Sacraments
Reconciliation at St. Bernard's
The sacrament of Reconciliation is received by baptised Catholic children at the end of Year 3 at St. Bernard's Catholic Primary School..
All children in Year 3 are included in the celebration of the sacrament and our inclusive ethos ensures that those children who are not baptised Catholics are enabled to participate as fully as possible in supporting their classmates during the programme.
Year 3 take another step along their Faith Journey, by receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation, a chance to say sorry to God for the things they have done that have hurt God, others and themselves. When God created man, in his image and likeness, he knew we would make wrong choices so he gave us the gift of Reconciliation so that we have the opportunity to put our wrongs, right and grow closer, to God; following in his ways.
Second Corinthians 5:18-19 “All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.”
The Eucharist (First Holy Communion) at St. Bernard's
Children in Year 3 receive the Sacrament of Holy Communion. The children prepare thoroughly for this Sacrament - it is a continued journey of faith. The preparation takes place during separate preparation lessons and there are also workshops for parents.
The children receive Holy Communion after Easter. This sacrament is widely celebrated by the entire school and parish community of St. Bernard's.
"Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, 'Take, eat; this is my body.' And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, 'Drink of it, all of you; for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.'" (Mt. 26:26-28)
Confirmation at St. Bernard's
Children in Year 6 receive the sacrament of Confirmation. They learn to grow in faith whilst considering the role of the Disciple. The Bishop confirms the children, during a moving service.
And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit". (John 20:22)