This past Saturday our parish had their annual “Forgiveness Day” for the students who are preparing to receive their First Reconciliation next week. It was from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM. Students rotated through 8 different stations each focusing about an aspect of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Here is a little bit about each station:
1) Priest Station – one of our priests talks with the students about the Sacrament of Reconciliation, shows them one of the “Reconciliation Rooms” or Confessionals and answers any questions the kids have.
2) Game Station – A station where there is a board game that students play answering various questions about the Sacrament.
3) Snack Station – A snack is served and kids do a word search related to reconciliation.
4)Movie Station – A brief video about Reconciliation and discuss some of the details from the video with the students.
5) The Quiz Station – Students are posed various questions that they are asked to answer.
6) The Story Station – A story is read about forgiveness and then discussed with the kids.
7) The Heart Station – Students decorate a heart, cut out of felt, which has their name on it. This is then put on a large banner and put in our gathering space for Reconciliation.
8) Activity Station – Students played a “hands on” interactive game with a reconciliation theme.
The parents who help out share with us how much they enjoyed the experience. We also find even parents who did not help out share with us how much their child enjoyed it and how they talked about the experience the rest of the weekend. Forgiveness Day is a great way to prepare students and help them feel comfortable about making their First Reconciliation.
Does your parish do any kind of retreat for the 2nd graders preparing for their First Reconciliation? I’d love to hear what you do!
April 11, 2011 at 10:07 PM
Thank you for posting your outline of the Forgivenes Day it was very well done. Our parish holds a Retreat & Reconciliation Day for the children and their families.
On their Reconcilation day the children & their families all participate in a 1/2 hour retreat in the parish hall which includes 3 activities.
1. Examination of the conscience.
2. Fun activity reflecting on their sins.
3. A reading & reflecting on a little story about how God always wipes away our sins.
After this retreat the children & their families all go over to the Church for their Reconciliation and we encourage the whole family to attend Reconciliation.
Keep up the good work.
April 12, 2011 at 8:40 AM
Sue,
Thank you for your post. That is a nice way to prepare before Reconciliation. God Bless your ministry!
December 14, 2011 at 2:59 PM
I am a new Elem. Religious Education Coordinator and have been searching for a First Reconciliation Retreat. I really like your idea of learning stations. Could you provide explicit details for each station, such as, what game, video, etc., you use? I would be very grateful. I need all the help I can get!
Thanks,
Christine
December 14, 2011 at 3:04 PM
I’ll be happy to email you you the learning stations I’ve used. A great resource that I’ve used regarding this is: “Learning Centers for First Reconciliation, First Eucharist and the Whole Community by Doris Murphy.” It’s put out by 23rd Publications.
January 9, 2012 at 8:37 PM
Hi Christine:
My name is Claudia and like you I am new in the same position and I am preparing our First Reconciliation retreat, so, could you please forward me all the material you have at reledsect@blessedjuniperoserra.org. Thank you so much in advance. God bless you
January 10, 2012 at 12:01 PM
I’ll email you what I have Claudia.
January 12, 2012 at 9:55 AM
Could you send me a copy of your stations as well. I am interested in the quiz, the game and what story you read. thanks!
January 12, 2012 at 10:14 AM
Sure Linda, I’ll be happy to do that today.
January 30, 2022 at 9:17 PM
Hi !
Any chance you can send this on to me also?
January 30, 2022 at 9:45 PM
Sure, can you email me to remind me – woleary@kcascension.org
January 20, 2012 at 2:37 PM
Could you send to me please- running a retreat next week!
Thanks in anticipation!
January 23, 2012 at 6:59 AM
I also would love to have the information on the Forgiveness Stations you talk about. Thank you so much.
January 24, 2012 at 8:46 AM
Sure, I’ll email it to you.
February 6, 2012 at 1:38 PM
Love to have the information on the stations also. I have been a Leader for 8 years and was looking for new ideas!
Peace, Pam
February 7, 2012 at 5:54 PM
Ann says:
Are you still willing to share the stations and activities.
I would appreciate a copy.
Thank you.
March 1, 2012 at 11:19 AM
I am a Coordinator for First Communion and would love to share your idea with my team could you please consider emailing me your stations and activities. We would love to break out and do something new.
Thanks and God Bless,
March 1, 2012 at 11:20 AM
Sure, I’ll email them to you.
March 9, 2012 at 7:16 PM
Hi William! Our school needs help with our Reconciliation Retreat this coming March 21. Can you please share your stations and actvities ideas. Thank you so much and God bless you!
March 12, 2012 at 10:42 AM
Sure, I’ll send what I have to you.
May 10, 2012 at 1:23 AM
Hi William, kindly email me details of your Forgiveness Day to marlene.douglas@gmail.com. Thank you so much!
May 15, 2012 at 3:58 PM
Well, in joining the rest of the comments, I am beginning my planning already for next year. I have a Eucharistic Retreat and have always felt that Reconciliation was gypped, so I would love more information on your Reconciliation Retreat! Thanking you in advance! cdicesare@olphchurch-il.org
May 15, 2012 at 8:13 PM
Cherie,
I’d be happy to send you some once I am back in the office.
God Bless,
William
November 6, 2012 at 1:11 PM
Hi William –
I guess you are a popular guy! Could you please send me the information about the Forgiveness retreat you sent to the others who have asked? colfaithformation@gmail.com
Thanks much!
M
November 12, 2012 at 9:10 AM
Hello, I just sent a few people these stations so I hope I’m caught up. 🙂
May 19, 2012 at 2:54 AM
Hi William.
I was very impressed by the programme you offered in your Forgiveness Day. Please can you forward me a copy of your Forgiveness Stations.
Thank you.
Yvette
May 19, 2012 at 7:55 AM
Yvette,
Thank you. I’m happy to send you what I have when I’m back in the office next week. God Bless!
June 1, 2012 at 9:34 AM
Yvette,
Did I send you a copy of the stations yet?
July 9, 2012 at 1:31 PM
Hello William,
Once again, another Elementary Reconciliation Retreat to create and prepare, could you please also email me your stations information as well as who heads each station? The parents of Reconciliation students? What is the parents participation? Thank you William!
07/09/12 1:30 pm central time
July 9, 2012 at 2:33 PM
William, one more question – how many parents/students did you host for this retreat?
07/09/12 2:33 pm central time
July 11, 2012 at 4:18 PM
Parents only volunteer to be “station leaders” but we have about 90 kids.
August 2, 2012 at 2:29 PM
hello,
I am preparing a first reconciliation retreat, and would appreciate if you could share your reconciliation stations, I love the Forgiveness Day Theme.
Thanks,
Maria
August 2, 2012 at 3:27 PM
Hi Maria!
Thanks for the comment.
I was looking forward to see your “here’s a little bit about each station…” but didn’t see a link or anything.
Mind sharing? I’m planning my Forgiveness Day for October.
Thanks!
😉 Sonya
August 21, 2012 at 1:44 PM
Hi Willam,
I am planning a first reconciliation retreat. Can you please email your station ideas to me?
Thank you!
August 23, 2012 at 9:12 AM
Finding these posts let’s me know I am not alone in my endeavor to find a reconciliation retreat for CCD! Would you kindly send me your ideas. Maybe you should market your ideas(obviously a great need from all of us trying to build the Faith in our youth!) Thank you in advance~Michele
October 11, 2012 at 1:46 PM
Can I still ask for a copy of the stations? Am I too late?
October 14, 2012 at 9:44 PM
Dear William,
Hi. I am also preparing a Reconciliation Retreat for my second grade students and parents. This is my first year of teaching this grade level. Is it possible for you to email me an outline of your Forgiveness Day Retreat and details for each station, such as, what game, video, etc., you used? Thank you so much for any assistance you can provide. It is greatly appreciated.
D.
October 22, 2012 at 10:25 AM
I too would like more details regarding your Forgiveness Day, quiz, game, etc.
I would imagine that children visit a separate room or something for each station? Any information would help. Thanks
October 31, 2012 at 8:32 PM
This is my first year organizing a reconcilation retreat. Would you be so kind as to email me your games and program. Thank you
November 7, 2012 at 7:09 PM
I would love the information for your “forgiveness Day”. We are a very small parish, all volunteer staff and in need of new ideas! Thanks for anything you can provide.
November 13, 2012 at 4:16 PM
I would like to add my request to all the others for more information about the different stations. Thanks so much!
November 17, 2012 at 4:35 PM
Dear William,
Since you have a lot of requests for details about your Forgiveness Day retreat I was wondering if you would be able to post the details for each station, such as, what game, video, etc., you used on this site?
Thank you so much!
D. Meier
May 10, 2013 at 4:43 PM
William,
Still almost a year later and another request for the information about your Forgiveness day activities. My parish has just decided to have 2nd graders make their 1st Reconciliation prior 1st Communion this year, instead of in 5th grade. I would truly appreciate a copy sent to me for some ideas I may use this coming year.
God’s blessings,
D. Pamperin
May 17, 2013 at 3:01 PM
Sure, I’m happy to share. Please remind me at the beginning of the week and I’ll get it to you.
July 23, 2013 at 11:03 AM
Hello William,
I am the DRE of our parish in Houston and have been doing a retreat for both First Reconciliation and First Euchairst. I am looking for some new idea’s for the Reconciliaton retreat and was hoping that maybe you could send me more details for each of the stations that were included in your retreat.
Rosemary Munoz
St. Cecilia Catholic Community
11720 Joan of Arc.
Houston, TX 77024
rmunoz@saintcecilia.org
713-465-3414
Blessings, Rosemary
July 23, 2013 at 11:29 AM
I just emailed you what I have.
Hope it is of help.
God Bless!
September 2, 2013 at 2:28 PM
Hi William,
With the new school year about to begin, I have been looking for new ideas for our 2nd grade Sacramental Program. Would you please send me any ideas you might have?
Thank you in advance and many Blessings.
Mrs K. Dubecky
katdubba@sbcglobal.net
September 26, 2013 at 9:58 AM
Good morning, William!
I, too, am interested in the activities you used for your First Reconciliation Forgiveness Day. It’s time to switch a few things up!
Thank you!
Judy Brown
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish
Green Bay, WI
jbrown@seasgb.org
October 2, 2013 at 11:05 PM
Hi William,
I would also love any info on your Forgivness Day. We have never had one before and could use some help! Thank you in advance.
A. Martinez
October 11, 2013 at 3:49 PM
William,
If you are still willing, I would love to receive help in planning my first Reconciliation retreat. I loved your outline.
Thank you,
D. Gazaille
October 15, 2013 at 3:43 PM
William,
I also am interested in your ideas for our Reconciliation Retreat. If possible, would you please email them to me?
Yours in Christ,
Roxanne Norris
rnorris@stfrances.org
October 24, 2013 at 1:58 PM
Hello!
My name is Alicia Henrikson from Mentor, Ohio. Can you please send me the learning stations on Forgiveness Day. Thank you!
January 14, 2014 at 9:19 AM
yes.
October 27, 2013 at 12:01 AM
William,
I am too planning a First Reconciliation retreat, can you share with me too if you are not too worn thin?! Seems this has been mighty popular! Thanks in advance if you get the time!
Tiffany Teofilo
Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church, Grand Bay
TiffTeo@gmail.com
January 14, 2014 at 9:18 AM
Yes.
December 1, 2013 at 7:20 PM
William,
I also am interested in your ideas for our Reconciliation Retreat. If possible, would you please email them to me? I am also a new 2nd grade catechists this year!
God’s Blessings,
Terry Reaume
centurytel.net
January 14, 2014 at 9:17 AM
yes.
December 4, 2013 at 9:04 PM
William,
I am in my first year as DRE at our parish and also teacher of the sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Eucharist. I am very interested in your station ideas. If possible would you share your station information with me?
January 14, 2014 at 9:16 AM
Yes.
December 17, 2013 at 9:09 PM
William,
Am preparing the reconciliation retreat for our parish this january do you mind emailing me the details on video and games you use. I love the idea of rotating stations the kids like to move and be on there feet then just sit in one place.
Thanks
conf_youth@yahoo.com
January 4, 2014 at 10:11 PM
William,
I am busy preparing for a 2nd grade group class that are preparing for Reconciliation next month. Could you send me your detailed itinerary ..
Thanks in advance,
Amy Phelps
Littleamy1@charter.net
January 13, 2014 at 6:04 PM
Hi William,
I am also interested in the information. Would you please email me? Thanks
Donna McIntosh
mrs_mac@comcast.net
January 14, 2014 at 9:16 AM
Yes.
January 20, 2014 at 1:34 PM
Are you still offering to send out your information. I’d also love to receive it.
My email is saintmaryre@iw.net. Thanks.
Jean
January 23, 2014 at 9:20 AM
Sure. I’ll email you.
February 20, 2014 at 8:14 AM
Hi, these ideas sound great. Would you please send me more information. Thanks.
srnka@stbonifaceschool.com
March 11, 2014 at 11:32 AM
Good Day! I too am preparing my class for their retreat and loved your ideas. I would greatly appreciate it if you are still willing to share. Thank you in advance. My email address is l.lundy@ofhcc.org
July 19, 2014 at 12:00 AM
If you email me this coming week I can send you this info.
June 4, 2014 at 2:01 PM
So many people want your ideas- You should be honored! I would also like a copy if possible. Thanks so much for sharing your gifts! Terri
tkerley@stcolumban.org
July 18, 2014 at 11:59 PM
please email me this coming week when I’m in my office and I will be happy to email you. woleary@kcascension.org
April 11, 2015 at 11:21 AM
can you email me the information on the retreat please. rjjnik@live.com
September 25, 2014 at 10:32 AM
Hello & I am so excited to find your website & your guidance! My parish is in need of help to engage our kids & their families.
If you have a moment, would you please send me info for 2nd grade reconciliation & 1st Communion? Thank you very much!
March 26, 2015 at 9:20 PM
I am also looking to implement a 1st Reconciliation retreat day in our parish. Would you mind emailing a copy to me as well. kerida84@yahoo.com Thanks so much and God bless you!
July 15, 2015 at 10:23 AM
I, too, am new to the position of Coordinator of Religious Education. I would very much like the learning centers info. Thanks so much!
January 18, 2016 at 9:48 PM
Hi William, I loved your ideas for a Reconciliation Retreat – would you please send me a copy of the details? Thank you! mrs_mac@comcast.net
January 29, 2016 at 10:03 AM
Hi William,
Thanks for sharing your information. We are in the midst of planning our first Retreat Day with our third graders. If it is not too much of a bother, any information you can e-mail me would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks so much,
May 2, 2016 at 11:37 AM
Sorry, I’m so late on this. let me know if you are still interested.
February 3, 2016 at 10:50 AM
Hi William, I, too, and a new DRE and very interested in your reconciliation retreat. Could you please send me details at: karinda7@knology.net. Thank you.
May 2, 2016 at 11:37 AM
Still interested. If so I can send them.
February 12, 2016 at 10:32 PM
William, I also am interested in your learning centers information. I will be presenting a retreat in a few weeks. Would you please send the information to me at hseibold@cox.net . Thank you!
May 2, 2016 at 11:37 AM
Still interested?