​​

















​​Session Design:
​Jonah and The Big Fish

---

Keep me safe, O God, you are my hope. (Psalm 16:1)
​God has a plan for each of us.

 
​

Jonah and the whale, or Jonah and the big fish, is a Bible story about Jonah disobeying God.  Jonah tries to hide from God, but that didn’t work.  From the inside of the fish (in the darkness) Jonah prays for forgiveness.  And God forgives! 
 
This is a wonderful children’s story, but it also has great meaning for adults as well.  We have all disobeyed God – sinned.  And we have all asked for forgiveness and have felt God’s mercy.

On this page, you will find: 

(1) Life Connections; an opportunity to reflect - as adults - on how the story of Jonah and the Big Fish relates to your life.

(2) Catholic Connections for Adult Disciples: Jonah and the Big Fish is a good way to remember how our tradition talks about how God has a plan for each of us, God is merciful and forgiving, and prayer is an important part of our faith.
(3) Family Practices: Ideas for forming our children in discerning God’s plan for our lives and forming our children in prayer, and teaching forgiveness

​Reflection and Discussion Questions are provided for each area so that parents and caregivers may support one another as they grow in their own faith and form children in faith.

---

Life Connections
Reading Children's Stories as Adults

For Reflection & Discussion:​

​Consider a time when you did not consider God in your life choices.

1. In hindsight could you see where you did not follow God’s plan?
2. At the time did you consider praying about your life choices? 
3. How can we discern God’s plan for each of us?
4. When have you asked for forgiveness?  How did you feel after asking?

 

Catholic Connections

• Why should I confess my sins to a priest?
• The Catholic Family Prepares to Celebrate Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation
• Personal Prayer Life
• Reconciliatio

For Reflection & Discussion:​​

For Reflection & Discussion

1. Is forgiveness a part of my life?
2. Am I modeling forgiveness for my children?
3. How can I make prayer a meaningful part of my daily life?

Family Practices

• ​I’m Sorry Prayers (Click on the “Do It” button, and scroll down to watch the video)
• Sharing Faith
• Children's Prayers
• Family Prayers
• Traditional Catholic Prayers

For Reflection & Discussion:​​

1. How can we include family prayer as part of our daily life?
2. How can I model forgiveness for my children?
3. How can I help my children see God in their everyday lives?​