Welcome little children

 

At this time of year, most parishes across the world in the Roman Catholic Church are preparing children for the reception of first Holy Communion. It is a special moment on the spiritual journey undertaken by families who wish that their children be admitted to full eucharistic communion with the worldwide church.  It is no small thing to receive the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ. Jesus once told his disciples:

‘Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs’  (Mark 10:14)

Hopefully, all of these children will continue to experience the blessings of attending Sunday Mass on a weekly basis wherever they are.  It is, of course, a family choice and parents are the guardians and the exemplars. If the Eucharist means a huge amount to us then we will take the time, effort and trouble to make it a top priority every weekend no matter what.

Sadly, too many children are not encouraged or brought to Mass after receiving Holy Communion until it is time to be confirmed, typically towards the age of 12.  There was a time when first Holy communion came after and not before Confirmation around the age of 12. There are good arguments for this ancient practice and it is customary in many parts of the Anglican Communion.   In tomorrow’s blog I will explore the matter further.  It should be noted that infants in the Eastern rites receive three sacraments – baptism, communion and confirmation at once, including a tiny portion of the Eucharist.

The practice of delay allows for a very careful and extended preparation of children who are older and more able to make a conscious decision for Christ as they enter the teenage years. However, the practice of introducing Holy Communion at an earlier age – introduced under Saint Pope Pius X at the beginning of the last century does provide an opportunity for families to prepare, better explain and witness to the community at large the significance of Holy Communion in their lives and the life of the parish.  The rationale for earlier reception at age 7 (and subsequently adjusted upwards to 8) was that children attained the age of reason by around 7 years and could understand the difference between ordinary bread and the eucharist.