Family Catechesis: from First Reconciliation to Confirmation
We are happy to be able to offer sacramental preparation in the parish and support families as you nurture your children in their catholic faith and help them take their place in our parish community. Sacramental preparation takes place in the parish, with the help of Catechists, (volunteer parishoners) and Fr Andrew. We follow the Diocesan programme for the initiation of children into full communion with the Catholic Church. This journey starts in Year 3 with First Reconciliation and continues with First Communion when children are in Year 4 and Confirmation in Year 6.
- First Reconciliation takes place in Summer
- First Communion takes place during Eastertide
- Confirmation takes place usually in March, based on the Bishops availability
ENROLMENT
To enrol, please complete the Registration form available in DOWNLOADS section of the website and return to the parish office by email (preferred) or hardcopy to the office. Paper copies are available from the parish office. Office.stjoseph.wetherby@dioceseofleeds.org.uk
Parents and Catechists mobile phone numbers are added to a parish whatsapp group which is solely used to communicate information about Sacramental preparation and the group is deleted at the end of the programme.
Enrolment is on any one of 4 Vigil/Sunday Masses during Advent and dates are in the parish newsletter in advance and via the whatsapp group. Children can only proceed with sacramental preparation if they have enrolled.
PREPARATION
- All Sacramental preparation sessions take place in the Parish Hall.
- Reconciliation and FHC sessions take place on Sunday mornings from 8.45am – 9.45am. Tea/Coffee/Juice and croissants will be available from 8.30am.
- Confirmation sessions take place on Saturday afternoons from 4.45pm – 5.45pm, with light refreshments from 4.30pm
- Sessions are timed so you can attend Mass.
If you have moved into the area since your child was baptised, please check you have their baptismal certificate and avoid the last minute scramble to find it, or get a copy.
As a family catechesis programme, children and a parent/carer attend sessions in the parish hall and work through the material together, supported by catechists; it has proved a popular way to explore and review the basis of our Catholic faith together. The parent or carer does not have to be Catholic but should be supportive of sacramental preparation. In the case of Confirmation, a sponsor is needed and this person does have to be a practising Catholic, perhaps a Godparent, relative or friend.
