At St Martin de Porres Catholic Primary School, the Sacraments are a very special part of the faith journey of our children. They provide opportunities for children to encounter God's love, grow in their relationship with Jesus and become increasingly active members of the Catholic Church.

Our approach is rooted in a strong partnership between home, school and parish. Parents and carers are the first educators of their children in faith, and we work alongside families and the parish community to support children as they prepare to receive the Sacraments.

We recognise that every family is at a different point in its journey of faith. Whether your family regularly attends Mass, is returning to the Church or would simply like some guidance about supporting your child's faith, you are warmly welcomed and encouraged to take part in your child's sacramental journey.

Our Sacramental Programme

At St Martin de Porres, sacramental preparation operates on a two-year cycle.

Reconciliation and First Holy Communion

Reconciliation and First Holy Communion are celebrated by children in Years 3 and 4 every two years.

Through preparation for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, children learn about God's unconditional love, forgiveness and mercy. They are encouraged to reflect upon their choices, recognise the importance of saying sorry and experience the joy of forgiveness and making a fresh start.

Preparation for First Holy Communion helps children to deepen their understanding of the Eucharist and the importance of the Mass. Children learn that receiving Holy Communion for the first time is not simply about one special day. It is an important step in their continuing relationship with Jesus and their participation in the worshipping life of the Church.

During their preparation, children have opportunities for prayer, reflection and learning both at school and within the wider parish community.

Confirmation

Confirmation is celebrated by children in Years 5 and 6 every two years.

Through their preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation, children deepen their understanding of the Holy Spirit and think about what it means to live as a follower of Jesus.

They are encouraged to consider how the gifts of the Holy Spirit can help them to live out their Catholic faith through their words, choices and actions, and how they can use their own gifts and talents in the service of others.

Confirmation is an important stage in a young person's continuing journey of faith and their relationship with the Church.

Preparing and Celebrating Together

We are delighted that our children prepare for and celebrate the Sacraments alongside children from St John and St Monica Catholic Primary School.

This collaborative approach gives children the opportunity to recognise that they are part of something much bigger than their individual school. They belong to the wider Catholic community and share their journey of faith with other children and families.

The Important Role of Families

Sacramental preparation is a partnership between home, school and parish, and parents and carers have an essential role in supporting their child's journey.

We encourage families to:

• attend Mass regularly with their child;
• pray together at home;
• talk to their child about what they are learning;
• attend preparation meetings, Masses and celebrations;
• support any activities connected with sacramental preparation; and
• continue to nurture their child's faith after the Sacrament has been celebrated.

The celebration of a Sacrament is not the end of the journey. Our hope is that it becomes another step in a child's lifelong journey of faith.

A Warm Welcome to Every Family

We understand that families have different experiences of the Catholic faith and that some parents may feel unsure about sacramental preparation or about returning to church.

Please do not worry about asking questions.

Our approach is one of welcome, encouragement and accompaniment. We want families to feel comfortable talking to us and to see their child's preparation as an opportunity for the whole family to grow in faith together.

If there are particular family circumstances that may affect your child's preparation or participation, we encourage you to speak to us so that we can offer appropriate guidance and support.

Finding Out More

Specific information about preparation sessions, meetings, Masses, celebrations and dates will be shared with families during the appropriate sacramental year.

If you have any questions about Reconciliation, First Holy Communion or Confirmation, please contact the school and we will be very happy to help.

Together, as home, school and parish, we seek to help every child know God's love, grow in faith and live out the Gospel in their everyday lives.