Sacramental Preparation

At our school, we feel truly blessed to walk alongside our children and their families as they prepare for the Sacraments of Reconciliation, First Holy Communion and Confirmation. These are such special milestones in their journey of faith, and we want every child to feel supported, nurtured, and ready to celebrate these important moments.

First Reconciliation

Preparation takes place in school with the guidance of our dedicated catechist, Mrs. Rachel Heppleston, who leads the children through the programme, Heart Speaks to Heart, which has been chosen by Leeds Diocese. Over the course of five weekly sessions, the children explore their faith, reflect on God’s love and forgiveness, and grow in their understanding of the Eucharist.

A key part of this journey is family catechesis. We invite a parent/carer or family member to attend the sessions with their child, so that learning and prayer can be shared at home. This helps to strengthen the faith of the whole family and ensures that children see their faith lived out in everyday life. Each child will also receive a special workbook to complete with their family, which will be brought along to each session to be shared with Mrs Heppleston.

To register your child to make their First Reconciliation, please speak to Fr Anthony after Sunday Mass to collect a registration form.

We look forward to celebrating together as our children receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation with Fr Anthony on Tuesday 24th March 2026 at 6.00pm. This is an important occasion for our children and we ask you to keep them and their families in your prayers as they prepare for this important step in their faith journey.

First Holy Communion

Receiving First Holy Communion is a very special moment in the lives of our children, and we are delighted to walk this journey of faith together as a school and parish community. With the guidance of our dedicated catechist, Mrs. Rachel Heppleston, the children will take part in seven weekly sessions using the Heart Speaks to Heart programme. These sessions help them to grow in their love for Jesus, understand the gift of the Eucharist more deeply, and prepare their hearts to receive Him for the very first time.

As with First Reconciliation, an important part of this preparation is our focus on family catechesis. We warmly encourage each child to be accompanied by a parent or family member during the sessions. 

As with Reconciliation, to register your child to make this Sacrament, please collect a registration form from Fr Anthony after Sunday Mass. 

We are very much looking forward to celebrating this joyful sacrament as our children make their First Holy Communion with Fr Anthony on Sunday 28th June 2026 at 12.15pm at St Francis Church. This day will be a wonderful opportunity for our whole community to come together in faith, thanksgiving, and joy.

Confirmation

The Sacrament of Confirmation is a joyful and prayerful step on our children’s journey of faith, as they receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit and are strengthened to live out their discipleship with courage and love.

Preparation for Confirmation takes place through family catechesis, which is led by Fr Anthony in our parish church. Families are invited to journey together, sharing faith and supporting their children as they grow in understanding and commitment. By learning side by side, parents and children deepen their relationship with God and with one another, so that the faith can continue to flourish at home as well as in church.

To take part in the programme, families are warmly invited to collect a registration form from Fr Anthony after Sunday Mass.

We encourage everyone to see this as a beautiful opportunity to walk hand in hand with your child, helping them to prepare for this important sacrament and to embrace the fullness of life in the Spirit.

For further information about any of these Sacraments, please see Leeds Diocese website: