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Sacraments


 

The Catholic Church teaches that there are seven sacraments or rites through which God can communicate his grace to an individual. Catholic Christians believe that the sacraments are channels for God’s grace - every time they take part in a sacrament, they receive more grace.
 

The sacraments of the church form an essential part of Catholic life.  The children celebrate their sacraments in their own parish church as part of the church community.  The parish catechists prepare the children for each sacrament in addition to the school religious education as part of “This Is Our Faith”.


The Sacrament of Reconciliation is celebrated in Primary 3.

The Sacrament of Reconciliation, commonly known as confession, or the Sacrament of Penance, is open to children who are also preparing to receive their first Holy Communion.  The importance of becoming sensitive to right and wrong and making responsible choices begins at an early age.  Children are encouraged to form the habit of frequent  confession. Preparation for First Reconciliation takes place in the context of Primary 3 religious education classes. A workbook will come home from school with activities based on the school lessons; these workbooks provide notes to help parents follow what their child is learning and opportunities for the child and parent to pray together at home  

 

The  Sacrament of Holy Communion is celebrated in Primary 4.

The Eucharist joins Christians together in their faith. In First Holy Communion our children receive Jesus for the first time in the form of bread (which IS his body) and wine (which IS his blood).  Jesus give himself to us as ‘food for the journey’ (through life and into eternal life) to sustain us and make us more like him.  Holy Communion is also an expression of our unity as members of the Catholic Church and everything that the Catholic Church teaches. Again, a workbook will be sent home to allow parents to participate in their child's preparation to receive the Sacrament. 

The Sacrament of Confirmation is celebrated in Primary 7.

Confirmation is a sign that a person has reached maturity and is now able to take responsibility for their own faith. It also strengthens and deepens the connection to the Church that is established at baptism. In the Sacrament of Confirmation we are given a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit and are given the gifts of wisdom, knowledge, right judgment, understanding, courage, piety and fear of the Lord. 

The Sacrament of Confirmation will be conferred by Archbishop Nolan in one of the churches in the Deanery. 

 

 

You should always contact your Parish Priest for more information on the necessary preparations for your child’s Sacraments.