Primary Session
Mark 1:1-8
Opening Prayer
Let us pray.
Loving God,
Help us to get ready for the coming of Jesus.
Let all the wonderful sights and smells of this season remind us to be ready to welcome Jesus.
In the name of Jesus Christ we pray.
Amen.
Opening Life Reflection
The topic for today is the Confession of Sins. Invite the children to brainstorm how they get ready for special events. Write down their responses on a sheet of poster paper or chalkboard. Discuss:
• What special events do you get ready for?
• What are we getting ready for during the season of Advent?
• How does your family prepare for Christmas?
Allow time for discussion. During the season of Advent we are getting ready for the coming of Jesus. We take the time to change our ways and become more loving children of God.
Listening to the Word of God
In today’s gospel, John the Baptist announces the coming of Jesus. Listen to find out how the people get ready.
Read Mark 1:1-8.
Allow for silence.
Scripture Discussion Starters
• What does John the Baptist announce to the people?
• What does John tell the people to do?
• How do the people get ready for the coming of Jesus?
Scripture Background
Provide 2-3 minutes of background information on the gospel using the Catechist Background section.
In today’s gospel, John the Baptist announces that something great is about to happen. The savior that God has promised is coming. John tells the people to make room in their hearts for Jesus. John the Baptist is sent to prepare the people for the coming of Jesus. John preaches repentance and the forgiveness of sins as the way to welcome Jesus. To be prepared for the coming of the Lord, we must experience a change of heart and be truly sorry for our sins.
Questions for Deeper Reflection
• Who are we waiting for during the season of Advent?
• How does listening to the message of John the Baptist help us get ready?
• How can you ask for God’s forgiveness?
[If you are not going to continue with the doctrinal discussion, proceed to theGospel in Life.]
Doctrinal Discussion Starters
Confession of Sins
During Advent we look forward to living in harmony with all of creation. We wait for God’s promise to heal the pain, violence, and hatred that exists in the world. We look forward to the coming of Jesus Christ. Making room for Jesus includes making changes in our lives. Advent calls us to turn away from hurtful ways. We are not perfect and we need God’s help to change our ways. Confessing sin brings us closer to God. Just as John the Baptist points to Jesus Christ, the confession of our sins points to the healing mercy of a forgiving God.
We celebrate the mercy and forgiveness of God in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The Catholic Church teaches that an essential part of the sacrament is when we tell our sins to the priest.
During the Advent season we get ready for Jesus Christ, whose birth we prepare to celebrate and whose coming again in glory we anticipate.
• How can you change your hurtful ways during Advent?
• Why is it important to confess our sins?
• What does the Church teach about the sacrament of Reconciliation?
Sacrament Connection
The Sacrament of Reconciliation celebrates God’s forgiveness and mercy. Part of this sacrament is when we tell our sins to the priest. In this way, we are opened to the healing of God’s grace (CCC 1456).
The Gospel in Life
What can you do at home, in school, and with friends to get ready to welcome Jesus?
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