Sacramental Preparation

"Then he took a piece of bread, gave thanks to God, broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in memory of me.” In the same way, he gave them the cup after the supper, saying, “This cup is God's new covenant sealed with my blood, which is poured out for you."

(Luke 22: 19-20)

At St Benedict's, we follow the Archdiocesan approved programme known as 'With You Always'.

The ‘With You Always’ programme prepares the children for the sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Communion (usually Year 4).

Making the blessed sacraments is a significant stage in your child’s Catholic journey and the ‘With You Always’ programme helps them to understand and appreciate the true meaning of each.

The way children are prepared for these sacraments changed a couple of years ago. Instead of teachers, catechists and priests teach children and parents about the sacraments - they will help parents to hand down their own faith to their children, fulfilling the responsibility parents take when their child is baptised. These changes are intended to help us understand that parents are the first teachers of their children in the ways of faith and that we are all called to get to know Jesus better throughout our life’s journey.

The With You Always resource aims to:

• Engage parents and children in sessions that are welcoming and active

• Offer time for parents and children to deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ within the

parish community

• Help parents and children learn about the Faith and respond to God’s Word in their daily

lives

• Prepare parents and children for the reception of the Sacraments of Reconciliation and

Eucharist in the primary school years.

The With You Always resource has 7 sessions, parent and child booklets - folders and

catechist books can be ordered as required.

Worksheets for the sessions and information leaflets for parents/guardians can be found here.