Lenten recollection module

Sancta Maria Mater et Regina Seminarium
Archdiocese of Capiz
Cagay, Roxas City

Prepared by: Sem. Emmanuel P. Andrada

3 DAY LENTEN RECOLLECTION MODULE
Theme: “Lent: A time of Giving and Forgiving”

Audience:
Laity, Marriaged, Family life and Youth

Objectives:
To realize that forgiveness followed by reconciliation is both a gift from God and a gift to one
another.
Participants will recognize their personal sins.
Participants will accept the pain and recognize your faults and accept the feelings this may
cause.
Participants will be provided an opportunity to develop a plan of action for a change of life.
Think of the aspect, attitude, behavior, or action that you want to change and take action.
Participants will reflect and receive the grace of God. Believe God has forgiven you, because
he is Merciful. If you have the opportunity, confess your sins to a priest.

Context

Lent is a time in which we stop to reflect upon those important parts of our life. During this
season, we turn ourselves to Christ asking for guidance. This is a time to reconcile with those whom
we have offended and those who have offended us. God's mercy will be present in this journey to
discover how "Christ is the path to forgiveness and reconciliation."

Handouts & Resources Needed:

Handout 1.1: Guide Questions for Silent Reflection
Handout 1.2: Discussion Questions for Group Sharing/Reflection
Handout 1.3: Invocation or invitation to prayer/Prayer of thanksgiving or petition
Handout 1.4: God’s Love Letter
Handout 1.5: The Grandfather’s Table and the Wooden Bowl
Handout 1.6: The New Heaven or the New Jerusalem is Revelation 21:4
Handout 1.7: To Complete Reconciliation
Handout 1.8: Reconciliation
Journals - one for each participant
Pens/pencils
Bible

Time Guide and Reminders for Facilitator:

7:00 am – 7:30 am - RISING/BATH
7:30 am – 8:30 am - BREAKFAST
8:30 am – 10:00 am - FIRST ACTIVITY/SESSION
10:00 am – 10:30 am - BREAK
10:30 am – 11:45 am - SILENT REFLECTION (Handout 1.1)
11:45 am – 1:00 pm - LUNCH BREAK
1:00 am – 2:30 pm - SIESTA
2:30 pm – 3:30 pm - SECOND ACTIVITY/SESSION
3:30 pm – 4:30 pm - GROUP SHARING/REFLECTION (Handout 1.2)
4:30 pm – 5:30 pm - BATH
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm - INVOCATION OR INVITATION TO PRAYER/PRAYER OF
THANKSGIVING OR PETITION (Handout 1.3)
7:00 pm - 8:00 pm -HOLY EUCHARIST
8:00 pm – 9:00 pm - DINNER
10:00 pm - LIGHTS OFF

DAY 1
MORNING
Activity #1: Orientation
AFTERNOON
Activity #2: To focus oneself, the person needs to STOP
DAY 2
MORNING
Activity #1: SIN: A CRIME OF THE HEART
AFTERNOON
Activity #2: KNOCKIN’ ON HEAVEN’S DOOR?
DAY 3
MORNING
Activity #1: How can we thank God for His loving mercy?

Prepare and Dispose yourself
Be creative
Pray for yourself and for your participants
Always remember that you are God’s instrument, all glory belong to Him
Be flexible
Enjoy… it is enjoyable and fruitful experience

DAY 1

MORNING

Activity #1: Orientation

A. Settling Down with meditative background

Procedure:
Let them think of themselves alone
Let them think not to worries about the things they left at home.
Let them forget just this very moment their problems, assignments, requirements, etc.
Lead them to pray, thanking all the blessings they receive.
Read; God’s Love Letter. (Handout 1.4)

B. Knowing each other:

Procedure:
Introduce yourself
Let them introduce themselves to all one by one
Ask them to pick-up things around that could describe them.

C. What is a RECOLLECTION?

Procedure:
Icebreaker
Ask them to define recollection in their own understanding.
Ask them about expectation/s in attending a recollection.
Explain what recollection means
Re (prefix) – again
Collectio (latin) – to collect or to gather
Wider Definition: Recollection is the act of recalling our experiences and dreams in life for us
to examine them. This examination will lead us to know our real purpose in life.
Success of Recollection 25% from the guidance of Holy Spirit
25% from the facilitator
50% from the participants
100% The Grandfather’s Table and the Wooden Bowl
(Handout 1.5)
Debriefing

AFTERNOON

Activity #2: To focus oneself, the person needs to STOP

Procedure:
Explain to them why we need to stop and check up oneself and to have time to STOP.

S – ilence. (cf. 1kings 19:1-13)
T-hink. Like Jesus we need to think and to reflect.
O-pen. Like Jesus we need to embrace pain, sacrifice, our problems and woundedness.
P-ray. To talk to God through prayer (cf. Psalm 86:5)
The facilitator will explain why the participants need to stop and check himself and to have
time for it.
Debriefing

DAY 2

MORNING

Activity #1: SIN: A CRIME OF THE HEART

Procedure:
Icebreaker
The purpose of this activity is to remind and to know what sin is.
To remind the participants about the Ten Commandments is a recipe for love.
To let them recognize their sins and to explain how sins can be forgiven.
Let the participants realize that to repent means ―to turn around‖.
The facilitator will explain that God is always ready to forgive.
Debriefing

AFTERNOON

Activity #2: KNOCKIN’ ON HEAVEN’S DOOR?

Procedure:
Icebreaker
The purpose of this activity is for participants to learn more about the real purpose of life and
to prepare for our future home which is with God.
Explain to the participants what heaven is like.
To enlighten them What Will We Do in Heaven? What Won’t Be in Heaven? And Will
Everyone Reach Heaven? (Handout 1.6)
That the participants will recognize heaven is a holy place and Oneness With God
The facilitator will explain that by seeking God in this life, we begin to live in the ―kingdom
of heaven‖ even before we die. No Excuse This Time!
Debriefing (Handout 1.7)

DAY 3

MORNING

Activity #1: How can we thank God for His loving mercy?

Procedure:

Icebreaker
The purpose of this activity is for participants to have courage in asking forgiveness from
those they have hurt.
Make them realize to do penance for the wrong thing they have done.
Invite the participants to forgive and pray those who have hurt them and those they have
hurt.
The facilitator make clear to the participants about the reconciliation requires a sincere
change of life. By reestablishing our relationship with God and others, we commit
ourselves to change our behavior, our attitudes, our ways of life by receiving the
Sacrament of Reconciliation. (Handout 1.8)
Debriefing

Handout 1.1:
Guide Questions for Reflection:

Do we remember to forgive who hurt us? Do we remember to ask forgiveness from people we
have hurt?
Is it easy to ask forgiveness?
Is it easy to give forgiveness?
How do we feel after you asked forgiveness from someone you have hurt? How do we feel
after you have forgiven someone who has hurt you?
Take time to talk with the Lord on your top concerns; what has been affecting you; dominant
feelings; and what you want the Lord to do for you? Take time… Tell Him, listen to Him…
o End by thanking the Lord and simply resting in His love.

Handout 1.2:
Discussion questions:

What are some of the situations within your own life or within your family in which
forgiveness and reconciliation are necessary? Please explain.
What are some of the situations within your parish or neighborhood in which forgiveness and
reconciliation are necessary? Please explain.
What are some of the situations and reasons that keep you, your family, and your community
from choosing reconciliation and forgiveness?
In what ways can you make forgiveness and reconciliation a more central part of your
personal life and the life of your community?

Handout 1.3

INVOCATION OR INVITATION TO PRAYER/PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING OR PETITION

Opening hymn/song
Invocation or invitation to prayer
Scriptural reading
Prayer of thanksgiving or petition
The Lord's Prayer
Final prayer and sign of peace
Closing hymn

Handout 1.4

Father's Love Letter
An Intimate Message From God To You.
My Child,

You may not know me, but I know everything about you. (Psalm 139:1) I know when you sit
down and when you rise up. (Psalm 139:2) I am familiar with all your ways. (Psalm 139:3)Even the
very hairs on your head are numbered. (Matthew 10:29-31)For you were made in my image. (Genesis
1:27) In me you live and move and have your being. (Acts 17:28) For you are my offspring. (Acts
17:28) I knew you even before you were conceived. (Jeremiah 1:4-5)

I chose you when I planned creation. (Ephesians 1:11-12) You were not a mistake, for all
your days are written in my book. (Psalm 139:15-16) I determined the exact time of your birth and
where you would live. (Acts 17:26) You are fearfully and wonderfully made. (Psalm 139:14) I knit
you together in your mother's womb. (Psalm 139:13) And brought you forth on the day you were
born. (Psalm 71:6) I have been misrepresented by those who don't know me. (John 8:41-44) I am not
distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love. (1 John 4:16) And it is my desire to lavish
my love on you. (1 John 3:) Simply because you are my child and I am your Father. (1 John 3:1)

I offer you more than your earthly father ever could. (Matthew 7:11) For I am the perfect
father. (Matthew 5:48) Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand. (James 1:17)For I am
your provider and I meet all your needs. (Matthew 6:31-33) My plan for your future has always been
filled with hope. (Jeremiah 29:11) Because I love you with an everlasting love. (Jeremiah 31:3) My
thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore. (Psalms 139:17-18)And I rejoice over
you with singing. (Zephaniah 3:17)

I will never stop doing good to you. (Jeremiah 32:40) For you are my treasured possession.
(Exodus 19:5) I desire to establish you with all my heart and all my soul. (Jeremiah 32:41) And I
want to show you great and marvelous things. (Jeremiah 33:3) If you seek me with all your heart, you
will find me. (Deuteronomy 4:29) Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart. (Psalm
37:4) For it is I who gave you those desires. (Philippians 2:13) I am able to do more for you than you
could possibly imagine. (Ephesians 3:20) For I am your greatest encourager. (2 Thessalonians 2:16-
17)I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles. (2 Corinthians 1:3-4) When you are
brokenhearted, I am close to you. (Psalm 34:18) As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you
close to my heart. (Isaiah 40:11) One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes. (Revelation
21:3-4) And I'll take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth. (Revelation 21:3-4)

I am your Father, and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus. (John 17:23) For in Jesus, my
love for you is revealed. (John 17:26)He is the exact representation of my being. (Hebrews 1:3) He
came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you. (Romans 8:31) And to tell you that I am not
counting your sins. (2 Corinthians 5:18-19)Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled. (2
Corinthians 5:18-19) His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you. (1 John 4:10) I gave
up everything I loved that I might gain your love. (Romans 8:31-32)

If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive me. (1 John 2:23)And nothing will ever
separate you from my love again. (Romans 8:38-39) Come home and I'll throw the biggest party
heaven has ever seen. (Luke 15:7) I have always been Father, and will always be Father. (Ephesians
3:14-15) My question is… Will you be my child? (John 1:12-13) I am waiting for you. (Luke 15:11-
32)………………………………………………….

Love, Your Dad
Almighty God

Handout 1.5

The Grandfather’s Table and the Wooden Bowl

A frail old man went to live with his son, daughter-in- law, and four-year old grandson. The
old man’s hands trembled, his eyesight was blurred, and his step faltered. The family ate together at
the table, but the elderly grandfather’s shaky hands and failing sight made eating difficult. Peas rolled
off his spoon onto the floor. When he grasped the glass, milk spilled on the tablecloth.

The son and daughter-in- law became irritated with the mess. ―We must do something about
Grandfather, ‖ said the son. ―I’ve had enough of his spilled milk, noisy eating, and food on the floor.‖
Therefore, the husband and wife set a small table in the corner.

There, Grandfather ate alone while the rest of the family enjoyed dinner. Since grandfather
had broken a dish or two, his food was served in a wooden bowl. When the family glanced in
Grandfather’s direction, sometimes he had a tear in his eye as he sat alone. Still, the only words the
couple had for him were sharp admonitions when he dropped a fork or spilled food.

The four-year-old watched it all in silence. One evening before supper, the father noticed his
son playing with wood scraps on the floor. He asked the child sweetly, ―What are you making?‖ Just
as sweetly, the boy responded, “Oh, I am making a little bowl for you and Mama to eat your food in
when I grow up.” The four-year-old smiled and went back to work.

The words so struck the parents that they were speechless. Then tears started to stream down
their cheeks. Though no word was spoken, both knew what must be done.

That evening the husband took Grandfather’s hand and gently led him back to the family
table. For the remainder of his days, he ate every meal with the family. And for some reason, neither
husband nor wife seemed to care any longer when a fork was dropped, milk spilled, or the tablecloth
soiled. ———————————————

Children are remarkably perceptive. Their eyes ever observe, their ears ever listen, and their
minds ever process the messages they absorb.

If they see us patiently, provide a happy home atmosphere for family members, they will
imitate that attitude for the rest of their lives. The wise parent realizes that every day the building
blocks are being laid for the child’s future. Let us be wise builders and role models.

Handout 1.6

The New Heaven or the New Jerusalem is Revelation 21:4

He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be
mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.

What this verse does for is it causes me to ponder all the things that WON’T be in heaven (of course
the point of heaven is that Jesus will be there and sin will be no more). I have actually made a list of
the things I’m excited about leaving behind.

1. police 18. divorce 35. denominations
2. war 19. car wrecks 36. guilt
3. weapons 20. jealousy 37. funerals
4. band aids 21. temptation 38. regret
5. first aid kits 22. prostitution 39. apologies
6. fasle prophets 23. suicide 40. sad songs
7. false doctrines 24. eating disorders 41. fights
8. political debates 25. school shootings 42. drugs
9. social anxiety 26. bullying 43. drunkenness
10. depression 27. hunger 44. sin
11. worry 28. thirst 45. idolatry
12. fear 29. bills 46. boredom
13. pride 30. credit cards 47. discontentment
14. tissues (no crying!) 31. debt collectors 48. scars
15. hospitals 32. demons 49. shame
16. medicine 33. Satan 50. loneliness
17. cavities 34. theological debates

It is interesting to note what will not ne in heaven:

No tears, death, mourning, crying, or pain (Rv 21:4)
No church or temple (Rv 21:22; the whole place will be the temple of God!)
No sun or moon ( Rv 21:23; God’s love will be the source of light there)
No nights; no closing of the city gates (Rv 21:25)
Nothing unclean (Rv 21:27)
NO more hassles with the devil (Rv 20:10; he can’t get in there)
No one who does abominable things (Rv 21:27)
No one who tells lies (Rv 21:27)
No curse of sin; it will be broken (Rv 22:3)

Handout 1.7

To Complete Reconciliation

Remember that reconciliation is complete when trust has been restored.

Each day, maintain a log or journal in which you document how your life is changing daily.
Emphasize yourself observations in the areas of:

New behaviors
New attitudes
New beliefs
New actions
New communication style
New patterns in my prayers

Handout 1.8

Reconciliation

Reconciliation is the work not only of individuals, but of the faith community and of
society. Conflicts that consume the world are rooted in unresolved wrongs—imagined or real,
deliberate or involuntary—that retain their power to provoke discord, hostility, factions,
discrimination, violence, and warfare. As Catholic Christians, our faith calls us to be reconciling
persons and to be members of a reconciling community. Our baptism incorporates us into the
reconciling mission of Jesus Christ. In Christ we are called to forgive one another, to reconcile
our differences, and to heal our souls and our world from all our brokenness. Lent, is also the
ideal time to renew our understanding, appreciation, and practice of the Sacrament of penance
and reconciliation. In this Sacrament, we confess our sins to Christ and are relieved of their
burden. We experience, through the absolution of the priest, Christ's forgiveness and mercy.

Action steps:

Brainstorm actions and projects that can promote forgiveness, reconciliation, and healing.
(One example of such an action is to conduct a reconciliation service to seek and to
receive pardon as individuals and as a community.)
Separate the ideas according to the following levels:

 Actions to be undertaken at the personal level
 Actions requiring the participation of different groups within the faith community
 Actions involving the whole faith community and/or the local civic community
Prioritize those actions that are most important and urgent, and develop a plan to
implement them.

To prepare for this Sacrament, remember:

Reconciliation is an act of faith. Christ has revealed to us God's love for us to the point

that he took the initiative to forgive our sins.

Reconciliation requires an attitude of humbleness. Only the proud cannot see their
mistakes. By recognizing our weakness we are able to repair them.

Reconciliation requires a sincere change of life. By reestablishing our relationship with
God and others, we commit ourselves to change our behavior, our attitudes, our ways of
life.

Here are some ways to prepare for reconciliation:
Be well prepared.
Dedicate some time to reflect on your life. "Clean your own house."
Accept the pain.
Recognize your faults and accept the feelings this may cause.
Develop a plan of action for a change of life.
Think of the aspect, attitude, behavior, or action that you want to change and take action.
Take your time.
Do not rush yourself. While confessing, allow time to express yourself clearly. Listen.
Make the effort to avoid committing the same mistake….
Establish ways to avoid sin.
Receive the grace of God.
Believe God has forgiven you, because he is Merciful. If you have the opportunity,
confess your sins to a priest.

Now that you have reestablished your relationship with God, select an action in which
you can promote forgiveness, reconciliation, and healing.

What actions would you take at the personal level?
What actions would you take to enhance your relationship with others?
What actions would you take to improve the life of your community? (i.e. accepting
others who are different; helping the more needy; etc.)

Make a list of those actions and invite others to implement them.

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