Sacraments

Children have the opportunity to receive three sacraments during their time at St John Bosco Catholic Primary School.

The preparation for each sacrament takes place during religious education lessons and there are also meetings between school, parents and the parish priest.

Sacrament of Reconciliation

This is usually received by Year 3 children during Spring Term.

The children learn the Act of Contrition:

Oh my God
I thank you for loving me
I am sorry for all my sins
For not loving others and not loving you.
Help me to live like Jesus and not sin again.
Amen.

The ceremony takes place during school mass with a prayer reconciliation service, where the children are presented to the priest by the school.

Sacrament of the Eucharist (First Holy Communion)

This is usually received by Year 3 children after May half term, having received the Sacrament of Reconciliation prior to that.

The whole class join in a celebration of their sacrament with the parish community the First Holy Communion mass, held at either Holy Cross or St Michael’s.

Catholic boys wear a suit with a white shirt and buy a red sash and a red tie embroidered with the year (details about ordering will be given out at meetings).

Catholic girls wear a white communion dress. Girls should avoid wearing gloves or having anything to carry during the mass e.g. bags, parasols etc.

We are an inclusive school and encourage all non-catholic children to join in for preparation as well as attend the mass on the First Communion Mass.

Non-Catholic boys can wear a suit and a tie of their own choice.

Non-Catholic Girls can wear a party dress of any colour.

At the First Holy Communion Mass, these children will receive a blessing from Father.

On the Thurday School Mass after Communion, the children are encouraged to re-wear their communion clothes to celebrate their Mass of Thanksgiving in the School Hall with the rest of the school family.

Sacrament of Confirmation

This Sacrament is made in Year 6, usually during July. (The date is confirmed by the office of the Archbishop during the academic year that the ceremony is due to take place.)

The Mass for the Sacrament takes place at St Michael’s Church.

Preparation is undertaken primarily by the class teacher, aided by the RE Lead. The children begin their preparation with a Mass of Commitment at the Parish Church, and also celebrate with a Mass of Light, which takes place in either the school or church.