EUCHARIST – INTRODUCTION
Those who have been raised to the dignity of the royal priesthood by Baptism and configured more deeply to Christ by Confirmation participate with the whole community in the Lord’s own sacrifice by means of the Eucharist. (CCC 1322)
As children reach the age of reason, the Church extends to them an invitation to join their parish community in sharing the Eucharist – the Bread of Life. The initiation into the Christian community that took place at Baptism now continues by inviting these young Christians to enter fully into the heart of our Christian faith through participation in the Eucharist.
The Eucharist is at the center of Christian life, its source and its summit. It is the focal point where Christians come together out of love for the Lord to experience the mystery of his presence, and then to carry his presence out to all those they meet.
EUCHARIST – CATECHESIS
The catechesis of children for Eucharist should be adapted to the child’s ability to understand; it should be gradual and on-going, and should involve not only study of the Eucharist, but also experience of the principle rites and prayers of the celebration itself.
The personal witness of parents and catechists to their own belief in the Eucharistic presence of Jesus is of primary importance in the catechesis of children for this Sacrament. Children learn much more through example than they do from abstract explanations. Regular participation in Sunday Mass with their family is a critical part of the preparation process, so that the children are familiar with the liturgical rite and feel a part of the community.
Focus should be given to the Sacrament as a process of growing in God’s love that will continue throughout life. The first reception of Eucharist is not more important than the continual reception of the Sacrament from that point on.
Children are ready to receive First Communion when they have a desire to receive it, when they know something of the life of Jesus, that He offers Himself to us in a special way in the Eucharist, and when they are able to distinguish between the Bread of the Eucharist and ordinary bread.
EUCHARIST – POLICIES
1. As children reach the age of reason or discretion (usually considered age seven), they are to be prepared for and encouraged to receive the Sacrament of the Eucharist, whether they are a student in a school or parish religious education program.
2. Children should normally participate in a regular religious education program for at least one year prior to entrance into immediate preparation. This on-going catechesis, provided through the regular parish or school religious education program, forms the foundation upon which the immediate catechesis for First Eucharist can be built.
3. A program separate from the regular religious education or school program is preferred. Immediate preparation for the first reception of Eucharist should be appropriate and meaningful for the child’s level of understanding.
4. Parents have a right and responsibility to be intimately involved in preparing their child for First Communion. Parent programs must continue to be offered by all parishes to assist parents in carrying out this right and responsibility. Parent programs aim at helping the parents grow in their own understanding and appreciation of the Eucharist, as well as enable them to participate readily in catechizing their children. These programs should include an adult presentation on the theology and experience of Eucharist. An explanation of how the parents will assist in the preparation of their children for this important Sacrament should also be given. Special sensitivity should be shown to single parents, those in mixed marriages, those who have participated in previous programs, and parents of the handicapped.
5. The principle of individual readiness must be respected. The reception of any Sacrament may be neither forced nor refused to those suitably prepared for it. In practice, this means that not all children are ready for a Sacrament at the same time. Sensitive to each child’s development, the parents, pastor, and catechist should be in dialogue with each other in determining when the child is ready to celebrate the Sacrament.
6. It is appropriate for the pastor or member of the pastoral staff to have a brief interview with each child, with his/her parent(s), prior to the first reception of the Sacrament. This interview can give the pastor of the parish the opportunity to speak with the child about the special presence of Jesus in the Eucharist, and will enable him to know that the child is indeed ready to receive the Eucharist.
7. A child’s celebration of First Eucharist should take place in the context of the parish worshipping community (i.e. Sunday liturgy) after immediate preparation is completed and the child is ready.
8. Pastors, catechists, and parents will cooperatively decide when the Sacrament of the Eucharist is to be offered to children who are mentally handicapped.
9. For anyone who may decide to delay the first reception of Eucharist beyond the usual age, an explicit invitation is to be made annually to celebrate this Sacrament and suitable preparation is to be provided.
10. The catechesis begun in the early grades is to be continued and developed throughout the child’s school years so that children may develop a deeper awareness of the Sacrament of Jesus’ presence. Just as the life of faith is never static, but is a developing reality in the life of the maturing Christian, so the understanding and catechesis of the Sacrament of the Eucharist is never complete at a given age. A developing catechesis, appropriate to the age and faith level of the parson, is required.
EUCHARIST – ISSUES
Formal Enrollment
Formal enrollment in the immediate preparation program at a Sunday liturgy is encouraged. This gives those preparing for First Eucharist visibility in the parish and calls to consciousness the community’s responsibility to pray for and encourage them in the preparation process.
Individual Celebration at Parish Liturgy
Some possible ways in which the family can be involved in the liturgy include:
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making a simple banner which can be hung near the altar or in the sanctuary for the celebration; the banner can then be taken home and hung in the child’s room
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adding the child’s name or picture to a banner that will eventually have all the names and pictures of the first communicants for that year
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participating in the entrance procession
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having a special place reserved for the child and family/relatives at the front of the church
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including special mention of the child’s first reception during he introduction of the liturgy
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involving other members of the family as servers, lector, cross-bearer, etc.
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carrying up the gifts at the presentation of gifts
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making use of the child’s baptismal candle during the liturgy
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including the child’s name in the prayers of the faithful
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extending the sign of peace to he child and his/her family
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having the child and parents receive under both species, even if this is not the common practice for the entire congregation
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giving the child a special candle and certificate
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inviting the congregation's applause
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leaving the church with the priest celebrant during the recessional and being greeted by the community as they leave
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