Sacramental Preparation 

"The Sacraments are not mere appearances, they are not rituals; they are the power of Christ; Jesus Christ is present in the Sacraments." - Pope Francis

During the children’s time at Saint Cuthbert’s, they will enrol and receive three Sacraments. Reconciliation, First Holy Communion and Confirmation. Each Sacrament will bring the children closer to God and help them grow stronger as members of God’s family.

At Saint Cuthbert’s, we believe that involving parish, family and school will make the Sacraments your children receive to be a meaningful experience. The parish pray for the children who are receiving one of the Sacraments. Photographs of the children are displayed in church so that members of the parish know who they are praying for. 

The Sacramental programme begins in September when the children participate in an Enrolment meeting and Mass. This enables the children and their families to make a clear symbol of commitment and dedication to the programme. The parents and children both sign a certificate showing their commitment to preparing them to receive one of the the Sacraments.

Sacrament of Reconciliation and First Holy Communion

During Year 3, the children will receive two Sacraments. The Sacrament of Reconciliation and the Sacrament of First Holy Communion. 

This begins with a meeting for parents with Father Andrew and staff from school where they are given the opportunity to find out more about the Sacrament itself, how the children are preparing in school to receive the Sacraments and for parents to ask any questions they have about the day. The children and parents also are given an activity to complete during the meeting to talk about the Sacrament with one another.

 If you have any questions about the Sacrament of Reconciliation or First Holy Communion, please feel free to speak to Miss Taylor   (Year 3 teacher) and he will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Sacrament of Confirmation

During their final year at St Cuthbert’s School, the children are prepared for and receive theSacrament of Confirmation. 

This begins with a meeting for parents with Father Vitalis and staff from school where they are given the opportunity to find out more about the Sacrament itself, how the children are preparing in school to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation and for parents to ask any questions they have about the day. The children and parents also are given an activity to complete during the meeting to talk about the Sacrament with one another. The children are prepared following a school based programme and have a weekly lesson with work to continue at home. The programme is based on the Curriculum Strategy used in the Archdiocese of Birmingham.

As part of their work, children prepare a project on the saint of their choice. 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. During this time the children have the opportunity of a spiritual retreat to Alton Castle which enriches and deepens the understanding of their faith.                                                                                        

If you have any questions about the Sacrament of Confirmation, please feel free to speak to Mrs Hoyle (Year 6 teacher) and she will be happy to answer any questions you may have.