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 use the Diocese’s own curriculum strategy from Foundation (Nursery) to Year 6 called ‘Learning and Growing as the People of God.’ (often referred to as ‘The Strategy’) to teach Religious Education.
The Strategy was written using the Learning Outcomes provided in the Bishop’s Conference document the Curriculum Directory as a basis.
The Strategy provides teachers with a range of suggested cross-curricular activities which can be differentiated to suit the learning needs of the children in their class in order for them to explore the Catholic faith and achieve the learning outcomes. There is a strong emphasis on pupils engaging with and responding to questions of life in the light of religious teaching.
The Strategy is divided into a number of units for each year group, and there is a strong Sacramental focus in each year group. The Year 3 and Year 6 books fully prepare the children to receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist in Year 3 and Confirmation in Year 6.
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.
