Sacraments
At St Joseph’s, the celebration of the Holy Sacraments are a central part of our school year. During their time here, our baptised Catholic children can receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Holy Communion and Confirmation. We also support families who wish to become members of the Catholic Church, or have their children baptised.
The children have an excellent understanding of how taking part in these sacraments, provides a greater relationship between themselves and God.
Reconciliation and Holy Communion
All baptised Catholic children in Year 3 receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation, in preparation for receiving their Holy Communion in the summer term.
Preparation for Holy Communion takes place during RE lessons and the whole class is included in this. Those children who are not baptised Catholics, are then able to support their classmates at this very special time in their lives.
We hold meetings between school, parents, carers, and the parish priest, in the lead up to the celebration of the Sacrament. We also have a special commitment mass, which pupils and parents are expected to attend, alongside regular attendance at weekend mass.
The children receive Holy Communion in the summer term, usually around the feast day of Corpus Christi, in St Joseph’s Church.
Confirmation
The Sacrament of Confirmation is celebrated every two years for children from Years 5 and 6. The children are prepared for and receive the Sacrament of Confirmation during their RE lessons, which are shared with the rest of their class. They are confirmed during the spring term, usually on or around the feast day of St Joseph, at St Joseph’s Church. They are encouraged to select the name of a saint who has inspired them in some way. A sponsor is also chosen and has the role of supporting the child in their spiritual life.
Again, we hold meetings between the school, parents, carers and the parish priest in the lead up to the celebration of the sacrament. We also have a special commitment mass, which pupils and parents are expected to attend, alongside regular attendance at weekend Mass.
