THE SCHOOLS ROLE IN SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION

INITIAL PREPARATION:

Teach the Born of The Spirit programme relating to the sacraments of Reconciliation, Eucharist and Confirmation. This is the key instructional element in the students' preparation for these sacraments (Norms 5, 16).
Witness to the children, by word and example, the meaning of Christian discipleship (Norm 5).
Emphasize repeatedly with children and parents the importance of Sunday Eucharist and its connection with the other sacraments (Norms 5, 34).

IMMEDIATE PREPARATION:

Meet with pastor or his delegate in May or June of the preceding school year to coordinate parish and school dates, in order to avoid conflicts for parents (Norms 7, 8, 11).
Place notices from the parish(es) in your school newsletter regarding parish meetings etc. pertaining to preparation for all children regardless of where they attend school, as requested by the pastor(s). It may be necessary to do this for more than one parish if your students come from other parishes of worship (Norms 18, 20).
Reinforce with parents that their child receives immediate preparation for the sacraments and celebrates the sacraments in his/her parish of worship (Norm 18).
Stress, in word and action, to children and parents that the school and parish work closely together in the preparation for and celebration of the sacraments (Norm 7).
Conduct the retreat for those preparing for Confirmation if there are special circumstances making it impossible for the parish to do this (Norm 28).
Co-operate in making school facilities available for parish sessions if the parish does not have suitable facilities for these (Norm 8).
Work especially closely with the parish in the preparation of special needs children. You are the experts! (Norm 16).
Be involved in enrolment ceremonies, parent sessions and the celebration of the sacraments, as requested by the pastor (Norms 2,17, 22, 25, 26, 29, 30, 36, 39, 40).