This week your children learned that in Sunday’s Gospel Jesus tells his followers a story about a son who comes home after spending all his money and falling on hard times. Rather than scold him, his father welcomes him with open arms. That welcome tells the son that he is forgiven and is again part of the family. Like the gardener in last Sunday’s Gospel, the father gives his son another chance to grow.
The forgiving father in in today’s Gospel welcomes his younger son home. The father tries to help his older son understand that he gives his love generously to both sons. God is our forgiving and generous Father. He wants us to return home to him after we have sinned. “Our salvation flows from God’s initiative of love for us, because ‘he loved us and sent his Son to be the expiation for our sins” (CCC, 620, citing 1 John 4:10). “The process of conversion and repentance was described by Jesus in the parable of the prodigal son, the center of which is the merciful father” (CCC, 1439).
Parents, remember, your child will grow as a forgiving person as he or she experiences forgiveness and reconciliation in the family. At home, practice family ways to say important reconciling words, such as, I’m sorry and I forgive you. Say the Act of Contrition with your child as nighttime prayer. Home schoolers-We have begun the next and last set of lessons for the year. If you have not picked up your packet please contact the Faith Formation office. Please remember you have to turn in the hard copy of the previous 8 weeks or do the weekly online assessment in order to fulfill participation for this current year.
Partners in Faith,
Phyllis Chudzinski
- Wednesday, March 30th: NO CLASS – Spring Break
- Wednesday, April 6th: Faith Formation classes resume-5:30-7:00 pm
Mandatory Reconciliation Retreat for all First Communion candidates in the Activities Center.