World Youth Day USA Guides Retreat Manual | Page 46

RECONCILIATION SERVICE

Homily:

NOTE TO LEADER: Allow approximately one

After a reading from Sacred Scripture (including those

hour for this prayer service. An appropriate number of

in the Rite for Reconciliation of Several

individual confessors will need to be present. The tone

Penitents with Individual Confession and

should be solemn, with candlelight, and participants are

Absolution or Mk 2:1-12 or 2:13-17, Lk 15,

asked to enter in silence (with soft music or chant).

Jn 21:15-19), the priest offers a brief reflection or asks

A central candle could be placed in a prominent and

compelling questions on the Gospel reading, highlighting

accessible place. It is also recommended to be in the

the great mercy the Lord has for us and reminds all that

presence of the Blessed Sacrament. The priest who

through the Sacrament of Reconciliation, we can wipe

leads the service uses the Church’s Rite for

our slate clean and then “go and sin no more.”

Reconciliation of Several Penitents with
Individual Confession and Absolution.

For the Individual Confessions:

Among the various choices permitted by that Rite,



Point out to the group the locations of the
priests who are available for the Sacrament

here are some suggestions:

of Reconciliation.


Opening Song:

Provide time for a careful examination of

NOTE TO LEADER: Use an appropriate song

conscience, which can be directed by a

that focuses on forgiveness and mercy.

priest or another minister.


Remind the penitents to be sure to say their
penance after their confession.

Invitation:


NOTE TO LEADER: After the greeting, the priest

All sit and pray quietly for the remainder of

might use these words to speak briefly about the

the hour, as others complete their

importance and purpose of the celebration:

confession (appropriate in the presence of
the Blessed Sacrament).

We come together to seek mercy and to
remind ourselves that we also need to be

NOTE TO LEADER: Reflective music can be

merciful. We need to show mercy to others

played in the background during this time.

who have harmed us. We need to show
mercy to ourselves when we forget that no

PEER TALK

sin is unforgivable. We need to remind

NOTE TO LEADER: After a short break after the

ourselves of the boundless compassion that

reconciliation service, a short ten-minute reflection by a

God our merciful Father has for us and for

young person can be given on the topic of “mercy received,

all people. So let us pause now and call to

mercy given.” Reflections should be personal, about a

mind the mercy of God.
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