The “How Can I Get Clean?” Reconciliation Lesson Plan helps youth understand the importance of spiritual cleanliness. It teaches that just like stains on clothes, sin leaves marks on our souls. This plan emphasizes that Jesus is always ready to help us become clean if we ask Him in confession. By using relatable examples, the lesson shows how Jesus’ compassion and forgiveness are available to everyone.
The lesson plan also encourages young people to reflect on their own lives. It helps them identify habits or actions that might make them feel unclean. By recognizing these areas, they can seek Jesus’ help to make a positive change. The lesson highlights the sacrament of Reconciliation as a special way to receive this help.
The plan helps youth understand that going to confession is not something to fear. It reassures them that priests act as Christ’s representatives and are there to help, not judge. This can ease any anxiety about confessing sins, making the experience more approachable and comforting.
Finally, the lesson encourages celebrating the joy of being made clean. It suggests making confession a positive experience, maybe even followed by a small celebration. This helps reinforce the idea that becoming clean through Jesus and the sacrament of Reconciliation is something to be happy about.
Opening Game for the How Can I Get Clean? Confession Lesson Plan
Stain Tag
Materials Needed:
- Stickers or small pieces of tape (to represent “stains”)
- A designated playing area
Instructions:
- Setup: Choose one person to be “It” and give them a sheet of stickers or small pieces of tape. These represent “stains” (sins).
- Game Start: The person who is “It” chases the other players and tries to tag them by sticking a “stain” (sticker/tape) on their clothes.
- Getting “Clean”: If someone gets tagged with a “stain,” they must freeze in place. Another player, designated as the “Priest,” can remove the “stain” by touching them and saying, “You are forgiven.” The tagged player can then rejoin the game.
- Game End: The game continues for a set amount of time or until everyone has been tagged. You can then switch roles and play again.
After the game, gather the group and discuss:
- How did it feel to get “stained” and then “cleaned”?
- What does this game teach us about sin and confession?
- How does the role of the “Priest” in the game relate to the sacrament of confession?
Scripture Reading for the How Can I Get Clean? Confession Lesson Plan
Who here has ever spilled anything which made a stain? Or accidentally put a pen mark on your favorite shirt?
Give them a few minutes to give examples of stains and how they tried to get them out. Be prepared with a few examples of your own.
Read this scripture passage:
Mark 1:40-45 (Jesus Heals a Leper) – the Gospel Reading for the 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time – Year B
A leper came to Jesus and kneeling down begged him and said, “If you wish, you can make me clean.”
Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand, touched him, and said to him, “I do will it. Be made clean.”
The leprosy left him immediately, and he was made clean. Then, warning the him sternly, he dismissed him at once.
He said to him, “See that you tell no one anything, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing what Moses prescribed; that will be proof for them.”
The man went away and began to publicize the whole matter. He spread the report abroad so that it was impossible for Jesus to enter a town openly. He remained outside in deserted places, and people kept coming to him from everywhere.
Mark 1:40-45
Discussion for the How Can I Get Clean? Confession Lesson Plan
We don’t like stains.
Why do we try so hard to remove them? (Let them share their ideas.)
I think it’s because they remind us of our mistakes. But everyone experiences spills and stains in life.
The same goes for sin. We all sin, and it makes us feel imperfect and unclean.
In the Gospel, a leper asks Jesus to make him clean, and Jesus does.
We may not have a physical illness like the leper, but we might have “unclean” habits, like gossip, pornography, immodesty, substance abuse, unchastity, or unhealthy friendships.
Can you think of other examples?
Just like Jesus made the leper clean, He can help us with our unclean habits. Let’s take a closer look at this scripture.
First, the leper asks Jesus to make him clean. Jesus doesn’t force His help on us; we need to ask for it. The first step is always to ask Jesus for help.
What special sacrament helps us ask Jesus to make us clean?
That’s right, the sacrament of Reconciliation. Sometimes people hesitate to go to confession.
What are some reasons people avoid confession?
Remember, the priest acts “in persona Christi” – as another Christ. Your sins won’t shock the priest. He’s heard it all before and won’t think less of you.
In the Gospel, Jesus looks at the man with pity and compassion. Jesus, being human, understands how hard it is to avoid temptation.
He says, “I do will it. Be made clean.” This is what Jesus wants for us, and the priest in confession acts as Christ. The priest wants you to be free from your sins and sees you with the loving eyes of God.
Jesus tells the leper to go to the priest and follow the law’s requirements. We might think we can become clean without the Church’s help, but even Jesus recognized the importance of faith and following the rules.
The leper then shares what Jesus did for him. Imagine if we felt this way after confession. Often, we aren’t that excited.
This week, think about a way you would like Jesus to make you clean. Pray for His help. If possible, go to confession. Then celebrate! If you can, get your family involved, go to confession together, and celebrate with ice cream or another treat.
Small Group Reflection Questions for the How Can I Get Clean? Confession Lesson Plan
Break into small groups to discuss the importance of confession and how it helps us grow closer to God. Encourage youth to share thoughts and experiences, and listen to others with respect and an open heart. Create a safe space for youth to explore feelings about confession and to ask questions.
- What are some reasons people might avoid going to confession? Discuss common fears or misunderstandings about confession. How can we overcome these concerns?
- Have you ever felt relieved or unburdened after confessing something, either in confession or to a friend? Share how it felt to be honest and receive forgiveness. How did it help you move forward?
- Why do you think Jesus healed the leper in the Gospel story? Reflect on Jesus’ compassion and willingness to help. How does this relate to our own need for confession?
- What are some “unclean” habits or actions that we might need to confess? Think about behaviors or attitudes that separate us from God. How can confession help us change?
- How can we make confession a regular part of our spiritual life? Discuss practical ways to incorporate confession into your routine. How can it help us stay spiritually clean?
Take time to reflect on these questions and share insights within the groups. Emphasize that confession is a gift from God to help us grow in holiness and maintain a strong relationship with Him.
Challenge for the How Can I Get Clean? Confession Lesson Plan
This week, I challenge you to think about one or two areas in your life where you feel you need to be cleaner spiritually. Maybe it’s being more honest, avoiding gossip, or being kinder to others. Once you’ve identified these areas, make a plan to work on them. You could set a daily reminder to pray and ask Jesus for help, or choose a specific action to practice kindness or honesty. Small steps can make a big difference!
Another challenge is to try and go to confession this week. If you’re nervous, that’s okay! Remember, the priest is there to help you and won’t judge you. After confession, take a moment to thank Jesus for making you clean. You might even want to write down how you feel afterward or share it with a friend. Confession is a powerful way to grow closer to God and live a cleaner, more joyful life.
(If time permits and priests are available, allow time for youth to receive the sacrament of Reconciliation immediately.)
Prayer for the How Can I Get Clean? Confession Lesson Plan
Heavenly Father,
We thank You for Your endless mercy and love. Help us to recognize our sins and the need for confession. Give us the courage to seek Your forgiveness and the grace to stay spiritually clean. Guide us to live more like Jesus each day, showing kindness and love to everyone we meet. We ask this in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
More Resources for the How Can I Get Clean? Confession Lesson Plan
Themes for the How Can I Get Clean? Confession Lesson Plan
- God’s Mercy and Forgiveness: God always welcomes us back when we repent. He forgives our sins and cleanses our souls. This lesson emphasizes His endless mercy.
- Sacrament of Reconciliation: The sacrament is a special gift from Jesus. It helps us confess our sins and receive forgiveness. This lesson explains its importance in the Catholic faith.
- Importance of Confession: Confessing our sins is a way to be honest with God and ourselves. It helps us heal and grow spiritually. This lesson encourages regular confession.
- Jesus’ Compassion: Jesus shows compassion to all, just like He did to the leper. He understands our struggles and wants to help us. This lesson highlights His loving nature.
- Spiritual Cleanliness: Just like we clean our bodies, we need to clean our souls. Sin leaves marks, but Jesus can wash them away. This lesson teaches about staying spiritually clean.
- Avoiding Sin: Recognizing and avoiding sin is crucial for a clean life. This lesson helps youth identify sinful habits. It encourages them to make positive changes.
- Healing and Renewal: Reconciliation is a chance to start fresh. It brings healing and renewal to our souls. This lesson focuses on the joy of being made new.
- Role of the Priest: Priests act in the person of Christ during confession. They help us receive God’s forgiveness. This lesson reassures youth about the priest’s supportive role.
- Living a Moral Life: Following Jesus means living according to His teachings. This lesson emphasizes the importance of making moral choices. It encourages a life of virtue.
- Community and Support: The Church supports us in our journey to be clean. This lesson highlights the community’s role in helping us grow in faith. It encourages participation in Church life.
Background Material for the How Can I Get Clean? Confession Lesson Plan
The “How Can I Get Clean?” Confession Lesson Plan fits well within Catholic teaching. It draws from the Bible, Church tradition, and the Catechism. The focus is on spiritual cleanliness and the sacrament of Reconciliation. This sacrament is a key way Catholics experience God’s forgiveness and healing.
In the Bible, we see Jesus healing and forgiving people. The story of Jesus healing the leper (Mark 1:40-45) is a good example. The leper asks, “If you wish, you can make me clean.” Jesus responds, “I do will it. Be made clean.” This shows that Jesus wants to make us clean from sin. He is always ready to forgive us if we ask.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches about the sacrament of Reconciliation. It says, “Those who approach the sacrament of Penance obtain pardon from God’s mercy for the offense committed against him” (CCC 1422). This means that when we confess our sins, we receive God’s forgiveness. The sacrament helps us to get clean and start fresh.
Confession is a time to be honest with ourselves and God. It helps us admit our mistakes and ask for forgiveness. The priest, acting in the person of Christ, offers absolution, which means our sins are forgiven. The Catechism explains, “The confession (or disclosure) of sins, even from a simply human point of view, frees us and facilitates our reconciliation with others” (CCC 1455). This shows that confession not only makes us clean but also helps us live better with others.
The sacrament of Reconciliation also gives us grace. Grace is God’s help in living a holy life. It helps us resist sin in the future. The Catechism states, “The spiritual effects of the sacrament of Penance are… reconciliation with God… and remission of the eternal punishment incurred by mortal sins” (CCC 1496). This means that confession helps us stay close to God and avoid serious sin.
Catholic teaching also emphasizes the importance of ongoing conversion. This means continually turning back to God. Even after confession, we must keep trying to live a good life. The Catechism says, “The movement of return to God, called conversion and repentance, entails sorrow for and abhorrence of sins committed” (CCC 1490). This means we should be sorry for our sins and try not to sin again.
The “How Can I Get Clean?” Reconciliation Lesson Plan also highlights the role of the Church community. The Church helps us grow in our faith and stay clean. It offers support through the sacraments, prayer, and fellowship. The Church is like a family that helps each member grow closer to God.
In summary, the “How Can I Get Clean?” Reconciliation Lesson Plan teaches about the importance of being spiritually clean. It draws from the Bible, the Catechism, and Catholic tradition. The lesson encourages regular confession, honesty, and ongoing conversion. It helps young people understand the sacrament of Reconciliation and its role in their spiritual lives. Through this sacrament, we can always turn to Jesus to make us clean.
Music Suggestions for the How Can I Get Clean? Confession Lesson Plan
More Youth Ministry Lesson Plans and Reflections
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Questions and Answers for the How Can I Get Clean? Confession Lesson Plan
What is the “How Can I Get Clean?” Confession Lesson Plan?
The “How Can I Get Clean?” Reconciliation Lesson Plan helps young people understand the importance of spiritual cleanliness. It uses the sacrament of Reconciliation to show how we can be forgiven and cleansed from sin. The lesson uses stories from the Bible and Catholic teaching to explain this.
Why is it important to be spiritually clean?
Being spiritually clean means being free from sin. Sin can hurt our relationship with God and others. The lesson plan teaches that Jesus can make us clean if we ask Him, helping us live better and happier lives.
How does the sacrament of Reconciliation make us clean?
In the sacrament of Reconciliation, we confess our sins to a priest, who is acting in the person of Christ. The priest offers absolution, which means our sins are forgiven. This makes us spiritually clean and gives us God’s grace to avoid sin in the future.
What should I do if I feel nervous about going to confession?
It’s normal to feel nervous about confession. Remember, the priest is there to help, not judge. He acts like Christ and wants to help you be clean. You can always ask Jesus for courage and remember that He loves you and wants you to be free from sin.
How often should I go to confession to stay clean?
Catholics are encouraged to go to confession regularly. Some people go once a month, others before major holidays like Easter and Christmas. The important thing is to go whenever you feel the need to be clean and receive God’s forgiveness.
What if I can’t remember all my sins?
If you can’t remember every sin, just confess what you can remember. God knows your heart and your desire to be clean. The important thing is to be honest and open during confession.
Why do we confess to a priest and not directly to God?
In Catholic teaching, the priest acts in the person of Christ. This means that when you confess to a priest, you are really confessing to Jesus. The priest also gives guidance and support, helping you stay clean and grow in your faith.
Can my sins be too big to be forgiven?
No sin is too big to be forgiven. God’s mercy is limitless. The sacrament of Reconciliation is for everyone, no matter what they’ve done. Jesus is always ready to make us clean if we come to Him with a sincere heart.
What if I commit the same sin again?
If you commit the same sin again, don’t be discouraged. Go back to confession and ask for God’s help to change. The sacrament of Reconciliation is there to help you get clean, even if you struggle with the same sins.
How can I stay clean after confession?
After confession, try to avoid the situations that lead you to sin. Pray and ask for God’s help to stay clean. Being part of a faith community and receiving the sacraments regularly can also support you in living a clean and holy life.
Conclusion
The “How Can I Get Clean? Confession Lesson Plan” helps young people understand the sacrament of confession. It teaches that confession is a way to become spiritually clean by asking Jesus for forgiveness. The lesson uses the story of Jesus healing the leper to show how He is always willing to make us clean if we ask. This story illustrates Jesus’ compassion and readiness to forgive our sins.
The lesson plan emphasizes the importance of honesty in confession. It encourages youth to examine their lives and recognize areas where they need to improve. The sacrament of confession is not just about listing sins; it’s about seeking God’s mercy and committing to change. The lesson reassures young people that priests, acting in the person of Christ, are there to help, not judge.
Confession is also presented as a source of grace that helps us live better lives. The plan explains that regular confession can strengthen our relationship with God and help us avoid sin in the future. It encourages young people to see confession as a positive experience, a chance to start fresh and be clean.
The “How Can I Get Clean? Confession Lesson Plan” also highlights the joy that comes from being forgiven. It suggests making confession a regular practice and even celebrating it as a family. The lesson aims to make young people feel comfortable with confession and to see it as an essential part of their spiritual journey.
Your Turn
Try the “How Can I Get Clean? Confession Lesson Plan” with your group or class. It’s a great way to help young people understand the sacrament of confession. Share your own variations and notes in the comment section below. Let’s encourage each other to grow in faith and stay spiritually clean through confession!
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