First Communion

[IAMCATHOLIC]

We are having an issue in our Parish.

Many of the students that will be receiving first communion are not supported in their faith by their parents. Either the parents do not practise their faith or they are not Catholic to begin with.

Do you think Grade 2 is to young for someone to be initiated into the Blessed Sacrament?

My first thoughts are that people should be older. Perhaps even at the same time as Confirmation. ? . ?

I'm interested in what you guys/gals think.

Peace.

 

[RoseofLima]

No way-- you shouldn't deny the grace of a sacrament if someone meets the requirements of canon law. What you should do is change the system of catechesis in your parish- perhaps to family catechesis, so that parents are required to go attend class, too- and given guidance for the faith formation of their children at home.

I think Confirmation is given far to late in most places...when you think about the sacramental grace given at Confirmation, why would you want to withold that from someone who meets the Canon law requirements?

 

[AMDG]

No way-- you shouldn't deny the grace of a sacrament if someone meets the requirements of canon law. What you should do is change the system of catechesis in your parish- perhaps to family catechesis, so that parents are required to go attend class, too- and given guidance for the faith formation of their children at home.

I think Confirmation is given far to late in most places...when you think about the sacramental grace given at Confirmation, why would you want to withold that from someone who meets the Canon law requirements?

 

[superjsuh]

I had 1st Communion in the 2nd grade. Seemed right at the time...

 

[Catrione]

First communion when I was 7 and confirmation when I was 11. I know in some places confirmation isn't until 14. What is the normal age where u r from?

 

[Mysterium_Fidei]

My first thoughts are that people should be older. Perhaps even at the same time as Confirmation. ? . ?

That was what the Anglicans did back in the old days. The kids had to wait until after their Confirmation to receive. It was kind of strange though, because non-Anglican visitors were allowed to receive Communion. (Not frequently, however, they had to join to the parish if they planned on receiving on a regular basis)

I think that First Communion should be given early. Even to infants, perhaps. But I like the current system.

 

[IAMCATHOLIC]

Well, this is my thought as well... that because of the Grace that is given to us, and because a young one is innocent, that the early age is a good thing.

But what bothers me is the lack of respect and adoration for the Blessed Sacrament. If a child that has unbelieving parents receives the Eucharist, eventually, in most cases I would guess, they too will approach the Eucharist with no respect and thus will be committing a mortal sin.

Rose... what is a "family catechisis" ? Sounds interesting. Can you illustrate an example to help me to understand?

Peace.

 

[geocajun]

We are having an issue in our Parish.

Many of the students that will be receiving first communion are not supported in their faith by their parents. Either the parents do not practise their faith or they are not Catholic to begin with.

catholic enough to encourage them to make their first communion

Do you think Grade 2 is to young for someone to be initiated into the Blessed Sacrament?

My first thoughts are that people should be older. Perhaps even at the same time as Confirmation. ? . ?

I'm interested in what you guys/gals think.

Peace.

I don't see any reason for waiting. The only reason we in the Latin Church wait until grade two, is so they have reached the 'age of reason'. It is not so we can assess their parents, or anything like that.
Also, they need to have made a first confession before first holy communion.

 

[geocajun]

I think Confirmation is given far to late in most places...when you think about the sacramental grace given at Confirmation, why would you want to withold that from someone who meets the Canon law requirements?

We do it in the 10th grade in my diocese. I'm now thinking I want it to happen younger as well. I can see arguments either way, however this year I had two kids drop out because of conflicts with jobs and so they won't be confirmed until they are adults, if ever at all... I hate to see them deprived of the graces of the sacrament of confirmation simply because they weren't encouraged to make the sacrifices during their high school years to pursue it. I'd rather see it younger so they can benefit from those graces when they need them most.

That said, I hate to move it because they really need the religious education most at that age... its a tough decision, but i'm leaning more toward the younger age these days, where I was on the other side in years past.

 

[RoseofLima]

We do it in the 10th grade in my diocese. I'm now thinking I want it to happen younger as well. I can see arguments either way, however this year I had two kids drop out because of conflicts with jobs and so they won't be confirmed until they are adults, if ever at all... I hate to see them deprived of the graces of the sacrament of confirmation simply because they weren't encouraged to make the sacrifices during their high school years to pursue it. I'd rather see it younger so they can benefit from those graces when they need them most.

That said, I hate to move it because they really need the religious education most at that age... its a tough decision, but i'm leaning more toward the younger age these days, where I was on the other side in years past.

I just really chafe at the idea of witholding grace as a proverbial carrot to induce kids to continue to attend religious education, you know? I think that it would benefit kids far more to receive Confirmation before adolesence--which is my guess why the Church puts the age for Confirmation at the age of reason.

I am working with Confirmation this year, too--they are all 14-17 years of age...and I am more ocnvinced now than ever that the sacrament ought to be given to kids when they are younger. This means a rethinking in the structure of catechesis- and people just assume that that restructuring is an insurmountable task. That really seems a shame to me.

I despise the fact that these kids can be denied the sacrament if they don't go on the retreat or if they don't do service hours...they barely know their faith, and that's not an impediment (which seems rather ridiculous to me)- but they must fulfil these external diocesan requirements.

Next year will be our big trial- Tim will be 10 and he has wanted to be COnfirmed for several years now. He will be writing the Bishop and asking permission of the priest. He cannot go on a retreat, and by goodness the kid is the oldest in a family of soon to be 7- his life is a service project...so we'll see. I know that we have the support of the Church, as SHe has been clear in her desire that kids not be denied the sacrament becuase of their age- if they meet the canons...but I still expect a battle. I have told Tim that I'll help him- but that he has to be the one to initiate it all.

 

[kamikat]

Many of the students that will be receiving first communion are not supported in their faith by their parents. Either the parents do not practise their faith or they are not Catholic to begin with.
.

I received first communion in second grade and I think children believe in the eucharist more than some adults. They aren't cynical enough to question it yet.
My question is, though, why are children with non-Catholic parents preparing for first communion? My niece goes to Catholic school and is preparing for first communion. There are students from non-Catholic families in her class. They just won't be going through any of the Catholic sacraments.

kamikat

 

[INRI2]

communion...allowing your child to go to Jesus is the most perfect gift anyone could give their child even if they never go to Jesus in the eucharist again, they have gone.

Let the children come to me.

 

[RoseofLima]

Well, this is my thought as well... that because of the Grace that is given to us, and because a young one is innocent, that the early age is a good thing.

But what bothers me is the lack of respect and adoration for the Blessed Sacrament. If a child that has unbelieving parents receives the Eucharist, eventually, in most cases I would guess, they too will approach the Eucharist with no respect and thus will be committing a mortal sin.

Rose... what is a "family catechisis" ? Sounds interesting. Can you illustrate an example to help me to understand?

Peace.

You have to remeber that to commit a mortal sin there must be full knowledge and full freedom---both of which seem to seriously lack in the case where a child is unurtured in their faith. However a child might be the impetus to deeper conversion as often happens.

Here a couple examples of family catechesis:


http://www.churchofstpatrick.com/WCC.htm

http://www.familyland.org/content/Content.aspx?CategoryID=520

ANd this one is great- it's based in the parish where Jeff Cavins works. They have materials, too: http://www.churchofsaintpaul.com/content/formation/html/ffhome.shtml

 

[NuncDimittis]

No way-- you shouldn't deny the grace of a sacrament if someone meets the requirements of canon law. What you should do is change the system of catechesis in your parish- perhaps to family catechesis, so that parents are required to go attend class, too- and given guidance for the faith formation of their children at home.

I think Confirmation is given far to late in most places...when you think about the sacramental grace given at Confirmation, why would you want to withold that from someone who meets the Canon law requirements?

I'm with you.

 

[geocajun]

I just really chafe at the idea of witholding grace as a proverbial carrot to induce kids to continue to attend religious education, you know? I think that it would benefit kids far more to receive Confirmation before adolesence--which is my guess why the Church puts the age for Confirmation at the age of reason.

I agree, however also recognizing that many never return to formal religious instruction after confirmation does make it not so black / white IMO. I still think it should be moved back to a younger age, but they sure will miss out on alot of moral education, such as chastity and sex ed at a time when they need it to be reinforced the most.

I am working with Confirmation this year, too--they are all 14-17 years of age...and I am more ocnvinced now than ever that the sacrament ought to be given to kids when they are younger. This means a rethinking in the structure of catechesis- and people just assume that that restructuring is an insurmountable task. That really seems a shame to me.

My program wouldn't work for younger kids (we read the entire 1994 catechism in 2 yrs). I realize it would need to be toned down for a younger group, but i'm not sure i'd be willing to teach the younger group since I like it to be deep and challenging
Maybe i'll just shift to RCIA full time instead....

I despise the fact that these kids can be denied the sacrament if they don't go on the retreat or if they don't do service hours...they barely know their faith, and that's not an impediment (which seems rather ridiculous to me)- but they must fulfil these external diocesan requirements.

yep, and don't get me started on the parents who can't baptize their kids for not tithing, etc...

Next year will be our big trial- Tim will be 10 and he has wanted to be COnfirmed for several years now. He will be writing the Bishop and asking permission of the priest. He cannot go on a retreat, and by goodness the kid is the oldest in a family of soon to be 7- his life is a service project...so we'll see. I know that we have the support of the Church, as SHe has been clear in her desire that kids not be denied the sacrament becuase of their age- if they meet the canons...but I still expect a battle. I have told Tim that I'll help him- but that he has to be the one to initiate it all.

so long as your pastor supports it, there shouldn't be a problem.

 

[Tonks]

Uniformity in timings has its reasons, I suppose. Frankly, I believe that it's better to keep the "rule" older but allow exceptions for younger folks should they be prepared.

WRT Confirmation, it is not an "essential" Sacrament like Baptism so I have no problem waiting. I'd like to see what sort of evidence in terms of age can be found from traditional sources.

 

[geocajun]

Uniformity in timings has its reasons, I suppose. Frankly, I believe that it's better to keep the "rule" older but allow exceptions for younger folks should they be prepared.

WRT Confirmation, it is not an "essential" Sacrament like Baptism so I have no problem waiting. I'd like to see what sort of evidence in terms of age can be found from traditional sources.

Keep in mind the only reason it was moved from the time of birth was due to the size of the church growing and the bishop not being as available for every baptism. Confirmation in the Eastern Churches is still attached to the baptismal ritual.

1290 In the first centuries Confirmation generally comprised one single celebration with Baptism, forming with it a "double sacrament," according to the expression of St. Cyprian. Among other reasons, the multiplication of infant baptisms all through the year, the increase of rural parishes, and the growth of dioceses often prevented the bishop from being present at all baptismal celebrations. In the West the desire to reserve the completion of Baptism to the bishop caused the temporal separation of the two sacraments. The East has kept them united, so that Confirmation is conferred by the priest who baptizes. But he can do so only with the "myron" consecrated by a bishop.101

1291 A custom of the Roman Church facilitated the development of the Western practice: a double anointing with sacred chrism after Baptism. The first anointing of the neophyte on coming out of the baptismal bath was performed by the priest; it was completed by a second anointing on the forehead of the newly baptized by the bishop.102 The first anointing with sacred chrism, by the priest, has remained attached to the baptismal rite; it signifies the participation of the one baptized in the prophetic, priestly, and kingly offices of Christ. If Baptism is conferred on an adult, there is only one post-baptismal anointing, that of Confirmation.

1292 The practice of the Eastern Churches gives greater emphasis to the unity of Christian initiation. That of the Latin Church more clearly expresses the communion of the new Christian with the bishop as guarantor and servant of the unity, catholicity and apostolicity of his Church, and hence the connection with the apostolic origins of Christ's Church.
​

 

[Tonks]

Yup. As I noted, it is likely for ease of use....I have no problem waiting. Likewise, I would have no problem moving it earlier. It obviously works somewhat different with children vs RCIA but with respect to the timing... that appears far, far, far down my list of concerns.

 

[RoseofLima]

Uniformity in timings has its reasons, I suppose. Frankly, I believe that it's better to keep the "rule" older but allow exceptions for younger folks should they be prepared.

WRT Confirmation, it is not an "essential" Sacrament like Baptism so I have no problem waiting. I'd like to see what sort of evidence in terms of age can be found from traditional sources.

The age is actually left to the diocesan Bishop to determine--so there is no "norm" - except within a diocese. The age for confirmation is as early as 3rd grade to 11th grade in the US. The documents written by the Church about seem to indicate the desire to tend toward a younger age.

 

[Tonks]

The age is actually left to the diocesan Bishop to determine--so there is no "norm" - except within a diocese. The age for confirmation is as early as 3rd grade to 11th grade in the US. The documents written by the Church about seem to indicate the desire to tend toward a younger age.

*Generally* confirmation tends to be in the later years, from my experience. I started my confirmation stuff in the 10th grade in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and was Confirmed in the same grade in the Archdiocese of Boston.