Sacraments

The Sacrament of Baptism

Baptism is when we become part of God’s family — the family of the Church — hence we are called the children of God.

In Baptism we are washed free from original sin, the sin we are all born in to, and begin a new life in Christ.

Parents who present their child for Baptism are then entrusted to pass on the faith and at the appropriate time present them to receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Holy Communion and Confirmation. As a Catholic school, we support the family and parish in preparing children for these Sacraments.

Our admissions policy at St Anne’s clearly states that as a Catholic school, children from the Catholic faith who have been Baptised Catholic will be offered places above those non-catholic children. Parents will be asked for a copy of the Baptismal certificate upon application.

If you would like your child to be Baptised, please contact Father Gwil at St Anne's Catholic Church.

The sacrament of Reconciliation
The sacrament of Reconciliation is received by baptised Catholic children in Year 3.
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. 

This sacrament takes place at church in the school day. Parents and family are welcome to join the children to support them.

The Sacrament of Holy Communion
Children in Year 3 receive the Sacrament of Holy Communion.

The children prepare thoroughly for this Sacrament. The preparation takes place during RE lessons and there are also meetings between school, parents, and the parish priest. Children who are not baptised Catholic also take part in this preparation. The children are given a copy of an ‘I belong’ preparation book which is paid for by the PTA. These are then brought as a thanksgiving at the offertory at Mass. 

The children receive their first Holy Communion during the summer term at church during Sunday Mass. This sacrament is widely celebrated by the entire school and parish community. The children in Year 3 lead the readings for the day and prayers for the faithful which they write themselves.  The children who are not baptised Catholic also take part fully at this special Mass. These children are given a special blessing by Father Gwil and  thanked for supporting their class mates during this special time. Children from the junior classes form the choir and are altar servers. A whole School Mass of thanksgiving also takes place in school where the whole school, family and parish come together to celebrate with Year 3.

The Sacrament of Confirmation
Children in Year 6 receive the sacrament of Confirmation. Here they learn to grow in faith whilst considering the role of the Disciple. The Bishop confirms the children, during a moving service during the summer term. The children prepare the Mass, Bible reading, prayers for the faithful and hymns that are important to them. Children who are not Baptised are also invited to share in this special Mass and are given a special Blessing by the Bishop. Children from the junior classes form the choir and serve on the altar to support their friends.

Faith Buddies

Every child in Year 6 is buddied up with a child in Year 3. This is their 'Faith Buddy'. Faith Buddies work together and support each other in their journey of faith. The Year 6's support their buddy towards the first time they make the Sacrament of Reconciliation and then through the year towards their First Holy Communion. Faith Buddies share prayer services and Masses together.  Faith Buddies have even been Sponsors at their Confirmation. Life long faith partners have been created.