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Confirmation » How to Talk to Your Child About the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit
How to Talk to Your Child About the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit
 WISDOM
- ...This is a gift that comes about over time. A wise person has learned how to look at life from all perspectives, to see and understand the whole picture of a situation. Someone who is wise can see how everything is part of God's love.
- DISCUSSION: This gift ties all the rest together. It helps us recognize the Holy Spirit with all His gifts in our lives. It helps us know enough to respond to Him and live faithfully. Discuss with your child their gifts to share with others.
- (Wisdom 7:14; Sirach 1:23, 14:20-27; Proverbs 2:1-6)
UNDERSTANDING - ...The ability to see from another person's heart, to feel the feelings of others and to put these before our own.
- DISCUSSION: Have you had the experience of feeling that another person absolutely knows how you feel? This is the fit of understanding. Discuss with your child some ways that understanding is needed in the world.
- (Wisdom 3:9; Proverbs 24-3)
KNOWLEDGE - ...The ability to find important information and facts and look at them objectively and intelligently.
- DISCUSSION: The more knowledge you have about the world, the better you will be able to make wise decisions and to assist others. Discuss with your child a person they respect because he or she is knowledgeable and acts for the good because of this knowledge.
- (Proverbs 19:27; 24:3-5)
COURAGE or FORTITUDE - ...The ability to follow our convictions and conscience no matter what the cost. Courage gives us the strength to do what is right in spite of obstacles and difficulties.
- DISCUSSION: Think of a time when you managed to get through a difficult situation. Discuss with you child an experience you have had and and their experiences with courage.
- (Psalms 118:6, 13-14; Philippians 1:12-14)
COUNSEL -
...The gift in which a person is open to others' insights about a problem and skilled at working with the people to solve that problem. -
DISCUSSION: Have you had an experience when someone listened to you then helped you make choices that would help solve your problem? Discuss similar situations with your child to help them identify when counsel was in action in their lives. -
(Sirach 19:18; 32:16-19; 37:7-15; Proverbs 15:22) PIETY or REVERENCE - ...The gift of piety is honoring God and God's people.
- DISCUSSION: What is your favorite way to pray? Discuss with you child the many ways prayer can enter into their lives.
- (Psalms 118:23-24, 29: Sirach 42:15-25; 43)
WONDER & AWE - ...The ability to be amazed by things in life, to be awake to the realization that we are always in God's presence. God created the beauty of the universe but also listens to us, cares for us, and loves us beyond all measure.
- DISCUSSION: Discuss with your child a time when you strongly felt God's presence in your life? Ask if they have ever experienced such a feeling of awe.
- (Isaiah 29-23; Sirach 32:13; 43:28-35)
Excerpts taken from Catholic Parent/Confirmation Our Sunday Visitor Publishing
ICC Religious Education
Immaculate Conception Parish
75 Church Street
Franklin
New Jersey, 07416
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