Correspondence has been received from Mgr Bradley, the Diocesan Administrator.

I hope you are all well. Please find attached a communication from the Archdiocese to you the Parish Priest, in the first instance, and also to all Primary Headteachers. It seeks to give some guidance to the celebration of the sacraments in the current climate and to re-iterate the Archdiocese's guidelines. As you will know, much will depend on the working relationship between the school and the parish. If you have any concerns or issues then please be in contact with the RE Department.

The majority of schools and parishes are now preparing to celebrate First Communion and Reconciliation by ensuring that catechesis and sacramental preparation is in place. With that in mind I have attached some general guidance for the celebration of the sacraments for your information. The issue, of course, is that guidance changes according to which tier is in place and we are at the mercy of the authorities in this regard.  It would be much appreciated if you could share this guidance with parents ahead of celebrations of the Sacraments, as some of them will not be aware of what the restrictions are. 

In the case of First Reconciliation, we are aware that many schools have indicated that they would prefer a simple celebration of the sacrament (involving the pupils, class teacher and chaplain) within the school building, during the school day. As you know, based on guidance that you have received from SCES and the Archdiocese, the school chaplain is considered part of the school community. Therefore, in accordance with local authority guidance being observed, the Sacrament of Reconciliation could be celebrated once preparation is completed. 

The celebration of First Communion and Confirmation are dependent upon churches being re-opened. However, we would encourage you to prepare the pupils for the reception of the sacraments so that they can be celebrated whenever the parish, school and parents agree is suitable.

The attached gives specific guidelines which must be adhered to, please click on the link to access the information contained therein.

http://www.strobertbellarmine.org.uk//COVIDCelebrationofSacramentsGuidance2021.pdf