confirmation preparation - lesson 10

"Why tell my sins to a priest?"

Welcome to week 10! Today we're going to address an important question in the Church, 'Why confess to a priest?'

To begin, consider this: If you don't know your "problem areas" spiritual and personal growth are simply impossible. To know our "problem areas" we have to take an honest look at ourselves. An examination of conscience does just that. An examination of conscience is when you think about your life--your attitudes and actions--to determine whether you have sinned and how you need to change and grow. One way to do this is to think about each of the Ten Commandments and consider how you have or have not lived up to God's law.

You'll recall the Ten Commandments from the Old Testament in the book of Exodus (Ex 20:2-17). Read them to yourself, slowly and conscientiously reflecting on your own compliance with God's commands.

1. I am the Lord your God, you shall have no other gods before me

2. You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain

3. Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy

4. Honor your father and your mother

5. You shall not kill

6. You shall not commit adultery

7. You shall not steal

8. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor

9. You shall not covet your neighbor's house

10. You shall not covet your neighbor's wife

Now, turn to page 85 (lesson 10) in your book and pray the opening prayer asking God's forgiveness. In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit...

Ok let's dive in! Read the story on page 86 as an introduction to today's video content.

Watch it! Lesson 10, Segment 1 in your Chosen Study on ascensionpress.com

What are the answers to the segment 1 questions on page 86?

Now think critically about what you heard in the video. Do you think God intends for his rules to oppress us or to give us a freer, fuller life? How so?

Name the Ten Commandments (without looking at the list above!). What do each of them mean to you?

Watch it! Lesson 10, Segment 2

Answer the segment 2 questions.

Fr. Schmitz says there are no sins that are private. What do you think he means?

Did you know that confession is a sacrament instituted in the Bible? If you have a Bible handy, open up to John 20:21-23. If not, read the passage here:

"Jesus said to them again, 'Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.' And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, 'Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained'." - Jn 20:21-23

What does this passage teach us about confession?

Watch it! Lesson 10 segment 3

Answer the segment 3 questions on page 87.

Think about these questions. After you read each question, take time thinking about the answer.

How do you feel going into confession? How do you feel upon leaving?

What are some reasons God gives us the sacrament of reconciliation?

How can we get ready for confession, especially if we have not gone in a while?

Read: To the Heart! With Fr. Mike Schmitz

page 88-89

Hero of the Week

On page 90, we meet St. Augustine of Hippo! St. Augustine demonstrates the beauty and goodness of the sacrament of reconciliation. It changed his life! And changed it in a wonderful way!

This week, your homework is to talk with your parents and plan a time to go to confession. In our parish, confession is available on Saturdays from 3-4:30pm, Wednesdays from 6-7:30pm, or any time by appointment with Fr. Tom.

St. Mary's in Lowell also offers confession on Wednesdays from 3-4pm, Saturdays from 5-6pm, and any time by appointment with Fr. Aaron.

Downtown Grand Rapids, the Basilica of St. Adalbert offers confession every weekday from 4:30-5:05pm, and Saturdays from 3-3:30pm.