GROW IN FAITH 27 – Confession

Returning to Grace

Opening Prayer

Lord Jesus,
You are rich in mercy.
Help us come to You with honesty.
Give us courage to repent
and trust in Your forgiveness.
Amen.

Part One

We All Need Mercy

No one is perfect.

We all make wrong choices.

We speak unkindly.
We act selfishly.
We fail to love as we should.

Sin harms our friendship with God.

It weakens our peace.
It affects others.

But God does not turn away from us.

The Bible says:

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just,
to forgive us our sins.”

God desires to forgive.

Confession is the gift He gives
so that we can return to grace.

Scripture

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just,
to forgive us our sins.”
(1 John 1:9)

Think and Discuss

Why is it sometimes hard to admit we are wrong?

What happens if we hide our mistakes?

How does it feel to be forgiven?

Why would Jesus give us a sacrament of forgiveness?

Allow thoughtful answers.

Part Two

What Happens in Confession

In the Sacrament of Confession,
we speak honestly about our sins.

We are not speaking only to the priest.

We are confessing to Christ,
who acts through the priest.

We say what we have done wrong.
We express sorrow.
We promise to try again.

The priest gives a penance —
a small act of prayer or charity.

Then he says the words of absolution.

At that moment,
Christ forgives.

Grace is restored.
The soul is strengthened.
Peace returns.

Guidance for Adults

Speak of Confession as a gift, not a punishment.
Model calm trust in the sacrament.

Part Three

Beginning Again

Confession is not only for children.

It is for the whole Church.

Those who have already begun going
should return regularly.

Those still preparing
can learn what this sacrament means.

Confession helps us:

Grow in honesty.
Take responsibility.
Receive mercy.

We do not go because God wants to shame us.

We go because He wants to heal us.

Each confession is a new beginning.

The door is always open.

God never grows tired of forgiving.

Quiet Reflection

Sit quietly for a moment.

Think of one mistake you regret.

Now say quietly:

“Lord, have mercy.”

Remain in silence together.

Practise This Week

Choose one:

• Examine your conscience before bed.
• Prepare carefully before your next Confession.
• Pray for courage to admit mistakes quickly.
• Thank God for His mercy.

Choose one and keep it steady.

Optional Response

Choose one:

Memory
Repeat slowly:
“He is faithful and just.”
Say it three times thoughtfully.

Action
Make the Sign of the Cross slowly and say:
“Thank You for forgiving me.”

Closing Prayer

Lord Jesus,
Thank You for the gift of Confession.
Help us come to You with honesty and trust.
Restore us to grace
and keep us close to Your mercy.
Amen.