Disciples Tell of Visit

To help the children understand how important it is to receive the Sacrament of Penance

The children will tell how Jesus gave the disciples peace and the authority to forgive sins.

• Tell the children that this activity will help them to think more about what happened when the risen Jesus visited the disciples.
• Read from John 20:19-23. Tell the children to imagine that this event is happening today and the way it would be covered in the news.
• Divide the children into small groups. Tell each group to choose some members to pretend to be disciples and some to pretend to be newspaper reporters.
• Give the subgroups a couple of minutes to plan. The reporters' group can plan their questions and the disciples' groups can discuss the amazing thing that happened to them.
• Then have the reporters sit facing the disciples and interview them for a newspaper feature article.
• Following the interviews, invite the disciples to tell what they will do in their lives as a result of Jesus' visit. (spread Jesus' message to all people; give people the peace and forgiveness of Jesus)
• Conclude by reminding the children that the priests who hear our confessions share the gifts that the disciples received, and through the Sacrament of Penance, we receive Jesus' forgiveness and peace.

Body Smart, People Smart

Visit the reporters' discussion groups and suggest questions, if necessary. (What did he look like? What did he say? What gifts did he give you? What will you do as a result of his visit?)