St Martin de Porres 
Sacraments
The Sacrament of Reconciliation
Preparation for this sacrament precedes that of the Eucharist and is distinct from it. Preparation for Reconciliation is viewed as a continuous process. The teaching is supported by a home/school book, 'God’s Greatest Gift', which focuses on this sacrament. The teacher concerned with this sacrament aims consistently to deepen the awareness and understanding of morality and their individual relationship with God our Father. The sacrament is celebrated in the school community during Lent, Advent and at other times when specifically needed.The Sacrament of the Eucharist
The preparation for receiving the Sacrament of the Eucharist is not wholly confined to specific lessons, but is fostered through
developing skills, saying thank you, celebrating meals and birthdays, thereby instilling in each child the sense of belonging to a larger family community. A very important part of each child’s preparation to receive the sacrament lies in participating in worship and celebration in the parish and in the fostering of the practice of prayer. The main doctrinal content is specifically outlined in the Strategy in Year 3. This enables the child to engage with the Mass and provides a foundation of faith and practice which continues through the child’s life at St Martin de Porres. Children participate in several preparation masses in the parish that are held throughout the year prior to receiving of the sacrament.
developing skills, saying thank you, celebrating meals and birthdays, thereby instilling in each child the sense of belonging to a larger family community. A very important part of each child’s preparation to receive the sacrament lies in participating in worship and celebration in the parish and in the fostering of the practice of prayer. The main doctrinal content is specifically outlined in the Strategy in Year 3. This enables the child to engage with the Mass and provides a foundation of faith and practice which continues through the child’s life at St Martin de Porres. Children participate in several preparation masses in the parish that are held throughout the year prior to receiving of the sacrament.The Sacrament of Confirmation
The core teaching is presented in the Strategy in Year 6 and is supported by 'Gifted in the Spirit'. The importance of the communal, parish celebration is emphasised, as is the link between the Sacrament of Confirmation and the Sacrament of Baptism. Central to this is the renewal of Baptismal promises during the service. The wider Church is experienced with a visit to St Chad’s Cathedral in Birmingham. The children are encouraged in understanding the impact of the Holy Spirit in changing the lives of the Apostles at Pentecost, and the impact of the Holy Spirit on their own lives. They are encouraged to develop an appreciation of the Gifts and Fruits of the Holy Spirit and to reflect on how they may use these in their daily lives with deepening awareness and maturity as followers of Christ and witnesses of their faith. Choices of saints’ names are particularly important and the children are encouraged to research this as widely as possible using ICT where appropriate.
Our Year 5 & 6 children who received the Sacrament of Confirmation on
Wednesday 3rd November 2021 at SS John and Martin's Church. God Bless you all.
Parental Involvement in Sacramental Preparation
Every effort is made to ensure the vital links between home, school and parish community are established and sustained. The parents are invited to attend meetings with the Parish Priest, Headteacher, and class teacher. For all three sacraments, it is seen as vital that the parents attend both the Commitment Masses and the actual celebrations with their child. Throughout the school year, parents are invited to attend Class Masses. They are asked to support the nurturing of the Faith of their children by encouraging prayers at home and by attending weekly Sunday Mass and by listening to and talking with their child.