Welcome to your first "Together in Jesus" Reconciliation Lesson Part 4 - Family Activity. The "Together in Jesus" program is designed to prepare you to receive the Sacrament of First Reconciliation. Through biblical stories and hands-on activities you will learn about the Ten Commandments, how to love and forgive each other as Jesus teaches, and how to prepare to make a good confession.

The "Act of Contrition" is a prayer that tells God you are sorry and are asking forgiveness. It is a prayer that is said in the confessional before the priest gives you absolution (when the priest says words of forgiveness from God and blesses you.) While the Act of Contrition is mainly a prayer that is said in the confessional, it is also a good prayer to include as part of your evening prayers. It reminds us to examine our conscience and to reflect on the days events to see if we have lived in a "Christ-like" and loving way.

I would like you, as a family, to begin working with your child to memorize "The Act of Contrition" which is listed below and is also in the back of your "Together in Jesus" First Reconciliation" handbook. Begin by breaking it down into small parts and adding new ones as your child can repeat each part from memory.