SACREMENTAL PROGRAMME

We believe that it is essential that Home, School and Parish work very closely together in preparing each pupil for the Sacraments.

As part of the Sacramental Programme at St Oswald’s, the children from Year 4 upwards will be given the opportunity to prepare to receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Eucharist.

St Oswald’s Catholic Primary School fully supports the parish in their preparation of the children for the Sacraments of Eucharist and Reconciliation. Parents are invited to attend an initial meeting during which the process of preparation and the commitment is outlined. Input from the parish priest and school is given.

The Parish Priest, Father Graeme, delivers the Sacramental Programme which is based on ‘Family Catechesis’ - assisting parents in bringing their children up in the ways of the Catholic Faith. Through the different sessions the children explore and learn about different aspects of the Catholic Faith and the 3 sacraments of initiation after Baptism: Reconciliation (1st Confession) and Holy Eucharist (1st Communion).

Children preparing for their First Holy Communion learn about how much Jesus loves them and how special it is to receive Him in the Eucharist. They go to Sunday Mass with their families, listen carefully, and gently explore the parts of the Mass where Jesus shared bread and wine as His Body and Blood. They rehearse how to receive Communion—with folded hands and little bow of reverence. Through friendly lessons, family prayer, and gentle guidance from catechists, children grow ready to meet Jesus in the Eucharist with joy and confidence.



First Holy Communion

First Holy Communion is a very special moment in a Catholic child’s life—it’s the first time they receive the Eucharist. It marks a beautiful step in their spiritual journey—joining fully in the life of the Church and feeling close to Jesus in a sacred way.

Reconciliation

Reconciliation is the Church’s special way of saying sorry to God and receiving His love back. We quietly think about times we haven’t been loving to God or others—when we were unkind or didn’t follow God's plan. The children take it in turns to talk to Father Graeme and say, “Bless me, Father, for I have sinned,” and then we tell him how we want to grow and be better. Then Father Graeme says special words of absolution, and our sins are forgiven. We feel peace inside—like a fresh start—knowing God still loves us deeply.