Jesus spoke to them… ‘and know that I am with you always; yes, to the end of time.”
Matthew 28:20
Supporting Your Child’s Faith Journey at St Clare’s
Preparing for First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion
At St Clare’s Catholic Primary School, we are proud to work in partnership with families and parishes to support children as they prepare to receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Holy Communion.
We use the With You Always programme, recommended by the Archdiocese of Liverpool, which is designed especially for children in Year 4 (aged 8–9) and their families.
What is Family Catechesis?
Family Catechesis is all about parents and carers taking an active role in their child’s journey of faith. We believe that families are the first and most important teachers of the faith, and With You Always supports this by encouraging parents and children to learn together in a welcoming parish setting.
Sessions are designed to be fun, prayerful, and meaningful. Picture a parent and child sitting side-by-side, chatting about faith, completing colourful booklets, and exploring what it means to follow Jesus. These shared moments strengthen both understanding and relationships.
Whether parents are refreshing what they learned as children, or learning something new for the first time, every family is welcomed with open arms.
What Does the Programme Involve?
- Seven monthly sessions (September–May) with parents and children learning together
- Two special celebrations – one in Advent (Reconciliation) and one in Lent
- Friendly and simple booklets for both parents and children
- Creative, hands-on activities, music, and take-home tasks to keep learning alive
- A celebration of First Reconciliation in Advent
- A rehearsal and Communion Mass in the summer term
Each session follows the same simple structure:
- Welcome – A warm start from the parish catechists
- Talk Together – Parents and children explore the theme through conversation
- Learn Together – Sharing Bible stories and Church teaching
- Do Together – Fun activities to deepen understanding
- Pray Together – Ending each session in prayer with the parish group
- Take Home – A task to complete as a family during the month
Session Themes
| Month | Session Title | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| September | Come to the Water | Baptism and the Sign of the Cross |
| October | Called by Name | Our names and the Saints |
| November | Come Back to Me | Choices, forgiveness, and peace (Reconciliation) |
| Advent | Family Reconciliation | Celebration of First Reconciliation |
| January | A New Way of Living | Following Jesus and the Beatitudes |
| February | Teach Us to Pray | Prayer and the Lord’s Prayer |
| March | Jesus Brings Us Together | The Eucharist and the Church community |
| Lent/Easter | Celebration Together | Parish-led event such as Stations or Easter Garden |
| May/June | First Holy Communion | Rehearsal and Communion Mass |
Working Together
At St Clare’s, we work closely with the parish, catechists, and families to ensure every child is supported on their journey to receive Jesus in the Sacraments.
These special moments are not just milestones – they are steps in a lifelong journey of faith. We are here to walk alongside you and your child, helping them grow in love, understanding, and their relationship with God.
If you would like to find out more about the programme or how we support your child’s Sacramental journey, please contact the school office or your local parish.