At St. Philip's, children in Year 4 take part in the Sacramental Programme - a very special step in their faith journey.
The children prepare to receive the Sacrament of First Holy Communion. First Holy Communion is when a child receives the Eucharist (the Body and Blood of Jesus) for the first time, which is a key moment in becoming a full member of the Catholic Church.
We work closely with our parish priest and catechists to support the children as they learn about the meaning of this sacrament, grow in their understanding of the Mass, and deepen their relationship with God. It is a joyful and meaningful time for the whole school and parish community, and we are proud to celebrate it together with families and friends.
The programme is split into two parts. First, the children prepare for the Sacrament of Reconciliation by learning about virtues such as thankfulness, honesty, bravery, reflection, friendship, respect, love, and forgiveness—virtues that are closely linked to their everyday experiences. Next, they prepare for the Sacrament of the Eucharist, First Holy Communion, by exploring deeper virtues like faith, hope, love, stillness, generosity, gratitude, courage, and reflection. We teach children that virtues help us become more like Jesus and bring out the very best in us. To help them understand the Mass, we relate it to a special family gathering, where people come together to share stories, listen, eat, and celebrate.
Together with our parish priest and catechists, we support the children as they discover the meaning of the Eucharist and learn that it is the source and summit of our faith. This part of our children's faith journey plays a vital role in helping children grow spiritually and feel fully part of our Catholic community. We are proud to celebrate this sacred and joyful time with them, their families, and the wider parish.
