The Blessed Sacraments 

In Year 3 children receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation. In preparation for this Sacrament, the children reflect on the fact that they are children of God and that this impacts on the way they treat others.

Through studying Bible stories such as Zacchaeus the tax collector and parables like the Prodigal Son, the children learn about Jesus’ teachings on repentance and forgiveness.

They learn to appreciate that God created humans with free will thus allowing them to make a decision to make good and bad choices. The children learn to think about the consequences of their actions and how this affects their relationship with God.  

The children learn the structure and sequence of the Rite of Reconciliation and are fully prepared to make their Reconciliation in Lent.

Here at OLSK we encourage the children to be personal examples of the life of God within us all. We create a rota at the beginning of the year to include the children undertaking sacramental preparation in all aspects of the Mass, from taking up the gifts to reading and serving.  Children are reminded to attend Mass and all the Sacraments.  Our Parish Priest Father Stefan, works alongside our parents and the school community, in the children's preparation for receiving the sacraments of Reconciliation, Confirmation and Eucharist. Children then make their first Reconciliation in the Spring term of Year 3 and receive their First Communion during the Summer term.

During year 6, the children prepare to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. The children prepare for the Sacrament at home, in class and in the parish.  

Children are invited to participate in a Mass of enrolment to make a commitment before God that they and their families will take on the responsibilities placed before them.

During Religious Education lessons in school, the children study the Holy Spirit in detail. They look at the fruits and gifts of the Holy Spirit and think about how these will work in their future lives. The children study the events of Pentecost and think about how they will be like the disciples when the Holy Spirit comes down upon them. As Confirmation is a Sacrament of initiation, the children explore how Baptism and Confirmation are linked, focusing in particular at the signs and symbols used in both.

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. The children also have the opportunity of taking part in spiritual retreats which enrich and deepen the understanding of their faith. 

Alongside their lessons in school, the children attend Mass with their families each week and pray at home as a family. The children are encouraged to read Bible stories together and discuss their Religious Education lessons. 

The day itself is a great celebration with children, parents, clergy, staff and members of the parish.

Prayer linked to Confirmation

Prayer to the Holy Spirit

Come, Holy Spirit,

fill the hearts of your faithful,

and kindle in them the fire of your love.

Send forth your Spirit,

and they shall be created,

and you will renew the face of the earth.

O God, who has taught the hearts of the faithful

by the light of the Holy Spirit,

grant that by the gift of the same Spirit

we may be always truly wise,

and ever rejoice in his consolation,

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen

Children have the opportunity to receive three sacraments during their time at Our Lady & St Kenelm 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 Autumn Term, before Advent.

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 on a Saturday in the parish church during a prayer reconciliation service, where the children are presented to the priest by their family.

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 during Advent.

The whole class join in a celebration of their sacrament with the parish community the First Holy Communion mass, held at Our Lady & St Kenelm Parish Church. It is followed by a Communion breakfast in the School Hall, the week after. 

Catholic boys wear a suits 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 Thursday 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 in Our Lady & St Kenelm Parish 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.