At St. Patrick’s, children learn about the importance of the Sacraments and that they develop our inner selves and souls to help us on our journey to heaven. It is in these special times that we share in Christ’s life, spirit, love, forgiveness and healing.
Our school prides itself on strong links between the parish, school and home. This means that the preparation for these sacraments is very strong.
We invite members of the Parish to pray for all our children as they prepare to receive the Sacraments. Parents are invited to be fully involved in the preparation of their child for the Sacraments and we expect parents to attend all preparation meetings leading up to the celebration of the Sacrament.
Reconciliation
In Year 3 children receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation. In preparation for this Sacrament, the children reflect on the fact that they are children of God and that this impacts on the way they treat others.
Through studying Bible stories and parables, the children learn about Jesus’ teachings on repentance and forgiveness and learn to think about the consequences of their actions and how this affects their relationship with God.
The children learn the structure and sequence of the Rite of Reconciliation and are fully prepared to make their Reconciliation.
First Holy Communion
Once the children in Year 3 have made the Sacrament of Reconciliation, they receive the Sacrament of First Holy Communion. The children work very hard at home, in school and in the parish to ensure that they are fully prepared to receive Jesus into their hearts.
Teachers plan, prepare and deliver lessons using specific teaching units from the Archdiocese of Birmingham Scheme of Work ‘Learning and Growing as the Children of God’. The children focus of the Last Supper when Jesus shared his last meal with the disciples. They look in particular at the breaking of the bread and how this is similar to the celebration of the Mass. By examining the words of Jesus at the Last Supper and the priest at Mass, they learn to appreciate that we are present with Jesus every time we go to Mass.
The children also learn about the different parts of the Mass in detail over the year but focus particularly on the Liturgy of the Eucharist leading up to the celebration of First Holy Communion. By exploring each of the parts of the Liturgy of the Eucharist in detail, the children learn that the Mass is a celebration of thanksgiving and that during the Eucharistic prayer, the priest asks the Holy Spirit to change the gifts of bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Jesus.
Alongside their lessons in school, the children are expected to attend Mass with their families each week and pray at home as a family.
Confirmation
Our Catholic children are prepared to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation when they are in Year 6. The children prepare for the Sacrament at home, in class and in the parish.
Teachers plan, prepare and deliver lessons using specific teaching units from the Archdiocese of Birmingham Scheme of Work ‘Learning and Growing as the Children of God’. During RE lessons, 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 also look at 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, focusing in particular at the signs and symbols used in both.
As part of their work, children prepare a project on the saint of their choice. 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.
Alongside their lessons in school, the children are expected to attend Mass with their families each week and pray at home as a family. The children are encouraged to read Bible stories together and discuss their RE lessons.
The evening itself is a great celebration with children, parents, clergy, staff and members of the parish.
