Sacraments of Initiation for Children
Sacrament of First Confession
The sacrament of Confession (or Reconciliation or Penance) is the Sacrament in which we receive forgiveness from Christ. We repent and confess our sins, and are absolved of sin through the ministry of a priest, who acts in the person of Christ when he pronounces the words "I absolve you from your sins in the name of Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit".
‘On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, Jesus showed himself to his apostles.’ … ‘He breathed on them, and said to them: ‘Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained’ John 20:19, 22-23
How Can my Child Receive First Confession at St James'?
Children begin preparation for the reception of their First Confession in P3. It is open to all children in Primary 3 and above who have been baptised.
Please contact the parish office for more information.
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Sacrament of First Communion
The Sacrament of First Holy Communion is the Eucharist, which we receive at Holy Mass and which we believe is the real physical and spiritual presence of Jesus Christ. As Catholics, we take Jesus at His word when He says ‘This is my body, which is given for you’ (Luke 22:19).
‘When we receive Holy Communion, we receive our joy and our happiness ... The good God, wishing to give Himself to us in the Sacrament of His love, gave us a vast and great desire, which He alone can satisfy.’ St John Vianney
How Can my Child Receive First Holy Communion at St James'?
Children begin preparation for the reception of their First Holy Communion in P4. It is open to all children in Primary 4 and above who have been baptised and have already made their First Confession.
Please contact the parish office for more information.
Sacrament of Confirmation
In the Sacrament of Confirmation, we receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit: wisdom, knowledge, right judgment, understanding, courage, piety, and fear of the Lord. In this way, the Sacrament of Confirmation completes the Sacrament of Baptism.
‘Baptism, the Eucharist and the Sacrament of Confirmation together constitute the ‘Sacraments of Christian Initiation’, whose unity must be safeguarded. It must be explained to the faithful that the reception of the Sacrament of Confirmation is necessary for the completion of baptismal grace. For ‘by the Sacrament of Confirmation, [the baptised] are more perfectly bound to the Church and are enriched with a special strength of the Holy Spirit. Hence they are, as true witnesses of Christ, more strictly obliged to spread and defend the faith by word and deed.’ Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1285
How Can my Child be Confirmed at St James'?
Young people begin their preparation for Confirmation when they are in P. 7. It is open to all children in Primary 7 and above who have already been baptised, and have made their First Confession and received their First Holy Communion
Please contact the parish office for more information.