Communications Tools

Following JesusOne of the most important decisions we make each day is how to use words that express love and respect. Before saying something, ask the following three questions: Is it true? Is it necessary? Is it kind? If the answer to any of these is no, the words don’t need to be said!

Remembering God’s ForgivenessOne of the oldest prayers in which we ask for forgiveness is the Jesus Prayer—for example, “Lord, Jesus Christ, have mercy on me, a sinner.” Foster mutual respect and forgiveness by praying the Jesus Prayer with your family. Try substituting a speci� c petition: “Lord, Jesus Christ, have mercy on me, for being impatient . . . for losing my temper . . . for saying something hurtful.”

Celebrating God’s ForgivenessTo cultivate a listening environment in the home, practice these four habits: 1. Don’t interrupt or change the subject when someone else is talking. 2. Focus full attention on the person who is speaking by turning o� the television or phone. 3. Maintain eye contact and ask questions to deepen under-standing. 4. Pay attention to body language and what another person might be saying “beneath the words.”

Preparing to Celebrate ReconciliationWhen gathered around the table or before bedtime, invite each person in the family to name an act of kindness he or she witnessed sometime that day. This daily ritual increases awareness of the small yet powerful forces of love, respect, and kindness at work each day in the world around us.

Celebrating the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation Practicing forgiveness reduces stress and improves our outlook on life. Notice how the atmosphere in a home changes when the words “I’m sorry” are spoken and forgiveness given. O� er a prayer of thanksgiving together for the grace of forgiveness in your home.

Living God’s PeacePeacemaking starts in the home. When we acknowl-edge our wrongdoing, listen to others openly and with care, resolve con� icts in a healthy manner, and strive to see the best in one another, we not only spread peace but also experience it in our hearts. Peace then ripples out of the home and into the world.

Spiritual Practices for the Home:Reconciliatio nSpiritual Practices for the Home:

T hese brief practices can help families as their children prepare to celebrate the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation. Use them as social media posts, on the parish Web site, as bulletin inserts, or in e-mail messages to the parents.

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108 Sadlier Religion