Last week we taught the kids the 10 Commandments. Below is the clues for remembering the order.

1. Hold up one finger- God should be first– No other gods before him.
2. Hold up two fingers- This forms a V for vain– Don’t use the Lord’s name in vain.
3. Hold up three fingers- This forms a W for worship– Sundays are for worship and rest.
4. Use four fingers to salute- Honor your Father and Mother.
5. Use five fingers to make a fist- Don’t kill.
6. Use three fingers on each hand to form a heart- Don’t commit adultery.
7. Hold up two fingers on one hand, use all five fingers on the other to grab the two fingers- Don’t steal.
8. Use four fingers on each hand to form binoculars over your eyes- Don’t bear false witness. This also forms the number 8 when you take them off your eyes and turn them sideways.
9. Hold up the ring finger (other nine are down)- Don’t covet neighbor’s wife.
10. Use all ten fingers to cover your eyes- Don’t covet neighbor’s goods.

We used the 10 Commandments as a basis for the Examination of Conscience, questions we ask ourselves before going to Reconciliation. The one we’ll use on Monday is different to this but I thought it was worth putting on the blog for you to have a read.

Examination of Conscience (for kids, linked to the 10 Commandments)
I am the Lord your God, you shall have no other gods before me.
Did I remember to say my prayers every day?
Did I make time for TV or friends but not God?
Did I treat churches, priests and nuns with the proper respect?

You shall not take the Name of the Lord your God in vain.
Did I remember always to say God’s name with love and reverence?
Did I say things like, “Oh my God” or “I swear to God” or “Jesus Christ” as words, not prayers?
Did I say my prayers properly, not too fast and with all my heart?

Keep holy the Sabbath day
Did I miss Mass on a Sunday or a holy day of obligation on purpose?
Did I dress nicely for Mass and help my family get there on time?
Did I distract others or not pay attention during Mass?

Honour your Father and Mother
Was I disobedient to my parents?
Did I willingly do my chores and help around the house?
Do I make a fuss when my parents ask me to do something?

You shall not kill
Did I hurt anyone physically?
Did I help people when they needed it?
Did I tease or hurt anyone’s feelings?

You shall not commit adultery
Did I dress and act in a modest way?
Did I respect my body and other people’s bodies?

You shall not steal
Did I take something that belonged to someone else?
Did I break something that doesn’t belong to me?
Did I cheat on a test?

You shall not bear false witness
Did I tell a lie?
Did I say something mean about someone?

You shall not covet your neighbour’s wife
Did I get jealous of other people’s friends?
Do I thank God for my family and friends?

You shall not covet your neighbour’s goods
Did I wish I had what belongs to another so much that I made myself sad or angry?
Did I thank God and my family for all the things I have?
Did I share my things with my friends and siblings?