Reconciliation and First Holy Communion

In Year 3, the children receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation and The Eucharist.

The children make their first Confession during the season of Lent, and take part in a special service of Reconciliation where they receive the Sacrament for the first time. In class beforehand, the children will have been learning about Reconciliation in RE and will have been learning about the importance of forgiveness.

Although the children are prepared in Year 3, we build on the knowledge and understanding gained in the earlier years as well as the child’s faith from home.

Children are prepared through RE lessons in school, where different aspects of The Eucharist are taught – for example, the importance of putting others first, making sacrifices, and being a good disciple.

In preparation for First Holy Communion, children are encouraged to attend Mass each Sunday and there is one special Commitment Mass in the Spring term, where the children have the opportunity to show their commitment to their faith. During these masses; children take responsibility for leading the mass as a class, reading the Liturgy of the Word, leading the parish in song and presenting the offertory.

The children make their First Holy Communion in the Summer Term. All children in Year 3 are expected to attend, with the non-Catholic children supporting their peers. Following the receiving of the Eucharist, the children are ready to present themselves to the parish and prepare and lead the Thank you Mass. They then partake in all parts of the liturgy in future class, parish and whole school masses.