The Sacramental Programme 2025-2026
The Sacramental Programme is the means by which baptised children can make their own personal commitment to God and continue on their spiritual journeys. It completes their journey into full membership of the Catholic Church. Baptism is the first of three Sacraments of Initiation. At the sacrament of Baptism, parents/guardians made the decision for them and now it is up to them. The children then go on to receive the sacrament of 'First Forgiveness' and they later receive first Holy Communion – a public declaration that they are now fully a part of this community, this “Communion” of God’s family.
The programme itself strives to help them grow into this community, and feel a real sense of belonging to the wider Family of God.
The programme consisted of 6 sessions in order to prepare the children for the sacraments. The first 2 sessions focussed on the sacrament of reconciliation and the latter 4 focussed on the sacrament of Holy Communion. Following each session in school, the children completed a piece of work based on the session with their families. These pieces of work included work on their baptism, their family tree, etc.
The children celebrated the sacrament of reconciliation at school with Fr Derek and celebrated the sacrament of Holy Communion with their families at either Our Lady’s Church or St Michael’s Church (in Oldham).
The Sacramental Programme
The parents of prospective candidates (Year 3 or older in some cases) are invited to an initial meeting with Mrs Jones and Fr Kevin. During this meeting, Fr Kevin will outline the commitment the parents are making on behalf of the children in regards to attending mass.
Following the parents meeting, the children will take part in a series of meetings in preparation for receiving the sacraments of Reconciliation and First Holy Communion.
The Sacramental Programme provides baptised children with the opportunity to make their personal commitment to God and to continue their spiritual journeys. This programme completes their transition into full membership of the Catholic Church.
Baptism is the first of three Sacraments of Initiation. During Baptism, parents or guardians make the decision on behalf of the child; however, the Sacramental Programme empowers the children to take ownership of their faith. Following Baptism, children receive the sacrament of First Forgiveness, and later, they celebrate First Holy Communion—a significant public declaration of their full participation in the community, the "Communion" of God’s family. The programme is designed to nurture their growth within this community, fostering a genuine sense of belonging to the wider Family of God.
We utilise the resource “Heart Speaks to Heart,” which has been recommended by the Salford Diocese. This resource consists of 12 sessions aimed at preparing the children for the sacraments. The first five sessions concentrate on the sacrament of reconciliation, while the remaining seven sessions focus on the sacrament of Holy Communion.
After each session, the children engage in activities related to the topics discussed, which they can complete with their families. These activities may include reflections on their baptism, discussions about making the right choices, and other relevant themes.
The children will celebrate the sacrament of reconciliation at school with Fr Kevin and later receive the sacrament of Holy Communion with their families at either Our Lady’s Church or St Michael’s Church in Oldham.
“While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. 28 This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.”
Matthew 26: 26-28
Sacramental Programme 2026
This will be starting in school from January. Fr Kevin and Mrs Jones had a meeting with the Year 3 parents on Wednesday 10th January. There will be another meeting on Wednesday 1st April in school.
We will be celebrating the children’s First Holy Communion at 12:30pm, Saturday 13th June at Our Lady’s RC Church.
Please can you also state that if parents have any children in years 3 or above, who are Catholic, and have not yet made their First Holy Communion to contact school.
Holy Communion 2024-25
Videos for Parents
Salford Diocese have short 5 minute videos for parents of children on the First Holy Communion programme exploring various themes around the Mass finishing with three reflection questions.