Calendar of Events |
Examination of Conscience for Children |
Examination of Conscience for Adults |
Preparation for First Reconciliation occurs during the Second Grade.
Formation happens during Released Time and these events. Watch for the 2016 dates to be announced in August. Parent Meeting Reconciliation Fun Day First Reconciliation |
Do I give time every day to God in prayer?
Is pleasing my friends more important to me than pleasing God? Do I always say God' name with love? Do I go to Mass each week with a smile on my face? Do I pray along with the prayers and sing the songs at Mass? Do I obey my parents? Do I speak to my parents with respect? Do I say mean things to or about people? Do I treat my body and the body of others with respect? Do I watch shows that I should not watch? Have I taken things that were not mine from a store or another person? Do I copy answers from other kids? Do I tell lies? Do I make up stories to get out of trouble? Am I jealous of what other people have? Do I thank God for all that God has given me? |
Have I put God first in my life?
Does God have priority in our home? Have I taught my children to pray? Do I pray with them? Do I use God's name with care? Do I attend and participate in Mass on Sunday? Do I let other activities take priority over attending Mass? Am I patient and kind so that my children can easily respect me? Have I gossiped? Do I allow others to put down or make fun of others? Have I treated my body and the bodies of others with respect? Am I careful with the types of entertainment I choose and TV shows I watch? Do I listen to jokes that I should not? Do I dress immodestly? Do I allow my children to dress immodestly? Have I respected the belongings of others? Have I taken small things because I thought no one would notice? Do I spend time at work on my personal business? Have I been open and honest with others? Have I colored the truth to make myself look better? Have I kept my mind and thoughts pure? Have I been happy with what I have instead of being jealous of others? Have I thanked God for all the blessings I have? |
Steps for Individual Reconciliation
Before entering the confessional or reconciliation room, take time to examine your conscience using the Ten Commandments and checking your behavior for unloving actions.
When you enter the confessional or reconciliation room: Begin by making the Sign of the Cross and saying to the priest, “Bless me, Father, for I have sinned. My last confession was (give the number of weeks, months, or years)” Confess your sins to the priest. If you are unsure of how to confess or you feel uneasy, ask him to help you. Answer his questions without hiding anything out of fear or shame. Place your trust in God, a merciful Father who wants to forgive you. Following your confession of sins, say, “I am sorry for these and all of my sins.” The priest will give you a penance and offer advice to help you be a better person. The penance may be a prayer, an offering, works of mercy, service, or sacrifice. Say an Act of Contrition. (It’s okay to read this prayer off a prayer card.) The priest will absolve you of your sins by praying the Prayer for Absolution. You make the Sign of the Cross and respond, “Amen.” The priest will offer a proclamation of praise to which you respond, “His mercy endures forever.” It is a nice gesture to thank Father as you leave. |
Outline for First ReconciliationThe First Reconciliation Service will be slightly different than an individual Reconciliation.
We will gather in the front of church. Fr. Jack will read a Scripture passage and reflect on it. We will do a brief examination of conscience. (A more thorough examination should be done before arriving.) We will pray the Act of Contrition together. (Copies of the prayer will be given to everyone.) Then there will be time for the individual confessions. Fr. Jack will be behind the altar. The children should go to him for Reconciliation. Guest priests will be in the back of church for parents to go to. Follow the steps for individual confession, but omit reciting the Act of Contrition. |