Edge Small Group Guide: 40
180: Conversion
Dear Parents and Family,
This week at Edge, your son or daughter learned that when we commit ourselves to prayer, we begin to notice patterns in our behaviors and attitudes that can reveal a need for conversion.
The Edge Night started with a small group challenge where one youth began a pile by stating how many objects he or she could hold from around the room. The things were then passed to the next person, who added more to the pile. The pile continued to pass through the group until the load became unmanageable. Then, the teaching used Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18 to help youth consider the intentions behind their good actions performed during Lent and included a demonstration. The demonstration illustrated how an accumulation of sin could weigh us down and hinder us from clearly seeing the path ahead. After the teaching, core members utilized a handout to explain the process of going to the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and the youth were then led in an Examination of Conscience.
Your child’s weekly challenge is to schedule a time to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation during Lent.
Main Ideas
- During Lent, as we participate in different acts of penance, it is important to remember that every outer work of Lent should come from a place of conversion.
- Conversion is a turning of our hearts and lives back to Jesus Christ, and Lent is a perfect season to reflect on where we need to make changes to overcome sin and grow in holiness in our lives.
- There are many practical ways we can connect our hearts to what we do during Lent, particularly through the Sacrament of Reconciliation, that can help us grow in our relationship with Jesus Christ.
Catechism Reference
“Jesus' call to conversion and penance, like that of the prophets before him, does not aim first at outward works, ‘sackcloth and ashes,’ fasting and mortification, but at the conversion of the heart, interior conversion.” (1430)
Scripture Reference
“‘Yet even now,’ says the Lord, ‘return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments.’ Return to the Lord, your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love, and repents of evil.” (Joel 2:12-13)
Family Reflection Questions
- What can our family learn about Reconciliation?
- What do you think is the difference between doing good deeds to be noticed and doing good deeds because your heart is moved? Does it matter?
- There are many expectations for students to do good deeds to earn service hours. So how can our family make sure our hearts are in service, even amid the busyness of life?