Sacramental Programme

At St Mary’s, our Year 3 Sacramental programme is a cherished part of our community, marking a pivotal moment in our children’s spiritual journey. Deeply rooted in our Catholic faith and shaped by our values, we recognize the profound importance of preparing our children to receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Holy Communion. This programme goes beyond simply teaching; it is a sacred opportunity for our children to strengthen their relationship with God and the wider Catholic family.

Through meaningful lessons, heartfelt prayers, and guidance from Father, we seek to instill a deep respect for the sacraments and provide our children with a solid foundation in their faith. We believe that this journey brings our children closer to God, while also fostering a stronger sense of belonging within the Church, helping them to grow spiritually and enriching their lives for years to come.

2025-2026 Sacramental Programme

Sacramental Programme General Overview

Sacramental Programme in Year 3 – 2025-26

The Sacramental Programme is facilitated by the school staff. The Sacramental programme consists of religious instruction and celebrations for parents and their children (Year 3 or older in some cases) in preparation for receiving the sacraments of Reconciliation and First Holy Communion. The Sacramental Programme is the means by which baptised children can make their own personal commitment to God and continue on their spiritual journeys on their way to completing their journey into full membership of the Catholic Church. The programme itself strives to help them grow into this community and feel a real sense of belonging to the wider Family of God. The programme involves partnership between the parish, the home and school. Each part of the programme is important, as it forms a part of the child’s experience of God which will remain with them for the rest of their lives. We hope this will be a very positive experience, and we trust that parents will support them at every step of the journey. Parents made a commitment when they presented their children for Baptism to support them and help them make sense of our Faith as they grew old enough to understand more and in enrolling their child to be prepared for receiving the sacraments parents and carers need to recognise the importance of giving the full programme their full support.

Dates for this coming year 2025-26

Sunday 16^th November – introductory mass/welcome for families

Tuesday 10th February – meeting for parents and then expected to attend mass on Sunday 15th February (9.30am St Partick’s or 11.15am St Mary’s)

10^th March – Reconciliation themed Assembly in school at 9.10am

11^th March Year 3 Class mass ‘Reconciliation theme’

11^th March at 6.00pm in church – Sacrament of Reconciliation

Tuesday 21st April – meeting for parents then expected to attend mass on 26th April (9.30am St Partick’s or 11.15am St Mary’s)

Wednesday 10^th June – Class mass First Holy Communion themed – families welcome to attend

Friday12th June – First Holy Communion themed assembly for parents/families to attend

Sunday 14^th June – First Holy Communion at church at 11.15am mass