Engaging Faith

Preparing for the Sacrament of Reconciliation is essential at the high school level. It is an excellent opportunity to catechize young people through an examination of conscience. You don't want to have students waiting in line for the Sacrament of Reconciliation thinking things like this student (from Outside da Box Productions and the Jesus Christ Video Collection). Traditionally, reception of the Sacrament of Reconciliation "ought to be prepared for by an examination of conscience made in the light o the Word of God" (CCC, 1454). Typically the Decalogue, the Ten Commandments, are the focus of this examination of conscience. Giving students the time to reflect on their sins either in class or during a school assembly can make an important impact on a student's decision to receive the Sacrament and to enter into it with a contrite heart. Examination of Conscience for Teens Handouts Each examination of conscience below is designed around the Ten Commandments: Catholic Youth Ministry's Examination of Conscience Diocese of Fall River's Examination of Conscience Deacon Douglas McManaman's Examination of Conscience You can also find a very simple examination of conscience for teens handout in the resources section the Meeting Jesus in the Sacraments textbook (Examination of Conscience Handout). New App for Students with iPads, iPhones, and iPod Touches There is a new App available that has been getting a lot of buzz lately. It is called Confession: A Roman Catholic App. The app is actually an in-depth examination of conscience that is great for tech-savvy teenagers. Contact the creators at Little iApps for a special bulk price for schools.

As you investigate Jesus’ miracles from the Gospels, your students will notice three kinds of reactions. Some of those who witness the miracles are rightly amazed. Others are doubtful. And still others are confused. Play this short game of “mental math” to introduce a lesson on Jesus’ miracles. Present the following problem. Do not read the example. Rather, rehearse it so that you can move through it quickly. Say to the students: Do each step silently. Don’t call out any responses. Don’t say anything if you have done this problem before. Think of a number between 1 and 10 (for example, 7). Multiply your number by 9. You now have a two-digit number (for example, 63). Add the two digits of your new number together (for example, 6 plus 3). You now have a one-digit number (9). Subtract 5 from your number. You now have a new one-digit number (4). Now pretend that each letter of the alphabet corresponds to a number. For example, A is 1, B is 2, C is 3, and so on. Think of the letter that corresponds to your number (D). Think of a country that starts with your letter (most people with think of Denmark). Now think of an animal that starts with the second letter of your country (most people will think of elephant). Place your hand over your forehead as if some great inspiration is coming to you. Then say, “You are thinking of Denmark and an elephant.” There should be varied reaction, for example: “ho-hum” from students who have done the problem before confusion from students who were lost somewhere in the math amazement from students who were thinking of Denmark and elephant Now, choose some miracle stories of Jesus from the Gospels and compare the reaction of your class to this problem to the reaction of the people who witnessed Jesus’ miracles!

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