Opening Game
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
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
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
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
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
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.