Decide to Forgive: Participant Book

Developing Faith is a series of mini-courses that forms the catechetical centerpiece of a comprehensive and complete youth ministry model for adolescents. The Developing Faith series is designed to fit comfortably into many different programming schedules. Each mini-course includes eight sessions, each approximately 150 minutes in length. The sessions are clearly labeled in parts and movements that allow for much freedom to adapt the mini-courses to many time-frames, settings, and existing program calendars. Sr. Kieran Sawyer has pioneered a process of faith development that includes the various activities that make up a successful youth ministry program: theological input, dialoguing, faith sharing, prayer experiences, service opportunities and intergenerational participation. These features are included within each session. In part or whole, the sessions can be used for youth group meetings, religion classes, retreats, days of recollection, peer ministry meetings, small faith community gatherings, and so forth. Used in any of these ways, the Developing Faith series contributes to and is indeed a foundation for an expansive and engaging total youth ministry program. About This Mini-Course Decide to Forgive is a mini-course that explores the need for reconciliation and forgiveness in human relationships. In eight complete sessions, the teens will examine these and other issues: • How the words "I am sorry" are a good start in repairing a broken relationship • The tangible benefits of incorporating the seven virtues into our lives • The meaning and do-ability of radical forgiveness • How to let go of personal resentments • How to develop an informed Christian conscience • Techniques for dealing with conflict and improving communication • Why true Catholicism is inclusionary while racism is exclusionary • The benefits of celebrating sacramentally sorrow for our sins