First Communion

[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.

I really shirk at the idea that Confirmation isn't neccesary... if the whole goal of this life is to be transfformed into Christ- the fullness of the Holy SPirit bestowed upon us ay confirmation is indeed essential. I know what you are getting at-- that one can get to heaven without confirmation- but I would argue that one is far, far less likely to do so without this particualr fullness of grace.

 

[Tonks]

I really shirk at the idea that Confirmation isn't neccesary... if the whole goal of this life is to be transfformed into Christ- the fullness of the Holy SPirit bestowed upon us ay confirmation is indeed essential. I know what you are getting at-- that one can get to heaven without confirmation- but I would argue that one is far, far less likely to do so without this particualr fullness of grace.

I'm merely reguritating the party line on that one concerning which Sacraments are "essential...." Besides, "age of reason" and "age of understanding" are two entirely different things. As I said earlier, I don't have a particular preference as to when Confirmation happens. I'm just cognizant of the fact that is it generally significantly later than First Communion for, what I'm sure, are a variety of reasons.

 

[vrunca]

At my parish the children make their First Reconciliation, First Communion and get Confirmed in the same year....second grade.

It is going to be changed slightly though...we are looking at having them make First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion in grade two and getting Confirmed in grade three. And yeah, we still have people viewing Confirmation as a form of graduation from Catechism, we lose kids every year. Our priest is working with me now though in getting the families to understand that Catechises is an ongoing thing...from the womb to the tomb.

We just got a new Priest a few months ago and we started with a form of family Catechesis this year. It's been kind of a rough start though...a lot of parents have a problem with it, which is sad to me that they can't spend a couple of hours, sharing a meal (yeah we have lunch with the program), fellowshipping and then spending time together learning about our wonderful faith. I would looooove to be in the adult part of the classes, but I am either teaching a class or helping a Catechist in some other way.

 

[Sonfest Rocker]

i had mine in 2001 when i was twelve only cuz i wanted it and i like organised it with the preist my self if i left it up to my pearents then it wouldt have been done.

 

[vrunca]

Ooops, I didn't answer the question though....I do think it depends on the individual, I know that is a cop out...but I truly believe this, in some ways.

I think that Confirmation should be given early for the same reasons that Shannon stated. I feel that maybe even Confirmation would be beneficial to have before the other two Sacraments...because maybe by recieving the grace of the Holy Spirit through Confirmation, then the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Communion will have more meaning to the individual.

I have more to say on this...but my brain stopped working just now, so I am going to stop staring at the computer screen waiting for my brain to kick back on, get ready for church and be back later...bye!!

 

[IAMCATHOLIC]

The situation here is this..

The associate Pastor, has asked that the parents of the children to receive first Communion, to attend a meeting to discuss the Sacrament. Less than half showed up. He then sent another invitation and politely suggestd that if the parents did not show, he would assume their child would not participate in the Sacrament. About 30% of the parents did not show.

Since then, a couple of the parents have told the teacher they did not see the letter. And since they do not attend church regularily, missed the notice in the bulletin and the announcements at the end of mass.

Now the Pastor feels strongly that these children should not receive the Sacrament because of the lack of support from their family.

I don't know, it seems this action is punishing the child for the actions(or inaction) of their parents.

I just thought that perhaps waiting until the child is older would allow the child to express themselves whether or not they want to participate.

 

[Teshi]

I understand why parishes 'standardize' the grades/ages at which the sacraments are conferred, but I'd say that a child-by-child basis would be the ideal way of determining when the kid should recieve first communion...they should recieve it once they understand what it is, and once they desire it. And different kids vary a lot in the emotional and psychological maturation process.

That said, 2nd or 3rd grade sounds about right to me for most kids to be able to understand the basic concept of the Eucharist. My 4th graders all definitely get it.

My home parish did Confirmation as a sort of coming-of-age thing when we were 16 or 17...that makes a lot of sense to me, since it's supposed to be a reasoned choice to re-affirm the promises of Baptism...that it makes you an adult in the eyes of the Church and the community.