Teach Confession: Five Tips & Free April Bulletins!
Do you teach about Confession? Whether you prepare students for their First Reconciliation or review Confession with older students, teaching the sacrament of Confession (also known as Reconciliation or Penance) is a sacred responsibility that requires delicacy, empathy, and a deep understanding of the spiritual needs of your students. It also requires consistent calm as you repeatedly assure them, “I promise, the priest won’t dwell on your sins when you see him next!” Your deepest, darkest secrets probably aren’t that unique.
As religion teachers, you have the opportunity to guide young souls through the process of seeking forgiveness, reconciliation, and spiritual growth. Here are some practical tips to help you navigate this important aspect of Catholic faith formation:
1. Provide Practical Guidance for Confession
As you teach Confession, start with the basics! Often the text starts with the theory and theology of Confession, but students are often more worried about what to do. I have students practice with a simple script repeatedly so they aren’t worried about the order or events and we can start focusing on the sacramental grace. This resource has a simple script, vocabulary cards, and sorting cards so students can interact with the structure and vocabulary of the sacrament. It’s also editable because there are TONS of correct ways to go to Confession so you can adjust the wording to match your curriculum.
I love to use this video when introducing (and reviewing) Confession. It is easy to understand, focuses on a simple explanation of the purpose and meaning of Confession, and it takes away some of the stress about memorizing the Act of Contrition! These coins are also a great idea–even though they have my least favorite Act of Contrition prayer.
2. Address Common Misconceptions
Address any misconceptions or fears students may have about Confession, such as feeling ashamed or unworthy of God’s forgiveness. Reassure students that Confession is a sacrament of healing and renewal where they can experience God’s mercy and receive grace to overcome sin.
I always reassure students that the Priest can’t (and won’t) tell about their sins. There’s always someone who will ask what the priest would do if someone confessed to murder. Here’s my answer: the priest can’t tell, but he also doesn’t have to absolve. And, most priests I know would be pretty convincing when helping that person make amends….probably by turning themselves in.
If you have students who question why we confess to a priest, this video is amazing! This skit also addresses Confession (along with all the sacraments) and how the Bible teaches us to receive the sacrament through the priest.
3. Have a Helpful Act of Contrition
Use relatable examples and real-life scenarios when you teach Confession to help students understand the concepts of sin, repentance, and forgiveness. Listing the 10 Commandments isn’t always helpful since most kids aren’t murdering (or committing adultery). This video about Mortal and Venial sin is a helpful way to get kids thinking about their sins. This year, I also made a “Would You Rather” about Confession. It was interesting to watch the kids think about and discuss different sins and how they would feel about admitting (and being forgiven for…) these sins.
4. Emphasize God’s Mercy and Love as you Teach Confession
Highlight the compassionate and loving nature of God, who eagerly awaits the return of His prodigal children with open arms. Share stories and parables from Scripture that illustrate God’s forgiveness and the transformative power of reconciliation, such as the parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32). This book is a great way to introduce the parable.
5. Lead by Example
When you teach Confession, you should model a spirit of humility and openness to growth by sharing your own experiences with Confession and spiritual renewal. When your students go to Confession, let them see YOU going to Confession. If you can’t make that work, tell the students when you went or when you plan to attend. Demonstrate compassion, patience, and understanding in your interactions with students, and encourage them to extend the same kindness to others.
What tips do you have for teaching about Confession?
Year B (2024): Catholic Kids Bulletins in English & Spanish
Do you want ONE file with a whole year of Catholic Kids Bulletins to help kids worship at Mass? Buy the bulletins as a full-year download! As always, the monthly bulletins will remain free, but the yearly version is way more convenient.
- A full year of bulletins
- Over 50 Catholic saints including Saint Anthony, Saint Kateri, and Saint Martin de Porres
- The entire liturgical year including Ordinary time, Lent, and Advent
- Holy Days of Obligation
- Holy Week
- Click HERE for more info!
April Catholic Kids Bulletin
Enjoy our FREE Printable Catholic Kids Bulletin worksheets, aligning with weekly Mass readings. Immerse your children in the world of coloring pages that correspond to the Gospel, monthly Mass activities, Psalm copy work, and entertaining word searches. Navigate through the liturgy order provided in each bulletin to enhance your kids’ Mass experience and foster a deeper connection to worship. Uncover the intricacies of the Mass structure and delve into Catholic History with engaging coloring pages showcasing saints. Elevate your children’s Catholic education by incorporating our interactive and educational resources into their learning journey.
Have you used Catholic Kids Bulletins before? If you have questions, check here…
April Catholic Kids Bulletin
Abril Boletín para Niños Católicos
April Bulletins include…
- Saint Faustina (Check out this amazing book about Divine Mercy!)
- Divine Mercy Sunday (Beautiful Prayer Handout & Coloring Page)
- Saint George
- Saint Mark the Evangelist
- Mary, Mother of God
These FREE Catholic Mass Bulletin Printables are offered each month in order to help young Catholics learn at Mass. For example, you are welcome to print and share with others. If you can afford it, click Support CKB on the left and then donate to help pay for the time and effort put into these pages. Thanks!
