Share a short lesson with your students about the Sacrament of Penance focusing on three questions Catholic young and old often ask about the sacrament: (1) Why do I need to go to confession? (2) Why do I need to tell a priest my sins? (3) Am I really being forgiven?
Divide your class into three groups and assign each group one of the questions above. Give them 15-20 minutes to research the question and to create a short presentation to share with the rest of the class.
Here are some starting resources:
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Why do I need to go to confession?
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Word on Fire; The Sin, Again?
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Why do I need to tell a priest my sins?
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St. Patrick’s Seminary & University; Why Confess Your Sins to a Priest?
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Catholic Answers; 3 Reasons to Confess Your Sins to a Priest
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Am I really being forgiven?
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The Thomistic Institute; How Confession REALLY Works (Aquinas 101)
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Diocese of Springfield in Illinois; Are you really sinless after going to confession?
After each group presents, allow students a few minutes to reflect on what they have learned, before discussing with the whole class each respective topic.
To conclude, provide your students with resources and information around going to Confession, including confession times at your local parish and a sample of an examination of conscience to be sure they have the tools they need to receive the sacrament.
Lucienna Guess
Curriculum Intern
