Penance/Reconciliation
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Let the Children Come
The Sacrament of Reconciliation and Children
Jesus entrusted the ministry of reconciliation to the Church. The Sacrament of Penance is God's gift to us so that any sin committed after Baptism can be forgiven. In confession we have the opportunity to repent and recover the grace of friendship with God. It is a holy moment in which we place ourselves in his presence and honestly acknowledge our sins, especially mortal sins. With absolution, we are reconciled to God and the Church. The Sacrament helps us stay close to the truth that we cannot live without God.
"In him we live and move and have our being" - Acts 17:28
The Sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Eucharist (Communion) are celebrated in the second grade. These Sacraments have a pre-requisite that includes two years religious education immediately preceding preparation to receive the Sacraments.
Special arrangements and classes will be made for those children who have missed these Sacraments.Contact
Betsy Wechter
Director of Religious Education K-5
254-666-6222
[email protected]To Such Belongs the Kingdom
Jesus loved children. As a child himself, he was raised by Joseph and Mary in their home at Nazareth (cf. Mt 2:23). Growing up among relative and townspeople, Jesus experienced the concerns and problems common to all children, such as sickness and death among family members. Within this setting, Jesus “grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him” (Lk 2:40).
Jesus’ affection for children is clearly affirmed in the Gospels. When his disciples attempted to halt 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 (cf. Mk 5:21-43; Mt 9:18-25; Lk 8:41-56) and the son of the widow of Nain (cf. Lk 7:11-17). He healed an epileptic boy and the demon-possessed daughter of a Greek woman (cf. Mt 15:21-28, 17:14-18; Mk 7:24-30; Lk 9:37-43).
His fundamental concern was always for the spiritual development of children. The greatest gift which God the Father can give to anyone, including children, is faith in his only begotten Son. Jesus declared that the Father reveals his Son to children more readily than to the learned and clever (cf. Lk 10:21; Mt 11:25).
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 exhorts us: “Let the children come!”
How to Make a Good Confession
- Find a time and place to go to Confession. CLICK HERE for times/days.
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Prior to going to Confession, examine your conscience. Reflect on your sins, both things you have done and said and things you have not done and said.
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When you arrive, begin your Confession by saying “In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Bless me Father for I have sinned. It has been [length of time] since my last Confession. These are my sins….”
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The priest will offer a suggestion, called a penance, for you to do (sometimes a prayer, sometimes a reading, sometimes something else).
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You will then pray the Act of Contrition, out loud. This shows that you are sorry for your sins.
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The priest will then pray the Prayer of Absolution to which you respond “Amen”.
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The priest will offer some words of comfort and acknowledgment that God has forgiven your sins and then add a dismissal. You can respond “Thanks be to God” or in some other appropriate manner.
