son's parable based on Gospel of Luke. Whatever little mistakes we have done as long we are sorry for it our good Lord will forgive us. God had given us the freedom of will,to choose right from wrong. The mistakes we do accidently and deliberately, no matter what they are, our Heavenly Father is ready to forgive and fills you with peace and joy.

Let us look at the steps for the celebration of Sacrament of Reconciliation.

1) Examination of conscience and find out your sins (Pray to Holy Spirit to remind you the sins you committed in the past2

2)Repent your sins

3)Take a firm decision not to sin again.

4)Confess your sins to the priest.

5)Do the penance given by the priest.

 Besides the penance given by the priest,we have to atone for our sins by deeds of charity and mercy,prayer and sacrifices. If we taken anything of others we have to return them to the owner.

   Fr.Johnykutty enlightened their minds with the information about Holy spirit which the children are going to recieve through Confirmation. He said that "Confirmation is regarded as perfection of Baptism. By the sacrament of Confirmation the baptized person is confirmed." He went further in detail about the seven gifts of Holy Spirit. We will continue with this tomorrow, Sunday. 

    Thank you parents, for taking the trouble of bringing your little ones. Without your cooperation this will not be successful. Continue praying for them,let them feel the importance of the day they are recieving Jesus. Are they saying Psalm 23 every night? That was one of the assignment from last week. We will check it with kids in the class tomorrow.

An Examination of Conscience for Children

Responsibilities to God:

Have I prayed every day?

Have I prayed my morning prayers and night prayers?
Have I prayed with my parents and family?
Have I been moody and rebellious about praying and going to church on Sunday?
Have I asked the Holy Spirit to help me whenever I have been tempted to sin?
Have I asked the Holy Spirit to help me do what is right?

Responsibilities to others:

Have I been obedient and respectful to my parents?
Have I lied or been deceitful to them or to others?
Have I been arrogant, stubborn or rebellious?
Have I talked back to parents, teachers or other adults?
Have I pouted and been moody?
Have I been selfish toward my parents, brothers, and sisters,
teachers, or my friends and schoolmates?
Have I gotten angry at them? Have I hit anyone?
Have I held grudges or not forgiven others?
Have I treated other children with respect or have I made fun of them and called them names?
Have I used bad language?
Have I stolen anything? Have I returned it?
Have I performed my responsibilities, such as homework and household chores?
Have I been helpful and affectionate toward my family?
HaveI been kind and generous with my friends?

Have I been jealous/hateful towards anybody?

Have I been lazy to do my prayers or to help my fellow beings?

Am I a proud person? Do I brag about anything?Do I hurt anybody through my words or actions?

 Have I been Over eating/undereating?
    We will help you through confession to say the Act of Contrition and the prayer before  confession.