First Reconciliation

A GUIDE FOR PARENTS FIRST PENANCE PREPARATION

In The Diocese of St. Augustine Office of Christian Formation.

Continuing Formation

Catechesis for the sacrament of penance must continue throughout one’s life in order to develop a fully mature conscience. Participation in the sacrament at frequent and regular opportunities contributes to one’s overall growth in discipleship and maturity. The parish has a responsibility to provide the necessary support and information to parents to enable them to fulfill their role as primary educators of their children. Parish leadership should provide ample opportunities for lifelong faith formation.

The community of faith has a responsibility for modeling acts of mercy and forgiveness both within its confines, and in the world beyond. “After receiving pardon for sin, the penitent praises the mercy of God and gives him thanks…The penitent continues the conversion thus begun and expresses it by a life renewed according to the Gospel and more and more steeped in the love of God….”

Rite of Penance

EXAMINATION OF CONSCIENCE (for young children)

When I make choices, do I sometimes forget to think first about what God wants me to do?
Have I done what God wants?
Have I used God’s or Jesus’ name in a bad way?
Did I celebrate Mass on Sunday?
Have I disobeyed the grownups who take care of me?
Have I given my body the good food and sleep it needs?
Have I hurt someone by what I have said or done?
Have I taken something that is not mine without asking?
Have I always told the truth?
Have I been fair to others – – especially those who are different than I am?
Have I refused to help people who are in need?
Am I kind to my brothers and sisters?
Do I forgive the people who hurt me?

SOME SCRIPTURE FOR FAMILIES TO SHARE:

• Luke 19: 1-10

• John 20: 19-23

• Luke 15: 11-32

• Luke 15: 1-10