St Peter's Parish, Bromsgrove

ON THE PREPARATION OF YOUNG PEOPLE
FOR THE SACRAMENTS OF
RECONCILIATION AND FIRST HOLY COMMUNION

Dear Friends,

The preparation of our young people for the sacraments of Reconciliation and First Holy Communion is an important time in the life of every parish. It presents a special opportunity for developing a child’s understanding and knowledge of the Sacraments.

Ideally this period of preparation is a shared responsibility between parents, the school and the parish community. All three have an important role to play in the spiritual development of our young people.

Understandably, in the recent past, our Catholic Schools have played an increasingly important role in the preparation of our young people for the Sacraments. They have done this in a thorough and professional manner and certainly at St Peter’s we need to record a deep debt of gratitude to the dedication of the staff in our school over the years. It has been impressive.

Yet the weakness of this system is that it leaves parents and the parish community with little involvement. So during this coming year I am asking for a greater parish involvement and therefore I am looking for your help.

Parents are the most influential people in the lives of our young people. The Church describes them as the ‘first and best of teachers in the ways of faith’. Without their support and encouragement it is very difficult for our young people to get the most out of their preparation for Reconciliation and First Holy Communion. This is why we have introduced a number of children and parents sessions into the programme. For three-quarters of an hour each month we will ask parents and children, supported by myself, the school and a number of parish catechists to work together developing their appreciation of the Sacraments. Hopefully, this will not only be helpful to our young people but will also be a springbroad for renewing the faith of both the parents and the parish.

The school will continue to teach the diocesan religious education syllabus which is also geared to helping our young people come to a deeper appreciation of the Sacramental life of the Church. The children-parents sessions are not meant to stand independently. The importance of Catholic education remains paramount. Please take seriously the importance of sending your children to Catholic Schools.

To enable this programme to work we need a number of catechists from the parish community to accompany the young people and parents. You do not need a degree in religious education. An enthusiasm for your faith and a willingness to share this with the young is the primary requirement. The book ‘Jesus Comes to Me’ by Dora Nash is easy to use. We will provide you with a copy and the help you need. At the back of the church today there is a member of staff from St Peter’s School. If you are interested please talk to them. They will explain more fully what is required.

Over the last two years a number of parishes in the Deanery have taken on this programme with great success. I would like to think that we can do this at St Peter’s. I appreciate that it will involve us all in a deep commitment. I also believe it is the best way of helping everyone, parents, young people and the parish community to prepare our young people for the Sacramental life of the Church. I am confident that if we undertake this it will bring many blessings.

It is only with your help and cooperation that it will be possible for this project to be a success. We are looking for about ten parish catechists to accompany our young people on this journey of faith. If you feel you may be able to help, please talk to one of the staff from the school at the back of the church today. Your help will be greatly appreciated.

I thank you in anticipation for your help.

Rev Monsignor Graham Wilkinson