Forgiveness Session • Gather Us In

This activity was originally designed to help those families who are preparing a child for the sacrament of reconciliation for the first time. It has been modified, to review the concept of forgiveness and celebrate reconciliation outside the sacrament. It makes an excellent preparation for Lent. • By Kathleen O'Connell Chesto

Celebration of Mercy Prayer • Gather Us In

This is a ritual of forgiveness outside the sacrament of reconciliation. Its purpose is not only to seek God’s forgiveness for ourselves, but to ask God to help us to forgive those who have hurt us. It is appropriate for Lent or Advent, or during family preparation for the reception of any of the sacraments. • By Kathleen O'Connell Chesto

All About Reconciliation • Generations of Faith

Where did Reconciliation come from? What are the elements of the Rite and what dothey mean? How can the Story of the Prodigal Son help us to understand it more?

Family Reconciliation Ritual:Stones • Generations of Faith

A ritual for families to use to experience reconciliation at home.

Preparing for Reconciliation as a Family • Generations of Faith

Parent Guide

A guide for parents to use at home with children preparing for the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Reconciling with God & Neighbor

A collection of resources that explores reconciling with God and each other.

Forgiveness Matters • Faith Festivals

Participants will learn about the power and grace that forgiveness and reconciliation can bring to our relationships.

Becoming Community • FIRE

Ezekiel

In this session participants will celebrate reconciliation. The hope is that participants will come to see how their hearts have been hardened, and to accept the new hearts that God wishes to give them. This session requires clay hearts. Instructions for making these hearts can be found in "Becoming Community: Jeremiah." • By Kathleen O'Connell Chesto

Celebrating Community • FIRE

Reconciliation as Healing

This session has two options. In the first, participants will be given a clearer concept of sin and forgiveness and will demonstrate the examination of conscience and celebrate Reconciliation. In the second, participants will understand the sacrament of Reconciliation and the process of reconciliation as ways in which we become more beautiful people. • By Kathleen O'Connell Chesto

Forgiveness & Reconciliation

We believe in the forgiveness of sins.... After the great commandments to love God and your neighbor as yourself, forgiveness is probably the next great hallmark of Christianity. Yet, just as love is easy to say but hard to do, so are forgiveness and reconciliation. We teach our children to say, "I'm sorry," but it's too easy for those to be hollow words – even for adults. Here we explore principles and challenges that address the holy concept of forgiveness and reconciliation.