Last Wednesday we had our first session from the Heart Speaks to Heart programme preparing our children for their First Reconciliation. The theme of the session was Thankfulness: the Gift of Life.
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We started the session in a large group around the focal point which represented elements of the sacrament of Baptism. In our circle we welcomed the children and introduced the session. We had a whole group discussion on how we were feeling about the upcoming sessions and we also talked about all the things we are thankful for.
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After this we broke out into our smaller groups, and we listened to the bible story from Genesis about creation. Then in our groups we shared the words and thoughts that meant something to the children as they listened to the story, encouraging each child to share pictures that came to them or words they underlined. In our groups we talked about thankfulness and what it means to be thankful.
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We had a quick break for refreshments before we moved onto discussing our Baptisms. This is an important section and there is not a lot of time to devote to it, so we gave the children printed notes for them to take home and read with their parents.
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We finished the session all together in a circle, where we explained what the children need to do at home with their parents, and then we had a quiet meditative prayer and said the Glory Be together.
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On the following Sunday, all the children and their families joined the parish community at 10.30am for their ‘Enrolment Mass’. The children were invited to the altar to light candles and be blessed by Fr Anthony and everyone present prayed for them as they start this special programme. Â
