Chapter 4: Forgiveness & Healing

Objectives:

Forgiveness is key to healthy relationships.
Jesus, the Good Shepherd, leads us to heaven.
In the Sacrament of Reconciliation, God proves that he is always willing to forgive you.

Opening Prayer:

Start by saying, “Let’s take a moment in silence to be still and quiet and open ourselves up to whatever God wants to lead us today.”

Have your child/children bless themselves and read the prayer:

God, our loving Father, thank you for all the ways you bless me. Help me to be aware that every person, place and adventure I experience is an opportunity to love you more. Fill me with a desire to change and to grow, and give me the grace to become the best-version-of-myself in every moment of every day. Amen.

Watch & Discuss / Read & Explore

Watch Episode 1 and read pages 106-107.

Watch Episode 2 and read pages 108-109.

Ask your child: "When was the last time you forgave someone?"
Read pages 110-113

Watch Episode 3and read pages 114-115

Share with your child that this is great help in understanding what a Sacrament is!

Watch Episode 4 and read pages 116-117.

Watch Episode 5 and read pages 118-119

Ask your child: "How does it feel to be the son/daughter of a great king?"

Watch Episode 6 and read pages 102-127

Show What You Know

Pages 128-129 are a review of what you have learned in this chapter. Give your child time to answer all of the questions and review the answers with them at the end. Suggest that they may have to look back in the chapter to find the answers to some of the trickier questions.

Journal with Jesus & Closing Prayer

Have your child write as if they are writing a letter to Jesus. In this chapter they will be writing a letter about the reasons they know Jesus loves them.

Ask: What are some of the most things they learned in this session?

Watch Episode 7 and read the closing prayer on page 132-133

Family Connection Activity

There can be no peace without forgiveness. Forgiveness is one of the central lessons in the life and teachings of Jesus. It plays a powerful role in the spiritual health of every person. It plays a powerful role in every relationship. It is essential to the life of any healthy community, whether that community is as small as a family or as large as a nation. When we forgive, we share the love of God with others and rid ourselves of dangerous poisons that can prevent us from growing spiritually.

Share with your child a story from a time in your life when you needed to ask for someone’s forgiveness or accept someone’s apology.

Pray this Prayer with Your Child Each Day this Week

The Lord is my shepherd, there is nothing I shall want; he lets me lay down in green pastures. He leads me beside peaceful waters; he restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will not be afraid; for he is with me; his rod and thy staff, they comfort and protect me. He prepares a table before me in the presence of my enemies; he anoints my head with oil, my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life; and I will live in the house of the Lord forever. Amen.

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