Welcome, Parents! Confession is a beautiful opportunity to encounter God’s mercy and love. As we journey through Lent, we encourage you to help your children (and yourselves) prepare for this sacrament of healing. Below, you’ll find resources tailored for both children and adults to guide your family in meaningful preparation.
To prepare your heart for Confession, consider these spiritual practices:
1️⃣ Ask the Holy Spirit for guidance – Pray for the grace to recognize your sins and receive the Sacrament with a contrite heart.
2️⃣ Read the mercy parables in Luke 15 – The Parables of the Lost Sheep, the Lost Coin, and the Prodigal Son remind us of God's infinite love.
3️⃣ Read Psalm 51 – This is King David’s act of contrition after his sin of adultery. Meditate on it and pray for the grace of true repentance.
4️⃣ Read John 20:21-23 – This passage shows Jesus giving the apostles the authority to forgive sins. Reflect on the gift of the Sacrament of Confession.
5️⃣ Make an examination of conscience – Use the links above to reflect on your thoughts, words, and actions before approaching the Sacrament.
Confession is not just a one-time event; it's part of an ongoing spiritual journey. Developing daily habits can help maintain a spirit of repentance and gratitude:
🕊️ Daily Examen – Reflecting on your day helps you grow spiritually and remain aware of God’s presence in your life. Here are some resources to guide you:
🔗 How to Pray the Examen (Hallow)
🔗 Jesuits' Guide to the Examen
🎥 The 3 x 5 Examen Method (Video)
🎥 How to Do a Daily Examen (Video)
By embracing these practices, we open ourselves more fully to God's grace and mercy. May this guide help you approach Confession with confidence and joy!