First Sacraments
People were bringing little children to him, for him to touch them. The disciples turned them away, but Jesus was annoyed and said to them: 'Let the little children come to me and do not stop them.' Then he put his arms around them, laid his hands on them and gave them his blessing.
- (Adapted from Mk: 13-16)
Baptised children are invited to become full members of the Catholic Church by receiving the other Sacraments of Initiation. Typically, they receive First Confession in Year Three, First Holy Communion in Year Four and Confirmation in Year Six. However, they may also receive them when they are older. Parents who would like their children to receive one of these sacraments are invited to participate in four faith formation sessions. The children will prepare for the sacraments in after-school sessions.
Download an Enrolment Form for First Sacraments or Confirmation:
If you would like your child to prepare for a sacrament, please contact Father Paul either after Mass or by phoning the Parish office on 01274 677992. Alternatively, please speak to Mrs Ramsden at school for further information.
The Sacrament of Reconciliation
The Sacrament of Reconciliation is also known as the Sacrament of: Confession: because, in this Sacrament, we acknowledge our sins by telling (or confessing) our sins to a priest.
In Year 3, we invite children to prepare for their First Reconciliation. Miss Karis leads sessions to help the children take this important step on their faith journey and we invite parents/family members to join them. The Diocese of Leeds have developed a resource called Heart Speaks to Heart: the Gift of Reconciliation to support these sessions and guide the children.
Lord Jesus,
You are the Lord of Life. You love us. You grant us forgiveness when we do wrong and sin. Help us to walk closely beside You day by day, to grow in love and friendship with You, and to share Your love and forgiveness with others.
Amen
The Sacrament of First Holy Communion
The Sacrament of First Holy Communion is the first time that a person receives the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist, which is the eating of consecrated bread and drinking of consecrated wine.
We invite the children to prepare for their First Holy Communion in Year 4. Miss Karis leads sessions to help the children take this important step on their faith journey and we invite parents/family members to join them. The Diocese of Leeds have developed a resource called Heart Speaks to Heart: the Gift of Holy Communion to support these sessions and guide the children.
Lord Jesus,
Bless the children receiving Holy Communion for the first time. Give them a hunger for this sacred food so that they turn to You for comfort, guidance, and wisdom as they grow into full discipleship. Thank you for their innocence and goodness. May their eagerness to receive Your Body and Blood inspire all of us to cherish this Sacred Sacrament.
Amen.
The Sacrament of Confirmation
Confirmation is the Sacrament that completes Baptism. At Confirmation the gift of the Holy Spirit is bestowed upon us. Anyone who has freely decided to live a life as God’s child and asks for God’s Spirit under the signs of the laying on of hands and anointing with the Holy Oil of Sacred Chrism receives the strength to witness to God’s love both in word and in deed. The newly confirmed person is now a fully-fledged responsible member of the Church. Confirmation is one of the seven sacraments of the Catholic Church.
We invite the children to prepare for their Confirmation in Year 6. Andy Watts leads sessions to help the children take this important step on their faith journey. The Diocese of Leeds have developed a resource called Empowered by the Spirit: the Gift of Confirmation to support these sessions and guide the children.
Open my heart and my mind as I prepare for Confirmation. Help me to know that you are confirming all the goodness that I am and all the goodness that I will become. Increase my desire to know and follow Jesus as his disciple with a grateful and courageous heart. Amen.
For further information, please click the link below:
Sacraments for Children and Young People | Diocese of Leeds - Education