STEPS TO A GOOD 1st CONFESSION
Over the years I've found a plethora of great Catholic resources for our children, and those for studying at home to prepare to recieve the Sacraments are increasing in availability as well. I thought others might appreciate a list of suggestions for those books and activities we've found helpful for First Reconciliation prep.
Our family’s primary faith formation is through our deep love of learning the faith in our Catholic Home Education curriculum and participation in parish activities. As Catholic Homeschoolers, the only faith formation classes our children attend during their first sacraments year is our parish's retreats and Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program. We've seen much benefit for our children to learn in a hands on way about Catholicism. We also are using the Charlotte Mason method of learning the faith and other subjects at home, and we've found great resources we want to share with you. I also hope you'll enjoy the activities we've tried below.
As I post this, I have not finalized my download of worksheets I created to go with some of these activities and more, but I will add them here when they're ready. I have a child testing them out this year! I'm also preparing First Communion Lessons. There's still plenty to do listed here!
RECOMMENDATIONS for First Reconciliation & First Communicants
For children who like sensory learning, I created this Taste of Confession Kit for my child, or each student. It has been successful in reminding them each part: an Examination of Conscience, Reconciliation, Contrition, Penance and Forgiveness. You can print a make your own gift box with this list on one side and an image of the Divine Mercy Jesus on the other side. Fill it with cinnamon candies, sour candies, praying hands shaped pretzels, mints and chocolates. Ask them to take out one of each as you discuss it. Another food idea is to serve ALL WHITE FOOD or treats, as a symbol of purity.
1. Examination of Conscience: Hot Seat Cinnamon
2. Reconciliation: A Sour Patch Sorry
3. Contrition: Prayer Pretzels
4. Penance: Refreshing Acts Mints
5. Forgiveness: Melt Away Our Sins Chocolates
1. ADMIT YOUR SINS
To recognize what sin is, we begin with lessons how to examine our conscience with questions appropriate for children, study the Ten Commandments, and read stories that help the child to discuss decision making and consequences.
EXAMINING OUR CONSCIENCE
This book,
Examination of Conscience for Little Ones by Kimberly Fries, is a gentle guide for children to ask themselves where they may have failed to love God and others in their day. Simple enough you can review it daily or weekly.
2. BE SORRY FOR YOUR SINS
Next we discuss sorrow, contrition, and the Mercy God offers us. We talk about the parts of the Mass that offer us forgiveness of venial sins, and the reason for Confession to a Priest for those and especially the mortal sins. The Baltimore Catechism has simple and clear points. We discuss consequences in this life and eternal life when we don't take advantage of the Sacraments or be truly sorry. We pray a daily Divine Mercy Chaplet and Family Rosary most offered for the conversion of sinners, in reparation for sins, and for the souls in purgatory. This shows again that the whole Body of Christ suffers because of sin.
COLORING SHEET
THE KING OF THE GOLDEN CITY
There are two editions of
The King of the Golden City by Mother Mary Loyola. This book can shed light for all ages about the love and mercy of God, and the need for repentance. The original is written about a girl, and there is a second edition where the main character is a boy. Either will capture your whole family in deep thought. It was written in response to letter from a young girl, and at the end she writes a reply pointing out the symbolism of the characters and situations. There were times I found myself in tears over the beauty of this allegory, and other moments of long discussion with our children and teenagers listening in.
3. DECIDE NOT TO SIN AGAIN
We teach the value of contrition includes the desire to avoid temptation to sin again. How Jesus heal us and gives us the grace to avoid even the near occasion of sin. We talk about who we want to be at the Passion of Jesus: the soldiers? the disciples who hid? those who cursed? or maybe the crying disciples? Simon of Cyrene or Veronica? Mary or John? We can decide which side of the story we want to participate in with the way we live our life.
Decorate a canvas mini tote, then add the items listed below along with a copy of the description.
JESUS HEALS
The Bandage reminds us that Jesus heals the wounds of the heart.
The Cotton Balls remind us that Jesus blots away our sins.
The Tissue reminds us that Jesus wipes away our tears.
The Antiseptic Wipes remind us that Jesus cleanses our hearts.
The Lip Balm reminds us that Jesus softens our hard, dry hearts.
The Holy Water reminds us that Jesus blesses us.
*as seen on More Than Enough blog
4. CONFESS TO A PRIEST
Once upon a time, the parents were the practice people, but as your family might grow you may have someone called to the priesthood who would like the opportunity to help your child practice receiving the Sacraments. Our children made this setup to practice with the forms given to us by our faith formation director. It has mock sins to confess. (I'll add these to my printable worksheets, coming soon. ) We also like the
Building Blocks of Faith series "A Pocket Guide to Sacramental Reconciliation."
I like sharing artwork that shows our children how Jesus is present to us in the Sacrament of Reconciliation/Penance/Confession. Study them up close and ask questions to get them thinking about the art, the symbolism, and what it means to them.
5. DO THE PENANCE YOUR PRIEST GIVES YOU
This may be a prayer or work of mercy. Be sure your children practice their basic prayers, and are familiar with ways we can make reparation for our sins, such as the works of mercy.
PRAYER BOOKLET
The Children's Printable Prayer Booklet {in my shop} includes all prayers they should be learning this year and more. Each page is interactive with things to color, write or draw. (Reviewed by our parish's Faith Formation Director.) Prayers included are the Morning Offering; Spiritual Communion; Anima Christi; Guardian Angel; Prayer Before School; Acts of Faith, Hope, Love; Spiritual Adoption Prayer; Grace Before Meals; The Angelus;
Divine Mercy Chaplet; Holy Rosary; Nicene Creed, Apostles Creed; Our Father; Glory Be; Come Holy Spirit; Hail Mary; Hail Holy Queen; Memorare; Saint Michael; Christmas Novena; Divine Praises; Lent Offering;
Stations of the Cross; The 10 Commandments; Prayer Before a Crucifix; Maxims; Examination of Conscience; Works of Mercy; Virtues; Fruits of the Spirit;
The Beatitudes; Capital Sins; 2 Acts of Contrition; Evening Prayer.
AFTER THE FIRST CONFESSION
REFRESHING TREAT
After our child makes their First Reconciliation, we take them somewhere for a special treat to celebrate. This would also be another time to let them have the Taste of Confession treat bag, so they can connect those senses with what they experienced.
SIMPLE GIFT
A simple gift might be a Bible, Rosary, or Crucifix for their room, especially if the items he or she owns is more childish perhaps from their Baptism gifts.
WIPE BOARD
Decorate a sheet using the words "God wipes away our sins." Then laminate it. Ask the kids to draw all over it, or wrote words that are sins.
Hand it to "the Priest" who will wipe it clean again and again. There is no end to God's forgiveness. This is why we go back as often as needed.
A fresh start every time!
MORE RECOMMENDATIONS to do or gift
Additional Reading Books & Videos:
St Joseph’s First Communion Catechism (or Baltimore Catechism No. 1)
The King of the Golden City: An Allegory for Children by Mother Mary Loyola
“Blessed” Sacrament videos, free from Dynamic Catholic
I’m a Saint in the Making by Lisa M Hendey
Claire's Costly Cookie by Julie Kelly
Getting Ready for Your First Communion
Through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit while teaching my children (and classes) all about Reconciliation I have come up with these ideas to share. Please note I'm just a Catholic mom, not a theology major or religious education director. Please review materials before distributing. All of these ideas are free to print for home or classroom use. If you share these ideas, please remember to acknowledge me with a link to this page. Thank you!
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I hope you were inspired! Please share what you liked, new ideas, etc - I would love to know what my readers are thinking!