First Communion Requirements
by Paul Turner
To share in communion for the first time children must have "sufficient knowledge and careful preparation so as to understand the mystery of Christ according to their capacity" (Code of Canon Law 913). They must also be able to receive communion "with faith and devotion" (913).
Our church expects a child to discern ordinary food from the eucharistic bread. That ability comes at the age "of the use of reason." We generally place that at about age seven, but it has never been defined because children mature so independently. If children cannot make the distinction, they should not come to the eucharistic table. Even in danger of death, an infant below the age of reason is not to receive communion. Infant communion is common among other Christian churches.
Children should understand the mystery of Christ "according to their capacity." They need not comprehend the total mystery. (Who of us can?) They should come to the table with a spiritual disposition. Communion requires not just using reason but having faith as well. Formerly, children were expected to adore the host. That requirement fit an age when the faithful received communion infrequently and attended Mass to adore the host more than to share in communion.
Citing a different canon (914), the Catechism of the Catholic Church says, "Children must go to the sacrament of Penance before receiving Holy Communion for the first time" (1457). Even so, it is difficult to argue that every child must confess sins before receiving communion because the church obliges the confession of serious sins but recommends the confession of venial sins (canon 988). Forcing a child to confess before communion might affect the disposition required for the celebration of the sacraments.
This bulletin insert originally appeared in MINISTRY & LITURGY, a pastoral planning resource used by the worship leaders in your parish as an aid for better liturgy. Copyright © 2000 Resource Publications, Inc., 160 E. Virginia St. #290, San Jose, CA 95112, (408) 286-8505. Paul Turner, pastor of St. John Regis Parish in Kansas City, Mo., holds a doctorate in sacramental theology from Sant' Anselmo University in Rome. Comment online at www.rpinet.com/wwwboard/forum8/.
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