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Diocesan Education Service
Sacramental Preparation &
Developing the Sacramental Life of the School
Part 1: Sacramental Preparation: Diocesan Expectations - The Ideal Model
The Ideal Model for Sacramental Preparation (revised 2014) presents a model to which schools and parishes can
aspire to. Within such a large and diverse Diocese it is impossible to offer a single format which would adequately
meet the needs of all interested parties in their different localities and circumstances. Therefore it is important that
those involved in Sacramental Preparation assimilate and adapt the model accordingly.
Within the context of Catholic education in the Archdiocese of Birmingham, primary schools have an important role
to play with regards to Sacramental Preparation. As part of the parish the school is the branch which provides
formal Religious Education through which children learn about and develop an understanding of the Sacraments.
Teachers plan and provide a range of learning activities which are appropriate to the age, abilities and needs of the
children. Although there is undoubtedly a greater sacramental emphasis in preparing children in Y3 and Y6 to receive
the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Eucharist and Confirmation, this preparation is seen as an ongoing process which
begins when the children enter the school in Foundation stage and unfolds as they progress through the school.
In addition to the curriculum time devoted to the Sacraments the school also provides the children with a range of
planned liturgies which enable them to experience the fullness of the sacramental life of the Church (this will be
explored in greater detail below).
Opportunities and Challenges
The school, though it has a significant role to play in Sacramental Preparation, cannot exist in isolation from either
the parish or the family and these are areas which can present us with both opportunities and challenges.
Using the Ideal Model…
What aspects of your current practice work well?
Which aspects do you see as opportunities for development?
Which aspects in your current circumstances are more challenging?
What new ideas will you take away?
Opportunities
Challenges
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A reminder from Pope Francis
What needs to be remembered is that as part of the New Evangelisation we need to be opening the door of faith for
others and not putting up barriers for people. As Pope Francis has stated “The Church is the house whose doors
are always open not only so that everyone can find welcome and breathe love and hope, but also because we can go
out and bring this love and hope. The Holy Spirit drives us to go out of our enclosures and guides us to the fringes
of humanity.”1
Part 2: Developing the Sacramental Life of the School
The Sacramental Life of the School goes beyond academic learning about the Sacraments. It also is much broader
than the reception of the Sacraments. The Church offers us a wealth of liturgical rites and rituals which use a wide
range of prayer forms, signs and symbols through which God is revealed. It is through the experience of them that
our practice of the faith can be developed and enhanced. Whilst the Mass will always be at the centre of our lives, as
a Catholic school we have to offer a variety of celebrations to all in the community which incorporate different
elements of the sacramental life of the Church.
In the liturgies we plan and prepare we need to adopt some of the sacramental elements outlined below. In addition
to this, and as part of the sacramental life of the school, we should also consider ways in which we can create
occasions which use the Sacramentals and Devotions of the Church to create significant events which signpost
children and their families on their journey of faith.
Sacramentals
Sacramentals are sacred signs and actions used by the Church in order to sanctify ‘certain ministries of the Church,
certain states of life, a great variety of circumstances in Christian life, and the use of many things helpful to man.’2
They are not the same as The Sacraments in that they do not ‘confer the grace of the Holy Spirit’ but what they do
is ‘prepare us to receive grace and dispose us to co-operate with it.’3 Prayer is always a part of Sacramentals and
often includes a liturgical action such as the Sign of the Cross, the sprinkling of water or the laying on of hands.
Sacramentals4 include:Blessings People, meals, objects and places can all be blessed. Some blessings have a ‘lasting importance’5 because
they are a blessing in a more permanent form. Examples of this would be the blessing of people professing to a
religious life (which is distinct from the Sacrament of Holy Orders) or to a particular ministry of the Church such as
readers or catechists and to objects which are to be used in liturgy such as the blessing of an altar, the blessing of
the holy oils on Holy Thursday etc.
Note that we, the laity, cannot give a blessing. Only an ordained minister has the authority to do this. However we,
the people, can ask for God’s blessing to come upon ourselves, upon others and upon objects.
For example, a priest will say 'May almighty God bless you, in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy
Spirit.’ and we receive a blessing.
A lay person can say ‘May almighty God bless us, in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.’
and thus we ask for God’s blessing.
In school we can:
 Bless ourselves with holy water when entering a sacred space e.g. school hall for assembly
 Make the Sign of the Cross
 Sprinkle water upon people and objects e.g. classrooms on the Feast of the Epiphany
 Bless ourselves before the Gospel is read
 Say grace before/after meals using both traditional and contemporary forms
1
Pope's Address to the Plenary Assembly of the Pontifical Council for Promoting the New Evangelisation October 2013
Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) 1668 available as a download www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/_INDEX.HTM
3
CCC 1670
4
The Catholic Source Book’ Rev. Peter Klein 2007 (Harcourt Religion Publishers). NB: This is a key reference document for this section.
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CCC 1672
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Holy Oils (Oil of Baptism/Chrism, Oil of Catechumens and Oil of the Sick)
In the story of the People of Israel found in the Old Testament it was believed that kings were especially chosen by
God and anointing was a ritual reserved only for them. Oils were also used as part of the care for the dead. One of
the three gifts Jesus received from the Wise Men was the precious oil myrrh. Over time anointing with Holy Oil has
come to symbolise being chosen by God and marked as such as well as a symbol of strength and protection. The oils
used by the Church are made from olive oil. Balsam is added to the Oil of Chrism/Baptism to give it a distinct
fragrance.
In school we can:
 pray for those who have recently or are about to be been anointed e.g. those baptised, those of the
parish who are sick, those who have been confirmed and those who have been ordained
 reflect on the indelible mark which anointing at our own Baptism has given us
bells (can to call people to prayer e.g. the Angelus bell or to signify that something important is happening e.g. the
Sanctus bell used during Mass)
In school we can:
 call people to prayer by ringing a handbell
 use musical bells to celebrate Easter (a French tradition)
 in meditation
incense (incensing of the altar, the Book of the Gospels, the gifts of bread and wine, the assembly, the body of the
deceased at a funeral, five grains placed in the Paschal Candle6)
The use of incense helps to mark that which is holy. The burning of incense is symbolic of the passion and
commitment we have to our faith (much like the flame of the Baptismal Candle). The fragrance produced by the
incense is symbolic of goodness whilst the smoke is symbolic of our prayers rising up to God the Father.
Frankincense is the resin which forms the basis of most incense used today and was one of the three gifts brought to
Jesus in the stable by the Wise Men.
Whilst the thurible is more appropriate for use within Sunday Mass and on Holy Days of Obligation containers of
charcoal can be used in school. Grains of incense can be put into the container at different points of the liturgy to
represent our prayers (Do seek guidance from your priest or deacon or as to how this can be done in a safe
manner).
In school we can:
 use a dish of charcoal on which grains of incense can be added as our prayers of petition are said
 use incense during Benediction
candles (The Paschal Candle, Baptismal Candles, Sanctuary Lamp, Altar Candles, vigil/votive candles)
Light is a powerful symbol used in liturgy: Jesus is the Light of the World. It can help define a holy space. It
illuminates that which is important. A candle as the only source of light in a room creates a very quiet and still
atmosphere. In contrast, using a larger number of candles can create a more celebratory atmosphere.
There are a number of different candles used within liturgy:
The Paschal Candle:- this single candle symbolises the crucified and risen Christ. It is lit through the Season of
Easter and then used at Baptisms and Funerals (see the Easter Triduum for more details).
Baptismal Candle:- this is lit from the Paschal candle and presented to the child as part of the rite of Baptism. The
light is symbolic of keeping the flame of faith alive in the child.
sanctuary candle/lamp:- this signifies the presence of the Blessed Sacrament in the Tabernacle.
altar candles:- at Mass at least two candles should be placed on or near the altar in such a way that they don’t
obscure what is happening on the altar. The altar is the place where Christ’s sacrifice is celebrated and made present
during the Mass. The candles give honour and reverence to what takes place at the altar. They are also used ‘on
account of the festiveness of the celebration.’7
For Masses on Sundays and Holy days of Obligation four or six candles should be used. If the bishop is presiding at
the Mass seven candles are used. This custom goes back to ancient times in the city of Rome and the seven churches
which the Bishop of Rome had pastoral care for. Today the lighting of seven candles during a Mass with the bishop
expresses his pastoral responsibility for the parish or community with which he is celebrating Mass.
votive candles:- used by people to symbolise their prayer petitions.
unity candles:- sometimes used during the rite of marriage where the couple together light a single candle using the
flames from two other candles. It is symbolic of the union of two families to make a new family and of Baptism.
6
‘The Catholic Source Book’ Rev. Peter Klein 2007 (Harcourt Religion Publishers)
General Instruction of the Roman Missal (CTS)
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In school we can:
 light a candle at the beginning of liturgy
 place candles beside the lectern to mark the reading from the Gospel
 light votive candles to represent our prayer petitions
 use coloured candles to tie in with the liturgical seasons
 light the Paschal Candle (you can buy these for use in school) during the Easter Season
 Baptismal Candle: this could be used to commemorate our own baptisms. Perhaps it could be lit
when we celebrate the birthday of the Church at Pentecost. It is a custom in some parts of the world to
light the Baptismal candle on the anniversary of a baptism.
 extinguish candles to create a more solemn atmosphere e.g. Stations of the Cross
 use new candles which have been blessed on the Feast of Candlemas
NB: schools need to ensure that all staff follow the relevant policy procedure to ensure the safe use of candles
Holy Water (for baptism in the font, in stoups, for sprinkling on people, objects and places)
Water is used as a constant reminder of baptism as well as being a symbol of repentance and cleansing. The priest
blesses water to make it holy.
In school we can:
 bless ourselves with Holy Water from a stoup
 use Holy water to bless the classrooms
 place a bowl of water on the prayer table as a reminder of baptism
crucifixes (above the altar, upon some processional crosses)
A crucifix is a cross with Jesus’ image upon it. A crucifix may depict Jesus at his death or as the risen Christ the King.
Crucifixes have been fashioned out of a variety of media and sometimes reflect the culture from which they have
come. A cross does not depict Jesus.
In school we can:
 turn to face the crucifix when praying (there should be a crucifix in every room of the school)
 have a selection of crucifix and crosses to use according to the season which come from a variety of
cultures
 use a holding cross when praying (these can be made by the children themselves)
 use a plain wooden cross and dress it according to the season (e.g. draped in purple during lent, in
white and gold at Easter)
 participate in veneration of the Cross during Holy Week
images (primarily images of Christ, icons, stained glass windows, statues)
Visual images help to lead us into prayer and provide us with a focus and stimuli. The most important image of all is
that of Christ but images of Our Lady and the saints can also be used. Icons are not the same as a religious painting
and are regarded as sacred objects through which God is revealed.
In school we can:
 ensure a range of different images of Christ are available (art work, icons, statues)
 provide opportunities where children can create their own images e.g. portable triptych
palms (on Palm Sunday)
The palms are a reminder of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem.
In school we can:
 use full palms as part of the prayer focus during Holy Week
 make palm crosses to place on the prayer focus at school or at home
ashes (on Ash Wednesday)
On the first day of Lent we receive ashes on our foreheads in the shape of a cross. These ashes are made from the
burned Palm leaves of the previous year. Ashes are an Old Testament symbol of repentance. At the beginning of
Lent they are a reminder of both Jesus’ death but of his resurrection also. Ashes are also used at the consecration of
an altar and the dedication of a church.
In school we can:
 have an Ash Wednesday liturgy (whilst many of us will receive the ashes at Mass it is not a holy day
of obligation and the ashes can be administered by the laity)
 place ashes upon the prayer focus at the start of Lent
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 use the Ash Wednesday responses in prayer during Lent
In addition to those already mentioned Sacramentals also includes the once popular practice of wearing medals and
scapulars.
medals Medals depicting Our Lord, Mary or the saints are worn as a sign of devotion. The Miraculous Medal or
Medal of the Immaculate Conception is probably one of the most popular.
scapulars Those worn by lay people are based on the garment worn by Benedictines and comprise of two small
squares of cloth attached to strings worn around the neck. Scapulars come in different colours according to whom
the devotion is attributed to e.g. brown = Our Lady of Mount Carmel, red = Christ’s passion, black = the seven
sorrows of Mary
Religious Devotions
Linked to Sacramentals are religious devotions. The Catechism refers to ‘forms of piety and popular devotions
among the faithful…such as the veneration of relics, visits to sanctuaries, pilgrimages, processions, the stations of the
cross, religious dances, the rosary, medals, etc.8 The Catechism also acknowledges that some of these devotions may
be cultural ones but there is a place for them in our life of faith. As with the Sacramentals we need to find
opportunities for children, staff and families to experience and learn about a range of devotions which are part of the
Catholic tradition.
Some ideas for marking the Sacramental journey
Many schools have now built in opportunities through the school year in which a particular year group is involved in
a special liturgy during which they are presented with something tangible to mark their Sacramental journey of faith.
An example of good practice has been where this has been linked to workshops for parents.9 For instance, each year
group focuses upon a specific prayer appropriate for their age. Parents are invited to a workshop which involves an
element of catechesis and then it is followed by an activity in which the parents to work with their child. It is
concluded with prayer. On the Sunday following the workshop the children and their parents are invited to the
Sunday Mass where the parish priest blesses the work the children have done and the children sing/say the prayer.
Each family is given a laminated copy of the prayer to take home and share. Other schools have focused upon
activities linked to the Liturgical Seasons e.g Cribs, Easter Gardens, Advent Wreaths.
EYFS
Y1
Y2
Y3
Y4
Y5
Y6
Blessing – ‘let the children come to me.’ A service which could include parents, teachers and the
parish priest or deacon
Sign of the Cross: making a Sign of the Cross necklace www.loyolapress.com/sign-of-the-crossnecklaces-craft.htm
Cross – making a holding cross which could be blessed and then taken home for use there
Our Father
Prayer to the Guardian Angel
Hail Mary
Advent Wreath
Act of Contrition
Order of Mass (laminated card from www.rpbooks.co.uk)
Rosary Beads
Palm Cross
Blessing – the home
Stations of the Cross
The Creed
Prayer to the Holy Spirit
Key Points about the Sacraments
The Sacraments are seven specific liturgical celebrations of the Church. They have an especial significance which
distinguishes them from other liturgical celebrations as we believe that they were all instituted by Christ. Through
the Sacraments the Church is able to continue Jesus’ work today.
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9
CCC 1674
With thanks to Holy Souls Catholic Primary School, Acocks Green, Birmingham
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In these Sacramental celebrations the Church acknowledges, makes present, receives and accepts God’s grace. The
Sacraments can be described as ‘visible signs of invisible grace’10. God’s grace is best understood as his infinite love,
mercy, favour and goodwill which he shows to mankind. Whilst God’s grace is always available to us the Sacraments
allow us to formerly acknowledge and celebrate this.
In addition to this, a Sacrament is not just bestowed upon a person: there has to be a readiness, a desire, on the part
of the candidate to receive and accept the Sacrament and to use the gifts of the Holy Spirit given through that
Sacrament. So, in this way, the Sacraments are a means by which each person receiving them is made more holy and,
at the same time, the Church is being built up.
In the rites of each Sacrament particular words and physical actions are used and these demarcate the moment in
which the Sacrament is given and received. The use of other symbolic objects and actions may also be used within
the celebration (further details are given below).
Sacraments of Initiation
It is through the reception of these three Sacraments that a person becomes a full member of the Church. It is
common practice nowadays for these Sacraments to be received in the order set out below. However, in the days
of the early Church this was not always the case and in some Diocese some Bishops have chosen to revert to the
practice of Confirmation being received before Eucharist.
The Sacraments – points to note
Baptism –occurs when the child/adult is received
into the Church.
It can be administered either by a priest or a deacon.
In the case of baptised Christians who convert to
Catholicism there is no need for baptism.
Baptism, like Confirmation and Holy Orders, is only
received once: “just as someone always is and
remains a child of his parents (and not just
“sometimes” or a “little bit”), so…one becomes
forever a child of God.”11
Sacramental Moment
As Holy water is poured over the
person three times ‘N., I baptise
you in the name of the Father and
of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.’
Eucharist - Eucharist is the sacrament we desire to
receive as often as possible. It is received at Mass
when the bread and wine, through the words and
actions of the priest, are transformed into the Body
and Blood of Our Lord.
Once the bread and wine has been consecrated we
refer to it either as the Eucharist, the Blessed
Sacrament, Holy Communion or the Precious Body
and Blood and never the bread and wine.
The Eucharist is one of the three Sacraments of
Initiation.
Only those who are ordained priests can celebrate
this sacrament.
Catholics are required to attend Sunday Mass (or the
vigil Mass) on a weekly basis. Those who are to
receive Communion should not eat or drink anything
one hour before receiving the Sacrament.
The whole of the Eucharistic
prayer is the sacramental
moment. The highpoint of the
Eucharistic Prayer is when the
bishop or priest invokes the Holy
Spirit upon the gifts of bread and
wine, says the words of Christ
over them and then shows them
to the people.
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DVD
Youcat 176 ‘Youth Catechism of the Catholic Church’ Ignatius Press
Signs & Symbols
water = cleansing, repentance,
new life in Christ
anointing = being marked,
protection
Oil of Chrism = includes balsam
Oil of Catechumens =
naming = new life (e.g. Simon
becomes Peter, Abram
becomes Abraham
white garment = new life
baptismal candle = walking in the
light of the Risen Christ
The entire Mass is filled with signs
and symbols revealed in the four
parts of the Mass. Here are some
examples
Liturgical Colour = reflects the
Season
Blessing oneself when entering the
Church = a reminder of Baptism,
genuflecting to the tabernacle =
acknowledging the presence of
Our Lord
Entrance Procession: candles =
Jesus as the Light of the World,
Processional Cross = Jesus’
sacrifice for us, Book of the
Gospels = God is revealed to us
in the Scriptures we will hear
Use of incense to sanctify the
altar and the ambo
Gestures of the priest: ‘The Lord
be with you’, at the consecration
Candles and gestures used when
the Gospel is proclaimed
Sign of Peace = sign of
reconciliation
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Confirmation - This sacrament is received once and
is one of the three Sacraments of initiation into the
Church.
The age at which a candidate varies from diocese to
diocese as decided by the bishop thought is usually
young people who receive this sacrament.
In the Archdiocese of Birmingham children are
traditionally confirmed at the age of eleven.
This sacrament is usually administered by a bishop.
As the candidate is anointed ‘N.,
be sealed with the Gift of the
Holy Spirit.’
physical stances used by the
assembly: standing = reverence
sitting =attentiveness, kneeling =
adoration of God
Bells = on entrance and the
Sanctus Bell to remind us to be
attentive
Oil of Chrism
Prayer calling upon the Holy Spirit
Other symbols of Pentecost
include wind and flame
renaming = new life in Christ
Sacraments of Healing
It is through these sacraments that we receive healing from our suffering whether it be through physical illness, or
the sadness and anguish we feel when we have reflected upon our failings towards God, others and ourselves.
Reconciliation - a sacrament we can receive many
times through which our sins are forgiven. Also
known as the Sacrament of Penance or Confession.
Easter duties require that we receive this sacrament
at least once a year.
Only ordained priests can administer the sacrament of
reconciliation.
As the priest extends his hand
over the penitents head ‘I absolve
you from your sins in the name of
the Father, and of the Son, and of
the Holy Spirit.
purple stole = purple is colour of
repentance. The wearing of the
stole shows that the priest is
engaged in performing his duties
Anointing of the Sick – this Sacrament can be
administered as and when it is needed and may
therefore be received more than once at different
stages of an illness. It is not to be confused prayers for
the dying.
Only ordained priests can administer this Sacrament.
the laying on of hands and the
anointing of the person: ‘Through
this holy anointing may the Lord
in his love and mercy help you
with the grace of the Holy Spirit.’
‘Amen.’ ‘May the Lord who frees
you from sin save you and raise
you up.’ ‘Amen.’
anointing with oil
laying on of hands
Sacraments of Mission/Vocation
These are Sacraments which show how the couple or the individual is serving God through a lifelong commitment.
Marriage - The sacrament of marriage is usually
received only once. A second marriage can only occur
after an individual has been widowed or the original
marriage annulled (this is not the same as divorce).
In this sacrament it is the couple who are marrying
who bestow the sacrament upon each other. The
priest or deacon must be present as a witness to the
marriage.
joining of hands and exchanging of
vows.
rings = everlasting love
candle = joining of two families
white garment = purity
Holy Orders - Holy Orders are a lifelong sacrament
of service to the Church through the diaconate and
priesthood. Only single men may be ordained
(although Anglican married priests have been
accepted into the Church). Ordination to the
priesthood occurs after a period of seven years
training during which time the man will have been
ordained as a deacon. Not all deacons are ordained as
priests e.g. married deacons.
This Sacrament is administered by a bishop.
The laying on of hands followed
by the Prayer of Consecration.
laying on of hands on the
candidate’s head
vestments = the newly ordained
priest removes the stole of the
deacon and is dressed in the
vestments of a priest. Each of the
items worn has a particular
significance for the office of
priesthood
lying prostrate = a sign of
adoration
anointing with Chrism on the
hands