Lord, have mercy.
Over the next few chapters in the book (chapters 2, 3 and 4 of “I Belong”) there will be a strong focus on the Sacrament of Reconciliation (confession). Your child will receive this sacrament for the first time in the days leading up to their FHC Mass. Although this is still relatively far away, we cover it now as Reconciliation links with the Penitential Act in the Mass, which is the moment at the beginning of Mass where we take time to think about times we have sinned and we ask for God’s mercy and forgiveness, in order to prepare our hearts to receive Jesus in the Eucharist.
This chapter will explore the theme of mercy – which is characterized by kindness, understanding, forgiveness and patience. Mercy is the loving kindness, or compassion, of God for each one of us. When we receive the Eucharist, we receive special dose of God’s mercy! God will always love us and forgive us and, therefore, we should forgive others.
We look at where we can see examples of merciful acts in our lives and we explore how we should pass on this gift freely, by the way that we behave towards other people.
- Jobs for home
- Encourage saying sorry for things we have done wrong,.
- During bedtime prayers or family prayer time, encourage reflection of their day and examination of conscience.
- Complete the online quiz.
- Explore the theme of mercy with your child so they are very clear with what this means and how to show it to others.
Questions you might like to ask your child:
Q. What words do we repeat three times near the beginning of Mass?
A. “have mercy” – we ask God for his kindness and forgiveness- the Penitential Act.
Q. When we ask God for “mercy”, what do you think it means?
A. Love, forgiveness, kindness, understanding
Q. How do your parents show you they love you, even if you have behaved badly?
A. Hugs, cuddles, a smile, telling you “it’s okay”.
Q. What does the story of Adam and Eve tell us?
A. That sin separates us from God, but that he always seeks to bring us back into a close connection with Him, because he always loves us, even when we do wrong.
