Family Confessions . . .

How wonderful to see families coming to Confession before they begin their school holidays . . .

We have some marvellous parents who are excellent models for their children. It reminds me once again of the importance of instilling good habits. Once children have made their First Confession, if children are brought regularly to Confession by their parents it makes such a difference. A good habit becomes a virtue, and we also know, 'good habits begin young.' I thank God that we have several families in the parish who do this and I would like to try to encourage more to follow suit.

I'm considering allocating one period a month of Saturday morning Confessions especially to hearing the Confessions of our children and families. I'd be interested to know if anyone has experience of something similar, and if they think it would be welcomed.

First Confessions . . .

This morning after Mass I heard the First Confessions of the first group of our First Holy Communion children.

It is our practice to have First Confessions at the usual time for parish Confessions, i.e. after Saturday morning Mass. I think this is helpful as the children get the idea that going to Confession is a regular part of parish life as they see other parishioners waiting beside them.

We also encourage the whole family to come to church with the child and to go to Confession too. I'm pleased to say that I was able to confess many whole families this morning. This is another great example for our children.

Congratulations and well done to all!

First Confessions ...

For the last two Saturdays our First Holy Communion children have been making their First Confession during our regular period for parish Confessions.

What a joy to see three generations of the same family at Confession. This is a great example not only to the children of the family but indeed to other children and adults present in church - including myself.

I feel that having First Confessions within the usual time for our parish Confessions is so much better than setting aside a separate time for the Sacrament. It also helps our children to realise that Confession is part of regular parish life and not a 'one off' occasion.

Parish Catechesis

We have recently received the first batch of books for our Parish Catechetical programmes due to begin in the autumn.

We are using a new programme this year for our First Holy Communion children; "Jesus Comes to Me" by Dora Nash.

I ordered a sample to look at earlier in the year and was very impressed both with the straightforward Catholic content and the layout of the book.

We have been using Dora Nash's Confirmation Programme, "Confirmed in the Faith" for a few years now in the parish and have been very pleased with it so I thought I could rely on Dora Nash to give a suitable treatment to preparation for the Sacrament of Confession and the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist, and I am not disappointed.

Both books are available from 'Family Publications', amongst others.

I feel like the BBC announcers saying, 'other listings magazines are available' when giving the Radio Times a plug!