St. John Bosco

SJB Parent and Children  Sacramental Programme: This Programme is led by Pattie Ganley

The children’s Sacramental Programme for St. John Bosco   is managed in partnership between the school and the parish. Brenda Garlick  links with Pattie Ganley and  the parish team for The Sacramental programme.

Please contact Pattie Ganley who  is leading the Parish Team on the new Sacramental Programme

Please click on this link for a parish booklet visit booklet 2020

Exciting new approach to the Sacramental Programme 2019-20

In the summer, following and appeal at all Masses in order to expand our already excellent and dedicated Catechists team, we have managed to recruit a very enthusiastic band of additional new members. We have held a number of meetings to review our programme to support families of children who will receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Holy Communion in 2020.

In June and early July we were all fortunate enough to receive some inspiring training from David Wells, who is internationally renowned for his writing and speaking on the subject of Catholic Formation. At present Bishop Arnold has commissioned David to work with catechists around the Diocese to develop their confidence in supporting and accompanying families through this programme.

The training certainly challenged us to consider a different approach to our task as catechists. He feels that it is vital to empower our parents so they can truly become the first teachers of our children in the faith. So this year our programme will be longer, with seven sessions instead of five and the sessions will be more interactive, with children working alongside their parents. Through the sessions we will be helping parents to incorporate ideas and practices into their family lives, so their prayer lives can be enriched and giving them the tools they need to help their children continue on their journey of faith whilst strengthening their own spiritual awareness and commitment.

 Our sessions will be based on a programme developed in the Archdiocese of Liverpool called ‘With you always’. The resources contained within the programme are really good we think. 

We are very excited about our new arrangements but change always comes with challenge! It will take quite a few meetings and a lot of commitment from our team as we embed our new approach. The enthusiasm and hard work has been really wonderful to see! We ask all parishioners to pray for our families as they start the new programme and also for our catechists team as they embark on this new adventure in the service of Our Lord.