The ‘With You Always’ programme prepares the children for the sacraments of Reconciliation, Confirmation and Holy Communion. Making the blessed sacraments is a significant stage in your child’s Catholic journey and the ‘With You Always’ programme helps them to understand and appreciate the true meaning of each. The way children are prepared for these sacraments changed a couple of years ago. Instead of teachers, catechists and priests teaching children and parents about the sacraments, they will help parents to hand down their own faith to their children, fulfilling the responsibility parents take when their child is baptised. These changes are intended to help us understand that parents are the first teachers of their children in the ways of faith and that we are all called to get to know Jesus better throughout our life’s journey.
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.
Lots of our children from Year 4 received the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time on Thursday 5th December 2024 and Fr. John reminded us all about the powerful gift of forgiveness. Many thanks to Fr. John, Linda and all the catechists involved in the With You Always programme. We are very grateful for all the wonderful work they do throughout the year. Thank you also to our parents and grandparents who are so supportive of our children on this special journey.