MONDAY, APRIL 27

DAY 40 - CONFESSION

This sacrament is a second mercy for us! Not only has God opened to us the gates of Heaven and made us heirs to it through our baptism, but if we commit serious sin and turn from him, he even gives us a sacrament to return back to him and receive this reward once again. Check out today's lesson to learn more. Spend some time today praying and resting in the truth that God loves you, and no matter how we may stumble, he's always ready to embrace us and give us strength to turn away from evil. During this time, know that confessions are still available by appointment at Holy Cross. Call our parish office for more info.

From Our Spiritual Director ✝

Monday's Reflection

Readings

Acts 6:8-15Ps 119:23-24, 26-27, 29-30Jn 6:22-29

What are you looking for? This question is reflected in the statement Jesus makes in today’s Gospel from John. Jesus says, “Amen, amen, I say to you, you are looking for me not because you saw signs but because you ate the loaves and were filled." Is it possible that those who flock to Jesus are indeed seeking something for themselves? Most likely, just like us, those early followers that trail behind Christ throughout the Gospels are not only interested in who Jesus the Christ is, but also in what “the man” can do for them. Who among us would not ask Jesus for a miracle, some form of healing or favor that would make our life on this earth better. Jesus, this Easter Season, reminds us that it is not what He can do for us during this life that matters as much as what He is doing for us by offering us eternal life! If we are ready to accept that gift, then we not only follow Jesus but we forgo the good things in this life in favor of the things to come in the next.


God Bless you,

Fr. John Kurgan

NEW Weekly Challenge 😂

Our new contest this week is "Comic Relief!" Just for fun, we're challenging you to a joke contest. Record your favorite (all ages appropriate) joke and send it in! Use this form to submit your video. Winner will be announced Friday, May 1st. All participants receive House Points and the winner gets extra points for their house!

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Elementary (Grades 1-4)

See Day 1 for a longer explanation of what to do in Pray & Learn

Pray

Find all the prayers here.

    • Mealtime Prayers & Night Time Prayers

    • 5 mins - Praying for Others

Learn

The Main Points to Teach Your Child:

    1. The Sacraments are divided into three groups...

      • Initiation, Healing, and Service

      • Confession is a Sacrament of Healing

    2. God gives us the Sacrament of Confession to...

      • Forgive our sins after Baptism

      • Restore sanctifying Grace.

    3. Outward Signs of Confession are...

      • Matter -- the material used- - Confession your sins to a priest.

      • Form -- the words said -- “I absolve you from your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit."

    4. Instituted by Christ --Confession began with Jesus...

      • After Jesus' resurrection, He came to the Apostles one evening in the Upper Room. Jesus breathed on the Apostles, giving them the Holy Spirit and and authority to forgive sin.

      • The Apostles receive the Holy Spirit - GRACE - to be able to forgive sins. The Apostles represent Christ in the world.

      • This authority is passed on through the Sacrament of Holy Orders to the Pope, Bishop, and Priest.


A Note from Julie:

Dear Parents,

A brief note to encourage you to keep up the good works your are doing with your family, keep Christ close to you in all that you do, and root every action in prayer. When we do all things with love, and out of love for Christ, Grace abounds!

God bless,

-Julie Sheridan


Additional Resources & Activities to do at Home

Video:

Resources


Middle School (Grades 5-8)

See Day 1 for a longer explanation of what to do in Pray & Learn

Pray

Find all the prayers here.

    • Basic Prayers

    • Ten Minutes of Silence

      • Intercessions

      • Thanksgiving

      • Reading the Bible

Learn

The Main Points that need to be learned or taught from this lesson

  • Explain the following about the Confession:

    • To Give Grace (or what Grace is given) - Forgive sins after Baptism & restore sanctifying grace

    • Outward Sign

      • Matter (the Material Used) - Confession of Sins

      • Form (the Words Said) - “I absolve you of your sins...:”

    • Instituted by Christ - The Upper Room


Find a list of all these prayers here.

High School (Grades 9-12)

See Day 1 for a longer explanation of what to do in Pray & Learn

Pray



Find a list of all these prayers here.

Learn

Adults

See Day 1 for a longer explanation of what to do in Pray & Learn

Pray

  • Basic Prayers

    • A list of all these prayers are here.

For those new to prayer

  • First 10 mins - Talk to God


For those more experienced in prayer


Learn

Learn

Watch the faith formation resource video below to learn more about your faith.

Christ instituted the sacrament of Penance for all sinful members of his Church: above all for those who, since Baptism, have fallen into grave sin, and have thus lost their baptismal grace and wounded ecclesial communion.


- CCC 1446