Domestic Church
St. Michael: Sacramental Prep Edition
Recalling the True Vine
Recall that for the last 2 weeks we have meditated on the parable of the True Vine. Reread the parable at John 15:1-17 if you would like. Invite your child to recall what they remember. Who is the vine? The branch? The vinegrower? What runs through the vine to give it life? What is the sap in the True Vine? What happens when the sap is blocked? Sometimes we fail at loving the way Jesus loves us and has commanded us to love others. Yet, Jesus still wants to help us remain in him, the True Vine. How can we ask God to unblock our sap? What Sacrament invites us to be forgiven?
Meditation on Found Coin/Found Sheep
Gather. Bring your child or children together in a prayer space. If possible, everyone should have a Bible. Light a candle before reading the scripture.
Read the Found Sheep (Luke 15:3-6) Invite the child to recall what they heard and to identify similarities and differences. What is the special gift Jesus gives us in the Church to help us get rid of the blocks or sins that have made us feel "lost"? Whose joy is greater? The Shepherd's or the sheep's?
Examination of Conscience
1. Silently recall the many ways we've experienced God's love.
2. Call to mind some of the ways we know we've failed to love as God loves.
3. Acknowledge our desire for his help to "remain" in his love and do whatever he has commanded us.
The Steps to Reconciliation
1. Remind your child that the first thing that will happen is that you will walk in to the reconciliation room with her or him and introduce her or him to the priest.
2. The child must then say/make The Sign of the Cross. Please practice with your child so they are ready to do it in this new setting.
3. The video will cover the rest of the steps of the Rite of Reconciliation.
4. We are also attaching a one page guide that you can use to practice the steps of Reconciliation with your child. Please print this guide. We ask you to practice this with your child. We encourage the child to write down one or two "blocks,' or sins, in the space provided in the one page guide, so they have a reminder when they walk into Reconciliation.
You Are In My Prayers Daily
Please join me in praying for the health and healing of all touched by the current crisis. Please let me know if you or someone you know needs a listening ear. I'm available.
In gratitude,
Mary
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
Email: mtrotter@saintmichaelparish.org
Website: saintmichaelparish.org
Phone: (360) 789-2194