Reconciliation and First Holy Communion

Preparing the Year 3 children to receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Holy Communion is the responsibility of the Year 3 teacher and our Principal and Vice Principal alongside Father Adrian.

We have very strong links with our parish community and this is vital to the successful running of the First Holy Communion programme. 

Although the children are prepared in Year 3, we build on the knowledge and understanding gained in the earlier years as well as the child's faith from home.  The children take part in RE lessons focusing on both sacraments and also preparation meetings and Masses leading up to receiving the sacraments of Reconciliation and the Eucharist.

Reconciliation is a special occasion whereby children are supported by our staff, parents and the parish.  On the day of Holy Communion, a great emphasis is placed on the child and their family receiving the sacrament together. The rest of the school and parish community support them by preparing and taking part in the special mass.

Confirmation

In Year 6, the children prepare to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. The children prepare for the Sacrament at home, in class and in the parish. Again they are supported through sacramental meetings and masses throughout the months in the lead up to them receiving the sacrament.

During Religious Education lessons in school, the children study the Holy Spirit in detail. They look at the fruits and gifts of the Holy Spirit and think about how these will work in their future lives. The children study the events of Pentecost and think about how they will be like the disciples when the Holy Spirit comes down upon them. As Confirmation is a Sacrament of initiation, the children explore how Baptism and Confirmation are linked, focussing in particular on the signs and symbols used in both. They are encouraged to select the name of a saint who has inspired them in some way. A sponsor is also chosen and has the role of supporting the child in their spiritual life. 

Please pray for our candidates:

Father of love and power, it is your will to establish everything in Christ
and to draw us into his all-embracing love.
Guide these candidates as they begin their preparation for Confirmation.
Strengthen them in their baptismal promises,
build them into the kingdom of your Son,
and seal them with the Spirit of your love.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Sacramental Programme 2023/24