Goal

The goal of this Edge Night is to introduce the middle school youth to the form of prayer known as contrition and the importance of having a contrite heart. The youth will be encouraged to learn the prayer called the Act of Contrition.

Edge Night at a Glance

The Act of Contrition is recited each time one goes to the sacrament of Reconciliation. However, the contents of the prayer should be examined to better understand the prayer and how the prayer can help us draw closer to God in prayer and our need for His love and mercy. When we say the prayer of contrition, we acknowledge our sinfulness and ask God for His forgiveness and mercy.

As with the Prodigal Son (Luke 15), to have a contrite heart not only means to be sorry for how we have offended God, but with the grace of God, work not to sin. In addition to the actual Act of Contrition, we also say prayers of contrition during Mass: the Confiteor (I confess…) or Penitential
Rite (Lord have mercy…) and the Lamb of God.

The night will begin with a revised game of “Sorry” for the youth to understand that when we say sorry, we should also work to change our behavior. The Proclaim will break open the Act of Contrition and help the youth to understand what they pray each time they say it. During small group, the youth will discuss each line of the Act of Contrition and relate it to their personal experiences. Conclude with a chance for the youth to say the Act of Contrition and be challenged to live it out during the upcoming week.