Our Sacramental Journey
At St Francis School we aim to ensure that our baptised children can complete their journey to become full members of the Catholic Church. Children are provided with support within school and the Parish to make the sacraments of Reconciliation, the Eucharist and Confirmation.
Sacrament of Reconciliation
This Sacrament was completed by our Year 3 baptised pupils. To begin with, there was a presentation at Church, where Father Galvin blessed all of the children at the start of their journey. Children were then prepared to participate in the Sacrament of Reconciliation through 3 sessions that took place at School. These were led by Mrs Harrison and Mrs Daniels. Following these sessions, the children completed the Sacrament by confessing their sins to God. They were then restored to the innocence of their Baptism. The next Sacrament in their journey is to receive Jesus in their First Holy Communion (the Eucharist.)
Sacrament of the Eucharist
In order to prepare for the Sacrament of the Eucharist the children follow the programme 'Heart Speaks to Heart'. This is completed over a series of sessions, either in school with Mrs Fedzin or in Church with Mrs Cunningham. Parents will support them on every step of the journey. Once the children have completed this scheme, they will receive Communion for the first time is a special celebratory Mass in May.
Sacrament of Confirmation
Children will begin this journey in Year 5. They will attend a series of preparation classes at Church which once again, will be supported by parents, before taking the Sacrament in a Diocese wide Mass led by the Bishop. The children pledge to remain committed to their Catholic faith and do their upmost to be loyal servants for God.
Each step of the journey is important, as it forms part of the child's experience of God which will remain with them for the rest of their lives. We hope these are positive experiences, not only for the child, but also their families.
My favourite part of my First Holy Communion was reading the Bible passage. I enjoyed receiving Jesus for the first time. I wore really special clothes. I felt special when I brought up the offertory. I liked drawing a picture to represent a Bible reading in our preparation class. It was a special moment when I tasted the host for the first time.
Mrs Daniels and Mrs Harrison leading Reconciliation classes using Heart Speaks to the Heart The Gift of Reconciliation. Well done year 4 - you participated with enthusiasm during the classes. The children have until Easter 2022 to make the Sacrament of Reconciliation at church with Canon Galvin.
