Categories: HomiliesPublished On: January 23rd, 2021Tags: , 414 words12.5 min read
First Confession
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Readings for the Day
Lecturas del Día

First Confession

Today and next Saturday, in our St Joseph Cluster, we are celebrating First Confession for some of our young people. It would be great to say we have a retreat with all the whistles and bells but as with all things now we have scaled back. Scaling back has become the norm. There is a certain satisfaction to really work, be creative, and make something special, to do all the little extra things. It is a challenge to plan an event where everything is reduced to what is needed and still make it something special for the youth. It will be a special day for all.

There is one thing that I find interesting. It is the Examination of Conscience card that we have for our youth to use as a reference. Sometimes the young people are a little timid or not sure what to say. And as we all know, we can spend time planning what we want to say when we go to confession and the minute you walk into the confessional it is as if your mind goes blank. Well, this card has simple pictures and simple little phrases so even if the child does not want to say out loud what their sin is, they can point. For first time confessions this helps a lot. Then it dawned on me – this Examination of Conscience card would be good for adults, too. I cannot show you the pictures but here are the examination phrases.

  • Do I love God first?
  • Do I love my family?  
  • Do I love my neighbor?  
  • Do I love myself?
  • Do I listen to my parents?  
  • Do I listen to my teachers?  
  • Am I respectful at church?  
  • Do I share?
  • Do I help people?  
  • Do I take care of my things?  
  • Do I say nice things?  
  • Do I tell the truth?
  • Do I pray often?   
  • Am I like Jesus?  
  • Do I forgive others?  
  • Do I say I am sorry?
  • Do I want to do better?

Hmmmm. That Examination of Conscience is exceptionally good. Did it catch you thinking about yourself? I think you are ready for confession. Remember, confessions are every Saturday at 10 AM and 3 PM. Or you can always call the office to set up an appointment.

May the Lord bless you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen