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BY ERIKA ANDERSON
Staff Writer
DECATUR--The second-grade students at Sts. Peter and Paul School spent
months learning about the power of forgiveness, and on Jan. 30 they were able
to experience that power firsthand as they made their first reconciliation.
Prepared by Sister Jean Baker, IHM, the second-graders began their journey
by learning about the importance of friendship and God’s love.
“We emphasized that when we don’t love one another, then the
church is less full of the Lord’s love,” Sister Baker said.
Prior to their first experience of the sacrament of reconciliation, Sister
Baker said that most of the children were not afraid.
“They feel very excited and very happy to go into the next step,”
she said. “They were also happy to hear that the priest doesn’t tell
anyone what they say in confession, even their parents. They all breathed a big
sigh of relief over that.”
Sister Mary Jane McDonnell, IHM, principal, said that although the children
may be nervous, fear of reconciliation is not as present as it was years ago.
“It’s not like they are going into a dark little box,” she
said. “There is nothing dark about it. It’s a celebration of
forgiveness and the fact that they are back with Jesus. They are the light
carrying Jesus to others now.”
Sister McDonnell said that the children have been taught that Jesus will
always forgive them.
“They have to learn to forgive each other, too,” she said.
“They also know that Jesus’ love is always, no matter what they
do.”
Sister Baker said that the children began their preparation by learning
Gospel stories of forgiveness, such as the return of the prodigal son and the
story of Zacchaeus.
During reconciliation, students were able to go to priests from Sts. Peter
and Paul, as well as other priests from the archdiocese. There was also an
opportunity for their parents to go to confession.
Sister Baker said that preparing her students for their first reconciliation
refreshes her own faith. “It’s like you’re journeying with
them,” she said. “It’s a renewal of your own faith journey
also.”
Sister Baker said this is the first step of her students’ faith
experiences. “This is just the beginning of a lifetime friendship with the
Lord,” she said.
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