Sacramental Preparation

Baptism

Each child begins their sacramental journey through the gift of baptism. Baptism is the gift of new life, a gift from God our Father.

For many reasons your child may not have been baptised when they start school, even things that we know are important pass us by. God understands life, for Jesus lived amongst us and walked in our shoes!

If your child is not baptised and you would like them to be, we want to make this happen. Both the parish and school are working together to help this to happen.

The only criteria are that one parent must be baptised Roman Catholic and there must be a desire for the gift of baptism to be given to your child.

In October parish catechists, Pauline Rolt and Pat Naughton, Mrs O'Donnell and Mrs Sheppard joined together for our first parent preparation sessions and our first group of pupils were baptised in November.

Reconciliation and Holy Communion

When children are in Year 4 and above they can continue their sacramental journey through the gifts of reconciliation and First Holy Communion. This is a special time for the child, their family, the parish and school.

Parents are contacted in the spring term to request the sacraments for their child.

The only criteria are that the child must be baptised Roman Catholic, and that they attend two preparation sessions after school led by the parish catechesis's. The parish contacts families through the school in the spring term when arrangements for both child and parent sessions are confirmed.

Dates for 2025

Tuesday 28th January

Parent meeting and Enrolment onto the programme - St Basil's Church 2.30pm

Saturday 8th March

Mass of Enrolment - St Basil's Church 4.30pm

Tuesday 11th March

Catechetical Session 1 - First Reconciliation - These sessions take place at the end of the school day and the children need to be collected at 4.15pm by parents from school

Tuesday 18th March

Celebration of First Reconciliation - St Basil's Church 11am

Sunday 27th April

Whole Parish Mass (Sacramental Programme) 10.15am St Michaels Church - This is a Holy Mass where all the children from across the whole parish gather together in their sacramental year.

Tuesday 29th April

Catechetical Session 2 - First Holy Communion - These sessions take place at the end of the school day and the children need to be collected at 4.15pm by parents from school

Friday 9th May

Rehearsal for First Holy Communion Mass - St Basil's Church 4.30pm

Saturday 10th May

Celebration of First Holy Communion Mass - St Basil's Church 12 noon

Sacramental Celebration

In June, the whole school celebrates with the children and families who have received the sacraments of reconciliation and Holy Communion in a special collective worship. The children enjoy wearing their special communion outfits again and the celebration cake!