St Marie's Catholic Primary School

Jesus spoke to them... 'and know that I am with you always; yes, to the end of time.' (Matthew 28:20)

 

The With You Always programme is for parents/carers and their children in school year 4, aged 8-9 who are preparing for Reconciliation and First Communion. The programme is run by parish catechists, supported by school, and is designed to help parents/carers and children to learn about the Sacraments using the Family Catechesis method.

​

Family Catechesis involves parents/carers talking to their children about our Catholic faith, with the support of a welcoming parish and school community. This is done throughout our sessions together, with parents/carers sitting next to their child either in the church or school hall, chatting together and working through colourful booklets that help deepen their understanding of Christ and the Church's Sacramental life. The outcome of Family Catechesis is the domestic church passing on the faith - parents passing on the faith to their children, and brings enormous blessings to families, catechists, clergy, parishes and schools.

​

For many parents Family Catechesis is a handy reminder of what they themselves learned about the Sacraments in their own youth. For others, it is a gentle introduction to key information about how Baptism leads us to Eucharist, and about the grace given in Reconciliation for our Christian journey through life. Most importantly Family Catechesis puts parents in their rightful role and their child's 'first and best teachers'.

​

The With You Always resource aims to:

• engage parents and children in sessions that are welcoming and active

• offer time for parents and children to deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ within the parish community

• help parents and children learn about the Faith and respond to God's Word in their daily lives

• prepare parents and children for the reception of the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist in the primary school years.

 

Each Session has the same structure:

• Introduction: the catechist welcomes everyone and explains what will be covered during the session.

• Learning together: the catechist leads the parents/carers and the children through the content of the session, allowing them opportunities to share their thoughts and experiences.

• Celebration of the Word: the catechist leads the group in prayer based upon a bible reading.

• Taking out: sessions end with a task to complete at home during the month.

 

Session content

 

There are four sessions in total. The two leading up to First Reconciliation take place in the Autumn Term, and the two sessions leading up to First Holy Communion take place in the Spring Term.

 

Session 1 – Come to the Water

This session is held in St Maries’ Church, and covers the importance of our Baptism, and the names we are given. We have the opportunity to explore our Parish Church and find out about the treasures there.

 

Session 2 – Come Back to Me

This session is held in St Maries’ School Hall, and covers the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and how to make the right choices. We are reminded that God loves us and forgives us.

 

Advent : During Advent, children make their First Reconciliation at a special service.

 

Session 3 – Following Jesus

This session is held at St Maries’ School Hall and covers ways that we can follow Jesus and live the way He wants us to. We learn about growing our faith through prayer.

 

Session 4 – Jesus Feeds us in Holy Communion

This session is held in St Maries’ School Hall and covers the Sacrament of the Eucharist, and explains the different parts of the Mass. We will also practice receiving Holy Communion using unconsecrated hosts.

 

May/June : During May or June, the children ​make their First Holy Communion at a special celebration Mass.