Diocese of Virac

Commission on Youth Apostolate

Risen Christ Complex, Moonwalk Virac, Catanduanes

Journey to Wholeness - The

Healing Power of the Sacraments
(A Recollection Module for Grade 9 Students)
 Foreword

Dear Young Faithful,

Life’s journey is often marked by struggles, wounds, and

uncertainties. As you grow and face new challenges, you may
sometimes feel broken, burdened, or distant from God. Yet, our
faith reminds us that we are never beyond God’s healing touch. In
His infinite love, He has given us the gift of the Sacraments—
sacred encounters with His grace that restore, strengthen, and
lead us toward wholeness.

This recollection module, “Journey to Wholeness: The Healing

Power of the Sacraments,” invites you to reflect on how God’s
mercy and love are made present in the Sacraments. Whether in
the cleansing waters of Baptism, the nourishment of the
Eucharist, or the grace of Reconciliation, each Sacrament is a step
toward renewal and transformation. As you immerse yourself in
prayer, reflection, and sharing, may you come to see that healing
is not just about recovery from pain but about becoming fully
alive in Christ.

May this recollection be a moment of encounter—a time to

experience God’s healing grace, rediscover His presence in your
life, and embrace the wholeness that only He can give.

With prayers and blessings,

Rev. Fr. Nestor Perpetuo T. Pastor

Diocesan Youth Director
 Journey to Wholeness - The Healing Power of the
Sacraments
Overview
"Journey to Wholeness - The Healing Power of the Sacraments" is like a
roadmap for finding inner peace and strength through special rituals in the
Christian faith. You know, like those important moments where you feel a real
connection with God.
Think of it like this: Imagine you're feeling overwhelmed with schoolwork or
friendships, and you just need a boost of positivity and support. Well, the
sacraments are kind of like that boost from a higher power.
Each sacrament, like baptism or communion, is a bit like a supercharged
moment where you can feel God's love and forgiveness in a really deep way.
It's not just going through the motions; it's about feeling a sense of peace
and renewal inside.
So, whether it's the forgiveness you get in confession or the feeling of being
part of something bigger than yourself in confirmation, each sacrament is
like a spiritual pick-me-up. And it's not just about you; it's about being part of
a community that's all on this journey together.
Basically, "Journey to Wholeness" is all about showing how these special
moments in the Christian faith can help you feel more grounded, connected,
and at peace, especially during those tough high school years. It's like having
a secret weapon for dealing with whatever life throws your way.
This one-day recollection module is designed for High School Students,
focusing on deepening their understanding and appreciation of the
Sacraments as encounters with Jesus Christ. Through a series of sessions,
workshops, and interactive activities, students will explore how grace
operates in their lives and how the Sacraments facilitate a profound
experience of the divine.
Objective:
By the end of the Grade 9 recollection with the theme "Journey to Wholeness
- The Healing Power of the Sacraments," students will be able to:
 Understand the significance of the sacraments in their journey toward
spiritual and emotional wholeness.
  Reflect on how the sacraments serve as channels of God's healing
grace in their lives.
 Recognize the importance of reconciliation, forgiveness, and spiritual
renewal through the sacraments.
 Strengthen their appreciation of the Eucharist, Confession, and other
sacraments as vital sources of healing and growth in their faith journey.
 Commit to participating more actively in the sacramental life of the
Church as a means of experiencing God's love and mercy more deeply.

Opening Prayer:
Heavenly Father, In this moment of stillness and reflection, we come
before you as young hearts seeking to understand more deeply the beauty
and significance of the sacraments in our lives. As high school students
navigating the twists and turns of adolescence, we recognize the importance
of finding sources of strength, guidance, and healing along our journey.
We thank you, Lord, for the gift of this day and for bringing us together in
this community of faith. We acknowledge that each one of us is on a unique
path, facing our own challenges, doubts, and joys. Yet, in the midst of our
individual journeys, we are united by our shared desire to grow closer to you
and to experience the fullness of life that you offer us through the
sacraments.
As we gather here today, we bring before you our hopes, our fears, and our
questions. Help us to open our hearts to your presence and to the wisdom
that you wish to impart to us. Grant us the courage to explore the depths of
our faith and to seek understanding even in the midst of uncertainty.
Lord, we ask for your guidance as we embark on this journey to wholeness.
Help us to recognize the signs of your grace at work in our lives, especially in
those moments when we feel lost or broken. Give us the strength to
surrender our fears and insecurities to you, trusting in your promise of
healing and restoration.
In the sacraments, we encounter tangible expressions of your love and
mercy. Whether it be in the waters of baptism, the bread and wine of the
Eucharist, or the words of absolution in confession, may we find solace,
renewal, and hope. Help us to approach these sacred moments with
reverence and gratitude, recognizing the profound ways in which they
nourish and sustain our souls.
Lord, we lift up to you our intentions for this gathering. May our discussions
be filled with honesty, empathy, and respect for one another. May we listen
with open hearts to the experiences and insights shared by our peers,
recognizing the unique ways in which you are at work in each of our lives.
As we journey together in faith, may we be strengthened by the bonds of
friendship and community that unite us. Help us to support and encourage
one another along the way, recognizing that we are not alone in our
struggles or triumphs.
Finally, Lord, we offer this time to you, trusting in your infinite goodness and
love. May all that we say and do bring glory to your holy name and further
the work of your kingdom here on earth.
We ask all this in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns
with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.
Amen.
Introduction Session
Icebreaker: Sacred Object Show and Tell:
1. Ask each participant to bring an object that holds personal significance
or represents a moment of wholeness or sacredness in their life. This
could be a physical item like a photo, a piece of jewelry, a memento, or
even something symbolic like a drawing or a poem.
2. Give everyone a few minutes to prepare a brief explanation of why
they chose that particular object and how it connects to the theme of
sacraments and wholeness in their life.
3. Once everyone is ready, invite each person to share their object with
the group, explaining its significance and the story behind it.
4. Encourage others in the group to ask questions or share their thoughts
after each presentation, fostering discussion and deeper reflection on
the theme.
Gospel Reading and Theme Explanation
When Jesus had crossed again [in the boat] to the other side, a large
crowd gathered around him, and
he stayed close to the sea. One of
the synagogue officials, named
Jairus, came forward. Seeing him
he fell at his feet and pleaded
earnestly with him, saying, “My
daughter is at the point of death.
Please, come lay your hands on
her* that she may get well and
live.” He went off with him, and a
large crowd followed him and
pressed upon him.
There was a woman afflicted
with hemorrhages for twelve
years. She had suffered greatly at
the hands of many doctors and
had spent all that she had. Yet she was not helped but only grew worse. She
had heard about Jesus and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his
cloak. She said, “If I but touch his clothes, I shall be cured.” Immediately her
flow of blood dried up. She felt in her body that she was healed of her
affliction. Jesus, aware at once that power had gone out from him, turned
around in the crowd and asked, “Who has touched my clothes?” But his
disciples said to him, “You see how the crowd is pressing upon you, and yet
you ask, ‘Who touched me?’” And he looked around to see who had done it.
The woman, realizing what had happened to her, approached in fear and
trembling. She fell down before Jesus and told him the whole truth. He said to
her, “Daughter, your faith has saved you. Go in peace and be cured of your
affliction.” * While he was still speaking, people from the synagogue official’s
house arrived and said, “Your daughter has died; why trouble the teacher
any longer?” Disregarding the message that was reported, Jesus said to the
synagogue official, “Do not be afraid; just have faith.”
Reflection:
 Imagine being a young woman, full of dreams and hopes for the future,
but suddenly finding yourself facing a problem that just won't go away. That's
what happened to the woman in our story from the Bible.
For twelve long years, this woman had been dealing with a condition that
caused her to bleed constantly. Can you imagine how hard that must have
been? Not only was she physically suffering, but she was also isolated from
her community because her condition made her "unclean" according to the
religious laws of the time. She must have felt so alone.
But here's the amazing part: even in the midst of her suffering and isolation,
this woman never lost hope. She had heard about Jesus and the incredible
things he was doing—how he was healing the sick, restoring sight to the
blind, and even raising the dead. And she believed that if she could just
touch the hem of his garment, she would be healed.
So, with faith as small as a mustard seed, she pushed through the crowd,
reached out her hand, and touched the edge of Jesus' cloak. And in that
instant, she felt her body instantly healed. Can you imagine the joy and relief
she must have felt? After years of suffering, she was finally free.
But here's where it gets even more amazing: Jesus felt her touch and
stopped in his tracks. He could have just kept walking, but he turned around
and asked, "Who touched me?" His disciples were confused because there
were so many people pressing in around him, but Jesus knew that someone
had touched him with a different kind of touch—a touch of faith.
When the woman came forward, trembling with fear and awe, Jesus didn't
scold her or push her away. Instead, he called her "daughter" and told her
that her faith had made her well.
So, what can we learn from this incredible story?
1. First, we see that no matter what we're going through, we're never
alone. Jesus sees us, he knows our struggles, and he cares deeply
about each one of us.
2. Second, we learn that faith can move mountains. Even when things
seem impossible, even when we're facing challenges that seem too big
to overcome, faith can make all the difference.
3. And finally, we're reminded that Jesus is in the business of
transformation. He can take our pain, our brokenness, and our
struggles, and turn them into something beautiful. He offers us
healing, restoration, and new life—if only we have the courage to reach
out and touch him in faith.
So, let's be like the woman in this story—let's hold on to our faith, even when
things seem dark, and trust that Jesus is always with us, ready to heal,
restore, and redeem.
Talk 1: "Sacraments: Threads of Wholeness in the Tapestry of Life "
Objective: In this session, student will be helped in understanding the
importance of the sacraments in the Catholic faith and their role
in personal healing and wholeness.
Talk:
Amidst this intricate weave of existence, there are threads of unparalleled
significance—sacraments—that illuminate our journey with divine light and
grace.
Imagine your life as a grand tapestry,
stretching across the canvas of time,
adorned with vibrant colors and intricate
patterns. Each thread represents a unique
experience, a cherished memory, or a
transformative moment. Yet, amidst this
kaleidoscope of human existence, there
are threads that stand out, shimmering
with a sacred glow—the sacraments.
Sacraments are not merely rituals; they
are portals to the divine, windows through
which we catch glimpses of the
transcendent. They are moments of
encounter, where the mundane meets the
miraculous, and the earthly touches the
celestial. From the waters of baptism to the sacred union of marriage,
sacraments are woven into the fabric of our lives, binding us to God and to
one another.
Let us embark on a journey through the sacred landscape of sacraments,
where each ritual is a brushstroke on the canvas of our souls, painting a
portrait of faith, love, and redemption. Together, let us explore the profound
significance of sacraments as threads of wholeness in the tapestry of life.
1. Sacraments as Divine Connections: Sacraments are like bridges
that connect us to the divine. They are special moments or rituals
instituted by Jesus Christ himself, where we experience the presence
and grace of God in our lives. These sacred actions serve as tangible
expressions of God's love and involvement in our journey.
 2. Symbolism and Significance: Each sacrament carries profound
symbolism and significance. For example, in baptism, water symbolizes
cleansing and rebirth, while in the Eucharist, bread and wine represent
the body and blood of Christ. These symbols deepen our understanding
of spiritual truths and foster a sense of unity with other believers.
3. Integration into Daily Life: Sacraments are not isolated events but
integral parts of our daily lives. They accompany us from birth to
death, marking key moments of transition and transformation. Whether
it's receiving the Eucharist at Mass or seeking reconciliation through
confession, sacraments provide ongoing opportunities for spiritual
growth and renewal.
4. Community and Connection: Sacraments strengthen our sense of
community and connection with others. They are often celebrated
within the context of the faith community, highlighting our shared
journey of faith and mutual support. Whether it's gathering for a
baptism, wedding, or funeral, sacraments unite us in shared rituals and
traditions.
5. Source of Grace and Healing: Sacraments are channels of God's
grace and healing power. Through these sacred encounters, we receive
spiritual nourishment, forgiveness, and strength to navigate life's
challenges. Whether it's the grace of reconciliation in confession or the
healing touch of anointing of the sick, sacraments offer solace and
hope in times of need.
6. Celebrating Life's Sacredness: Ultimately, sacraments celebrate the
sacredness of life itself. They remind us that every moment, every
experience is infused with divine significance and purpose. Whether
we're celebrating a marriage, ordination, or the birth of a child,
sacraments invite us to recognize and honor the sacredness inherent in
all aspects of existence.
In essence, Sacraments underscores the profound role in shaping our
spiritual journey, fostering community, and enriching our understanding of
God's presence in the world. They are the vibrant threads that weave
together the fabric of our lives, imbuing it with beauty, meaning, and
wholeness. In every sacramental encounter, we witness the divine weaving
its way through the fabric of our existence, infusing every moment with
meaning, purpose, and grace.
Health Break
Icebreaker Activity: "The Web of Connections"
 "The Web of Connections is A fun and interactive way to start the
recollection, helping students to get to know each other and feel comfortable
in the group setting.
Objective: To foster a sense of unity and familiarity among participants,
demonstrating how we are all connected in various ways.
Materials Needed:
 A ball of yarn or string
 A spacious room where participants can form a circle
Instructions:
1. Have all participants stand in a circle, facing each other.
2. The facilitator starts by holding the end of the yarn and sharing a
unique fact about themselves that they believe no one else shares
(e.g., "I have climbed the highest mountain in my country").
3. The facilitator then throws the ball of yarn to another participant across
the circle while holding onto the end of the string.
4. The recipient shares their unique fact and throws the yarn to another
person, holding onto a part of the string, creating a web.
5. The activity continues until everyone has spoken and a complex web of
yarn forms in the center of the circle, illustrating the
interconnectedness of the group.
6. Concluding Discussion: Gather around the web and reflect on the
experience. Discuss feelings of connectedness, surprises about
commonalities, and reflections on the group's diversity and unity.
The "Web of Connections" icebreaker is not just a fun activity to start our
retreat; it embodies the essence of our theme of personal growth and
healing. This interactive exercise does more than just break the ice; it
visually and metaphorically represents how our individual stories are
interconnected, forming a complex but beautiful tapestry of human
experience. By recognizing the unique paths each person has walked, yet
acknowledging the points at which our lives intersect, we lay a foundational
understanding of empathy and support that is critical for the deeper work of
personal development. This activity sets the tone for our retreat,
emphasizing that while the journey of growth and healing is personal, it is
not one we have to undertake alone. Through this shared experience,
participants are reminded that their individual growth contributes to a larger
community fabric, reinforcing the importance of connection and mutual
support in our paths to healing. So, let's continue our retreat with this
understanding in mind, as we delve into further discussions and activities
that will help us to grow and heal together. Let's remember the lessons
learned from the web of connections activity and carry it forward as we move
through the rest of our time together. And most importantly, let's continue to
build upon this web of connections
Note: Ensure everyone listens attentively during sharing to maintain an
environment of respect and inclusion.

Talk 2: " Living Sacramentally: Sharing God's Grace with Others"

Objective: The objective of the theme
"Living Sacramentally: Sharing
God's Grace with Others" is to
encourage participants to reflect on
 how the grace received through the sacraments can inspire and
empower them to be channels of God's love, compassion, and mercy
to others in their everyday lives. Workshop: "Mapping My
Sacramental Journey"
Key Points:
1. Understanding Sacramental Grace: Recognize that sacramental
grace is not just for personal benefit but also for transforming the
world.
2. Embodying Sacramental Values: Live out values nurtured by the
sacraments like love, forgiveness, and service in daily interactions.
3. Modeling Christ's Love: Follow Jesus' example of showing
compassion, forgiveness, and acceptance to all.
4. Identifying Opportunities for Grace-filled Actions: Discern and
act on opportunities to extend God's grace through acts of kindness,
reconciliation, and service.
5. Building Community and Seeking Justice: Foster community,
solidarity, and work for justice, peace, and the common good,
advocating for the marginalized and oppressed.
Discussion:
Living sacramentally is a profound expression of faith that transcends
mere religious rituals. It involves embodying the divine grace we receive and
extending it to others in our daily lives. This essay delves deeper into the
significance of living sacramentally and how it enables us to share God's
grace with others, exploring its various dimensions and implications for our
spiritual journey.

Understanding Sacramentality:
Sacramentality encompasses a holistic approach to spirituality that goes
beyond traditional religious practices. At its core, it acknowledges the
presence of the divine in all aspects of life, recognizing that every moment is
an opportunity to encounter God's grace. While sacraments such as baptism
and Eucharist hold special significance in Christian tradition, living
sacramentally extends this awareness to every moment, infusing our
interactions with love, compassion, and reverence for the sacredness of life.
Living as Channels of Grace:
As believers, we are called to be channels of God's grace in the world,
reflecting the divine image through our thoughts, words, and actions. Living
sacramentally involves cultivating a deep awareness of our
interconnectedness with all creation and responding with compassion and
kindness. It requires us to embody the virtues of humility, forgiveness, and
empathy, recognizing the inherent worth and dignity of every person we
encounter. By doing so, we become living testimonies to the transformative
power of grace, inspiring others to seek and experience God's love.
Acts of Compassion and Service:
Central to living sacramentally is the practice of compassion and service
towards others. Whether it's feeding the hungry, comforting the grieving, or
advocating for justice and equality, these acts of love become tangible
expressions of God's grace in the world. By reaching out to the marginalized
and oppressed, we bear witness to the inclusive and unconditional nature of
divine love, breaking down barriers of division and building bridges of
solidarity. Through our selfless actions, we not only alleviate suffering but
also sow seeds of hope and healing in the hearts of those we encounter.
Building Community and Solidarity:
Living sacramentally fosters a sense of community and solidarity rooted in
mutual respect, empathy, and care. It transcends religious boundaries and
cultural differences, embracing diversity as a source of richness and
strength. By nurturing relationships based on trust and compassion, we
create sacred spaces where people feel valued, heard, and supported in their
journey towards wholeness and spiritual fulfillment. In doing so, we embody
the essence of Christ's teachings, which call us to love one another as God
loves us.
Challenges and Opportunities:
Living sacramentally is not without its challenges, as it requires us to
confront our own limitations, biases, and prejudices. It may involve stepping
out of our comfort zones, confronting injustice, and speaking truth to power.
However, these challenges also present opportunities for growth and
transformation, inviting us to deepen our faith and expand our capacity for
love and compassion. Through perseverance and steadfastness, we can
overcome obstacles and become catalysts for positive change in our
communities and beyond.
Conclusion:
Living sacramentally is a lifelong journey of faith and discipleship, guided by
the conviction that we are called to be instruments of God's grace in the
world. By embracing a way of life rooted in love, compassion, and service,
we become living sacraments, channels through which divine grace flows
freely to all. In doing so, we fulfill our true purpose as human beings and
contribute to the ongoing transformation of the world, making it a more just,
compassionate, and inclusive place for all.
Workshop: "Mapping My Sacramental Journey"
Objective: To provide a reflective and personal understanding of the
sacraments and their impact on the participants' spiritual lives.
Materials Needed:
 Large sheets of paper
 Markers or colored pencils
 Stickers or stamps representing each sacrament
 Glue sticks
 Magazines or printed images for collage (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Introduction: Begin with a brief explanation of the workshop's
objective and how it ties into the theme of finding wholeness through
the sacraments.
2. Individual Reflection: Ask participants to spend a few minutes in
silent reflection, recalling their experiences with the sacraments.
3. Mapping Creation: Distribute the materials. Instruct participants to
draw a path on their paper, marking significant moments in their
sacramental journey—Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, etc. along the
way.
4. Decoration: Encourage them to decorate their maps with stickers,
drawings, or magazine cutouts that represent their feelings or
memories associated with each sacrament.
5. Sharing: Allow those who feel comfortable to share their maps and
stories with the group, focusing on how these sacraments have
contributed to their path to wholeness.
6. Group Reflection: Conclude the workshop with a guided reflection on
the collective experiences shared and discuss the universal yet
personal nature of the sacraments in leading us toward healing and
growth.
Talk 3: Sacramental Vocations: Answering God's Call to Service"
Objectives:
1. Educate on the concept of
sacramental vocations.
 2. Encourage discernment of one's vocation within the Church.
3. Inspire a commitment to service in response to God's call.

Introduction:
In the tapestry of life, there are threads of purpose intricately woven
into the fabric of our existence. These threads, known as sacramental
vocations, are divine invitations extended to us by God, beckoning us to
serve others and contribute to the greater good of humanity. For young
hearts embarking on the journey of self-discovery, understanding and
embracing these calls to service can unlock a profound sense of purpose and
fulfillment.
Understanding Sacramental Vocations:
Sacramental vocations transcend mere occupations; they encompass a
sacred commitment to answering God's call in various facets of life. Whether
it's through the priesthood, religious life, marriage, or dedicated service in
professions such as teaching, healthcare, or social work, each vocation offers
a unique path towards expressing love and compassion in the world.
The Journey of Discernment:
Discernment is a journey of introspection and prayer, a process through
which individuals seek clarity and guidance in understanding their calling. It
involves deep reflection on one's passions, talents, and values, as well as
attentive listening to the whispers of the heart and the promptings of the
Spirit. Through discernment, young individuals can uncover the ways in
which they are being called to serve and contribute to the world.
Finding Support in Community:
The journey of discerning a sacramental vocation is not one that should be
undertaken alone. Surrounding oneself with a supportive community of
family, friends, mentors, and faith companions can provide invaluable
encouragement, guidance, and prayerful support. These communities serve
as pillars of strength, offering companionship and wisdom as individuals
navigate the complexities of discernment and decision-making.
Embracing God's Call:
Answering God's call to service requires courage, trust, and a willingness to
surrender to divine guidance. It entails stepping out in faith, even when the
path ahead seems uncertain, and entrusting one's future into the hands of
God. Embracing a sacramental vocation means aligning one's will with the
will of God, allowing His grace to lead and guide every step of the way.
Challenges and Joys:
While the journey of discerning and embracing a sacramental vocation is
filled with moments of joy and fulfillment, it is also accompanied by
challenges and uncertainties. Doubts may arise, fears may surface, and
obstacles may present themselves along the way. However, it is precisely
through these challenges that individuals are given the opportunity to
deepen their trust in God, to grow in resilience, and to experience His grace
in profound ways.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, sacramental vocations offer young hearts a pathway towards a
life of purpose, meaning, and service. They invite individuals to use their
unique gifts and talents to make a positive difference in the world, to bring
healing to the broken, and to spread love and compassion to all whom they
encounter. As young individuals embark on the journey of discernment, may
they be guided by the light of God's love, supported by the strength of their
communities, and empowered to answer His call with courage and joy. For in
answering the call to service, they will find not only fulfillment and purpose
but also the abundant blessings that come from living a life aligned with the
divine will.

Closing activity Reflection Circle:

1. Invite participants to form a circle.
2. Provide each person with a candle image.
3. Begin by inviting everyone to take a few moments of silence to reflect
on what they've learned and felt during the discussion about
sacramental vocations.
4. Then, invite each person to share a brief reflection on what resonated
with them the most or what insight they gained from the conversation.
5. As each person shares, they can light their candle, symbolizing their
commitment to embracing their own call to service.
6. Encourage others in the circle to offer words of affirmation, support, or
gratitude after each reflection.
7. Conclude the activity with a moment of collective prayer or blessing,
asking for guidance and strength as each person continues their
journey of discernment and service.
 8. Optionally, you can end by extinguishing the candles together,
symbolizing the end of the session but carrying the light of inspiration
and commitment within each participant.
Closing Prayer
Gracious and Loving God, as we come to the end of our time together,
we lift up in prayer all the young hearts gathered here today. We thank you
for the gift of their presence and for the insights and reflections shared
during our discussion on sacramental vocations. May your guiding light
continue to illuminate their paths as they journey through life. Grant them
wisdom and discernment to recognize your call in their lives and the courage
to answer it with open hearts and willing spirits. Bless each student with a
deep sense of purpose and fulfillment as they seek to serve others and make
a positive difference in the world. May they find strength in community,
support in their faith, and joy in the pursuit of their vocations. May your
abundant grace accompany them in all their endeavors, comforting them in
times of uncertainty, inspiring them in times of doubt, and rejoicing with
them in times of triumph. As they go forth from this place, may they carry
with them the blessings of love, peace, and hope. May they be beacons of
light in a world that often feels dark, spreading your love and compassion
wherever they go. We ask for your continued guidance and protection over
each student, guiding them safely along the path of life and leading them
ever closer to your divine presence. This we ask through Christ our Lord.
Amen."