CONTINUING the Sacramental Program conversation, I would like to add my reflection on our experience.
My granddaughter Leah went through the program to make her First Reconciliation last year.
I was lucky enough to be able to participate, with her parents, in this process.
We went along to all the workshops and formation sessions.
I don’t think I heard the word “sin” used, however I did hear a lot of discussion about the choices we make in our life, like fighting with our brothers and sisters, not be helpful at home or being unkind in the playground etc, and about God’s enduring love for us, so through the sacrament of Reconciliation God’s grace and mercy is given freely to all.
While sin was not talked about in formal terms of venial and mortal, I felt the gift of the sacrament was communicated very well at a level an eight or nine-year-old child could easily comprehend.
Leah was given a booklet to take home, which gave me the opportunity to talk with her about Reconciliation and our faith tradition in general.
At the liturgy we sang joyful children’s hymns, and although the tune catered to the children’s needs, the message was inter-generational: “When I’m lost and I cannot find the way; When the choices that I’ve made just don’t feel right: My Shepherd – always there for me. My Shepherd – always leading me; My Shepherd – to your healing hands I come.”
While the formation of our children in the sacraments today has changed significantly from when I was a child, I don’t think that is necessarily a bad thing because the world these children are growing up in has significantly changed.
The gift of the sacrament needs to be communicated in a way they will begin to understand.
I would like to express my gratitude to the sacramental co-ordinator in our parish who has the smell of the sheep on her hands as she works tirelessly putting these programs together and forming our young.
We are also indebted to all the teachers who generously volunteer their time to help with the running of this program.
I, with Leah, am looking forward to participating in the next part of her journey to full initiation.
It fills this grandma’s heart with great joy to see the openness and enthusiasm she has to growing in her faith tradition.
Margaret Coughlan
Holland Park-Mt Gravatt,
QLD
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