SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION FOR RECONCILIATION (CONFESSION) AND COMMUNION
It is Diocesan policy that the preparation of children to receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation (Confession) and Communion should involve the Catholic School, the Parish and the family, all working together. It is seen as an opportunity for evangelisation and a pastoral initiative.
In our parish the children at St Mary’s School follow the recommended Religious Education Scheme “Here I Am”, and learn about the Sacraments from Reception Class up to Year 6.
In Year 3 (age 7 to 8 years) the children participate in a special parish based programme to prepare them to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation in Advent and the Sacrament of Holy Communion in June of the following year. The children meet, either after school or on Saturday mornings, to work through a scheme with a group of catechists from the parish. Catholic children attending non-Catholic schools are welcome to attend, but may need extra support from the catechists using a scheme called “Walk With Me” prior to beginning the Sacramental Programme.
The Parish Priest meets parents prior to the commencement of the programme to discuss personal and family commitment and support for the children. Parents are encouraged to help with the children’s sessions.
There are a number of Liturgies celebrated at the Sunday 11 o’clock Mass at St Mary’s at key stages in the programme, and St Mary’s School prepare and organise the First Holy Communion Mass.
