The disciples were filled with joy when they saw the Lord and he said to them again, “Receive the Holy Spirit. For those whose sins you forgive, they are forgiven.”
John 20:21-22
Those who approach the Sacrament of Penance obtain pardon from God’s mercy for an offence committed against him and are, at the same time, reconciled with the Church which they have wounded by their sins. (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1422)
The role of parents
The Church expects that parents will give their children every opportunity to regularly attend the celebration of Mass in the years leading up to celebrating Reconciliation and Holy Communion, so that they have a living awareness of what we believe and celebrate in these sacraments.
The role of our schools
Children who attend a Catholic school are taught the nature of the Sacraments each year in the religious education curriculum according to their level of understanding. There are two special modules on Reconciliation and Holy Communion in year 4.
Reconciliation and Holy Communion in our shared parish
In school year 4 parents will be invited, via the school, to accompany their children in preparing for reception of Reconciliation and Holy Communion. The preparation involves the parents attending Mass with their children each week. Parents will also be asked to teach their children using a suitable resource book.