Aim

To introduce the Catholic sacrament of reconciliation.

Lesson

Begin by revising what was taught in the previous lesson about forgiving others. Jesus confirmed Jewish teaching when He told His followers, 'If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven. If you don't forgive them, they are not forgiven.'

Within many Christian churches, this saying is believed to mean that the priest (minister) has special power to forgive people's sins.

Use images, text or church visit to inform children about the Catholic Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Activity

Following discussion, groups of children could:

• interview a Catholic visitor about the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
• read some of the prayers said during the Sacrament.
• write about a time when they made a confession.