Preparing for the Sacraments
Catholic children in our school receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation and the Eucharist in Year 3 and the Sacrament of Confirmation in Year 6 at St Thomas More Church. The school works closely with the Parish catechists involved with the preparation of children for the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Eucharist and Confirmation.
‘Parents are the First Teachers of the Faith’
The Baptismal ritual states that parents are “the first teachers of their child in the ways of faith.” This is echoed in the words of the Catechism: “parents have the first responsibility for the education of their children.”
As part of the family of schools of the Archdiocese of Birmingham, we are fully committed to Archbishop Bernard’s vision for Catholic education by nurturing a deep, integrated home-school-parish partnership for your child, aligned with new Archdiocese of Birmingham guidelines.
We prepare pupils for the Sacraments using specialised diocesan booklets, which our teachers deliver through six dedicated 20-minute sessions per sacrament.
These sessions are timetabled within the school day and are delivered to the whole class, as per the guidance from the diocese.
Each session follows a consistent structure:
• Session Overview
• Direct knowledge statement for pupils
• Unlock the theme
• Proclaim scripture
• Discussion prompts
• Activity
• Prayer
This school-based provision is a joyful entitlement designed to complement, rather than replace, the essential pastoral formation provided within parish life. Working in close collaboration with our catechists, our sessions run alongside existing parish programmes to ensure a strong, supported spiritual foundation for every child. We look forward to working closely with you and our parish community on these sacred milestones.
Advent Giving Mass 30th November 2025
During Advent, the pupils making their Sacraments of First Holy Communion and Confirmation this academic year, took part in the Giving Mass at St Thomas More Church. Our pupils led the readings and bidding prayers and lit the first Advent Candle. Along with the parish community, children brought a small toy or gift suitable for a child aged 4-11 years to the Mass. These gifts will be distributed amongst the more vulnerable in our community. Having the opportunity to see themselves as active members of the parish and local community is an important part of our pupils' Sacramental preparation. By giving to others, they are learning to put their faith into action and show solidarity and how simple actions can make a positive difference.
Holy Communion: June 22nd 2025
Congratulations to our Year 3 and Year 4 pupils who made their First Holy Communion last Sunday, 22nd June: Daniel, Olivia, Borys, Antek, Ekorm, Gabriel, Amir and Isla-Rose. The service was a joyous celebration and the children were reverent and prayerful.
Thank you to the parents and families who have supported their children with their preparations throughout the year. Thank you also to the parish catechists, Mrs Naser and Mary Gilgunn-Jones for offering so much of their time to help the children. Thank you also to Father Prem, our parish priest for his support and guidance both for the children and the school.
We would also like to thank Fintan Reckless (an ex- St Thomas More pupil) for the beautiful photos that he took of the day.
Next Sunday, is the Celebration Mass for all Holy Communion children and Confirmandi at 11:00am. Children are invited to wear their special dresses and outfits and there will be a celebration afterwards for the children and families.
Confirmation: June 15th 2025
On Sunday 15th June, our Year 6 pupils made their first Confirmation at St Thomas More Church. The Auxiliary Bishop of Birmingham, Richard Walker, led the service and each child participated fully through leading the readings and prayers of the faithful.
It was a very special occasion and we are incredibly proud of every child: Zachary, Filip, Luca, Alice, Anna, Isabella, Kevin, Antek, James and Giulia. Thank you to all the parents and families who have been so supportive this year in helping to prepare their children and taking them to the preparation masses throughout the year. Thank you also to Mrs Naser for organising the masses and retreat days and helping to prepare the children. Thank you also to our parish priest, Father Prem who has led the preparations and supported the children and the school so generously.
Good Shepherd Mass
On Tuesday 3rd June, we took our Year 3 and Year 6 pupils who are preparing for the Sacraments of First Holy Communion and Confirmation to celebrate the Good Shepherd Mass. We joined schools across the diocese at Our Lady Help of Christians church in Cowley. The mass was led by Bishop Richard.
Thank you to Daniel in year 3 and Giulia in year 6 for reading the prayers of the faithful.
For more information about this important charity that all schools across the PFMAC support please see: fatherhudsons.org.uk/children-families-and-schools/schools-and-parish-engagement/good-shepherd-appeal
This was a delightful occasion and another step on the journey for our pupils in their preparation for the Sacraments.
