Sacramental Preparation a shared venture between Our Lady & St Thomas Primary School and St Thomas of Canterbury and Our Lady of Perpetual Succour
Our Parish and School work very closely to prepare our children to receive the sacraments of Reconciliation and First Holy Communion. The introduction of the new Sacramental programme by the Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle in 2011 has strengthened our school parish links and helped us provide a very personal learning experience for our pupils.
Each year in September a meeting is held for Parents, Pupils, Catechists and school staff. Fr Murphy is crucial to this meeting and welcomes our parents in such a way that instantly everyone feels we are all there to support each other. The programme is shared at this meeting.
The programme has roles and responsibilities;
Roles of Parents and Carers
To introduce faith to their children and support its development.
- Make contact with the parish and priest;
- Attend at least one meeting for parents and carers before each sacrament; in addition to the introductory meeting and a meeting to discuss the practicalities regarding celebrations;
- Guide and accompany their child through the initiation process;
- Ensure their child is enrolled on the preparation programme.
Role of the Parish
To engage candidates and their families in the life and mission of the parish community
- Welcome candidates and their families to the parish;
- Include the families in parish life;
- Take a lead in the monthly liturgical celebrations;
- Supporting children’s spiritual development by delivering the Diocesan catechetical programme;
- Work with the school on meetings and practicalities of the sacramental programme.
Role of the School
To teach children to grow in knowledge and understanding of the mystery of God and the life and teaching of Jesus and his Church.
- Deliver a programme of study relevant to each sacrament and appropriate to the age and capacity of the child during the school day;
- Provide parents and carers with clear information about their child’s progress in Religious Education;
- Assist the parish in arranging and delivering a meeting for parents and carers before the children celebrate the sacrament for the first time.
Structure of the Programme
Catechist overview
There are eight sessions during the year; each session is held after school and is followed by a Liturgy the following Sunday which the children take part in.
Teaching overview
The teaching prior to the sacrament of Reconciliation takes place in Advent. The teaching prior to the sacrament of First Holy Communion takes place in April and May.
The Catechist sessions, teaching and the Liturgies fit together seamlessly to ensure the children are well prepared to receive these very special sacraments.