Preparation for the Sacrament of Reconciliation The first gifts of the Risen Christ were peace and forgiveness, and in this beautiful sacrament we experience these gifts today.

Lesson 1 Made in God’s Image “It was you who created my inmost self and put me together in my mother’s womb. For all these mysteries I thank you; for the wonders of myself, for the wonders of your works.” Psalm 139 “We are God’s work of art, created in Christ Jesus to live a good life as He means us to live it.” St. Paul to the Ephesians 1:10 When God created us, he made us special. He made us like Jesus. Our uniqueness is God’s work of art.

Core Learning RERC 1-02a I know that God created me, body mind and soul I know that God has created me in His image (Genesis). He loves me and his love for me will never come to an end. I understand that God created all human beings, in His own image. RERC 1-03a I have been given some opportunities to reflect prayerfully on the way in which God has communicated with me, through other people, through creation and the wonder of my being. RERC 1-09a I have explored the themes of Reconciliation and forgiveness in the other strands of faith and I understand that God loves me unconditionally and is compassionate and merciful to me when I fall short of my Christian living by sinning TIOF Strands of Faith: Mystery of God, Reign of God, Hours of God, Image of God, Revealed Truth of God

God has created us unique, gifted and loved. We celebrate the goodness of children. A sense of their own self worth. The value Jesus placed on children and their qualities-this should lead them to Jesus, particularly in the Sacraments. Learning intention is included in workbook eg We will learn about…. Strong scripture focus in class and at home. Please use a bible, have a sacred place, special time together to complete home tasks. Ask questions like what were you learning about today? Expectation to pray together at home too.

Lesson 2 Chosen in Baptism Our Journey of Faith begins at Baptism. Parents made Baptismal promises for their children “At that time, Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptised by John in the Jordan…You are my Son, whom I Love, with you I am well pleased” Mark 1:9-11

Core Learning RERC 1-09a I can recall what I learned about Baptism in Primary 2 RERC 1-04a I have reflected on the narrative of Jesus’ Baptism in Mark’s Gospel and can identify the presence of the Holy Spirit in this story

Lesson 3 Jesus, The Healer Throughout His ministry, Jesus helped people using words and gestures. Symbolic gestures can be powerful and speak louder than words. Sacraments use gestures to make the healing & forgiving power of Jesus visible in the Church today. By healing sick people Jesus was saying, “You are accepted by me and by God, my father.”

Lesson 4 What Was Lost, Is Found Parable of the lost sheep Role of a shepherd Jesus is our loving and forgiving shepherd Children learn to understand their own choices- Turning away from God, turning back to God Prayer time example: Think of a time when you were lost to Jesus through your actions. Reconciliation brings forgiving love, healing, goodness and friendship.

Lesson 5 Come Down Zacchaeus Sometimes we don’t think about how our behaviour affects others. God always wants us to think about how we are behaving and is glad when we change for the better. The story of Zacchaeus reminds us that Jesus welcomes us with open arms in Reconciliation Examples of activities Watch a clip from the BBC learning Zone retelling the meeting of Jesus and Zacchaeus Make a cartoon strip about the story of Zacchaeus.

Lesson 6 Mending Relationships Reconciliation in Action The story of the loving father and his two sons. The father said, “My son you are with me always and all I have is yours. But it was only right we should celebrate and rejoice because your brother here was dead, and has come to life; he was lost and is found.” Examination of conscience Prayer examples Write a private letter to God or someone else to say sorry I’m sorry for times when I was… Thank you God for helping me make amends.

Prayer Time at Home Praying Together As we light the candle we know that God is with us. In the name of the father……. Thank you God for always loving me. Thank you God for all my family who love me. Oh my God I thank you for loving me. I am sorry for all my sins, For not loving others and not loving you Help me to live like Jesus and not sin again. Amen

Website for Parents

Sacrament of Reconciliation We are made in God’s image The never-ending love of God and of His forgiveness. Celebration of the life and goodness of children. Parents and guardians celebrate- Enrolment Service & Sacrament of Reconciliation

Values and Attitudes A sense of their own goodness A sense of belonging with others A sense of celebration A recognition of wrongdoing A respect for self and others A capacity to forgive and be forgiven

Things to remember Enrolment Service - Sunday 15th February – 11.30am – St. Mary’s Church Reconciliation–10th March– 6.30pm – St. Mary’s Church School uniform to be worn for both services.